Quotes by Thomas a Kempis

About Thomas a Kempis:

Thomas à Kempis is one of the best known Christian books on devotion. His name means "Thomas of Kempen", his hometown, and in German he is known as Thomas von Kempen. He also is known by various spellings of his family name: Thomas Haemerken; Thomas Hammerlein; Thomas Hemerken and Thomas Hämerken.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

A wise lover values not so much the gift of the lover as the love of the giver.

Thomas a Kempis

Learned arguments do not make a man holy and righteous, whereas a good life makes him dear to God.

Thomas a Kempis

The cross, therefore, is always ready; it awaits you everywhere. No matter where you may go, you cannot escape it, for wherever you go you take yourself with you and shall always find yourself. Turn where you will—above, below, without, or within�...

Thomas a Kempis

My child, I am the Lord Who gives strength in the day of trouble. Come to Me when all is not well with you. Your tardiness in turning to prayer is the greatest obstacle to heavenly consolation, for before you pray earnestly to Me you first seek many ...

Thomas a Kempis

Let all things be loved for the sake of Jesus, but Jesus for His own sake.

Thomas a Kempis

If you cannot recollect yourself continuously, do so once a day at least, in the morning or in the evening. In the morning make a resolution and in the evening examine yourself on what you have said this day, what you have done and thought, for in th...

Thomas a Kempis

God often grants in a moment what He has long denied.

Thomas a Kempis

All men desire peace, but very few desire those things that make for peace.

Thomas a Kempis

Shun too great a desire for knowledge, for in it there is much fretting and delusion. Intellectuals like to appear learned and to be called wise. Yet there are many things the knowledge of which does little or no good to the soul, and he who concerns...

Thomas a Kempis

He is not truly patient who will only suffer as far as seems right to him and from whom he pleases. The truly patient man considers not by whom he is tried, one above him, or by an equal, or by an inferior, whether by a good and holy man or by a perv...

Thomas a Kempis

If you wish to draw profit, read with humility, simplicity, and faith, and never with the design of gaining a reputation for learning.

Thomas a Kempis

Wherever you go, there you are.

Thomas a Kempis

It is not really a small thing when in small things we resist self.

Thomas a Kempis

The more humble and obedient to God a man is, the more wise and at peace he will be in all that he does.

Thomas a Kempis

A sure way of retaining the grace of heaven is to disregard outward appearances, and diligently to cultivate such things as foster amendment of life and fervour of soul, rather than to cultivate those qualities that seem most popular.

Thomas a Kempis

In the Cross is salvation; in the Cross is life; in the Cross is protection against our enemies; in the Cross is infusion of heavenly sweetness; in the Cross is strength of mind; in the Cross is joy of spirit; in the Cross is excellence of virtue; in...

Thomas a Kempis

If you desire to know or learn anything to your advantage, then take delight in being unknown and unregarded. A true understanding and humble estimate of oneself is the highest and most valuable of all lessons. To take no account of oneself, but alwa...

Thomas a Kempis

Let all your thoughts be with the Most High, and direct your humble prayers unceasingly to Christ. If you cannot contemplate high and heavenly things, take refuge in the Passion of Christ, and love to dwell within His Sacred Wounds. For if you devout...

Thomas a Kempis

Great tranquility of heart is his who cares for neither praise nor blame.

Thomas a Kempis

If you cannot mould yourself entirely as you would wish, how can you expect other people to be entirely to your liking?

Thomas a Kempis

Activate yourself to duty by remembering your position, who you are, and what you have obliged yourself to be.

Thomas a Kempis

Author Bio

  • NameThomas a Kempis
  • DescriptionGerman canon regular
  • AliasesThomas von Kempen; Thomas Haemerkken; Thomas Hammerlein; Thomas Hemerken; Thomas Hämerken
  • Born1380
  • DiedJuly 25, 1471
  • CountryNetherlands
  • ProfessionTheologian; Writer