Page:TheParadiseOfTheChristianSoul.djvu/284

 we might  have  our  conversation in  heaven. Oh, that we would  seek  first  the  kingdom of  God,  and  his  justice! for thou,  O Lord,  securest  to us  all  beside. What, then, can there  be  in  the  world, the whole  of  which  is  seated in wickedness,  that  can  charm me so  as  to  make  me  forget thy kingdom,  where  our  desire will  be  satisfied  with good things! What shall ever separate  me  from  thee? Farewell, all  the  kingdoms of the  world,  and  all  their glory. To me  one  day  in  thy kingdom is  better  than  thousands, nay,  all  other  kingdoms are  vain,  fleeting,  and transient; of thy  kingdom only will  there  be  no  end.

So be  it  done  in  every  way by me,  in  me,  and  for  me,  in relation  to  my  body  and  soul, and all  that  I have. All angels, all  elements,  the  sea  and winds, and  all  creatures,  obey thy voice; how  much  more should I,  thy  servant,  do  thy will, who  am  but  a worm  of the  earth! Oh, that  thy  will were my  highest  and  only pleasure; as it  is  my  true happiness to  will  what  God wills. For beside  thee,  what have I in  heaven,  and  what do I desire  upon  earth,  O God  of  my  heart,  and  God who art  my  portion  for  ever!

We ask  not  what  may serve our  pleasure,  but  what may satisfy  our  necessity. The eyes  of  all  hope  in  thee, O Lord, and  thou  givest them meat  in  due  season. Thou openest  thy  hand,  and fillest with  blessing  every living creature. Behold, I cast  all  my  care  upon  thee, for thou  carest  for  us. Only give  me  what  is  necessary for  my  sustenance,  and grant that,  having  food  and clothing, I may  be  therewith content, and  thankful  for  all things to  thee  the  giver  of all. Let not  the  abundance of thy  gifts  produce  in  me luxury,  surfeiting,  and  idleness. Alas, how  many  who are multiplied  by  the  fruit  of their  corn,  wine,  and  oil,  have grown fat  and  gross,  and  forsaken thee,  the  God  who made them! To me  godliness with  contentment  will be gain  enough.

Oh, how  sweet,  O Lord,  is