Thomas A Kempis
Of a Pure Mind, and Simple Intention
By two wings, a man is lifted up from things earthly, namely, by Simplicity and Purity. Simplicity ought to be in our intention, purity in our affection. Simplicity tendeth toward God, purity apprehendeth and tasteth Him.
No good action will hinder thee if thou be inwardly free from inordinate affection. If thou intend and seek nothing else but the will of God and the good of thy neighbour, thou shalt thoroughly enjoy inward liberty.
If thy heart were right, then every creature would be unto thee a looking-glass of life and a book of holy doctrine. There is no creature so small and mean, that it doth not set forth the goodness of God. If thou wert inwardly good and pure, then wouldest thou be able to see and understand all things well without hindrance. A pure heart penetrateth heaven and hell.
Such as everyone is inwardly, so he judgeth outwardly. If there is joy in the world surely a man of pure heart possesseth it. And if there be anywhere tribulation and affliction, an evil conscience knoweth it.
As iron put into the fire loseth its rust, and becometh altogether white and glowing, so he that wholly turneth himself unto God, putteth off all slothfulness, and is transformed into a new man.
When a man beginneth to grow lukewarm, then he is afraid of a little labour, and willingly receiveth outward comfort. But when he once beginneth to overcome himself perfectly, and to walk manfully in the way of God; then he esteemeth less those things, which before he felt grievous unto him.
Thomas A Kempis b. 1379 or 1380, d. 1471). The Imitation of Christ. The
Harvard Classics. 1909-14
