“…writings of the Fathers, especially St. Augustine and St. Bernard, all favourite founts of inspiration for à Kempis…” (Catholic Encyclopedia)

Let a man take heed concerning the fount he drinks from, lest it be tainted, causing a man to stagger in a drunken stupor away from the written word of God and the truth therein. Consider the fount of St. Bernard below:

“I say on the mercy of Mary: for St. Bernard says, we may praise her humility, and marvel at her virginity; but being poor sinners, we are more pleased and attracted by hearing of her mercy; for to this we more affectionately cling, this we more often remember and invoke.” (The Glories of Mary, Translated From the Italian of St. Alphonsus Liguori)

St Bernard offers a tainted drink indeed, for a poor sinner can find no heavenly mercy from biblical Mary or any other Mary, and no one should ever be guided into clinging to such a false hope. Dear reader, now take a sweet drink from a pure fount indeed.

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)

“But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)” (Eph 2:4, 5)

“O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever” (1Ch 16:34)

“And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Ac 2:21).

Whoever gave me two thumbs down is simply a Catholic bigot.

Yes, Thomas á Kempis was an amazing Catholic Priest. He brought many people to Christ and you can tell that much of his inspiration came from St. Augustine and St. Bernard.

He is another example of a Holy person who always put Christ first in his life.

One of my favorite books along with Pilgrims Progress.

I am very famiar with "The Imitation of Christ." If I were stranded on a deserted island, this would be one of the books I'd want to have with me at all times.