He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness,1 saith the lord. Book 4, chapters 110 of the imitation of christ by thomas a. Full book 2 imitation of christ read by hugh thwaites s. Imitation of christ was written by a benedictine monk around 1429. In fact, it transcends the very people who write it.
Next to the bible, the imitation of christ is the most widely read devotional work within the christian community. Thought to be compiled by fifteenthcentury cleric thomas a. We may struggle with insecurity or secondguessing ourselves. Vain is the man who puts his trust in men, in created things. Table of contents introductory note the first book admonitions profitable for the spiritual life chapter i of the imitation of christ, and of contempt of the world and all its vanities chapter ii of thinking humbly of oneself chapter iii of the knowledge of. After the bible, this is the touchstone and probably the bestloved book of christianity. Every time there is a need for christ to interfere i. Thomas a kempis wrote this devotion in such a way to fan the flame in our soul with beautiful gentle words. These are the words of christ, by which we are taught, how we ought to imitate his life and manners, if we will be truly enlightened, and be delivered from all blindness of heart. The core message of the work is humility, and for christians to shut out the world and deny himself. Fisk, this abridged edition of the imitation of christ from catholic book publishing is designed specifically for contemporary readers.
These are the words of christ, by which we are reminded that we must copy his life and conduct if we wish to be truly enlightened and to be delivered from all blindness of heart. We wish others to be bound by rules, yet we will not let ourselves be bound. He lived for seventy years among the canons regular of st. The imitation of christ he that follows me shall not walk in darkness, says the lord. I was drawn to this book after reading st therese of lisieuxs story of a soul. Book 3, chapters 1120 of the imitation of christ by. To many the saying, deny thyself, take up thy cross and follow me, 20 seems hard, but it will be much harder to hear that final word. Book 2 of the imitation of christ by thomas a kempis. Each of these is further subdivided into anywhere from twelve to fiftysix minireflections on related topics. The imitation of christ prayerbook size edition the. It also discusses the importance of the sacrament of eucharist. As editor and translator he was not without faults, but thanks to him the. The imitation of christ, image books, 1955 thomas a kempis was born in kempen, prussia in 79 into a family of artisans and metal workers.
Of the imitation of christ, and of contempt of the world and all its vanities4 chapter ii. It is good that we sometimes endure contradictions, and. Of the imitation of christ, and of contempt of the world and. For five hundred years, this gentle book, filled with the spirit of the love of god, has brought understanding and comfort to millions of readers in over fifty languages, and provided them with a source of heartfelt personal prayer. The imitation of christ by thomas a kempis, paperback. The imitation of christ we invite you to partner with us as we work to build out a vision for amplifying the lifeimpacting themes of the imitation of christ. A man who truly knows himself realizes his own worthlessness, and takes no pleasure in the praises of men. The life of christ is presented as the highest study possible to a mortal, as jesus teachings far excel all the teachings of the saints. Deep calls unto deep at the sound of thy waterfalls. Your tardiness in turning to prayer is the greatest obstacle to heavenly consolation, for before you pray earnestly to me you first seek many comforts and take pleasure in outward things. Reading this book this morning was like drinking deep of christ s love. Search or browse the online edition of the imitation of christ, by thomas a kempis. I prefer to read only one chapter a day about 2 pages, slowly, stopping to think often.
It speaks to the soul of every true christian, reminding us of the fleeting nature of earthly joy as opposed to the eternity of happiness with god. Timeless, hard truths about the quest to become as much like our lord as possible. Eugene peterson, from his book take and read next to the bible itself, the imitation of christ is the mostpublishedand most deeply cherished book in any language. Written by thomas kempis in the middle ages, the imitation of christ has been revered for nearly six centuries as a spiritual classic. The catholic archive thomas a kempis the imitation of christ book 2 chapter 11. Chapter one of the imitation of christ, and contempt of all the vanities of the world he that followeth me, walketh not in darkness, saith the lord.
The imitation of christ multilanguage catholic ebook. Sep, 2012 the emphasis is upon christ as the highest and most exalted life that every christian should imitate in order to gain life to the fullest. Topics include meditation, humility, human goodness and purity, singlemindedness of purpose, a good conscience, not worshipping just for the sake of getting nice fuzzy feelings, perseverence in the sake of suffering, and willingly carrying ones cross for love of jesus. We should enjoy much peace if we did not concern ourselves with what others say and do, for these are no concern of ours. Therefore, keep your conscience good and you will always enjoy happiness, for a good conscience can bear a great deal and can bring joy even in the midst of adversity. Kempis, this spiritual classic focuses on the interior life, the cultivation of humility, purity of intention and the centrality of the sacramental meal in the life of the christian disciple.
Online book the imitation of christ by thomas a kempis. Commentaries, history books, and more are linked to this page. Thriftbooks sells millions of used books at the lowest everyday prices. When dag hammarskjold was killed in an airplane crash in africa, the books found in his briefcase were the bible and the imitation. The truth he writes of transcends centuries and applies as much to todays modern manwoman as it did back then because it addresses the issues and attitudes that lie in the human heart. Christ is the ultimate example of christians spiritual lifestyle.
I actually found the book very meaningful for a nonclergy person. The imitation of christ, by thomas a kempis book 2. Do what lies in your power and god will aid your good will. It is a book that calls one deeper and farther in to the heart of god. This section of the medieval spiritual classic talks about the interior life. It is good for us that we sometimes have sorrows and adversities, for they often make a man lay to heart that he is only a stranger and sojourner, and may not put his trust in any worldly thing. The book is a collection of recommendations for how to live ones life daytoday in. Book 3 chapter 54 part 2 the imitation of christ by thomas a kempis.
