Vera sapientia or true wisdom

Preface

The works of Thomas & Kempis need no praise, for they have stood the test of time, which commits to oblivion many works that had been once praised and widely read.

I have never seen an English translation of the work of Thomas a Kempis entitled ‘ Vera Sapientia ’ (True Wisdom). A Latin copy of this work, published in Paris in 1804, came into my hands. Having read it with pleasure and profit, I did it into English. Friends to whom I showed it advised me to have it published, in the belief and hope that it would do good.

It was, moreover, suggested to have it published in London, from which it would have a larger circulation. It is well known that the language into which a work is faithfully translated suffers in purity and idiom. May I ask the reader to bear in mind this fact, and to excuse any defects which may be noticeable in this translation.

FREDERICK BYRNE.

v

Book I That Virtue Has To Carry On War With Vice

CHAPTER PAGE

% 1. Three Different Modes of Human Life - I

II. The Severe Judgment of God - - 3

III. That we should be Sorry and Weep for our Sins - 5

IV. Lamentation over Time and Negligence - 9

*• V. The Prayer of a Humble and Contrite Spirit - 1 1

v VI. Compunction of Heart, or the Griefs and Sighs of

a Penitent Soul - - - 12

VII. The Devout Prayer of a Sinner turning to God,

and imploring Mercy - - - 16

VIII. Watchfulness and Prayer are to be employed in

Temptations - - - - - 20

r IX. An Encouragement to Spiritual Advancement - 22

X. A Determined Fight is to be carried on against

Vice, after the Example of the Saints - - 28

XI. That Conscience is to be Guarded at all Times and

in every Place - - - - “3°

XII. On Solitude and Silence - - - 32

• XIII. How the Faithful Mind is Affected by Various Temptations by which it is assailed or to which

it is now Subject - - - 36

XIV. The Preceding Subject is Continued - 40

XV. Confidence in Divine Mercy - - '43

vii

Contents viii

Book II What Things Can Be Truly And Justly Called Good And Bad

CHAPTER PAGE

I. The Shortness and Miseries of the Present Life - 47

II. The Preceding Subject Continued - 50

III. Sighing for Eternal Life - - - "S3

IV. The Eternal Praise of God, Divine Love, and

Desire of Eternal Glory - - - 55

V. Divine Hope - - - - -58

VI. Christ is the Life of Him who has Died to the World 61

VII. Withdrawing from Creatures - : - 65

VIII. Contempt for all Earthly Consolation - 67

IX. That great Sweetness and Consolation are found

X. Seeking the Only and Best Good - 75

XI. True Peace is to be Sought in God alone - 81

XII. The Desire of Divine Enjoyment - - 83

XIII. The Sighing of a Soul on account of the Delay

of Glory - - - - 87

XIV. The Remembrance of the Heavenly Country - 92

Book III The Miseries Which The^good Endure In This World

I. The Devout are Tried by Contrary Things j - 97

1 II. The Elect are Proved in Many Ways - 98

III. God is to be Praised in the Absence of Devotion - 100

IV. The True Lover of God - - - - 101

V. The Soul should be Grateful for every Gift - 102

* VI. The Conformity of a Devout Soul with its

Crucified Lord - - - - - 103

VII. God is the Helper and Refuge of the Poor - 104

VIII. Lazarus Poor and Infirm - - 107

Contents ix

CHAPTER PAGE

IX. The Union of the Soul with God in the Various

Crises of Life - - - - 109

X. The Beloved giving the Reason of His Withdrawing - - - - - no

XI. The same Subject Continued - - - 116

XII. Praise of Religious Poverty - - - 118

XIII. The Commendation of Poverty from the Ex-

ample of Christ and His Saints - - 121

XIV. The Connection and Relationship of Poverty

with Humility - - - - 123

XV. The Consolation of Poverty - - - 125

XVI. The Necessity of Patience in the midst of the

Miseries of Life - - - -126

XVII. The Consolation of the Afflicted and Sorrowful

in Trouble - - - - -129

XVIII. Patience is Recommended from the Words and

Example of Christ and of the Patriarchs - 131

XIX. Patience is to be principally Exercised in the

Mortification of our own Wills - - 135

XX. Patience is Taught by the Example of the

Prophets and Martyrs - - - 137

XXI. Patience is Recommended from the Consideration of its Usefulness, of its Shortness, and of its Eternal Reward - - - 139

