Of Hiding our Grace under the Guard of Humility
The work emphasizes the importance of humility in the spiritual life, advising individuals to conceal their spiritual graces rather than boast about them. It warns against pride and the dangers of presumption, highlighting that reliance on one's own strength can lead to a fall from grace. The text encourages a deep awareness of one's unworthiness and the transient nature of spiritual feelings, advocating for perseverance in prayer and duty even during spiritual dryness. It stresses that true advancement in spirituality is not measured by feelings of consolation but by the ability to endure trials with patience and humility. The author cautions against the folly of those who, in times of grace, become overconfident and neglect the wisdom of experienced guides. Instead, it is better to possess a modest understanding accompanied by humility than to be burdened with knowledge that fosters pride. The work also addresses the need for balance in one's emotional state, warning that excessive joy can lead to forgetfulness of one's vulnerabilities, while despair in adversity can indicate a lack of trust in divine providence. It advocates for a consistent practice of humility and self-regulation to avoid spiritual pitfalls. Ultimately, the text posits that true merit lies not in external signs of spirituality, such as visions or knowledge, but in a grounded humility and a sincere desire to honor God. It encourages the faithful to embrace being despised and humbled by others, viewing such experiences as opportunities for spiritual growth.
By Thomas à Kempis · First published 1940 · Genre: Spirituality, Philosophy, Religious · 819 words
First lines
"My Son, it is better and safer for thee to hide the grace of devotion, and not to lift thyself up on high, nor to speak much thereof, nor to value it greatly; but rather to despise thyself, and to fear as though this grace were given to one unworthy thereof. Nor must thou depend too much upon this feeling, for it can very quickly be turned into its opposite. Think when thou art in a state of grace how miserable and poor thou art wont to be without grace. Nor is there advance in spiritual life in this alone, that thou hast the grace of consolation, but that thou humbly and unselfishly and patiently takest the withdrawal thereof; so that thou cease not from the exercise of prayer, nor suffer thy other common duties to be in anywise neglected; rather do thy task more readily, as though thou hadst gained more strength and knowledge; and do not altogether neglect thyself because of the dearth and anxiety of spirit which thou feelest.
What this Textopian page supports
Of Hiding our Grace under the Guard of Humility is listed on Textopian as an essay by Thomas à Kempis, dated 1940 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: 1940 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Spirituality, Philosophy, Religious, Devotional Literature, Self-help
- Length: 819 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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Similar titles
- Of Not Troubling Ourselves About Outward Things by Thomas A. Kempis
- Of Lowly Submission by Thomas A. Kempis
- That Our Peace Is Not To Be Placed In Men by Thomas A. Kempis
- That A Man Ought Not To Reckon Himself Worthy Of Consolation But More Worthy Of Chastisement by Thomas A. Kempis
- Against The Tongues Of Detractors by Thomas A. Kempis
- Of Works Of Charity by Thomas A. Kempis
Genres
- Spirituality — The text focuses on the themes of humility, grace, and the spiritual journey, emphasizing the importance of devotion and self-awareness.
- Philosophy — The work explores philosophical ideas about self-perception, humility, and the nature of grace, encouraging deep reflection on one's spiritual state.
- Religious — The content is rooted in Christian teachings, discussing the relationship between the individual and God, and the significance of humility in faith.
- Devotional Literature — The text serves as a guide for personal devotion and spiritual growth, providing insights for prayer and reflection.
Tags
Christianity · Spirituality · Meditations · Devotional · Humility · Self-reflection · Inner peace · Faith · Religion · Philosophy · Theology · Moral guidance
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