Jesus has many lovers of His kingdom of heaven, but he has few bearers of His Cross. Many desire His consolation, but few desire His tribulation. He finds many comrades in eating and drinking, but He finds few hands who will be with Him in His abstinence and fastingBut those who love Jesus purely for Himself, and not for their own profit or convenience, bless Him as heartily in temptation and tribulation and in all other adversities as they do in time of consolation. And if He never sent them consolation, they would still bless and praise Him.
Thomas a KempisA man that is well ordered in his soul needeth little the unkind demeanor of worldly people nor yet their proud behavior.
Thomas a KempisTwo wings lift a person up from earthly concerns: Simplicity in intention, and Purity in feeling.
Thomas a KempisSo fixed are our spirits in slothfulness and cold indifference that we seldom overcome so much as one evil habit.
Thomas a Kempis