Of the Recollection of God's Manifold Benefits
The work emphasizes the importance of recognizing and appreciating the manifold benefits bestowed by God. It begins with a prayer for understanding and a humble acknowledgment of one's inability to adequately praise God for His mercies. The text asserts that all gifts, whether material or spiritual, are divine blessings, and it encourages a mindset of gratitude and humility. It highlights that the distribution of gifts is determined by God's wisdom, and individuals should not compare themselves to others in terms of what they possess. Instead, they should focus on God's goodness and the fact that all blessings come from Him. The narrative suggests that those who receive fewer gifts should not feel inferior or envious but should find comfort in their relationship with God. The work further explores the idea that true greatness lies in humility and the recognition of one's unworthiness. It posits that the humble are more receptive to divine gifts and that God's choice of the poor and humble as His friends is a testament to His grace. The apostles are cited as examples of individuals who embraced humility and suffered for God's sake, finding joy in their trials. Ultimately, the text encourages believers to find contentment in God's will and to prioritize His honor above personal gain or status. It advocates for a disposition that values spiritual wealth over worldly recognition, urging individuals to be at peace with their circumstances, whether high or low. The overarching message is one of gratitude, humility, and a deep trust in God's providence, reinforcing the notion that true fulfillment comes from aligning oneself with divine will rather than seeking external validation.
By Thomas à Kempis · First published 1620 · Genre: Religious Literature, Spiritual Reflection, Philosophical · 697 words
First lines
Open, O Lord, my heart in Thy law, and teach me to walk in the way of Thy commandments. Grant me to understand Thy will and to be mindful of Thy benefits, both general and special, with great reverence and diligent meditation, that thus I may be able worthily to give Thee thanks. Yet I know and confess that I cannot render Thee due praises for the least of Thy mercies. I am less than the least of all the good things which Thou gavest me; and when I consider Thy majesty, my spirit faileth because of the greatness thereof.
What this Textopian page supports
Of the Recollection of God's Manifold Benefits is listed on Textopian as an essay by Thomas à Kempis, dated 1620 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: 1620 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Religious Literature, Spiritual Reflection, Philosophical, Devotional, Meditative Writing
- Length: 697 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Of the Recollection of God's Manifold Benefits 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 the Recollection of God's Manifold Benefits?
- How does this essay by Thomas à Kempis fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Religious Literature first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- That True Solace Is To Be Sought In God Alone by Thomas A. Kempis
- Of The Imitation Of Christ And Of Contempt Of The World And All Its Vanities by Thomas A. Kempis
- Of A Religious Life by Thomas A. Kempis
- That We Must Rest In God Above All Goods And Gifts by Thomas A. Kempis
- Of The Royal Way Of The Holy Cross by Thomas A. Kempis
- Of The Exercises Of A Religious Man by Thomas A. Kempis
Genres
- Religious Literature — The text focuses on themes of divine benefits, humility, and gratitude towards God, characteristic of religious writings.
- Spiritual Reflection — The work encourages deep meditation on God's gifts and personal spiritual growth, aligning with spiritual reflection genres.
- Philosophical — It explores concepts of merit, humility, and the nature of goodness, which are central to philosophical discourse.
- Devotional — The text serves as a guide for personal devotion and prayer, typical of devotional literature.
Tags
Christianity · Meditation · Spirituality · Devotional · Philosophy · Theology · Faith · Prayer · Gratitude · Reflection · Self-Improvement · Personal Growth
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