’Tis certainly much easier for a man to restrain himself from talking at all, than to enter into discourse without saying more than becomes him. ~Thomas à Kempis
’Tis rashness to conclude affairs in a lost condition because some crosses have baulked your expectations. ~Thomas à Kempis
“If the Lord tarry, yet wait for Him,” for He “will surely come” and heal thee. ~Thomas à Kempis
All men commend patience, though few be willing to practise it. ~Thomas à Kempis
Be not angry that you cannot make others what you wish them to be, since you cannot make yourself what you wish to be. ~Thomas à Kempis
Constantly choose rather to want less than to have more. ~Thomas à Kempis
Faith is required at thy hands, and a sincere life, not loftiness of intellect or inquiry into the deep mysteries of God. ~Thomas à Kempis
Few spirits are made better by the pain and languor of sickness; as few great pilgrims become eminent saints. ~Thomas à Kempis
Fire trieth iron, and temptation a just man. ~Thomas à Kempis
First keep thyself in peace, and then thou shalt be able to keep peace among others. ~Thomas à Kempis
Flatter not the rich; neither do thou appear willingly before the great. ~Thomas à Kempis
For as a ship without a helm is tossed to and fro by the waves so the man who is careless and forsaketh his purpose is many ways tempted. ~Thomas à Kempis
Go whither thou wilt, thou shalt find no rest but in humble subjection to the government of a superior. ~Thomas à Kempis
God deceiveth thee not. ~Thomas à Kempis
God is able to do more than man can understand. ~Thomas à Kempis
God is always ready to strengthen those who strive lawfully. ~Thomas à Kempis
Grace is a light superior to Nature, which should direct and preside over it. ~Thomas à Kempis
Grace pays its respects to true intrinsic worth, not to the mere signs and trappings of it, which often only show where it ought to be, not where it really is. ~Thomas à Kempis
Happy he that can abandon everything by which his conscience is defiled or burdened. ~Thomas à Kempis
He doeth much that doeth a thing well. ~Thomas à Kempis
He doeth well that serveth the common good rather than his own will. ~Thomas à Kempis
He is truly great who is great in charity. ~Thomas à Kempis
He rideth easily enough whom the grace of God carrieth. ~Thomas à Kempis
He that hath gained an entire conquest over himself will find no mighty difficulties to subdue all other opposition. ~Thomas à Kempis
He that is discontented and troubled is tossed with divers suspicions; he is neither quiet himself, nor suffereth others to be quiet. ~Thomas à Kempis
He that is well-ordered and disposed within himself careth not for the strange and perverse behaviour of men. ~Thomas à Kempis
He that purposes to be happy by the affection or acquaintance of the best, the greatest man alive, will always find his mind unsettled and perplexed. ~Thomas à Kempis
He who loves with purity considers not the gift of the lover, but the love of the giver. ~Thomas à Kempis
Homo fervidus et diligens ad omnia paratur—The man who is earnest and diligent is prepared for all things. ~Thomas à Kempis
How foolish and absurd, nay, how hurtful and destructive a vice is ambition, which, by undue pursuit of honour, robs us of true honour! ~Thomas à Kempis
How should he be easy who makes other men’s cares his own? ~Thomas à Kempis
How should thy virtue be above the shocks and shakings of temptation, when even the angels kept not their first estate, and man in Paradise so soon fell from innocence? ~Thomas à Kempis
Humility is a virtue of so general, so exceeding good influence, that we can scarce purchase it too dear. ~Thomas à Kempis
If all be well within,… the impertinent censures of busy, envious men will make no very deep impression. ~Thomas à Kempis
If thou bear the cross cheerfully, it will bear thee. ~Thomas à Kempis
If thou canst let others alone in their matters, they likewise will not hinder thee in thine. ~Thomas à Kempis
If thou cast away one cross, without doubt thou shalt find another, and that perhaps more heavy. ~Thomas à Kempis
If thou wouldst profit by thy reading, read humbly, simply, honestly, and not desiring to win a character for learning. ~Thomas à Kempis
If we bear what we must bear with murmuring and grudging, we do but gall our shoulders with the yoke, and render that a heavy unprofitable load which might be fruitful and glorious. ~Thomas à Kempis
If we cast off one burden, we are immediately pursued and oppressed by another. ~Thomas à Kempis
If we fail to conquer smaller difficulties, what will become of us when assaulted by greater? ~Thomas à Kempis
If we would endeavour like brave men to stand in the battle, surely we should feel the assistance from Heaven. ~Thomas à Kempis
If your mind and its affections be pure, and sincere, and moderate, nothing shall have the power to enslave you. ~Thomas à Kempis
Impertinent and lavish talking is in itself a very vicious habit. ~Thomas à Kempis
