Thomas A Kempis

The spiritual classic by Kempis, the second most widely read spiritual book after the Bible, has had an astonishing impact on the spiritual lives of countless saints, peasants, and popes for centuries. Even today, the soul-searching words of the fifteenth-century cleric Thomas Kempis continue to resonate, unbounded by time or geography. Drawing on the Bible, the Fathers of the early Church and medieval mysticism, his four-part treatise shrugs off the allure of the material world, blending beauty and bluntness in a supremely spiritual call-to-arms.This beautiful translation by Ronald Knox and Michael Oakley is considered by many teachers, writers, and readers to be the best English translation ever, and one that greatly enhances the life-changing insights of Thomas Kempis. Illustrated.

Excerpt from The Imitation of Christ: In Four Books Here are the French and English flying at one another's throats, fighting the senseless Hundred Years' war. In Central Europe, Bohemia is in wild revolt to avenge the death of Huss and Jerome of Prague. The Western Church is torn by schism. One Pope is at Rome, another at Ravenna, another in France, and each one is denouncing his brothers as Antichrists while, in the East, Constantinople is only waiting for the dreadful day when the long watching Crescent shall become a circle round the walls, and Mahomet shall vanquish Christ in Eastern Europe, as he has already vanquished Him in Africa and in Arabia. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.

First published in Latin in 1418, this Christian devotional book is considered to be the most widely read Christian text in the world, aside from the Bible. The translators of this version set out to create the most clear and readable version possible, which is updated into modern English. They also removed the original "statement" format, and placed relevant text into paragraphs that connect ideas together more fully, for easier reading. The reason for this book's popularity is due to its personal approach toward the reader. One can focus on self-improvement through inner work, based on Christ's teachings, via prayer and meditation. This process includes lessons that elevate one's spiritual nature toward a Christ-like way of being, rather than following outward rules that often fail. It has been popular throughout the ages with all devout Christians, as well as mystics and religious researchers. This Book Tree published version is highly recommended for those wishing to get the most out of their experience with this great Christian classic.

First published in Latin in 1418, this Christian devotional book is considered to be the most widely read Christian text in the world, aside from the Bible. The translators of this version set out to create the most clear and readable version possible, which is updated into modern English. They also removed the original "statement" format, and placed relevant text into paragraphs that connect ideas together more fully, for easier reading. The reason for this book's popularity is due to its personal approach toward the reader. One can focus on self-improvement through inner work, based on Christ's teachings, via prayer and meditation. This process includes lessons that elevate one's spiritual nature toward a Christ-like way of being, rather than following outward rules that often fail. It has been popular throughout the ages with all devout Christians, as well as mystics and religious researchers. This Book Tree published version is highly recommended for those wishing to get the most out of their experience with this great Christian classic.

The Imitation of Christ by Thomas Kempis is a Christian devotional book. It was first composed in Latin ca.1418-1427. The Imitation is perhaps the most widely read devotional work next to the Bible, and is regarded as a devotional and religious classic. Its popularity was immediate, and it was printed 745 times before 1650. Apart from the Bible, no book has been translated into more languages than the Imitation of Christ. The approach taken in the Imitation is characterized by its emphasis on the interior life and withdrawal from the world, as opposed to an active imitation of Christ by other friars. With its simple, readable text, this translation will appeal to new readers as well as to those already familiar with this religious classic.

A rare Catholic Classic by Thomas A Kempis. Chapter I. 6 On Discipline. Chapter II. 14 Of the various Temptations and Snares of the Devil. Chapter III. 20 Of a True Conversion to God, our Chief Good. Chapter IV. 26 Of the Obedience of a Humble Subject to his Superior. Chapter V. 34 Of Keeping Guard Upon the Heart, and of Interior Recollection. Chapter VI. 40 Of Guarding the Tongue, and Working with Diligence. Chapter VII. 44 The Commendation of Solitude and the Cell. Chapter VIII. 48 Of the Choir and the Divine Office. Chapter IX. 54 Of the Discretion to be Used in Spiritual Exercises. Chapter X. 57 A Prayer for a Happy Perseverance in Virtue. Chapter XI. 60 Of the Love of God and our Neighbour, and the Hatred of Sin. Chapter XII. 63 Of Abstinence and Chastity. Chapter XIII. 65 Of Meditating on the Life and Passion of Christ. Chapter XIV. 69 Of Commemorating the Most Blessed Virgin Mary. Chapter XV. 72 Of the Commemoration of the Saints. Chapter XVI. 76 The Desires of a Soul Sighing for the Kingdom of Heaven.

