That the Grace of God Doth not Join itself to th
The work emphasizes the importance of divine grace and the necessity of detachment from worldly concerns to attain spiritual fulfillment. It begins by asserting that grace cannot coexist with earthly distractions and comforts. The reader is urged to abandon anything that obstructs the reception of grace, advocating for solitude and a focused prayer life to cultivate a contrite heart and pure conscience. The text highlights the significance of viewing the world as insignificant, encouraging a deep relationship with God over transient pleasures. It stresses that one cannot simultaneously seek divine connection and indulge in worldly delights. The author references the Apostle Peter, who advises believers to live as strangers and pilgrims in this world, underscoring the need for detachment from earthly ties. A central theme is the liberation that comes from self-denial. The work posits that true freedom and spiritual elevation require a heart unencumbered by attachments, whether to distant or close relationships. The text asserts that mastery over oneself is paramount; conquering personal desires leads to victory over external challenges. The ideal state is one where sensual desires are subordinate to reason, which in turn must align with divine will. To achieve spiritual ascent, the reader is encouraged to confront and eradicate selfish inclinations. The text identifies excessive self-love as a root cause of spiritual stagnation, suggesting that overcoming this inclination leads to lasting peace. It critiques the common struggle of individuals who fail to fully commit to self-denial, resulting in a cycle of entrapment within their own desires. Ultimately, the work calls for a radical transformation of the heart and mind, advocating for the mortification of all inordinate affections and a rejection of selfish love for creatures. The path to spiritual freedom is depicted as one of rigorous self-discipline and a profound commitment to God, leading to a life characterized by tranquility and divine communion.
By Thomas à Kempis · First published 1654 · Genre: Spiritual Literature, Theology, Devotional · 485 words
First lines
"My Son, precious is My grace, it suffereth not itself to be joined with outward things, nor with earthly consolations. Therefore thou oughtest to cast away all things which hinder grace, if thou longest to receive the inpouring thereof. Seek a secret place for thyself, love to dwell alone with thyself, desire the conversation of no one; but rather pour out thy devout prayer to God, that thou mayest possess a contrite mind and a pure conscience. Count the whole world as nought; seek to be alone with God before all outward things. For thou canst not be alone with Me, and at the same time be delighted with transitory things. Thou oughtest to be separated from thy acquaintances and dear friends, and keep thy mind free from all worldly comfort. So the blessed Apostle Peter beseecheth, that Christ's faithful ones bear themselves in this world as strangers and pilgrims.130
What this Textopian page supports
That the Grace of God Doth not Join itself to those who Mind Earthly Things 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: Spiritual Literature, Theology, Devotional, Philosophy, Christian Mysticism
- Length: 485 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for That the Grace of God Doth not Join itself to those who Mind Earthly Things 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 That the Grace of God Doth not Join itself to those who Mind Earthly Things?
- How does this essay by Thomas à Kempis fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Spiritual Literature first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Of Pure And Entire Resignation Of Self For The Obtaining Liberty Of Heart by Thomas A. Kempis
- That True Solace Is To Be Sought In God Alone by Thomas A. Kempis
- Of The Knowledge Of Truth by Thomas A. Kempis
- Against Vain And Worldly Knowledge by Thomas A. Kempis
- Of A Low Estimation Of Self In The Sight Of God by Thomas A. Kempis
- That The Grace Of Devotion Is Acquired By Humility And Self Denial by Thomas A. Kempis
Genres
- Spiritual Literature — The text focuses on the relationship between the individual and God, emphasizing spiritual growth and the rejection of earthly attachments.
- Theology — It discusses theological concepts such as grace, sin, and the nature of the soul in relation to God.
- Devotional — The work serves as a guide for personal devotion and prayer, encouraging readers to seek solitude and a deeper connection with God.
- Philosophy — It presents philosophical reflections on self-control, the nature of desire, and the pursuit of spiritual freedom.
Tags
Christianity · Meditations · Spirituality · Devotional · Philosophy · Theology · Faith · Piety · Humility · Self-Improvement · Moral Guidance · Inner Peace
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