Of Four Things which Bring Great Peace
The text presents a spiritual guide focused on achieving inner peace and true freedom through selflessness and submission to divine will. It emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the needs and desires of others over one's own, advocating for humility and a preference for lower status. The pursuit of God's will is portrayed as essential for attaining peace and tranquility. The speaker acknowledges the difficulty of adhering to these teachings, recognizing that personal turmoil often arises from straying from this path. A plea for divine assistance is made, seeking strength to overcome internal disturbances and evil thoughts. The speaker expresses a deep reliance on God for guidance and protection against mental and spiritual afflictions. The work includes prayers for enlightenment and clarity of mind, asking for divine light to dispel darkness and confusion. The speaker seeks to be liberated from distracting thoughts and temptations, desiring a pure conscience and inner calm. The text highlights the futility of seeking comfort in worldly things, asserting that true satisfaction can only be found in a relationship with the divine. Overall, the work serves as a meditation on the virtues of humility, self-denial, and the quest for spiritual enlightenment, urging the reader to cultivate a deeper connection with God to achieve lasting peace.
By Thomas à Kempis · First published 1471 · Genre: Spirituality, Theology, Philosophy · 683 words
First lines
"My Son, now will I teach thee the way of peace and of true liberty."
Do, O my Lord, as Thou sayest, for this is pleasing unto me to hear.
What this Textopian page supports
Of Four Things which Bring Great Peace is listed on Textopian as an essay by Thomas à Kempis, dated 1471 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Thomas à Kempis
- Date: 1471 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Spirituality, Theology, Philosophy, Devotional Literature, Meditation
- Length: 683 words
- Structure: 1 section, 12 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for Of Four Things which Bring Great Peace by Thomas à Kempis
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Discussion starters
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- Where does Spirituality first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Of Meditation Upon The Hidden Judgments Of God That We May Not Be Lifted Up Because Of Our Well Doing by Thomas A. Kempis
- Of Seeking Peace Of Mind And Of Spiritual Progress by Thomas A. Kempis
- Of The Inward Life by Thomas A. Kempis
- Of The Reading Of Holy Scripture by Thomas A. Kempis
- Of The Neglect Of Every Creature That The Creator May Be Found by Thomas A. Kempis
- Of The Exercises Of A Religious Man by Thomas A. Kempis
Genres
- Spirituality — The text focuses on achieving inner peace and spiritual enlightenment through submission to God's will.
- Theology — The work discusses concepts of divine will, prayer, and the nature of God, making it a theological exploration.
- Philosophy — It presents philosophical reflections on selflessness, humility, and the pursuit of peace.
- Devotional Literature — The text serves as a guide for personal devotion and prayer, aimed at fostering a deeper relationship with God.
Tags
Christianity · Spirituality · Philosophy · Meditation · Self-Improvement · Inner Peace · Faith · Devotion · Humility · Patience · Perseverance · Wisdom
More by Thomas à Kempis
- Of the Imitation of Christ, and of Contempt of the World and all its Vanities (1441)
- Of Thinking Humbly of Oneself (1441)
- Of the Knowledge of Truth (1441)
- Of Prudence in Action (1518)
- Of the Reading of Holy Scripture (1441)
- Of Inordinate Affections (1441)
- Of Fleeing from Vain Hope and Pride (1940)
- Of the Danger of too Much Familiarity (1904)
- All works by Thomas à Kempis