Another Work from Thomas A Kempis, the Author of the 2nd Best Selling Book ever, The Imitation of Christ. Sermon I. 6 On Unity. Sermon II. 17 The Praise of a good Congregation of Religious. Sermon III. 24 Of a good and pious Conversation. Sermon IV. 31 Of persevering Patience amidst the Slothful and Perverse. Sermon V. 45 Of guarding the Tongue, working with Diligence, and obeying Superiors. Sermon VI. 53 Of shunning Vain-glory, and giving all Praise to God. Sermon VII. 61 Of the Danger of much Talking. Sermon VIII. 70 Of the Griefs and Consolations of the Blessed Virgin. Sermon IX. 80 Of the excellent Merits, and privileged Gifts of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Sermon X. 86 Of Solitude, according to the Example of Christ and the Saints. Sermon XI. 91 Of the Solitude of the Heart, by which the Soul is raised above herself. Sermon XII. 95 Of Silence and the good Fruit thereof. Sermon XIII. 102 Of seeking our Only and Chief Good. Sermon XIV. 113 Of the Desire to enjoy God. Sermon XV. 120 Of approaching the Holy of Holies, Jesus Christ, the King of Angels.

Another Work from Thomas A Kempis, the Author of the 2nd Best Selling Book ever, The Imitation of Christ. 4 books, a total of 71 Chapters for Religious and can even be applied by the Laity. Excerpt: My Beloved Brother, let us take from the Hand of God whatever by His Will comes upon us: for nothing happens upon earth but from a just and certain cause in the appointment of Divine providence. Let it, therefore, be our care to submit our hearts and our judgments to God, that He, beholding our humility and our patience, may dispose all things to a happy end, according to our desires. Let us bow down under His holy and glorious Majesty, because we are but dust; and let us reflect how great a thing it is, how much for our honour, that God should at any time regard us. Humbling our souls under His mighty Hand, and confessing our faults, and acknowledging the justice of God's judgments (which though often hidden from us, are always righteous), let us pray much, and earnestly beg the prayers of others, that His infinite clemency would put an end to our misery, and to the tribulations which we endure from our manifold temptations. Neither let us be distrustful of our salvation, because we meet with so many hindrances, and are tempted oftener than we looked for, and it may seem, more grievously than others; nor because we are uncertain, and can labour so little; nor because we so often fall, and rise but slowly; nor because we have but little feeling of devotion and Divine comfort, and but little sensible love of God and virtue. All these things are wont to befall the good, and the most religious frequently experience these trials. When, therefore, we find ourselves thus afflicted, in the midst of so many evils and troubles, let us humbly address ourselves to God, saying: "O my Lord God If I am not worthy, and if it is not Thy Will that I be freed from this tribulation of my heart, at least grant me this petition, that I may be patient and not murmur against Thy rod with which Thou chastisest me: for I well remember what is sung in Thy Church, that the stones which are in the building of the heavenly Jerusalem have been smoothed and polished by many hard strokes and bruises; and that all are introduced thither who in this world are persecuted for the Name of Christ. For which reason I beseech Thee, that for whatever cause I suffer these things) Thou wouldest make them tend to the purifying of my soul, and teach me to receive them as a mark of Thy clemency, and not a sign of reprobation." Thus we should resign ourselves to God with an entire affection, and confide in His goodness for more than we dare to ask. We are His creatures, and He careth for us. He that has called us, will not deny us help, but will preserve us for ever from the temptation of desiring to find our comfort in the world, and to return back to the broad way in which many walk. I admonish you to attend to the holy Scriptures. Would you follow Christ or this world? Do you believe the Apostle, or the philosopher? Christ says, "Enter ye in at the strait gate," (St. Matt. vii. 13) and again: "Take My yoke upon you, and learn of He, for I am, meek and lowly in heart."

