It was likewise a custom at that time to try the candidates generally for a long period, or at least till they were thoroughly proved and tried before they were allowed to take the habit upon them.
About His order
In 1406, Thomas a Kempis became a Canon regular living under the order of St. Augustine. A Canon Regular was an order of brothers living together under the rule of St. Augustine. They were not as monks that lived as in secluded orders, but a living community that often engaged in the surrounding towns around them. They would do acts of ministry like caring for the sick and feeding the hungry. This order saw also to the administration of sacraments to the common people. Canon regulars were essentially clerical and shared everything they had as common property. They lived the vows of chastity, poverty, obedience and life in community with God.
It wasn’t until 1413 that Thomas a Kempis became a priest. Thomas had many duties that his biographers attest to, the most prominent one was of a Cleric. Thomas was known for his exceptional record keeping, writing of devotions and copying the Holy Scriptures. Oftentimes in his order, Thomas’ writings were sold for money to help supply and enable the monastery to continue ministry in the area surrounding them.
At this Augustinian monastery, he became the prior's assistant, charged
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He significantly cultivated and applauded what is termed “the inner life”, the living a life hidden with Christ in God. He is frequently spoken of by historians as one of the Mystics of the period, not a dreamy visionary as the term now often recognize, but one who conveys a supernatural power in fully-embraced true religion and spiritual life, and as one who walks not after the flesh but after the spirit. Ceremonies are of little value unless the heart is engaged in them. Kempis once said, “I loved in a special sacred manner to hold communion with Christ Savior and His