In all straits the good behave themselves with meekness and patience. ~Thomas à Kempis
Is a man one whit the better because he is grown great in other men’s esteem? ~Thomas à Kempis
Is common opinion the standard of merit? ~Thomas à Kempis
It exalteth a man from earthly things to love those that are heavenly. ~Thomas à Kempis
It is an argument of great wisdom to do nothing rashly, nor to be obstinate and inflexible in our opinions. ~Thomas à Kempis
It is better to be affected with a true penitent sorrow for sin than to be able to resolve the most difficult cases about it. ~Thomas à Kempis
It is better to cleanse ourselves of our sins now, than to reserve them to be cleansed at some future time. ~Thomas à Kempis
It is harder work to resist vices and passions, than to toil in bodily labours. ~Thomas à Kempis
It is much safer to obey than to govern. ~Thomas à Kempis
It is of some consequence for a man to forego his own inclinations, even in matters of no great importance. ~Thomas à Kempis
It is proper and beneficial sometimes to be left to thyself. ~Thomas à Kempis
Keep company with the humble, with the devout, and with the virtuous; and confer with them of things that edify. ~Thomas à Kempis
Keep thy mind always at its own disposal. ~Thomas à Kempis
Lay not thine heart open to every one, but treat of thy affairs with the wise and such as fear God. ~Thomas à Kempis
Lean not upon a broken reed, which will not only let thee fall, but pierce thy arm too. ~Thomas à Kempis
Leave the great ones of the world to manage their own concerns, and keep your eyes and observations at home. ~Thomas à Kempis
Let go desire, and thou shalt lay hold on peace. ~Thomas à Kempis
Let go quarrel and contention, nor embroil thyself in trouble and differences by being over-solicitous in thy own defence. ~Thomas à Kempis
Let it not be grievous to thee to humble and submit thyself to the capricious humours of men with whom thou conversest in this world, but rather … endure patiently whatever they shall, but should not, do to thee. ~Thomas à Kempis
Let not the remembrance of thy former trials discourage thee. ~Thomas à Kempis
Let the thing we do be what it will, it is the principle upon which we do it that must recommend it. ~Thomas à Kempis
Let vain men pursue vanity; leave them to their own methods. ~Thomas à Kempis
Love is eternally awake, never tired with labour, nor oppressed with affliction, nor discouraged by fear. ~Thomas à Kempis
Love is swift, sincere, pious, pleasant, gentle, strong, patient, faithful, prudent, long-suffering, manly, and never seeking her own. ~Thomas à Kempis
Man’s own judgment is the proper rule and measure of his actions. ~Thomas à Kempis
Many deceive themselves, imagining to find happiness in change. ~Thomas à Kempis
Many men involve themselves deeper in temptations by being too solicitous to decline them. ~Thomas à Kempis
Melius est peccata cavere quam mortem fugere—It is better to avoid sin than to fly from death. ~Thomas à Kempis
Men are much more prone (the greater is the pity) both to speak and believe ill than well of their neighbours. ~Thomas à Kempis
Men might live quiet and easy enough, if they would be careful not to give themselves trouble, and forbear meddling with what other people do and say, in which they are in no way concerned. ~Thomas à Kempis
Men who form their judgment upon sense often err. ~Thomas à Kempis
Mistake not, man; the devil never sleeps. ~Thomas à Kempis
Mortality is beset on every side with crosses, and exposed to suffering every moment. ~Thomas à Kempis
Nature builds upon a false bottom, seeks herself what she values in others, and is oftentimes deceived and disappointed. Grace reposes her whole hope and love in God, and is never mistaken, never deluded by false expectations. ~Thomas à Kempis
Nemo impetrare potest a papa bullam nunquam moriendi—No man can ever obtain from the Pope a dispensation from death. ~Thomas à Kempis
No conflict is so severe as his who labours to subdue himself. ~Thomas à Kempis
No man doth safely appear abroad but he who can abide at home. ~Thomas à Kempis
No man doth safely rule but he that hath learned gladly to obey. ~Thomas à Kempis
No man doth safely speak but he who is glad to hold his peace. ~Thomas à Kempis
No man is so happy as never to give offence. ~Thomas à Kempis
No man is so sufficient as never to need assistance. ~Thomas à Kempis
No man is without his load of trouble. ~Thomas à Kempis
No one is qualified to converse in public who is not highly contented without such conversation. ~Thomas à Kempis
No one is qualified to entertain, or receive entertainment from others, who cannot entertain himself alone with satisfaction. ~Thomas à Kempis
No order or profession of men is so sacred, no place so remote or solitary, but that temptations and troubles will find them out and intrude upon them. ~Thomas à Kempis
No, not even faith, or hope, or any other virtue, is accepted by God without charity and grace. ~Thomas à Kempis
