New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-11-07
NEW PUBLICATIONS.
THE IMITATION OF CHRIST.

THE STORY OF THE "IMITAT1o CHRISTI BY
Elliott Stock. 90 Paternostcr Row.
The Imitation OF Christ is religious classic whose
place In the affections Of all devou minds is firmly es
tsbished. II speaks to the universal heart Of man,
Jew and Gentle Catholic and Protestant, believer and
unbelevcr and IL does because it has to do with
the problems and hopes that touch the lives OF ALL
to whatever sect they may belong. 1t is the most
catholic Prayer Book that has ever been written, not
because It's author was formerly member Of the Cath
Ollie Church. but because there is something In 1t that
answers the religious cravings Of all men.
The little volume before us is a modest attempt to
ter the story OF this famous work and Its author.
Thomas a Kemps born In 1892. and was the
second son OF John and Gertrude Hamaerkcn. who
were then living in the little town of kempcn
in tho diocese Of Cologne. John was simple
aud honest worlsingman. and his wife, who was
very religious, kept school for children. Thomas,
known as Kcmpis from the name of his native town.
was given TO God by his parents, and an early
age Joined the Brothers OF Common Life OF which his
elder brother John already member. This order
grew naturally out OF the religious life OF the age
and IL finds Its best Interpretation in the Imitation,
which principally written for the use ana In
struction of its members. 1t was founded by a num-
Der Of pious copyists and clerks whence one Of Its
Names Devot Clercl," and its two functions Of med
itaaon and work are accurately described in these pass
ages from the Imitation: lie therefore that In
tends to the inward and spiritual things
must, with Jesus, withdraw himself from the multi
tnde' Never be wholly idle. but read write or
pray or muse, do some useful work for ALL" Its
members were men Of simple pety and unquestioning
faith anxious to withdraw from the strenuous conflict
of medieval fe yet DESTROYS Of helping Others to find
the happiness that comes from serving God. 1t was
IN order exactly suited to the simple, though doep,
religious nature Of Thomas, who at attained
commanding position in the monastery Of St. Agnes,
near Zwollc which he Joined lie wrote a number Of
books but his fame rests entirely the Imitation
which, with the single exception Of the Bible. is
probably the most widely read book in the world And
yet, great The modesty Of the author that no
once avowed himself tho author though it in,
medisteiy attained wide popularity. "Ama Ncsciri"
Love to be Unknown" equally his own motto and
that Of his order On the other hand. there copies
of the work old 1441 which ascribe the author
ship to John Gcrson, Chancellor of the University Of
Paris. 1t is not strange, therefore. that dispute as
10 the authorship of the book should have srser Mr.
wheatley gives a clear account Of that dispute, and
shows, think to the satisfaction Of every one that
there is good for doubling that Thomas
wrote IT, Indeed the internal evidence of the book is
conclusive on that point. In this case, at least the
critics found the side of tradition which shows
that criticism is not always destructive
Inasmuch the Imitation" written by monk
for the of monks surprise may be felt at its adapta
bty to the religious needs OF all men. 1t is indeed hard
to reconcile this fact with preconccved notions Of
medieval monasteries But may be helped thereto
by remembering that prcconcelved notions this
subject Monasticism not always
the absurd and useless thing think it TO be. And
with oil That can be truly said against it. 1t must still
be admitted that it the natural and legitimate
outcome Of its time. II 1t sometimes brought scandal
religion, 1t quite as often shed mpeslnble glory
II. II attracted to itself of the holiest
wants Of God that have lived who otherwise would
have found place to think their thoughts and do
their work in those lawless and turbulent times.
Thomas Of Kempcn. cast adrift a world which hon
ored only the rude prowess of the soldier would have
been crushed into silence but IN the peaceful closer
of his monastery, the saintlness Of his life dused its
influence all around him. and his mind attuned TO
think those sweet and tender monoogues OF the soul
that have been 50 fifty named the Imitation OF
Christi A system which las produced such men a.
Thomas q Kempis. and such books the Imita,
uon,' does not deserve the indiscrminac abuse that
has been heaped on II. barren and useless life I
Sometimes, doubtless and yet the monastc rule which
Thomas Kemps lived under contained exhorta-
tons against singulaty in dress against personal
uncleanliness against idleness, against Journalism and
inculcated type Of genuine and robust purity with
which the most practical and spiritual minded nine
teenth century Christian could find no fault II the
Limitation teaches nothing ese 1t ought at leost
To teach us lesson Of spiritual modesty. humble
monk Of medieval Europe is to-day, he has been
for ages, the spiritual teacher OF myads of people who
can find comfort in the startling discoveries of
science tile cold blooded researches Of criticism.