Thomas a Kempis, whose family name was Haemmerlein, received the name of Kempis from Kempen, in Holland, the place of his birth.  Either Thomas Haemmerlein or Thomas Kempensis would be a more correct name than the form “a Kempis,” by which he is generally known; and “Musica Ecclesiastica” is the more correct title of the “Imitatio Christi.”  It is not even certain that Thomas was the author of it, for the names of other authors have been put forward with more or less probability; but he was certainly its copyist, and the balance of evidence is in favour of his authorship.  Thomas was born in 1379, the son of a shoemaker; entered in 1400 a monastery at Agnetenberg, near Zwolle, and died in the monastery on August 8, 1471, with a great reputation for learning and for sanctity.  The “Imitation” was completed about 1420.  Editions and translations in all principal languages are innumerable; but the definitive edition is the Latin text by Dr. Carl Hirsche, of Hamburg (1874), from which the following epitome has been made.  The “Imitation” consists of four books of meditations, which are among the most priceless treasures of Christian literature.

I.—­ADMONITIONS USEFUL TO THE SPIRITUAL LIFE

“Whoever follows Me does not walk in darkness,” says the Lord.  These are the words of Christ by which we are admonished how far we should imitate His life and manners if we wish to be truly illumined and liberated from all blindness of heart.  Let it, therefore, be our supreme study to meditate on the life of Jesus Christ.

Vanity of vanities, all things are vanity, except to love God and to serve Him only.  The highest wisdom is to strive towards celestial kingdoms, through contempt of the world.  It is, therefore, vanity to seek the riches that are about to perish, and to hope in them.  It is vanity also to solicit honours, and to exalt oneself to high place.  It is vanity to follow after the desires of the flesh, and to seek that for which we must soon be heavily punished.  It is vanity to wish a long life, and to care little about a good life.  It is vanity to attend only to the present life, and not to provide for things which are to come.  It is vanity to love that which passes away so speedily, and not to hasten thither where eternal joy remains.

Remember often that proverb—­“The eye is not satisfied with seeing nor the ear with hearing.”  Study, therefore, to withdraw your heart from the love of visible things, and turn yourself to the invisible.  For those who follow their sensuality stain their conscience, and lose the grace of God.

Every man naturally desires to know, but what does knowledge signify without the fear of God?  The humble peasant who serves God is far better than the proud philosopher who neglects himself and considers the courses of the stars.  Whoever knows himself well contemns himself, and takes no delight in human praise.  If I should know all things in the world, and yet not be in charity, what would it advantage me in the presence of God, Who is about to judge me for my deeds?