The imitation of christ christian book distributors. When thou hast come to this, that tribulation is sweet and pleasant to thee for christs sake, then. It is a handbook for spiritual life arising from the devotio moderna movement, of which kempis was a member. The imitation of christ is a devotional that is held in extremely high regard particularly in catholicism. For any christian with a sincere desire to live fully for god and be as much like jesus as possible this book the imitation of christ will probably help you as much as any other single book outside of the bible. The imitation of christ by thomas a kempis free online ebook. The purposes of just men depend for their fulfillment rather upon the grace of god than upon their own wisdom.
A spiritual classic written for those in religious life, but used for centuries by all sorts of christians. At the age of thirteen years, he left his family to join his older brother, john, who had ten or twelve years earlier traveled to. The imitation of christ is, after the bible, the most widelyread christian book in history, and deservedly so. On taking up christs cross book 2, chapter 11 cool a kempis. It is a treasurechest of christian wisdom and truth. The imitation of christ consists of four books with short chapters in each book. Book 1, chapters 110 of the imitation of christ by thomas.
Yet, if all men were perfect, what should we have to bear with in others for christ s sake. To many the saying, deny thyself, take up thy cross and follow me. The imitation of christ is widely considered one of the greatest manuals of devotion in christianity. The imitation of christ by thomas a kempis table of contents. It is a handbook for spiritual life arising from the devotio moderna movement, of which kempis was a member the imitation is perhaps the most widely read christian devotional work next to the bible, and is regarded as a devotional and religious classic. Imitating christ and despising all vanities on earth. The imitation of christ prayerbook size edition learn how to deepen your spiritual experience and realize the joys of following christ more closely. The imitation of christ by thomas a kempis book 1 chapter. The catholic archive thomas a kempis the imitation of christ book 2 chapter 11 few love the cross of jesus jesus has always many who love his heavenly kingdom, but few who bear his cross. Next to the bible itself, the imitation of christ is the mostpublishedand most deeply cherished book in any language. He has many who desire consolation, but few who care for trial. The imitation of christ book 3 chapter 33 on inconstancy of heart and the directing of our final intention to god. Book 2 of the imitation of christ by thomas a kempis cyber library.
Bk 2 of the imitation of christ by thomas a kempis, a digital book in the international school of theologys cyber library which is a digital library for graduate seminary research, personal, and. Do not be ashamed to serve others for the love of jesus christ and to seem poor in this world. Seek a convenient time to devote to yourself, and meditate often on the benefits which god has bestowed on you. In four books by stanhope, geo and a great selection of related books, art and collectibles available now at.
For nearly 600 years, these thoughtful meditations on jesus life and teachings offer practical guidance on the central task of the christian life. The imitation of christ, by thomas a kempis book 2, chapter 12. He finds many to share his table, but few to take part in his fasting. After the bible, the imitation of christ by thomas a kempis is the favorite book of catholics throughout the world and has been the spiritual guide of the saints since it first appeared in 1418. We personally assess every books quality and offer rare, outofprint treasures. Indeed, it has been translated into several languages and handed down. The imitation of christ by thomas a kempis alibris. The imitation of christ by thomas a kempis is a favorite book of catholics throughout the world. How can a man who meddles in affairs not his own, who.
This book is about advices and fruits of meditation for the life of the soul. He findeth many companions of his table, but few of his abstinence. His teaching surpasseth all teaching of holy men, and. It is amply evident, therefore, that we seldom consider our neighbour in the same light as ourselves. One of the bestloved books of christianity after the bible, the imitation of christ is a passionate celebration of god and his love, mercy and holiness, which has inspired conversion and stimulated religious devotion for over five hundred years. The imitation of christ is a passionate celebration of gods love, mercy and holiness, which has stimulated religious devotion for. For this reason we have attempted to render the text into english as it is spoken today rather than the cloudy, archaic. He is best known as the author of the spiritual classic the imitation of christ. Ordained a priest, he twice served as the communitys subprior and copied books by hand, including the entire bible. The imitation of christ, by thomas a kempis book 2, chapter 11. To walk with god interiorly, to be free from any external affection this is the state of the inward man. The imitation is perhaps the most widely read christian devotional. It encourages us to live a life devoid of worldly vanities.
I picked it up after reading a book on the 17thcentury french missionaries to the new world. Kempis the imitation of christ, which first appeared in the late fifteenth century, has without exaggeration been called the most widely read work of devotion ever written. Book 3 chapter 54 part 1 the imitation of christ by thomas. My child, i am the lord who gives strength in the day of trouble.
Bk 2 of the imitation of christ by thomas a kempis, a digital book in the international school of theologys cyber library which is a digital library for graduate seminary research, personal, and ministry research. Imitation of christ fisk, halcon j, kempis, thomas a on. He hath many desirous of comfort, but few of tribulation. These means for reaching christian perfection are divided into two. The catholic archive thomas a kempis the imitation of christ book 2 the imitation of christ book two the interior life. It transcends generations, economic trends, fads, authority, culture, and every other temporal thing.
The glory of a good man is the testimony of a good conscience. This special edition is our thank you for your support. The emphasis is upon christ as the highest and most exalted life that every christian should imitate in order to gain life to the fullest. The catholic archive thomas a kempis the imitation of christ book 2 chapter 12 the royal road of the holy cross.
Do not be selfsufficient but place your trust in god. Imitating christ and despising all vanities on earth 2. His parents, john and gertrude haemerken, were of the artisan class. Bk 2 of the imitation of christ by thomas a kempis, a digital book in the international school of theologys cyber.
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