Nobody can continue easy in his own mind who does not endeavour to become least of all and servant of all. ~Thomas à Kempis
None so wise but the advice of others may, at some time or other, be useful and necessary for him. ~Thomas à Kempis
Nor can either thy own resentment of misfortunes within, or the violence of any calamity without, give thee sufficient grounds, from the terrible face thy present circumstances wear, to pronounce that all hope of escape and better days are past. ~Thomas à Kempis
Nothing is more common than to express exceeding zeal in amending our neighbours,… while at the same time we neglect the beginning at home. ~Thomas à Kempis
Observe this short but certain aphorism, “Forsake all, and thou shalt find all.” ~Thomas à Kempis
Occasions do not make a man frail, but they show what he is. ~Thomas à Kempis
Oh! the dulness and the hardness of the heart of man, which contemplates only the present, and does not rather provide for the future. ~Thomas à Kempis
Order all thy actions, so as readily and meekly to comply with the commands of thy superiors, the desires of thy equals, the requests of thy inferiors; so to do for all what thou lawfully mayest. ~Thomas à Kempis
Our charity indeed should be universal, and extend to all mankind; but it is by no means convenient that our friendships and familiarities should do so too. ~Thomas à Kempis
Out of sight out of mind. ~Thomas à Kempis
Pass no rash censure upon other people’s words or actions. ~Thomas à Kempis
Praise is indeed the consequence and encouragement of virtue; but it is sometimes so unseasonably applied as to become its bane and corruption too. ~Thomas à Kempis
Private affection bereaves us easily of a right judgment. ~Thomas à Kempis
Purity and simplicity are the two wings with which man soars above the earth and all temporary nature. Simplicity is in the intention, purity in the affection; simplicity turns to God; purity unites with and enjoys Him. ~Thomas à Kempis
Quicken yourself up to duty by the remembrance of your station, who you are, and what you have obliged yourself to be. ~Thomas à Kempis
Quicquid agas, prudenter agas, et respice finem—Whatever you do, do it with intelligence, and keep the end in view. ~Thomas à Kempis
Quit thyself manfully; banish impatience and distrust. ~Thomas à Kempis
Regard not much who is for thee or who against thee; but give all thy care to this, that God be with thee in everything thou doest. ~Thomas à Kempis
Remember that the time once yours can never be so again. ~Thomas à Kempis
Remember thy prerogative is to govern, and not to serve, the things of this world. ~Thomas à Kempis
Repose and happiness is what thou covetest, but these are only to be obtained by labour. ~Thomas à Kempis
Rest and undisturbed content have now no place on earth, nor can the greatest affluence of worldly good procure them,… they are peculiar to the love and fruition of God alone. ~Thomas à Kempis
Run here or there, thou wilt find no rest, but in humble subjection to the government of a superior. ~Thomas à Kempis
Scruples, temptations, and fears, and cutting perplexities of heart, are frequently the lot of the most excellent persons. ~Thomas à Kempis
Seek one good, one end, so zealously, that nothing else may come into competition or partnership with it. ~Thomas à Kempis
Simplicity is in the intention, purity in the affection; simplicity turns to God, purity unites with and enjoys him. ~Thomas à Kempis
Slander and detraction can have no influence, can make no impression, upon the righteous Judge above. None to thy prejudice, but a sad and fatal one to their own. ~Thomas à Kempis
Speak not peace to thyself when beset on every side with numerous and restless enemies. ~Thomas à Kempis
Stain (blemish) not thy innocence by too deep resentment, nor take off from the brightness of thy crown by anger and impatience and eagerness to right thyself. ~Thomas à Kempis
Stand up bravely to afflictions, and quit thyself like a man. ~Thomas à Kempis
Study to be quiet; contain yourself within your own business, and let the prying, censorious, the vain and intriguing world follow their own devices. ~Thomas à Kempis
Such as every one is inwardly, so he judgeth outwardly. ~Thomas à Kempis
Suffer no hour to slide by without its due improvement. ~Thomas à Kempis
That intention which fixes upon God as its only end will keep men steady in their purposes, and deliver them from being the jest and scorn of fortune. ~Thomas à Kempis
That learning which thou gettest by thy own observation and experience is far beyond that which thou gettest by precept; as the knowledge of a traveller exceeds that which is got by reading. ~Thomas à Kempis
The acknowledgment of our weakness is the first step towards repairing our loss. ~Thomas à Kempis
The beginning of all temptations and wickedness is the fickleness of our own minds and want of trust in God. ~Thomas à Kempis
