Thomas a Kempis, sub-prior of the Convent of St. Agnes, was born at Hamerkin, Holland, about the year 1380, and died at Zwoll, 1471. This pious monk belonged to an order called the "Brethren of the Common Life" founded by Gerard de Groote, and his fame rests entirely upon his one book, the _Imitation of Christ_, which continues to be printed as a religious classic, and is unsurpassed as a manual of private devotion. His monastic life--as was true generally of the monastic life of the middle ages--was not one of useless idleness. The Brethren taught school and did mechanical work. Besides, before the invention of printing had been perfected and brought into common service, the multiplication of books was principally the work of monkish pens. Kempis spent his days copying the Bible and good books--as well as in exercises of devotion that promoted religious calm. His idea of heaven, and the idea of his order, was expressed in that clause of John's description of the City of God, Rev. 22:3, "_and His servants shall serve Him_." Above all other heavenly joys that was his favorite thought. We can well understand that the pious quietude wrought in his mind and manners by his habit of life made him a saint in the eyes of the people. The frontispiece of one edition of his _Imitatio Christi_ pictures him as being addressed before the door of a convent by a troubled pilgrim,-- "O where is peace?--for thou its paths hast trod," --and his answer completes the couplet,-- "In poverty, retirement, and with God." Of all that is best in inward spiritual life, much can be learned from this inspired Dutchman. He wrote no hymns, but in his old age he composed a poem on "Heaven's Joys," which is sometimes called "Thomas a Kempis' Hymn": High the angel choirs are raising Heart and voice in harmony; The Creator King still praising Whom in beauty there they see. Sweetest strains from soft harps stealing, Trumpets' notes of triumph pealing, Radiant wings and white stoles gleaming Up the steps of glory streaming; Where the heavenly bells are ringing; "Holy! holy! holy!" singing To the mighty Trinity! "Holy! holy! holy!" crying, For all earthly care and sighing In that city cease to be! These lines are not in the hymnals of today--and whether they ever found their way into choral use in ancient times we are not told. Worse poetry has been sung--and more un-hymnlike. Some future composer will make a tune to the words of a Christian who stood almost in sight of his hundredth year--and of the eternal home he writes about. MARTIN LUTHER. "_Ein Feste Burg Ist Unser Gott._" Of Martin Luther Coleridge said, "He did as much for the Reformation by his hymns as he did by his translation of the Bible." The remark is so true that it has become a commonplace.