XXII. Divine Consolation in Suffering for Christ - 143

XXIII. The Consideration of the Most Pious Mother

the Virgin Mary - - - - 145

Book IV On The Virtues Of A Truly Christian Man

I. On Stability - - - - 1 5 1

II. A Right Intention is to be Directed to God - 152

III. Prudent Speech and Brotherly Compassion - 155

IV. The Great Merit of Patience for Christ - 157

X

Contents

V.

VI.

VII.

VIII.

IX.

X.

XI.

XII.

XIII.

XIV.

XV.

XVI.

XVII.

• XVIII.

v XIX.

XX.

The Remembrance of the Passion of the Lord in Opposition to Dissipation The Invocation of the Holy Name of Jesus and of the Blessed Virgin Mary His Mother On Humility -

The Conduct and Actions of the Truly Humble, and also the Qualities of the Proud - On the Clear Intelligence of the Holy Scriptures In Praise of the Holy Angels - The Prayer of the Devout Lover and Praiser of God -

The Union of Heart to be Maintained with God The Walking of a Pure Soul with God On Peace of Heart and Rest in God - On the Recollection of the Heart with God - On Companionship with Jesus and His Saints - Our Complete Happiness and Last End are to be placed in God alone ...

The Approach to the Holy of Holies Jesus Christ, the King of Angels - The Approach to Salute the Glorious Virgin - That Thanks are to be Given for all Benefits -

PAGE

160 163

Chapter I Three Different Modes Of Human Life

‘ I am the flower of the field and the lily of the valleys.’ — Cant. ii.

i. This is the voice of Christ to every devout soul. For Christ is the beautiful Spouse of holy Church,

(the head of all the faithful, the flower of all virtues, the lily of the valleys, and the lover of humility and chastity.

2. Whoever, therefore, wishes to serve Christ, and to please the heavenly Spouse, should endeavour to overcome his vices, to gather the lilies of virtues, to avoid idleness, to be employed in what is useful, to pray often, to withdraw from disputes, to love to be alone, to be silent of things that do not concern him, or which perhaps are even hurtful to him.

3. Exterior appearance, without interior virtue, avails little before God. Attend, therefore, to your state of life, for you shall reap the reward of what good you will do, just as you shall bear the punishment of whatever evil you will have committed before God.

4. When, therefore, you eat or drink, sleep or rest, or go of your own desire where you will, you perform the works of the flesh, and become like the beasts, that roam about, eat, drink, and fill themselves till they are satisfied ; but when you watch and pray, sing psalms or hymns to God, or to His saints, or when you fast, and put away vice from you — when you do good to your neighbour, or when you are sorry, grieve, and weep for your sins, confess and implore pardon, you do then the works of the Holy Ghost, live according to the Spirit, and follow the rule of religious life ; you become like the holy angels in heaven, who praise God, publish His glory, bless His name, and always enjoy His presence.

5. But when you are proud or angry, detract or murmur, cheat, lie, or annoy others, rejoice at the losses that befall them, or are sad at their prosperity, when you deceive your neighbour and seek yourself in everything, you follow then the devil, and become like the evil spirits ; for they follow their passions and wickedness as much as they can, and to the extent they are permitted.

6. Therefore the life of the just is like that of the angels, the life of the carnal is equal to that of the beasts, and the life of the proud may be

The Severe Judgment of God compared to that of the devils. Beware, servant of God, lest you be entangled in their snares, be accused by them on the day of judgment, and put to shame.

