[Sidenote: Ruysbroeck, 1293-1381] He strove to make his life one long contemplation of the light and love of God.

Two younger men, Gerard Groote and Florence Radewyn, socialized his gospel by founding the fellowship of the Brethren of the Common Life.

[Sidenote: Groote, 1340-84] [Sidenote: Radewyn, 1350-1400] Though never an order sanctioned by the church, they taught celibacy and poverty, and devoted themselves to service of their fellows, chiefly in the capacity of teachers of boys.
The fifteenth century's rising tide of devotion brought forth the most influential of the products of all the mystics, the _Imitation of Christ_ by Thomas a Kempis.

[Sidenote: Thomas a Kempis, c.

1380-1471] Written in a plaintive minor key of {33} resignation and pessimism, it sets forth with much artless eloquence the ideal of making one's personal life approach that of Christ.