394 Quotes by Thomas à Kempis

The good devout man first makes inner preparation for the actions he has later to perform. His outward actions do not draw him into lust and vice; rather it is he who bends them into the shape of reason and right judgement. Who has a stiffer battle to fight than the man who is striving to conquer himself.

He who loveth God with all his heart feareth not death, nor punishment, nor judgment, nor hell, because perfect love giveth sure access to God. But he who still delighteth in sin, no marvel if he is afraid of death and judgment.

Oh, how swiftly the glory of the world passes away!

Love flies, runs, and rejoices; it is free and nothing can hold it back.

Thou wilt always rejoice in the evening if thou has spent the day profitably.

Be assured that if you knew all, you would pardon all.

If thou canst not make thyself such an one as thou wouldst, how canst thou expect to have another in all things to thy liking?

The more spiritual a man desires to be, the more bitter does this present life become to him, because he perceives better and sees more clearly the defects of human corruption.

No one can obtain from the Pope a dispensation for never dying. [Lat., Nemo impetrare potest a papa bullam numquam moriendi.]