Vera Sapentia Or True Wisdom by Thomas A Kempis

Thomas A Kempis is well known for the Imitation/Following of Christ, the second best selling book of all time after the Holy Bible. His rich spiritual writings have been read by Catholics since the book was first written in 1418. What most readers don't know is that Thomas A Kempis wrote 27 books in all and most have been out of print for 100+ years. This unedited edition was translated from the Latin by the Right Rev Mgr Byrne D.D., V.G.and originally published 100+ years ago. Written in a similar style as the Imitation of Christ it is sure to become a widely read book in a generation that has all but lost its real sense of true wisdom and spirituality.

An Example of Thomas A Kempis' writings from Book II, Chapter IV(1st 6 paragraphs)

The Eternal Praise of God, Divine Love, And Desire of Eternal Glory 1. 'O MY SOUL, praise the Lord,' from whom every good proceeds, now and for ever. You should therefore refer all things to Him, at the beginning and end of every action, and with great gratitude sincerely praise Him, that the gifts of heavenly grace may more abundantly flow into your soul, till you come to the fountain of everlasting life, to the country of eternal splendour, and to the sight of the Divine presence and glory.

2. You can do nothing more salutary, sweeter, more joyful, more worthy, higher, happier, more perfect, or more blessed, than to love and praise God ardently. This I say one hundred times; this I repeat one thousand times-there is no study more sublime, no work more eminent, than to love and praise God, your Creator and Redeemer, with your whole heart, with your whole soul, with your whole mind, and with your entire strength. Do this so long as you live, feel, and understand; accomplish this by word and work, by night and day, at morning, noon, and evening, at every hour and at every moment.

3. According to your knowledge and ability be entirely and purely united to God, that He may be all in all, before all, and above all; that He may be loved, blessed, praised and exalted by you, that you may be with Him forever. Exult, therefore, O faithful soul, in the Lord your God, as the Blessed Virgin Mary exulted in Jesus her Saviour. Exult and praise your God, who created and redeemed you. You are a debtor to Him for very many and great benefits, for the daily gifts He kindly gives you, for all which, though you were a holy angel, you cannot fully and worthily thank Him. Nevertheless, O mortal man, needing he mercy of God, and always seeking and imploring it, praise and give Him thanks. Cease not to pray and praise Him.

4. Though you may often fall and offend God, do not therefore despair; but humble yourself the more and pray. Love, and you shall be loved, because love makes amends for all past falls. It purifies, it heals, it enlightens and inflames, it drives away sadness, and it brings to the heart joy which the world does not know, and flesh and blood do not understand.

5. Praise God, and you shall be praised; bless, and you shall be blessed; sanctify, and you shall be sanctified; magnify, and you shall be magnified; glorify God, and you shall be glorified by Him in soul and body. But when will this be, O Lord? When wilt Thou fill my mouth with constant praise? When shall my heart and soul exult with Thy saints in glory?

6. O Lord, my Saviour, and my God, when wilt Thou make me joyful in Thy kingdom with the splendour of Thy countenance? Oh, when wilt Thou enlighten my darkness with the brightness of eternal light? When wilt Thou take away from the midst