Page:Imitation-of-christ-1901.djvu/250

Rh words even of Thine own mouth, saying, "Come unto Me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will refresh you."

N confidence of Thy goodness and great mercy, O Lord, I draw near, as one sick to the healer, as one hungry and thirsty to the fountain of life, as one needy to the king of heaven, a servant unto my Lord, a creature to my Creator, a desolate soul to my merciful comforter.

But whence is this to me, that Thou vouchsafest to come unto me? What am I, that Thou shouldst grant Thine own self unto me?

How dare a sinner appear before Thee? and how is it that Thou dost vouchsafe to come unto a sinner?

Thou knowest Thy servant, Thou knowest that he hath in himself no good, for which Thou shouldst grant him this favour.

I confess therefore mine own unworthiness, I acknowledge Thy goodness, I praise Thy tender mercy, and give Thee thanks for this Thy transcendant love.

For Thou doest this for Thine own sake, not for any merits of mine; to the end that Thy goodness may be better known unto me, Thy love more