Of the Imitation of Christ/Book III/Chapter LIX
CHAPTER LIX.
THAT ALL OUR HOPE AND TRUST MUST BE FIXED IN GOD ALONE.
ORD, what is any confidence which I have in this life? or what is the greatest comfort I can derive from any thing under heaven?
Is it not Thou, O Lord my God, Whose mercies are without number?
Where hath it ever been well with me without Thee? or when could it be ill with me, when Thou wert present?
I had rather be poor for Thy sake, than rich without Thee.
I rather choose to be a pilgrim on earth with Thee, than without Thee to possess heaven. Where Thou art, there is heaven: and where Thou art not, there is misery and death.
Thou art all my desire, and therefore I must need sigh and call and earnestly pray unto Thee.
None have I fully to trust to, none that can seasonably help me in my necessities, but only Thou my God.
Thou art my hope, Thou my confidence: Thou art my comforter, and in all things most faithful.
2. All men seek their own gain. Thou settest forward my salvation and my profit only, and turnest all things to my good.
Although Thou exposest me to divers temptations and adversities, yet Thou orderest all this to mine advantage. Who art wont to try Thy beloved ones in a thousand ways.
In which trial of me Thou oughtest no less to be loved and praised, than if Thou didst fill me full of heavenly consolation.
3. In Thee, therefore, O Lord God, I place my whole hope and refuge: on Thee I rest my tribulation: for I find all to be weak and inconstant, whatsoever I behold but in Thee.
For many friends cannot profit, nor strong helpers assist, nor prudent counsellors give a profitable answer, nor the books of the learned afford comfort, nor any precious substance deliver, nor any place, however retired and lovely, give shelter, unless Thou Thyself dost assist, help, strengthen, console, instruct, and guard us.
4. For all things, that seem to belong to the attainment of peace and felicity, without Thee are nothing, and do bring in truth no felicity at all.
Thou therefore art all that is good, the height of life, the depth of all that can be spoken; and to hope in Thee above all things, is the strongest comfort of Thy servant.
To Thee therefore do I lift up mine eyes; in Thee my God, the Father of mercies, do I put my trust.
Bless and sanctify my soul with Thy heavenly blessings, that it may become Thy holy habitation, and the seat of Thine eternal glory; and let nothing be found in this temple which shall offend the eyes of Thy majesty.
According to the greatness of Thy goodness and the multitude of Thy mercies look upon me, and hear the prayer of Thy poor servant, who is exiled far from Thee in the land of the shadow of death.
Protect and keep the soul of me, the meanest of Thy servants, amidst the dangers of this corruptible life, and by Thy grace accompanying direct me along the way of peace to the land of everlasting light. Amen.
