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186 poor, blind, and naked?" And He will answer you—"Love."

And you will reply to Him, "O uncreated Love, sweet Love, what wilt Thou that I should give Thee?"

And He will answer "only Love." "I will that no other fire should burn upon the altar of your heart, and in your sacrifices, and in all your works, but the fire of My Love, which, consuming all other love, and all self-will, will rise to Me as the sweetest odour.

"This is what I have continually sought from you, and still seek, because I desire to be wholly thine, and that you should be wholly Mine; but such an union cannot be, till, having surrendered yourself entirely, which it is My great delight that you should do, you are delivered from all love of self, all love of your own opinion, all love of your own will and reputation.

"I seek from you hatred of yourself, and I will give you in exchange My Love; I ask for your heart, that it may be united to Mine, for to this end was Mine pierced upon the Cross; I ask you to give Me yourself without reserve, that I may be wholly yours.

"You see that I am of infinite value; yet of My Goodness I estimate myself at your value. Buy Me then now, beloved, by giving yourself for Me.