3. O that with Thy presence Thou wouldst wholly inflame, burn, and conform me unto Thyself; that I might be made one spirit with Thee, by the grace of inward union, and by the meltings of ardent love!
Suffer me not to go away from Thee hungry, but deal mercifully with me, as oftentimes Thou hast dealt wonderfully with Thy saints.
What marvel is it if I should be wholly inflamed by Thee, since Thou art a fire always burning and never decaying, a love purifying the heart, and enlightening the understanding.
CHAPTER XVII.
OF FERVENT LOVE AND VEHEMENT DESIRE TO RECEIVE CHRIST.
ITH deep devotion and ardent love, with all affection and fervour of heart, I desire to receive Thee, O Lord, as many saints and devout persons have desired Thee, when they were partakers of Thy holy communion.
O my God, everlasting love, my whole good, happiness never ending, I desire to receive Thee with the most earnest affection, and the most worthy awe and reverence, that any of the saints ever had, or could feel toward Thee.
2. And although I be unworthy to entertain all those feelings of devotion, nevertheless I offer unto