May not be your peace in the mouth of the men; since no matter if they thing good or bad about you, you should not be a different man because of that.
Thomas a KempisMy God, Sweetness beyond words, make bitter all the carnal comfort that draws me from love of the eternal and lures me to its evil self by the sight of some delightful good in the present. Let it not overcome me, my God. Let not flesh and blood conquer me. Let not the world and its brief glory deceive me, nor the devil trip me by his craftiness. Give me courage to resist, patience to endure, and constancy to persevere. Give me the soothing unction of Your spirit rather than all the consolations of the world, and in place of carnal love, infuse into me the love of Your name.
Thomas a KempisDo not read to satisfy curiosity or to pass the time, but study such things as move your heart to devotion.
Thomas a KempisNow is the time to be doing, now is the time to be stirring, now is the time to amend myself.
Thomas a KempisIt is better to have but little knowledge with humility and understanding, than great learning which might make you proud. For a person's merits are not to be estimated by having many visions, or by knowledge of the bible, or by being placed in a higher position; but by being grounded in true humility, and by seeking always, purely, and entirely, the honor of God.
Thomas a Kempis