Page:Imitation-of-christ-1901.djvu/170

Rh But Thine omnipotent hand is able to take even this temptation from me, that I utterly sink not under it; as oftentimes heretofore Thou hast done unto me, O my God, my Mercy?

And the more difficult it is to me, so much the more easy to Thee is this change of the right hand of the Most High.

AM the Lord that giveth strength in the day of tribulation.

Come thou unto Me, when it is not well with thee.

This is that which most of all hindereth heavenly consolation, that thou art too slow in turning thyself unto prayer.

For before thou dost earnestly supplicate Me, thou seekest in the meanwhile many comforts, and for refreshment in outward things.

And hence it comes to pass that all doth little profit, until thou consider well that I am He Who doth rescue them that trust in Him; and that out of Me there is neither powerful help, nor profitable counsel, nor lasting remedy.

But do thou, having now recovered breath after the tempest, gather strength again in the light of My mercies: for I am at hand (saith the Lord) to repair