The better you understand yourself, the less cause you will find to love yourself. ~Thomas à Kempis
The chancre of a man’s self is a very laborious undertaking. ~Thomas à Kempis
The enemy is more easily repulsed if we never suffer him to get within us, but, upon the very first approach, draw up our forces and fight him without the gate. ~Thomas à Kempis
The highest in God’s esteem are meanest in their own. ~Thomas à Kempis
The joy of a peaceful conscience is sown in tears. ~Thomas à Kempis
The kingdom of God does not lie in elegance of speech or fineness of parts, but in innocence of life and good works. ~Thomas à Kempis
The loftier the building the deeper must the foundation be laid. ~Thomas à Kempis
The Lord bestoweth his blessings where he findeth the vessels empty. ~Thomas à Kempis
The nobler the virtue is, the more eager and generous resolution do thou express of attaining to it. ~Thomas à Kempis
The opinions of men are as many and as different as their persons; the greatest diligence and most prudent conduct can never please them all. ~Thomas à Kempis
The true original ground of all disquiet is within. ~Thomas à Kempis
The way to heaven is set with briars and thorns; and they who arrive at the kingdom travel over craggy rocks and comfortless deserts. ~Thomas à Kempis
The wealth of both the Indies cannot redeem one single opportunity which you have once let slip. ~Thomas à Kempis
There can come no harm of supposing every other man better than yourself; but the supposing any man worse than yourself may be attended with very ill consequences. ~Thomas à Kempis
They who accuse and blacken thee wrongfully are much the greatest sufferers by their own malice and injustice. ~Thomas à Kempis
They who sustain their cross shall likewise be sustained by it in return. ~Thomas à Kempis
Things fasten upon thee only according as the degree of thy own love and inclination for them gives opportunity and advantage. ~Thomas à Kempis
Thou art ignorant of what thou art, and much more ignorant of what is fit for thee. ~Thomas à Kempis
Thou canst not be entirely free till thou hast attained to such a mastery as entirely to subdue and deny thyself. ~Thomas à Kempis
Thou must learn to break thine own will in many things if thou wilt have peace and concord with others. ~Thomas à Kempis
Though peace be in every man’s wishes, yet the qualifications and predispositions necessary for procuring and preserving it are the care of very few. ~Thomas à Kempis
To be ill thought of is sometimes for thy good,… if thou seek not thy own glory, but His that sent thee, the affliction will not be very grievous to be borne. ~Thomas à Kempis
To be provoked with every slanderous word argues a littleness of soul, a want of due regard to God. ~Thomas à Kempis
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. ~Thomas à Kempis
True quietness of heart is gotten by resisting our passions, not by obeying them. ~Thomas à Kempis
Upon every occasion, be sure to make a conscience of what you do or say. ~Thomas à Kempis
We are all best affected to them who are of the same opinion as ourselves. ~Thomas à Kempis
We are all frail; but esteem none more frail than thyself. ~Thomas à Kempis
We know not oftentimes what we are able to do, but temptations shows us what we are. ~Thomas à Kempis
We must not suppose ourselves always to have conquered a temptation when we have fled from it. ~Thomas à Kempis
We must sometimes cease to adhere to our own opinion for the sake of peace. ~Thomas à Kempis
We should be sparing in our intimacies; because it so very often happens that the more perfectly men are understood, the less they are esteemed. ~Thomas à Kempis
We take a pleasure in being severe upon others, but cannot endure to hear of our own faults. ~Thomas à Kempis
We will have others severely corrected, and will not be corrected ourselves. ~Thomas à Kempis
What are words but empty sounds, that break and scatter in the air, and make no real impression? ~Thomas à Kempis
What is more at ease, more abstracted from the world, than a true single-hearted honesty? ~Thomas à Kempis
When you find yourselves tempted, be sure to ask advice; and when you see another so, deal with him gently. ~Thomas à Kempis
Whensoever a man desireth anything inordinately, he is presently disquieted in himself. ~Thomas à Kempis
Wheresoever a man seeketh his own, there he falleth from love. ~Thomas à Kempis
Who hath a greater combat than he that laboureth to overcome himself? ~Thomas à Kempis
Why should thy satisfaction be placed upon a thing which makes thee not one whit the better or the worse? ~Thomas à Kempis
Without the way there is no going; without the truth, no knowing; without the life, no living. ~Thomas à Kempis
Would we but quit ourselves like men, and resolutely stand our ground, we should not fail of succours from above. ~Thomas à Kempis
Your own soul is the thing you ought to look after. ~Thomas à Kempis