Chapter II The Severe Judgment Of God

‘ Let my heart rejoice, that it may fear Thy name.’ — Ps. lxxxv.

i. My God, Thou art most lovable, but Thou art also most terrible. He who loves can rejoice, he who loves not should fear, but he who neither loves nor fears is foolish and insane. It is indeed a dreadful thing to fall into Thy hands. Who knows the power of Thy anger ? who can measure Thy wrath ? who can behold Thee in judgment ? who therefore should not fear Thee ?

2. There is no place where man is hidden from Thy face, for all things are uncovered and open to Thee ; Thou penetratest into the interior of man, and seest the most secret motions of his thoughts ; there is therefore no secret hidden from Thy eyes.

3. How terrible Thou art to sinners and to those hardened of heart, who are glad when they have done evil, and rejoice in most wicked things ; who say, The Lord does not see, and God does not understand ! They boast with vain words, as if Thou art not to come, and they turn away their face, that they may not see the end. But Thou wilt come at an hour in which they do not think, and they shall be taken in the snares of their sins. For as thieves and robbers when caught are confused, so shall they be put to shame in due time. Thou wilt mock them who now despise Thy commands, and repay the wickedness of those who now hate justice.

4. Now they are deaf to Thy voice, but the time will come when they shall cry out, and nobody will hear them. They now turn Thy words into jests, but then they shall be turned into fire. For Thy word shall go forth with a terrible sound, and it shall strike the impious and wicked without mercy.

5. What will the proud puffed up with learning, and the great lifted up with power, then say ? What will they answer when the last trumpet will sound, and when Thou, O Lord our God, wilt appear in majesty with Thy angels and saints ? Then indeed shall be silent all the wicked and the scoffers of Thy word ; they who did not fear Thee, and who persecuted Thy elect shall be slaughtered on every side.

6. They shall then be covered with great confusion, who, having put aside conscience and virtue, gave themselves up to vanity and lies. Everything that was then done through inordinate joy shall be turned into grief ; companions in intemperance shall then be bound like fagots to be burned, and those whom love led into sin the avenging flame shall surround and torture.

Be Sorry and Weep for our Sins 5

7. Foolish and miserable, mad and blind lovers of the world, what do you, or what do you pretend ? How shall you escape the anger of God ? Why do you hasten to eternal torments for a little pleasure which you love ? Why have you not a dread of hell, who fear so much a little penance ? And you, who use every means to avoid the death of the body, why do you not do something to escape the death of the soul ? Unless, therefore, you be converted, and do penance, you shall not escape the dreadful and fiery torments inflicted by an offended and just God.

8. I tremble when I consider that last day and hour, for God will not then be moved by prayers, but will be a just J udge to all. O Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy and Merciful Saviour, do not deliver me to an evil death, but give me time to repent, that I may be able to weep sincerely for my sins before I depart from this life.

Chapter III That We Should Be Sorry And Weep For Our Sins

‘ My sorrow is always in my sight.’ — Ps. xlvii.

i. My God, I have dishonoured my life by many sins, but behold the tears which in Thy presence I shed for them. I know goodness does not abide in me, and whilst I live I shall not be free from sin.

2. Therefore I do wrong, and sin every day, and, what is worse, I allow many things to pass without true grief or sorrow ; for, in consequence of being occupied and entangled with external affairs and vain curiosities, I cannot quickly return to profitable sorrow. My sins very much increase in me darkness, by hindering the sources of grace and by preventing the rays of Divine consolation. Is this a small thing and trifling evil ? My God, it is a great evil, and becomes more dangerous, because it quickly passes from my heart, and does not cause in me any sorrow.

3. Dost Thou consider, O Lord, how often I trifle with Thee, and deceive myself ? Hast Thou, O Lord, been silent till now ? Where is the rod ? where is the lash ? where is the goad ? Why didst Thou withdraw Thy judgment and punishment from my sight ? If they had been present, thinkest Thou I would have acted so carelessly ? If Thou art silent for sake of my amendment, Thou manifestest Thy patience, but if I be negligent wilt Thou not punish me severely — if not here, certainly hereafter ? No sin, small or great, shall pass unpunished ; but it is much better to suffer here, where weeping is more profitable, labour shorter, satisfaction more acceptable, and reconciliation easier.

