Thomas a Kempis
vers 1380-1471 15th century
Preferring to feel rather than to define, and finding a hidden life enough.
Who was Thomas a Kempis?
The son of Rhineland artisans, sent at thirteen to the Brethren of the Common Life, he then spent seventy years in the same monastery near Zwolle, copying manuscripts and teaching novices. He barely travelled, founded nothing, held no notable office. The small book attributed to him, The Imitation of Christ, became after the Bible the most widely read Christian book in the world.
In their own words
I would rather feel compunction than know how to define it.
What good does it do you to argue learnedly about the Trinity, if you lack humility?
Do not ask who said this, but pay attention to what is said.
Man sees the face, but God looks upon the heart.