Your own words and actions are the only things you will be called to account for. ~Thomas à Kempis
’Tis rashness to conclude affairs in a lost condition because some crosses have baulked your expectations. ~Thomas à Kempis
“If the Lord tarry, yet wait for Him,” for He “will surely come” and heal thee. ~Thomas à Kempis
All men commend patience, though few be willing to practise it. ~Thomas à Kempis
Be not angry that you cannot make others what you wish them to be, since you cannot make yourself what you wish to be. ~Thomas à Kempis
Constantly choose rather to want less than to have more. ~Thomas à Kempis
Faith is required at thy hands, and a sincere life, not loftiness of intellect or inquiry into the deep mysteries of God. ~Thomas à Kempis
Few spirits are made better by the pain and languor of sickness; as few great pilgrims become eminent saints. ~Thomas à Kempis
Fire trieth iron, and temptation a just man. ~Thomas à Kempis
First keep thyself in peace, and then thou shalt be able to keep peace among others. ~Thomas à Kempis
Flatter not the rich; neither do thou appear willingly before the great. ~Thomas à Kempis
For as a ship without a helm is tossed to and fro by the waves so the man who is careless and forsaketh his purpose is many ways tempted. ~Thomas à Kempis
Go whither thou wilt, thou shalt find no rest but in humble subjection to the government of a superior. ~Thomas à Kempis
God deceiveth thee not. ~Thomas à Kempis
God is able to do more than man can understand. ~Thomas à Kempis
God is always ready to strengthen those who strive lawfully. ~Thomas à Kempis
Grace is a light superior to Nature, which should direct and preside over it. ~Thomas à Kempis
Grace pays its respects to true intrinsic worth, not to the mere signs and trappings of it, which often only show where it ought to be, not where it really is. ~Thomas à Kempis
Happy he that can abandon everything by which his conscience is defiled or burdened. ~Thomas à Kempis
He doeth much that doeth a thing well. ~Thomas à Kempis
He doeth well that serveth the common good rather than his own will. ~Thomas à Kempis
He is truly great who is great in charity. ~Thomas à Kempis
He rideth easily enough whom the grace of God carrieth. ~Thomas à Kempis
He that hath gained an entire conquest over himself will find no mighty difficulties to subdue all other opposition. ~Thomas à Kempis
He that is discontented and troubled is tossed with divers suspicions; he is neither quiet himself, nor suffereth others to be quiet. ~Thomas à Kempis
He that is well-ordered and disposed within himself careth not for the strange and perverse behaviour of men. ~Thomas à Kempis
He that purposes to be happy by the affection or acquaintance of the best, the greatest man alive, will always find his mind unsettled and perplexed. ~Thomas à Kempis
He who loves with purity considers not the gift of the lover, but the love of the giver. ~Thomas à Kempis
Homo fervidus et diligens ad omnia paratur—The man who is earnest and diligent is prepared for all things. ~Thomas à Kempis
How foolish and absurd, nay, how hurtful and destructive a vice is ambition, which, by undue pursuit of honour, robs us of true honour! ~Thomas à Kempis
How should he be easy who makes other men’s cares his own? ~Thomas à Kempis
How should thy virtue be above the shocks and shakings of temptation, when even the angels kept not their first estate, and man in Paradise so soon fell from innocence? ~Thomas à Kempis
Humility is a virtue of so general, so exceeding good influence, that we can scarce purchase it too dear. ~Thomas à Kempis
If all be well within,… the impertinent censures of busy, envious men will make no very deep impression. ~Thomas à Kempis
If thou bear the cross cheerfully, it will bear thee. ~Thomas à Kempis
If thou canst let others alone in their matters, they likewise will not hinder thee in thine. ~Thomas à Kempis
If thou cast away one cross, without doubt thou shalt find another, and that perhaps more heavy. ~Thomas à Kempis
If thou wouldst profit by thy reading, read humbly, simply, honestly, and not desiring to win a character for learning. ~Thomas à Kempis
If we bear what we must bear with murmuring and grudging, we do but gall our shoulders with the yoke, and render that a heavy unprofitable load which might be fruitful and glorious. ~Thomas à Kempis
If we cast off one burden, we are immediately pursued and oppressed by another. ~Thomas à Kempis
If we fail to conquer smaller difficulties, what will become of us when assaulted by greater? ~Thomas à Kempis
If we would endeavour like brave men to stand in the battle, surely we should feel the assistance from Heaven. ~Thomas à Kempis
If your mind and its affections be pure, and sincere, and moderate, nothing shall have the power to enslave you. ~Thomas à Kempis
Impertinent and lavish talking is in itself a very vicious habit. ~Thomas à Kempis
In all straits the good behave themselves with meekness and patience. ~Thomas à Kempis
