Thomas a’Kempis Hand Copied the Bible at Least Four Times!
In modern parlance, when we say “Copy That!” we usually either mean that 
someone should take a printed document and photocopy it on a machine. Or, if we just binge watched the TV series “24,” we might be thinking of agent Jack Bauer responding to a question put to him about a dangerous moment.
In the times and technology of Thomas a’Kempis, “Copy That” meant that you gave another monk at Mt. St. Agnes Monastery a book of the Bible to copy. Or some other devotional treatise. Some
were for use in worship by local churches. Some were to sell to support the Monastery.
The process was an art. It was the way books and knowledge were transmitted before the printing press. Copyists like Thomas saw this art as prayerful and meditative.
Hand-copied Bible from Zwolle, NL, attributed to Thomas a’Kempis
Hand-copied Bible from Zwolle, NL, attributed to Thomas a’Kempis
“Moreover, he (Thomas a’Kempis) wrote a complete copy of the Bible which we use, and also many other books for the use of the House, and for sale. Likewise he composed divers little books for the edification of the young, which books were plain and simple in style, but mighty in the matter thereof and in their effectual operation.” Excerpt From: à Kempis Thomas. “The Chronicle of the Canons Regular of Mount St Agnes.
Above are two images I photographed while in Zwolle, attributed to Thomas a’Kempis or his Brothers, along with an entry from the journal of the Brethren of the Common Life.
Try copying a page from scripture yourself. See if God’s presence enters into the moment. I know when I draw religious pictures, I find consolation from Him.
Until next time, be Imitators of Christ!
tim