OF MEDITATION UPON DEATH
“O dearly beloved, from what danger you might free yourself, from what great fear, if only you would always live in fear, and in expectation of death. Strive now to live in such wise, that in the hour of death you may rather rejoice than fear. Learn now to die to the world, so shall you begin to live with Christ. Learn now to condemn all earthly things, and then may you freely go unto Christ. Keep under thy body by penitence, and then shall you be able to have a sure confidence.
Ah, foolish one, why think you that you shall live long, when you are not sure of a single day? How many have been deceived, and suddenly have been snatched away from the body? How many times have you heard how one was slain by the sword, another was drowned, another falling from on high broke his neck, another died at the table, another while at play? One died by fire, another by the sword, another by the pestilence, another by the robber. Thus, comes death to all, and the life of men swiftly passes away like a shadow.
Who will remember you after your death? And who will entreat for you? Work, work now, o dearly beloved, work all that you can; for you know not when you shall die, nor what shall happen unto you after death. While you have time, lay up for yourself undying riches. Think of nought but of your salvation, care only for the things of God. Make to yourself friends, by venerating the saints of God and walking in their steps, that when you fail, you may be received into everlasting habitations.
Keep yourself as a stranger and a pilgrim upon the earth, to whom the things of the world appertain not. Keep your heart free and lifted up towards God, for here, have we no continuing city. To Him, direct your daily prayers with crying and tears, that your spirit may be found worthy to pass happily after death unto its Lord. Amen.”
Thomas a Kempis
The Mark Of God: Understanding Your "I AM Presence" 