4. Do not therefore spare the rod, but fill my eyes with bitter tears, and do not put off my punishment to a future time, lest I be delivered to the torturers till I shall have paid the last

Be Sorry and Weep for our Sins 7

farthing ; for it is better to be lightly and mercifully punished now than to endure hereafter the intense pains of purgatory.

5. I should therefore weep and have very great sorrow for my sins. I have no reason to laugh, but many to weep ; darkness of mind, a slippery conscience, falls into sin, and loss of grace, often urge and force me to weep from very anguish of heart.

6. What reason is there for mirth, considering the divers temptations and assaults of the wicked ? Spare me, O Lord — spare me ! Moved by sorrow of heart, it is no wonder I weep, for the present is the time of weeping. Happy hour in which arises in me sorrow for sin ; blessed tears which flow from intensity of contrition produced by the many stains of my soul.

7. Who is able to dispel completely this abyss of darkness ? Thou, my God, the true light, canst dispel all the darkness of my soul ; Thou canst give a new heart, create a clean heart, prepare a hidden tabernacle to be the place of Thy abode, the tabernacle of Thy name ; for Thou art the lover of purity, and the friend of a good conscience.

8. But as Thou dost not willingly visit an empty house — yea, Thou dost often abandon it when it is the place of unruly passions — I am therefore solicitous lest this should happen to me ; but, most merciful and clement Lord, help me to repair the injuries which sin has done in me. Woe to him from whom Thou departest in anger, but peace to him to whom Thou comest, and with whom Thou remainest.

9. Poor creature, placed in the midst of snares, and fettered with the chains of sin, what counsel can I follow, or what means of salvation can I have, but to lift up my sorrowful eyes to Thee, that Thou mayest hear my prayers from on high ? A burdened conscience cannot find or have a safer remedy than to offer itself contritely to Thee in prayer. And how can troublesome temptations be better watched, lest they prevail, than by constant prayer poured forth to Thee, and by humbling myself exceedingly in Thy sight ? But who will give me these good things, to pray and weep as I should ? Whence shall I obtain this profound humility and abundance of tears ? From Thee, O Lord, with whom there is mercy and plentiful redemption.

10. O Lord God, the giver of every grace, grant that I may fittingly weep for even my smallest sins, for those which I have forgotten as well as for those of which I am conscious, and that I may do penance for all without exception. May my sorrow and penance be acceptable to Thee ; may they restore to me the grace which I had lost, and may they procure for me greater and more efficacious means of salvation.

Lamentation over Time and Negligence 9

CHAPTER IV LAMENTATION over time and negligence

‘Thy eyes did see my imperfect being.’ — Ps. cxxxviii.

i. What shall become of me, as I daily fall away ? How shall I perfectly amend my life ? When shall I become better ? When shall I grow strong ? and when shall I overcome the hindrances to my salvation ? I am very much dispirited. Dost Thou think there is any hope for me to arise from sin, to amend my life, to advance in virtue, and to persevere to the end ?

2. I have no trust in myself, and oh that my hope in Thee were firmer ! I feel strong suggestions to despair, because my weakness is increased by continual trials, and I do not see an end of my grief and misery. And if I say I will now begin, now is the time, I will now strive to do my best, temptation is immediately present, the enemy arises against me, and my bad habits, in opposition to my will, firmly hold me. Behold, O Lord, my dejection, my misery, and the calamities which I suffer. Let Thy right hand be lifted up, and deliver me from those who oppress me, because their fear has fallen upon me, counsel has left me, my strength has faded away, my arm is broken, and my sword is unable to save me.

3. I do not see to whom to turn, and he who would receive and comfort me does not appear. Thou alone hast continued to be my refuge, but because I have offended Thee I am afraid. I have sinned ; pardon me. I am very sorry for all my faults ; give me, what Thou thinkest fit. and be propitious to me. Thou dost justly depart from me, and deliver me to the adversary. Remember, I beseech Thee, Thy creature who has fallen ; lift him up, for he cannot stand of himself. Attend to my cry and to my wants, be not forgetful of my labour and grief. Look, 0 merciful Father, on my banishment, captivity, imprisonment, and oppression, and deliver me who am in fetters from this prison of miserable slavery.

