Christ willed to suffer and be despised and do you dare complain of the same? Christ had adversaries and backbiters; and do you wish to have all men your friends and benefactors? When shall your patience attain her crown if no adversity befalls you? If you are willing to suffer naught that is against you, how will you be the friend of Christ?
Thomas a KempisIn judging others a man laboreth in vain; he often erreth, and easily falleth into sin; but in judging and examining himself he always laboreth to good purpose.
Thomas a KempisIf thou may not continually gather thyself together, do it sometime at least once a day, morning or evening.
Thomas a KempisThere is no man in this world without some manner of tribulation or anguish, though he be king or pope.
Thomas a Kempis