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Imitation of
Christ, by Thomas á Kempis: Book 3, Chapters 7, 40
That man has no
good of himself, and that he cannot glory in anything Lord, what is
man, that Thou art mindful of him; or the son of man, that Thou visit
him? What has man deserved that Thou should give him grace? Lord, what
cause have I to complain, if Thou forsakest me, or what can I justly
allege, if what I petition Thou shalt not grant? This most assuredly, I
may truly think and say: Lord I am nothing, I can do nothing of myself,
that is good, but I am in all things defective and ever tend to
nothing. And unless I am assisted and interiorly instructed by Thee, I
become wholly tepid and relaxed, but Thou, O Lord, art always the same,
and endurest unto eternity, ever good, just and holy, doing all things
well, justly and holily and disposing them in wisdom.
But I who am more inclined to go back, than to go forward, continue not
always in one state, for I am changed, seven different times. But it
quickly becomes better when it pleases Thee, and Thou stretchest out
Thy helping hand: for Thou alone, without man's aid can assist me and
so strengthen me, that my countenance shall be more diversely changed:
but my heart be converted and find its rest in Thee alone.
He who would be too secure in time of peace will often be found too
much dejected in time of war. If you could always continue to be humble
and little in your own eyes, and keep your spirit in due order and
subjection, you would not fall so easily into danger and offense. It is
good counsel that, when you have conceived the spirit of fervor, you
should meditate how it will be when that light shall be withdrawn.
Prayers for the 12-Day
Preparatory Period
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