Is a man one whit the better because he is grown great in other men’s esteem? ~Thomas à Kempis
Is common opinion the standard of merit? ~Thomas à Kempis
It exalteth a man from earthly things to love those that are heavenly. ~Thomas à Kempis
It is an argument of great wisdom to do nothing rashly, nor to be obstinate and inflexible in our opinions. ~Thomas à Kempis
It is better to be affected with a true penitent sorrow for sin than to be able to resolve the most difficult cases about it. ~Thomas à Kempis
It is better to cleanse ourselves of our sins now, than to reserve them to be cleansed at some future time. ~Thomas à Kempis
It is harder work to resist vices and passions, than to toil in bodily labours. ~Thomas à Kempis
It is much safer to obey than to govern. ~Thomas à Kempis
It is of some consequence for a man to forego his own inclinations, even in matters of no great importance. ~Thomas à Kempis
It is proper and beneficial sometimes to be left to thyself. ~Thomas à Kempis
Keep company with the humble, with the devout, and with the virtuous; and confer with them of things that edify. ~Thomas à Kempis
Keep thy mind always at its own disposal. ~Thomas à Kempis
Lay not thine heart open to every one, but treat of thy affairs with the wise and such as fear God. ~Thomas à Kempis
Lean not upon a broken reed, which will not only let thee fall, but pierce thy arm too. ~Thomas à Kempis
Leave the great ones of the world to manage their own concerns, and keep your eyes and observations at home. ~Thomas à Kempis
Let go desire, and thou shalt lay hold on peace. ~Thomas à Kempis
Let go quarrel and contention, nor embroil thyself in trouble and differences by being over-solicitous in thy own defence. ~Thomas à Kempis
Let it not be grievous to thee to humble and submit thyself to the capricious humours of men with whom thou conversest in this world, but rather … endure patiently whatever they shall, but should not, do to thee. ~Thomas à Kempis
Let not the remembrance of thy former trials discourage thee. ~Thomas à Kempis
Let the thing we do be what it will, it is the principle upon which we do it that must recommend it. ~Thomas à Kempis
Let vain men pursue vanity; leave them to their own methods. ~Thomas à Kempis
Love is eternally awake, never tired with labour, nor oppressed with affliction, nor discouraged by fear. ~Thomas à Kempis
Love is swift, sincere, pious, pleasant, gentle, strong, patient, faithful, prudent, long-suffering, manly, and never seeking her own. ~Thomas à Kempis
Man’s own judgment is the proper rule and measure of his actions. ~Thomas à Kempis
Many deceive themselves, imagining to find happiness in change. ~Thomas à Kempis
Many men involve themselves deeper in temptations by being too solicitous to decline them. ~Thomas à Kempis
Melius est peccata cavere quam mortem fugere—It is better to avoid sin than to fly from death. ~Thomas à Kempis
Men are much more prone (the greater is the pity) both to speak and believe ill than well of their neighbours. ~Thomas à Kempis
Men might live quiet and easy enough, if they would be careful not to give themselves trouble, and forbear meddling with what other people do and say, in which they are in no way concerned. ~Thomas à Kempis
Men who form their judgment upon sense often err. ~Thomas à Kempis
Mistake not, man; the devil never sleeps. ~Thomas à Kempis
Mortality is beset on every side with crosses, and exposed to suffering every moment. ~Thomas à Kempis
Nature builds upon a false bottom, seeks herself what she values in others, and is oftentimes deceived and disappointed. Grace reposes her whole hope and love in God, and is never mistaken, never deluded by false expectations. ~Thomas à Kempis
Nemo impetrare potest a papa bullam nunquam moriendi—No man can ever obtain from the Pope a dispensation from death. ~Thomas à Kempis
No conflict is so severe as his who labours to subdue himself. ~Thomas à Kempis
No man doth safely appear abroad but he who can abide at home. ~Thomas à Kempis
No man doth safely rule but he that hath learned gladly to obey. ~Thomas à Kempis
No man doth safely speak but he who is glad to hold his peace. ~Thomas à Kempis
No man is so happy as never to give offence. ~Thomas à Kempis
No man is so sufficient as never to need assistance. ~Thomas à Kempis
No man is without his load of trouble. ~Thomas à Kempis
No one is qualified to converse in public who is not highly contented without such conversation. ~Thomas à Kempis
No one is qualified to entertain, or receive entertainment from others, who cannot entertain himself alone with satisfaction. ~Thomas à Kempis
No order or profession of men is so sacred, no place so remote or solitary, but that temptations and troubles will find them out and intrude upon them. ~Thomas à Kempis
No, not even faith, or hope, or any other virtue, is accepted by God without charity and grace. ~Thomas à Kempis