Another Work from Thomas A Kempis, the Author of the 2nd Best Selling Book ever, The Imitation of Christ. 4 books, a total of 71 Chapters for Religious and can even be applied by the Laity. Excerpt: My Beloved Brother, let us take from the Hand of God whatever by His Will comes upon us: for nothing happens upon earth but from a just and certain cause in the appointment of Divine providence. Let it, therefore, be our care to submit our hearts and our judgments to God, that He, beholding our humility and our patience, may dispose all things to a happy end, according to our desires. Let us bow down under His holy and glorious Majesty, because we are but dust; and let us reflect how great a thing it is, how much for our honour, that God should at any time regard us. Humbling our souls under His mighty Hand, and confessing our faults, and acknowledging the justice of God's judgments (which though often hidden from us, are always righteous), let us pray much, and earnestly beg the prayers of others, that His infinite clemency would put an end to our misery, and to the tribulations which we endure from our manifold temptations. Neither let us be distrustful of our salvation, because we meet with so many hindrances, and are tempted oftener than we looked for, and it may seem, more grievously than others; nor because we are uncertain, and can labour so little; nor because we so often fall, and rise but slowly; nor because we have but little feeling of devotion and Divine comfort, and but little sensible love of God and virtue. All these things are wont to befall the good, and the most religious frequently experience these trials. When, therefore, we find ourselves thus afflicted, in the midst of so many evils and troubles, let us humbly address ourselves to God, saying: "O my Lord God If I am not worthy, and if it is not Thy Will that I be freed from this tribulation of my heart, at least grant me this petition, that I may be patient and not murmur against Thy rod with which Thou chastisest me: for I well remember what is sung in Thy Church, that the stones which are in the building of the heavenly Jerusalem have been smoothed and polished by many hard strokes and bruises; and that all are introduced thither who in this world are persecuted for the Name of Christ. For which reason I beseech Thee, that for whatever cause I suffer these things) Thou wouldest make them tend to the purifying of my soul, and teach me to receive them as a mark of Thy clemency, and not a sign of reprobation." Thus we should resign ourselves to God with an entire affection, and confide in His goodness for more than we dare to ask. We are His creatures, and He careth for us. He that has called us, will not deny us help, but will preserve us for ever from the temptation of desiring to find our comfort in the world, and to return back to the broad way in which many walk. I admonish you to attend to the holy Scriptures. Would you follow Christ or this world? Do you believe the Apostle, or the philosopher? Christ says, "Enter ye in at the strait gate," (St. Matt. vii. 13) and again: "Take My yoke upon you, and learn of He, for I am, meek and lowly in heart."

Another Work from Thomas A Kempis, the Author of the 2nd Best Selling Book ever, The Imitation of Christ. Sermon I. 6 On Unity. Sermon II. 13 The Praise of a good Congregation of Religious. Sermon III. 17 Of a good and pious Conversation. Sermon IV. 22 Of persevering Patience amidst the Slothful and Perverse. Sermon V. 31 Of guarding the Tongue, working with Diligence, and obeying Superiors. Sermon VI. 36 Of shunning Vain-glory, and giving all Praise to God. Sermon VII. 41 Of the Danger of much Talking. Sermon VIII. 47 Of the Griefs and Consolations of the Blessed Virgin. Sermon IX. 53 Of the excellent Merits, and privileged Gifts of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Sermon X. 57 Of Solitude, according to the Example of Christ and the Saints. Sermon XI. 60 Of the Solitude of the Heart, by which the Soul is raised above herself. Sermon XII. 63 Of Silence and the good Fruit thereof. Sermon XIII. 68 Of seeking our Only and Chief Good. Sermon XIV. 75 Of the Desire to enjoy God. Sermon XV. 79 Of approaching the Holy of Holies, Jesus Christ, the King of Angels.