4. If a man shall have lived many years, shall he be the better of it ? Who knows whether he shall be better or worse ? The course and end of man is uncertain, and his perseverance doubtful, on account of the dangers of temptation and of his many falls into sin.

5. Many in the beginning of their conversion are humble and good, but afterwards they fall away and become rebellious ; at first they are fearful, devout, full of compunction, and silent ; afterwards they become free, dissolute, talkative, and unguarded. In the beginning they restrained their thoughts, afterwards they had scarcely any guard over their words and actions ; and so by little and little they fell deeply into sin by want of watchfulness in the beginning.

6. Who therefore should not fear and be cir-

Prayer of a Humble and Contrite Spirit ii

cumspect, when it has sometimes happened that the good and modest fall into many misfortunes ? For who knows if he be chosen and able to bear all things ? It is necessary that all shall be proved, and who is certain that he may not be burned, for fire is the trial ? All should therefore fear, and should also hope for the best ; but they should not rashly presume or become careless by vain hope.

7. O Lord God, what joy can I have in the world when I begin to realize the uncertainty and weakness of everything under heaven ? I am, however, certain of Thee, for Thou art good, and Thy mercy is from generation to generation to those who fear Thee. Thy goodness and pity are infinitely greater than all my iniquities, and this will be my comfort so long as Thou givest me time to amend.

Chapter V The Prayer Of A Humble And Contrite Spirit

‘To Thee, O Lord, have I lifted up my soul.’ — Ps. xxiv.

i. O Lord God, who wisely and justly disposest all things with angels and men and all creatures, accept, as great praises and thanksgivings due and now offered to Thee, all the tribulations and anguishes of my heart in sincere contrition for my sins. Change for me every evil into good, and every good into what is always better, for the glory of Thy name, and for the eternal salvation of my soul.

2. Thou knowest my weakness, my great ignorance, and my inconstancy, by which I quickly wander hither and thither far away from Thee. Spare me, O Lord, according to the multitude of Thy mercies, and quickly lead me back to Thee. I desire to please Thy most benign countenance with sacred gifts and prayers, especially with the offerings of the poor, sorrow of heart, confession of mouth, and satisfaction by good works.

3. I beseech Thee, my dearest Lord, to accept my humble prayer and bitter sorrow for my sins, for the sweet canticles of the angels and the united prayers of all the heavenly citizens. I do not despair, nor will I despair, of Thy pardon and mercy, though I often fall and am oppressed by my infirmity. I cease not, nor will cease, during my life, from praising Thee ; I will glorify and magnify Thee, O my God, till my soul is admitted to Thy presence, for it is the greatest happiness of the angels and blessed in heaven to always praise and love Thee.

Chapter VI Compunction Of Heart, Or The Griefs And Sighs Of A Penitent Soul

i. Weep with me, all my friends ; see my sorrow, for it is very great ; behold my wound, for it is very deep. Why do I weep ? It is because I am

Compunction of Heart cast away from the face of God, and from the sight of His eyes. I sit in darkness and in the shadow of death ; I do not see the light of heaven.

2. Therefore what joy can I have — I, a miserable man, who went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of cruel robbers, who stripped me of the garment of immortality, and left me half dead from wounds inflicted on me ? The keepers that go about the city found me ; they struck and wounded me ; the keepers of the walls took away my veil.

3. Now, therefore, daughters of Jerusalem, tell the Beloved that I am filled with grief ; send messengers to Him, saying, ‘ Lazarus, whom Thou lovest, is sick ‘ Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, and is grievously tormented.’

4. I am a son of Adam the prevaricator — a son of death, and born in sin. My entrance into the world was miserable, and my departure from it shall be fearful. Whither shall I flee ? I know not. If I ascend to heaven, Thou art there, and wilt not spare sinners ; if I descend into hell, Thou art there to punish the wicked.

