This is Thomas a Kempis, the author of, "of the Imitation of Christ." I have been reading this devotional style work, and found it to be a challenge, and a balm unto my tired soul. I want to encourage you to read some of the classics of Christian literature. These venerable old writings keep us in contact with the Saints of old, showing us the faith as it was years ago. They remind us that the faith was "delivered once for all to the saints," and that if we stray too far from our ancient and future faith; that we need to check ourselves. They keep us from the "McDonaldization" of our faith. The classics also open for us the great learning and experiences of the Saints that often speak to our life situation. a Kempis has done this for me. He has spoken to my soul.
Piper and Lewis have also spoken of the importance of reading the Christian classics. C.S. Lewis said that for every modern book on Christianity, we should read two Christian classics. Piper whole heartedly agreed, and said it would help keep you from error.
a few quotes from a Kempis
"The greatest, and indeed the whole impediment is, that we are not disentangled from our passions and lusts, neither do we endeavor to enter into the perfect path of the saints. When any small adversity meets us, we are too quickly cast down and turn to human consolation."
"At the Day of Judgement we shall not be asked what we have read but what we have done."
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