Nobody can continue easy in his own mind who does not endeavour to become least of all and servant of all. ~Thomas à Kempis
None so wise but the advice of others may, at some time or other, be useful and necessary for him. ~Thomas à Kempis
Nor can either thy own resentment of misfortunes within, or the violence of any calamity without, give thee sufficient grounds, from the terrible face thy present circumstances wear, to pronounce that all hope of escape and better days are past. ~Thomas à Kempis
Nothing is more common than to express exceeding zeal in amending our neighbours,… while at the same time we neglect the beginning at home. ~Thomas à Kempis
Observe this short but certain aphorism, “Forsake all, and thou shalt find all.” ~Thomas à Kempis
Occasions do not make a man frail, but they show what he is. ~Thomas à Kempis
Oh! the dulness and the hardness of the heart of man, which contemplates only the present, and does not rather provide for the future. ~Thomas à Kempis
Order all thy actions, so as readily and meekly to comply with the commands of thy superiors, the desires of thy equals, the requests of thy inferiors; so to do for all what thou lawfully mayest. ~Thomas à Kempis
Our charity indeed should be universal, and extend to all mankind; but it is by no means convenient that our friendships and familiarities should do so too. ~Thomas à Kempis
Out of sight out of mind. ~Thomas à Kempis
Pass no rash censure upon other people’s words or actions. ~Thomas à Kempis
Praise is indeed the consequence and encouragement of virtue; but it is sometimes so unseasonably applied as to become its bane and corruption too. ~Thomas à Kempis
Private affection bereaves us easily of a right judgment. ~Thomas à Kempis
Purity and simplicity are the two wings with which man soars above the earth and all temporary nature. Simplicity is in the intention, purity in the affection; simplicity turns to God; purity unites with and enjoys Him. ~Thomas à Kempis
Quicken yourself up to duty by the remembrance of your station, who you are, and what you have obliged yourself to be. ~Thomas à Kempis
Quicquid agas, prudenter agas, et respice finem—Whatever you do, do it with intelligence, and keep the end in view. ~Thomas à Kempis
Quit thyself manfully; banish impatience and distrust. ~Thomas à Kempis
Regard not much who is for thee or who against thee; but give all thy care to this, that God be with thee in everything thou doest. ~Thomas à Kempis
Remember that the time once yours can never be so again. ~Thomas à Kempis
Remember thy prerogative is to govern, and not to serve, the things of this world. ~Thomas à Kempis
Repose and happiness is what thou covetest, but these are only to be obtained by labour. ~Thomas à Kempis
Rest and undisturbed content have now no place on earth, nor can the greatest affluence of worldly good procure them,… they are peculiar to the love and fruition of God alone. ~Thomas à Kempis
Run here or there, thou wilt find no rest, but in humble subjection to the government of a superior. ~Thomas à Kempis
Scruples, temptations, and fears, and cutting perplexities of heart, are frequently the lot of the most excellent persons. ~Thomas à Kempis
Seek one good, one end, so zealously, that nothing else may come into competition or partnership with it. ~Thomas à Kempis
Simplicity is in the intention, purity in the affection; simplicity turns to God, purity unites with and enjoys him. ~Thomas à Kempis
Slander and detraction can have no influence, can make no impression, upon the righteous Judge above. None to thy prejudice, but a sad and fatal one to their own. ~Thomas à Kempis
Speak not peace to thyself when beset on every side with numerous and restless enemies. ~Thomas à Kempis
Stain (blemish) not thy innocence by too deep resentment, nor take off from the brightness of thy crown by anger and impatience and eagerness to right thyself. ~Thomas à Kempis
Stand up bravely to afflictions, and quit thyself like a man. ~Thomas à Kempis
Study to be quiet; contain yourself within your own business, and let the prying, censorious, the vain and intriguing world follow their own devices. ~Thomas à Kempis
Such as every one is inwardly, so he judgeth outwardly. ~Thomas à Kempis
Suffer no hour to slide by without its due improvement. ~Thomas à Kempis
That intention which fixes upon God as its only end will keep men steady in their purposes, and deliver them from being the jest and scorn of fortune. ~Thomas à Kempis
That learning which thou gettest by thy own observation and experience is far beyond that which thou gettest by precept; as the knowledge of a traveller exceeds that which is got by reading. ~Thomas à Kempis
The acknowledgment of our weakness is the first step towards repairing our loss. ~Thomas à Kempis
The beginning of all temptations and wickedness is the fickleness of our own minds and want of trust in God. ~Thomas à Kempis
The better you understand yourself, the less cause you will find to love yourself. ~Thomas à Kempis