5. Where shall I hide myself from the face of Thy anger, for I have sinned very grievously in my life ? I looked up to heaven, and God said, * Take away the impious, that he may not see the glory of God.’ I looked again into the abyss, and the terrible voice sounded in my ears, ‘ Bind his hands and feet, and cast him into exterior darkness, where shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

6. Fear and trembling came upon me, and darkness covered me from the face of the anger and indignation of the Lord. And I said, Who therefore can be saved ? If Thou, O Lord, wilt mark iniquity, who shall stand it ? Terrible and holy is His name.

7. But now I have heard a consoling voice speaking to those who are in sadness and grief, saying, 4 Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted and again, 4 Do penance, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand ’ — the voice of the Lord consoling His servants, the voice of the Lord calling after them, 4 Be converted and live, ye sons of men ; turn to Me, and I will turn to you.’ 4 Come to Me all you who labour and are burdened, and I will refresh you.’

8. Now, my soul, do not fear so much. 4 The Son of man came to seek and to save that which was lost ;’ and again, 4 1 have not come to call the just, but sinners.’ Therefore, my soul, animate thyself with great confidence, for the Lord has spoken. Thy life was drawing near to hell, and tliou wert delivered to death, but God had mercy on thee, and resolved to show thee mercy.

9. Thou didst very much fear the face of the Lord, and didst think of hiding thyself from Him, as thy father Adam did when he sinned ; but this was a vain thought. Thou didst also think of flight into a distant country, as did Jonas by

Compunction of Heart ship from the face of the Lord ; but in this thou didst act foolishly, for neither by hiding nor by fleeing canst thou escape the hand of the Lord. Return therefore to the heavenly kingdom by another way which God will point out to thee, that thou mayest walk therein.

10. This is the way : do penance. The best counsel and greatest help will be given thee from heaven. The counsel is that thou sincerely repent, and by weeping make reparation for thy sins, and thus reconciled thou shalt have peace with God. The help will be from the Lord, who made heaven and earth, and who, great as He is, deigned to pay all thy debts ; for He delivered His soul unto death, and prayed for transgressors that they should not perish, and by His death He rescued thee from eternal death, and saved thee by His cross.

11. The Apostle St. Paul reminded the faithful of this, saying, ‘ He bore our sins, fixing them to the cross, forgiving our offences that we might live with Him.’ Hence in another place the same Apostle says, ‘A faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation, that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners.’ Behold the consolation and great hope God has given to sinners, and to the penitent and converted. Remember Thy holy word, by which Thou hast given me hope ; and, O Lord, I now prostrate myself before Thee in prayer, and cry to Thee from the bottom of my heart.

i6

Chapter VII The Devout Prayer Of A Sinner Turning To God, And Imploring Mercy

i. Lord God, Holy Father, I have sinned against heaven and before Thee, and am not worthy to be called Thy son, but, my Father, make me as one of Thy servants. If Thou dost cast me from Thy face, Thou dost justly, but Thou wilt act mercifully by receiving me, unworthy of every kindness.

2. Confiding in Thy mercy, I cast myself at Thy feet, and devoutly kiss them, shedding tears. I adore and supplicate Thee from a humble and contrite heart. Look, O merciful God, upon an insect and dead dog, and be propitious to me, as Thou wert to the holy Mary Magdalen, once a sinner, but who quickly obtained pardon at Thy feet.

3. Show forth Thy mercy to those who know Thee, extend Thy right hand to Thy fugitive servant, that Thy most pure eyes may see the contrition of my heart. Let not my Lord be angry for ever on account of the wickedness of His servant, but remember the great multitude of Thy mercies from the beginning, and be now appeased with Thy servant. Hear. O Lord, this one petition, which Thy servant on bended knees sends forth before Thy omnipotence, whilst he adores on earth the countenance of Thy glory.

Prayer of a Sinner Turning to God 17