Being the Lives of Gerard Groote Florentius Radewin and Their Followers. 57+ Chapters. The Life of Gerard the Great 26 The Preface to the life of the venerable Master 26 Gerard the Great, commonly called "Groote" I. 27 Of the origin and interpretation of Gerard's name II. 28 Of his rapid progress at the University of Paris III. 29 How his conversion was revealed to a hermit in Cologne IV. 30 How he was drawn to God by the Carthusian V. 32 Of his change of garb and character VI. 33 How he separated himself from fellowship with worldlings VII. 34 Of his abstinence, and the shirt of hair which he wore VIII. 36 How, by the advice of the Monks, he began to preach the word of God IX. 38 Of his labours, and his patience toward his enemies X. 40 Of his journey to the parts about Brabant XI. 42 Of his austerity in food and clothing XII. 45 Of his devoutness in prayer and in hearing Holy things XIII. 47 Of his great love of reading the Holy Scriptures XIV. 50 Of the abundant fruit which he bore in the conversion of men XV. 52 Of the devout communities and monasteries which arose through him XVI. 54 Of his happy death and burial XVII. 57 Of the noble eulogy passed upon Gerard by a Cantor at Paris XVIII. 58 Of his public profession of faith, and of his delivering the true Gospel in his preaching Appendix to the Life of Gerard Groote 70 The Life of the Revered Florentius, a Devout Priest, and Vicar of the Church of Deventer 73 Preface 73 I. 75 Of the humility of Christ which Florentius studied to imitate II. 76 Of the interpretation of the name Florentius and its three glorious meanings III. 78 Of the interpretation of his father's name Radewin IV. 79 Of his native land, and how he went to study at Prague V. 81 Of his honourable character in the world VI. 82 Of his conversion through the preaching of Master Gerard VII. 83 How he despised the life of the world and joined himself to Master Gerard VIII. 84 How Florentius himself, now fully converted, did convert many others IX. 85 Of the burdens that he bore, and the wrongs that he suffered X. 87 Of his promotion to the priesthood and the abasement of his humility XI. 89 How seldom he went out, and of his instructive demeanour as he stood in the Choir XII. 91 Of the simplicity of his garb XIII. 93 Of his humble service among the Brothers XIV. 95 How he laboured with his hands for the common good XV. 97 Of his compassion toward the poor, the sick, and the friendless XVI. 99 Of his feeding the poor, and washing beggars XVII. 101 Of his abstinence and the infirmities which came upon him by reason of his austerity XVIII. 102 How he often recovered by the aid of the prayers of the devout XIX. 103 How upon an Easter Even he was healed by a Vision of Angels XX. 104 Of one who fell into a well and was drawn out unhurt XXI. 105 Of the vision of the Rood which appeared over his house XXII. 107 Of his patience, gentleness, and love toward all men XXIII. 108 Of his devout exhortation to spiritual prayer XXIV. 110 Of his effectual preaching and his knowledge of the Scriptures XXV. 112 How he set a guard upon his tongue and avoided oaths XXVI. 113 Of three temptations that are full of peril to the devout XXVII. 115 Of his sending forth the Brothers to gather fruit in divers places LIFE OF JOHN BRINCKERINCK 134 LIFE OF LUBERT BERNER 137 LIFE OF HENRY BRUNE 155 THE LIFE OF GERARD OF ZUTPHEN 159 LIFE OF AMILIUS OF BUREN 162 LIFE OF JAMES OF VIANA 165 LIFE OF JOHN CACABUS 167 LIFE OF ARNOLD OF SCHOONHOVEN 178

