Of the Diverse Motions of Nature and of Grace
The work explores the contrasting dynamics of Nature and Grace, emphasizing their opposing characteristics and influences on human behavior and spirituality. It begins by urging the reader to discern these motions, as they often masquerade as good but lead to deception. Nature is depicted as self-serving, resistant to subjugation, and focused on personal gain, while Grace embodies humility, self-mortification, and a desire to serve God and others. Nature seeks honor, fears shame, and craves comfort, whereas Grace finds joy in suffering for Christ, embraces labor, and values simplicity over materialism. The text highlights that Nature is concerned with temporal matters and personal possessions, while Grace aspires to eternal truths and is untroubled by loss or criticism. Nature is characterized by covetousness and selfishness, while Grace promotes generosity and contentment. The work further contrasts the social inclinations of both forces: Nature seeks validation through status and relationships, while Grace loves even enemies and values virtue over social standing. Nature is quick to complain and self-centered, while Grace remains steadfast in adversity and redirects all things to God. The text concludes by asserting that Grace is a divine gift that elevates the soul from earthly concerns to heavenly aspirations, transforming the carnal into the spiritual. The more Nature is subdued, the more Grace flourishes, renewing the inner self in the image of God. This transformation is presented as essential for achieving eternal salvation and true spiritual enlightenment.
By Thomas à Kempis · First published 1941 · Genre: Theological Literature, Philosophical Treatise, Devotional Literature · 1,136 words
First lines
"My Son, pay diligent heed to the motions of Nature and of Grace, because they move in a very contrary and subtle manner, and are hardly distinguished save by a spiritual and inwardly enlightened man. All men indeed seek good, and make pretence of something good in all that they say or do; and thus under the appearance of good many are deceived.
"Nature is deceitful and draweth away, ensnareth, and deceiveth many, and always hath self for her end; but Grace walketh in simplicity and turneth away from every appearance of evil, maketh no false pretences, and doeth all entirely for the sake of God, in whom also she finally resteth.
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Of the Diverse Motions of Nature and of Grace is listed on Textopian as an essay by Thomas à Kempis, dated 1941 CE.
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- Work type: Essay
- Author: Thomas à Kempis
- Date: 1941 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Theological Literature, Philosophical Treatise, Devotional Literature, Christian Mysticism, Ethical Writing
- Length: 1,136 words
- Structure: 1 section, 18 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
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Similar titles
- That All Things Are To Be Referred To God As The Final End by Thomas A. Kempis
- That It Is Sweet To Despise The World And To Serve God by Thomas A. Kempis
- Of The Inward Growth Of Patience And Of The Struggle Against Evil Desires by Thomas A. Kempis
- That The Greatness And Charity Of God Is Shown To Men In The Sacrament by Thomas A. Kempis
- Of The Oblation Of Christ Upon The Cross And Of Resignation Of Self by Thomas A. Kempis
- That Man Hath No Good In Himself And Nothing Whereof To Glory by Thomas A. Kempis
Genres
- Theological Literature — The book explores deep spiritual themes contrasting Nature and Grace, focusing on moral and ethical implications.
- Philosophical Treatise — It presents philosophical reflections on human nature, virtue, and the divine, encouraging introspection and moral reasoning.
- Devotional Literature — The text serves as a guide for spiritual growth and devotion, emphasizing the importance of grace in the believer's life.
- Christian Mysticism — It delves into the mystical aspects of faith, highlighting the transformative power of grace over natural inclinations.
Tags
Christianity · Philosophy · Theology · Meditations · Spirituality · Faith · Reason · Nature · Grace · Morality · Ethics · Religion
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