and needy to the participation of Thy most holy body and blood!
But who am I, Lord, that I should presume to approach unto Thee?
Behold the heaven of heavens cannot contain Thee, and thou sayest, "Come ye all unto Me."
3. What meaneth this gracious condescension and this so loving invitation?
How shall I dare to come, who know not any good in myself, whereupon I may presume.
How shall I bring Thee into my house, I that have so often offended Thy most gracious countenance?
Angels and archangels stand in awe of Thee: holy and righteous men do fear Thee: and sayest Thou, "Come ye all unto Me"?
Unless Thou, O Lord, didst say this, who would believe it to be true?
And unless Thou didst command it, who could attempt to draw near?
Behold, Noah that just man laboured a hundred years in the making of the ark, that he might be saved with a few; and how can I in one hour's space prepare myself to receive with reverence the maker of the world?
4. Moses, Thy great servant, and thine especial friend, made an ark of incorruptible wood, which also he covered with the finest gold, wherein to lay up the tables of the law: and I a corrupted creature, how shall I dare so unconcernedly to receive the maker of the law and the giver of life?
Solomon the wisest of the kings of Israel bestowed