Another Rare Work from Thomas A Kempis, Author of the 2nd Best Selling book of all time - The Imitation of Christ. Excerpt: My Beloved Brother, let us take from the Hand of God whatever by His Will comes upon us: for nothing happens upon earth but from a just and certain cause in the appointment of Divine providence. Let it, therefore, be our care to submit our hearts and our judgments to God, that He, beholding our humility and our patience, may dispose all things to a happy end, according to our desires. Let us bow down under His holy and glorious Majesty, because we are but dust; and let us reflect how great a thing it is, how much for our honour, that God should at any time regard us. Humbling our souls under His mighty Hand, and confessing our faults, and acknowledging the justice of God's judgments (which though often hidden from us, are always righteous), let us pray much, and earnestly beg the prayers of others, that His infinite clemency would put an end to our misery, and to the tribulations which we endure from our manifold temptations. Neither let us be distrustful of our salvation, because we meet with so many hindrances, and are tempted oftener than we looked for, and it may seem, more grievously than others; nor because we are uncertain, and can labour so little; nor because we so often fall, and rise but slowly; nor because we have but little feeling of devotion and Divine comfort, and but little sensible love of God and virtue. All these things are wont to befall the good, and the most religious frequently experience these trials. When, therefore, we find ourselves thus afflicted, in the midst of so many evils and troubles, let us humbly address ourselves to God, saying: "O my Lord God If I am not worthy, and if it is not Thy Will that I be freed from this tribulation of my heart, at least grant me this petition, that I may be patient and not murmur against Thy rod with which Thou chastisest me: for I well remember what is sung in Thy Church, that the stones which are in the building of the heavenly Jerusalem have been smoothed and polished by many hard strokes and bruises; and that all are introduced thither who in this world are persecuted for the Name of Christ. For which reason I beseech Thee, that for whatever cause I suffer these things) Thou wouldest make them tend to the purifying of my soul, and teach me to receive them as a mark of Thy clemency, and not a sign of reprobation." Thus we should resign ourselves to God with an entire affection, and confide in His goodness for more than we dare to ask. We are His creatures, and He careth for us. He that has called us, will not deny us help, but will preserve us for ever from the temptation of desiring to find our comfort in the world, and to return back to the broad way in which many walk. I admonish you to attend to the holy Scriptures. Would you follow Christ or this world? Do you believe the Apostle, or the philosopher? Christ says, "Enter ye in at the strait gate," (St. Matt. vii. 13) and again: "Take My yoke upon you, and learn of He, for I am, meek and lowly in heart." (Ibid. xi. 29) The Apostle says: "Be not conformed to this world: " (Rom. xii. 2) and, "If ye live after the flesh, ye shall die." (Ibid. viii. 13) "Let no one deceive you with vain words." (Eph. v. 6) "They that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts." (Gal. v. 24) "I am crucified with Christ." (Ibid. ii. 20) "The world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus." (Ibid. vi. 14, 17) "I count all things but dung, that I may win Christ." (Phil. iii. 8)

A rare Catholic Classic by Thomas A Kempis. Chapter I. 6 On Discipline. Chapter II. 13 Of the various Temptations and Snares of the Devil. Chapter III. 18 Of a True Conversion to God, our Chief Good. Chapter IV. 23 Of the Obedience of a Humble Subject to his Superior. Chapter V. 29 Of Keeping Guard Upon the Heart, and of Interior Recollection. Chapter VI. 34 Of Guarding the Tongue, and Working with Diligence. Chapter VII. 37 The Commendation of Solitude and the Cell. Chapter VIII. 41 Of the Choir and the Divine Office. Chapter IX. 46 Of the Discretion to be Used in Spiritual Exercises. Chapter X. 49 A Prayer for a Happy Perseverance in Virtue. Chapter XI. 52 Of the Love of God and our Neighbour, and the Hatred of Sin. Chapter XII. 55 Of Abstinence and Chastity. Chapter XIII. 57 Of Meditating on the Life and Passion of Christ. Chapter XIV. 60 Of Commemorating the Most Blessed Virgin Mary. Chapter XV. 63 Of the Commemoration of the Saints. Chapter XVI. 67 The Desires of a Soul Sighing for the Kingdom of Heaven.

Another Rare Work from Thomas A Kempis, Author of the 2nd Best Selling book of all time - The Imitation of Christ. Epistle I 4 Epistle II 26 Epistle III 33 Epistle IV 46 Epistle V 56 Epistle VI 61