Of Lowly Submission

Name: Of Lowly Submission
Author: Thomas à Kempis

The work emphasizes the importance of humility and submission to God as essential virtues for spiritual growth. It encourages individuals to focus on their duties and maintain a good conscience, trusting that divine assistance will prevail over human opposition. The text asserts that true strength lies in the ability to endure suffering and silence, as this leads to divine intervention and support. Humility is portrayed as a pathway to peace and grace. The humble individual is favored by God, who offers comfort and revelation to those who recognize their own shortcomings. The work suggests that acknowledging one's faults not only pacifies others but also fosters a deeper relationship with the divine. The humble person finds solace in God's presence rather than in worldly validation. The narrative underscores that true profit in life comes from recognizing one's inferiority to others, which cultivates a spirit of humility. The text advocates for a mindset that prioritizes spiritual over worldly concerns, encouraging readers to embrace their lowly status as a means to draw closer to God. Ultimately, the work serves as a guide for those seeking to live a life of submission, humility, and reliance on divine grace.

By Thomas à Kempis · First published 1654 · Genre: Spirituality, Religious, Philosophy · 259 words

First lines

Make no great account who is for thee or against thee, but mind only the present duty and take care that God be with thee in whatsoever thou doest. Have a good conscience and God will defend thee, for he whom God will help no man's perverseness shall be able to hurt. If thou knowest how to hold thy peace and to suffer, without doubt thou shalt see the help of the Lord. He knoweth the time and the way to deliver thee, therefore must thou resign thyself to Him. To God it belongeth to help and to deliver from all confusion. Oftentimes it is very profitable for keeping us in greater humility, that others know and rebuke our faults.

What this Textopian page supports

Of Lowly Submission is listed on Textopian as an essay by Thomas à Kempis, dated 1654 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: 1654 CE
Language: English
Genres: Spirituality, Religious, Philosophy, Devotional, Non-fiction
Length: 259 words
Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Of Lowly Submission by Thomas à Kempis
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
Readability and classroom-planning context
Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering Of Lowly Submission?
How does this essay by Thomas à Kempis fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Spirituality first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Spirituality — The book focuses on themes of humility, submission to God, and spiritual growth.
Religious — It emphasizes Christian teachings and the importance of a humble relationship with God.
Philosophy — The text explores philosophical ideas about self-awareness, humility, and the nature of human existence.
Devotional — It serves as a guide for personal devotion and reflection on one's relationship with God.