By Thomas à Kempis
Of two evils, the less is always to be chosen.
All perfection hath some imperfection joined to it in this life, and all our power of sight is not without some darkness.
Man proposes, but God disposes.
Open not thine heart to every man, but deal with one who is wise and feareth God.
It is verily a great thing to live in obedience, to be under authority, and not to be at our own disposal.
This is great wisdom, not to be hasty in action, or stubborn in our own opinions.
Nevertheless, devout conversation on spiritual things helpeth not a little to spiritual progress.
He who follows Me, walks not in darkness, says the Lord. By these words of Christ we are advised to imitate His life and habits, if we wish to be truly enlightened and free from all blindness of heart.
Vain is the life of that man who putteth his trust in men or in any created Thing.
Whensoever a man desireth aught above measure, immediately he becometh restless.
Avoid as far as thou canst the tumult of men; for talk concerning worldly things, though it be innocently undertaken, is a hindrance.
It is Truth which we must look for in Holy Writ, not cunning of words.
There is naturally in every man a desire to know, but what profiteth knowledge without the fear of God?
We must not trust every word of others or feeling within ourselves, but cautiously and patiently try the matter, whether it be of God.
It is vanity then to seek after, and to trust in, the riches that shall perish.
Many a time I wish that I had held my peace, and had not gone amongst men.
MannaScroll