Thomas Kempis

‘Depart unclean spirit; put on shame, miserable one; horribly unclean art thou, who bringest such things to mine ears. Depart from me, detestable deceiver; thou shalt have no part in me; but Jesus shall be with me, as a strong warrior, and thou shalt stand confounded. Rather would I die and bear all suffering, than consent unto thee.

And he who seeketh not to please men, nor feareth to displease, shall enjoy abundant peace.

Know thou that the love of thyself is more hurtful to thee than anything in the world.

First keep the peace within yourself, then you can also bring peace to others.

Learn now to suffer a little, that then thou mayest be enabled to escape heavier sufferings.

And because many seek knowledge rather than good living, therefore they go astray, and bear little or no fruit.

Many things there are to know which profiteth little or nothing to the soul.

Be not high-minded, but rather confess thine ignorance.

What will it avail thee to dispute profoundly of the Trinity, if thou be void of humility, and art thereby displeasing to the Trinity?

We ought daily to renew our vows, and to kindle our hearts to zeal, as if each day were the first day of our conversion, and to say, “Help me, O God, in my good resolutions, and in Thy holy service, and grant that this day I may make a good beginning, for hitherto I have done nothing!”

It is easier not to speak a word at all than to speak more words than we should.

We are ready to see others made perfect, and yet we do not amend our own shortcomings.