Thomas More on Thomas a Kempis' Imitation of Christ

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I have just started using the Imitation of Christ as a daily devotional, and really enjoy this. This is the first devotional that I have taken more than a day or two, and I follow it up with a chapter from the Gospels and am finding that I am recalling teachings from my reading, throughout the day.

I am interested in historical figures who have appreciated this work. I have read that Thomas More said something to the effect that it was one of the three most important works in Christendom. Does anyone here have any knowledge of his exact words, or better, the source for this statement–what writing of his includes this?
 
The Tenth Chapter

AVOIDING IDLE TALK

SHUN the gossip of men as much as possible,
for discussion of worldly affairs, even though sincere,
is a great distraction inasmuch as we are quickly ensnared and captivated by vanity.

Many a time I wish that I had held my peace and had not associated with men.
Why, indeed, do we converse and gossip among ourselves
when we so seldom part without a troubled conscience?
We do so because we seek comfort from one another’s conversation
and wish to ease the mind wearied by diverse thoughts.
Hence, we talk and think quite fondly of things we like very much
or of things we dislike intensely.
But, sad to say, we often talk vainly and to no purpose;
for this external pleasure effectively bars inward and divine consolation.

Therefore we must watch and pray lest time pass idly.

When the right and opportune moment comes for speaking, say something that will edify.

Bad habits and indifference to spiritual progress
do much to remove the guard from the tongue.
Devout conversation on spiritual matters, on the contrary,
is a great aid to spiritual progress, especially when
persons of the same mind and spirit associate together in God. ( C.A.F )
 
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@prr

I think st Theresa of Child Jesus had a copy of the new testament of the bible along with the Imitation of Christ always in her dress habit.
 
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Interesting anecdote about St. Theresa.

Well I like to look up sources for what I read, so I was wondering if I could dig up where More said that, if in fact he did.

Thanks anyways.
 
prr said:
I have just started using the Imitation of Christ as a daily devotional, and really enjoy this. This is the first devotional that I have taken more than a day or two, and I follow it up with a chapter from the Gospels and am finding that I am recalling teachings from my reading, throughout the day.

I am interested in historical figures who have appreciated this work. I have read that Thomas More said something to the effect that it was one of the three most important works in Christendom. Does anyone here have any knowledge of his exact words, or better, the source for this statement–what writing of his includes this?
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You have an excellent command of the English language for your age.
 
You can also find an audio version of Imitation on Audiobooks. Great stuff!
 
@prr


She also felt love palpable in her reading of the Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis. Furthermore, at age seventeen she read St. John of the Cross and saw how much Gods love energized his life. She wanted that kind of fulfillment.

http://www.catholicforum.com/forums/showthread.php?69452-Imitation-of-Christ-Therese

"“For a long time I had nourished my spiritual life with the ‘fine flour’ contained in The Imitation of Christ.
It was the only book which did me good, for I had not yet found the treasures hidden in the Holy Gospels.
I always had it with me, to the amusement of my people at home.” --St. Therese of Lisieux
 
The Imitation of Christ is the second most read book next to only the Bible. I can easily see where what the OP said about Thomas More as being accurate.
 
I don’t have the exact reference but St. Thomas More considered it one of the three books that everyone should own.
 
In Menti nostrae, n. 26, Pope Pius XII called it “that golden book”.
 
I feel convicted of sin every time I read it. Other than Sacred Scripture of course, few other works have such convicting power for me. Works like St. Josemaria Escriva’s, Dante’s L’Inferno, the Rule of St. Benedict…
 
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