Quotes from Thomas a Kempis

Man proposes, but God disposes.

The intention which is fixed on God as its only end will keep people steady in their purposes, and deliver them from being the joke and scorn of fortune.

The highest does not stand without the lowest.

Wait for the Lord. Behave yourself manfully, and be of good courage. Do not be faithless, but stay in your place and do not turn back.

Thou shalt ever joy at eventide if thou spend the day fruitfully.

Peace and happiness are what you covet, but these are only to be obtained by labor.

He is truly great that is little in himself, and that maketh no account of any height of honors.

Learn to humble yourself, you are but earth and clay.

The acknowledgment of our weakness is the first step in repairing our loss.

Oh, how swiftly the glory of the world passes away!

Do what lieth in thy power, and God will assist in thy good will.

Let this be thy whole endeavor, this thy prayer, this thy desire,-that thou mayest be stripped of all selfishness, and with entire simplicity follow Jesus only.

O Lord you know what is best for me. Let this or that be done as you please. Give what you will how much you will and when you will.

Those who attempt to search into the majesty of God will be overwhelmed with His Glory!

Intelligence must follow faith never precede it and never destroy it.

Bear the Cross cheerfully and it will bear you.

Too many instances there are of daring men, who by presuming to sound the deep things of religion, have cavilled and argued themselves out of all religion.

Forasmuch as many people study more to have knowledge than to live well therefore ofttimes they err and bring forth little fruit or none.

A humble knowledge of thyself is a surer way to God than a deep search after learning.

A man who truly knows himself realizes his own worthlessness, and takes no pleasure in the praises of men.

A life without purpose is a languid, drifting thing; Every day we ought to review our purpose, saying to ourselves: This day let me make a sound beginning, for what we have hitherto done is naught!

When comfort is withdrawn, do not be cast down, but humbly and patiently await the visitation of God. He is able and powerful to give you more grace and more spiritual comfort than you first had.

If you wish to live in peace and harmony with others, you must learn to discipline yourself in many ways.

The more spiritual a man desires to be, the more bitter does his present life become to him; because he sees more clearly and perceives more sensibly the defects of human corruption.