The chancre of a man’s self is a very laborious undertaking. ~Thomas à Kempis
The enemy is more easily repulsed if we never suffer him to get within us, but, upon the very first approach, draw up our forces and fight him without the gate. ~Thomas à Kempis
The highest in God’s esteem are meanest in their own. ~Thomas à Kempis
The joy of a peaceful conscience is sown in tears. ~Thomas à Kempis
The kingdom of God does not lie in elegance of speech or fineness of parts, but in innocence of life and good works. ~Thomas à Kempis
The loftier the building the deeper must the foundation be laid. ~Thomas à Kempis
The Lord bestoweth his blessings where he findeth the vessels empty. ~Thomas à Kempis
The nobler the virtue is, the more eager and generous resolution do thou express of attaining to it. ~Thomas à Kempis
The opinions of men are as many and as different as their persons; the greatest diligence and most prudent conduct can never please them all. ~Thomas à Kempis
The true original ground of all disquiet is within. ~Thomas à Kempis
The way to heaven is set with briars and thorns; and they who arrive at the kingdom travel over craggy rocks and comfortless deserts. ~Thomas à Kempis
The wealth of both the Indies cannot redeem one single opportunity which you have once let slip. ~Thomas à Kempis
There can come no harm of supposing every other man better than yourself; but the supposing any man worse than yourself may be attended with very ill consequences. ~Thomas à Kempis
They who accuse and blacken thee wrongfully are much the greatest sufferers by their own malice and injustice. ~Thomas à Kempis
They who sustain their cross shall likewise be sustained by it in return. ~Thomas à Kempis
Things fasten upon thee only according as the degree of thy own love and inclination for them gives opportunity and advantage. ~Thomas à Kempis
Thou art ignorant of what thou art, and much more ignorant of what is fit for thee. ~Thomas à Kempis
Thou canst not be entirely free till thou hast attained to such a mastery as entirely to subdue and deny thyself. ~Thomas à Kempis
Thou must learn to break thine own will in many things if thou wilt have peace and concord with others. ~Thomas à Kempis
Though peace be in every man’s wishes, yet the qualifications and predispositions necessary for procuring and preserving it are the care of very few. ~Thomas à Kempis
To be ill thought of is sometimes for thy good,… if thou seek not thy own glory, but His that sent thee, the affliction will not be very grievous to be borne. ~Thomas à Kempis
To be provoked with every slanderous word argues a littleness of soul, a want of due regard to God. ~Thomas à Kempis
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. ~Thomas à Kempis
True quietness of heart is gotten by resisting our passions, not by obeying them. ~Thomas à Kempis
Upon every occasion, be sure to make a conscience of what you do or say. ~Thomas à Kempis
We are all best affected to them who are of the same opinion as ourselves. ~Thomas à Kempis
We are all frail; but esteem none more frail than thyself. ~Thomas à Kempis
We know not oftentimes what we are able to do, but temptations shows us what we are. ~Thomas à Kempis
We must not suppose ourselves always to have conquered a temptation when we have fled from it. ~Thomas à Kempis
We must sometimes cease to adhere to our own opinion for the sake of peace. ~Thomas à Kempis
We should be sparing in our intimacies; because it so very often happens that the more perfectly men are understood, the less they are esteemed. ~Thomas à Kempis
We take a pleasure in being severe upon others, but cannot endure to hear of our own faults. ~Thomas à Kempis
We will have others severely corrected, and will not be corrected ourselves. ~Thomas à Kempis
What are words but empty sounds, that break and scatter in the air, and make no real impression? ~Thomas à Kempis
What is more at ease, more abstracted from the world, than a true single-hearted honesty? ~Thomas à Kempis
When you find yourselves tempted, be sure to ask advice; and when you see another so, deal with him gently. ~Thomas à Kempis
Whensoever a man desireth anything inordinately, he is presently disquieted in himself. ~Thomas à Kempis
Wheresoever a man seeketh his own, there he falleth from love. ~Thomas à Kempis
Who hath a greater combat than he that laboureth to overcome himself? ~Thomas à Kempis
Why should thy satisfaction be placed upon a thing which makes thee not one whit the better or the worse? ~Thomas à Kempis
Without the way there is no going; without the truth, no knowing; without the life, no living. ~Thomas à Kempis
Would we but quit ourselves like men, and resolutely stand our ground, we should not fail of succours from above. ~Thomas à Kempis
Your own soul is the thing you ought to look after. ~Thomas à Kempis
Your own words and actions are the only things you will be called to account for. ~Thomas à Kempis