Extracts from Thomas à Kempis.
By Thomas à Kempis
Fire trieth iron, and temptation a just man. We know not often what we are able to do: but temptations show us what we are. In temptations and affliction man is proved how much he hath profited. If God were always thy desire, we should not be so much troubled when our inclinations are opposed. Occasions of adversity best discover how great virtue each one hath; for occasions make not a man frail, but show what a man is. It is easier not to speak to all, than not to speak more than we should. It is easier to keep at home, than to be sufficiently upon our guard when we are abroad. He, therefore, that intends to attain to inward and spiritual things, must, with Jesus, retire from the multitude. Simplicity and purity are the two wings by which a man is lifted up above all earthly. Simplicity is in the intention; purity in the affection; simplicity tends to God; purity apprehends and tastes him. Jesus hath many lovers of his heavenly kingdom; but few bearers of his cross. He findeth many companions of his table, but few of his abstinence. Many praise and bless him, as long as they receive any comfort from him. But if Jesus hide himself and leave them but awhile, they either fall into a complaint or dejection. But they that love Jesus for Jesus, and not for some comfort of their own, bless him in all tribulation and anguish of heart, as well as in the greatest comfort. In the cross is salvation; in the cross is life; in the cross is protection against our enemies; in the cross is heavenly sweetness; in the cross is strength of mind; in the cross is the height of virtue; in the cross is the perfection of holiness. Behold in the cross all doth consist, and all lieth in our dying upon it; for there is no other way of life and to true inward peace, but the way to the holy cross. The whole life of Christ was a cross and a martyrdom; and dost thou seek rest and joy? As for comforts, leave them to God; let him do therein as shall best please him. Vain and short is all human comfort. Blessed and real is that comfort which is received inwardly from the truth. If thou remainest steadfast in all events, and dost not weigh by the outward appearance, nor with a carnal eye, the things which thou seest and hearest, but presently in every affair dost enter with Moses into the tabernacle, to ask counsel of the Lord, thou shalt hear the divine oracle, and return instructed concerning many things, both present and to come. How little soever the thing be, if it be loved and regarded inordinately, it defileth the soul and hindereth the enjoyment of the Supreme Good.