Of the Joy of a Good Conscience

Name: Of the Joy of a Good Conscience
Author: Thomas à Kempis

The text emphasizes the profound significance of a good conscience as the source of true joy and inner peace. It asserts that a good conscience provides strength and resilience, especially during adversities, while an evil conscience leads to fear and unrest. The work contrasts the fleeting nature of worldly glory with the enduring joy derived from a clear conscience, highlighting that true happiness is rooted in righteousness and divine truth rather than human approval. The author argues that those who seek genuine and eternal glory are indifferent to temporal accolades, suggesting that a pure conscience fosters tranquility and contentment. The text encourages self-reflection, asserting that one's worth is determined by divine judgment rather than human opinion. It underscores the importance of humility and the internal disposition of the heart over external validation. The narrative further illustrates that true spiritual fulfillment comes from a deep relationship with God, free from reliance on worldly recognition. It posits that a humble spirit is characterized by a commitment to goodness and a disregard for self-promotion. The work concludes by affirming that divine approval, rather than self-commendation, is the ultimate measure of worth, advocating for an inward focus on spiritual integrity and connection with God.

By Thomas à Kempis · First published 1654 · Genre: Spiritual Literature, Philosophy, Theology · 516 words

First lines

The testimony of a good conscience is the glory of a good man. Have a good conscience and thou shalt ever have joy. A good conscience is able to bear exceeding much, and is exceeding joyful in the midst of adversities; an evil conscience is ever fearful and unquiet. Thou shalt rest sweetly if thy heart condemn thee not. Never rejoice unless when thou hast done well. The wicked have never true joy, nor feel internal peace, for "there is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked. "24 And if they say "we are in peace, there shall no harm happen unto us, and who shall dare to do us hurt? " believe them not, for suddenly shall the wrath of God rise up against them, and their deeds shall be brought to nought, and their thoughts shall perish.

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Of the Joy of a Good Conscience is listed on Textopian as an essay by Thomas à Kempis, dated 1654 CE.

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Work type: Essay
Author: Thomas à Kempis
Date: 1654 CE
Language: English
Genres: Spiritual Literature, Philosophy, Theology, Devotional, Non-fiction
Length: 516 words
Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)

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Genres

Spiritual Literature — The book focuses on the inner life, conscience, and the relationship with God, which are central themes in spiritual literature.
Philosophy — It explores moral and ethical questions regarding the nature of good and evil, conscience, and true joy.
Theology — The text discusses concepts of divine judgment, the nature of God, and the importance of a good conscience in relation to faith.
Devotional — It serves as a guide for personal reflection and devotion, encouraging readers to seek inner peace and joy through a good conscience.