Thomas a Kempis, Priest, 1471
24 July

Thomas Hammerken (or Hammerlein -- both mean "little hammer") was born at Kempen (hence the "A Kempis") in the duchy of Cleves in Germany around 1380. He was educated by a religious order called the Brethren of the Common Life, and in due course joined the order, was ordained a priest, became sub-prior of his house (in the low Countries), and died 25 July 1471 (his feast is observed a day early to avoid conflict with that of James bar-Zebedee the Apostle).

Thomas is known almost entirely for composing or compiling a manual of spiritual advice known as The Imitation of Christ, in which he urges the reader to seek to follow the example of Jesus Christ and to be conformed in all things to His will. An extract follows:

When God bestows Spiritual comfort, receive it with a grateful
heart; but remember that it comes of God's free gift, and not
of your own merit. Do not be proud, nor over joyful, nor
foolishly presumptuous; rather, be the more humble for this
gift, more cautious, and more prudent in all your doings, for
this hour will pass, and temptation will follow it. When
comfort is withdrawn, do not immediately despair, but humbly
and patiently await the will of Heaven; for God is able to
restore you to a consolation even richer than before. This is
nothing new or strange to those who know the ways of God, for
the great Saints and Prophets of old often experienced these
changes. ...Indeed, the temptation that precedes is often a
sign of comfort to follow. For heavenly comfort is promised to
those who have been tried and tempted."To him who overcomes,"
says God, "I will give to eat of the Tree of Life."