Simplicity and purity are the two wings with which man soars above earth and all temporary nature.
THOMAS À KEMPIS, The Imitation of Christ
If thou hadst simplicity and purity thou wouldst be able to comprehend all things without error, and behold them without danger.
THOMAS À KEMPIS, The Imitation of Christ
All perfection in this life is attended by some imperfection, and all our farseeing is not without obscurity.
THOMAS À KEMPIS, The Imitation of Christ
If God were our one and only desire we would not be so easily upset when our opinions do not find outside acceptance.
THOMAS A KEMPIS, The Imitation of Christ
The man who only shuns temptations outwardly and does not uproot them will make little progress; indeed they will quickly return, more violent than before.
THOMAS A KEMPIS, The Imitation of Christ
Temptations, though troublesome and severe, are often useful to a man, for in them he is humbled, purified, and instructed.
THOMAS A KEMPIS, The Imitation of Christ
The beginning of all temptation lies in a wavering mind and little trust in God, for as a rudderless ship is driven hither and yon by waves, so a careless and irresolute man is tempted in many ways.
THOMAS A KEMPIS, The Imitation of Christ
The saints all passed through many temptations and trials to profit by them, while those who could not resist became reprobate and fell away.
THOMAS A KEMPIS, The Imitation of Christ
In temptations and trials the progress of a man is measured; in them opportunity for merit and virtue is made more manifest.
THOMAS A KEMPIS, The Imitation of Christ
There is no state so holy, no place so secret that temptations and trials will not come. Man is never safe from them as long as he lives, for they come from within us -- in sin we were born. When one temptation or trial passes, another comes; we shall always have something to suffer because we have lost the state of original blessedness.
THOMAS A KEMPIS, The Imitation of Christ
Often take counsel when tempted; and do not be harsh with others who are tempted, but console them as you yourself would wish to be consoled.
THOMAS A KEMPIS, The Imitation of Christ
God deceiveth thee not.
THOMAS À KEMPIS, Imitation of Christ
