Page:Imitation-of-christ-1901.djvu/277

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Of a Diligent Preparation.
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priesthood, may be able to serve Thee worthily and devoutly, in all purity, and with a good conscience.

And if we live not in so great innocency as we ought to do, grant to us at the least worthily to lament the sins which we have committed: and in the spirit of humility, and with the full purpose of a good will, to serve Thee more earnestly for the time to come.

CHAPTER XII.

THAT HE WHO IS ABOUT TO COMMUNICATE OUGHT TO PREPARE HIMSELF WITH GREAT DILIGENCE.

I AM the lover of purity and the giver of all sanctity.

I seek a pure heart, and there is the place of My rest.

Make ready for Me a large upper room furnished, and I will keep the passover at thy house with My disciples.

If thou wilt have Me come unto thee, and remain with thee, purge out the old leaven, and make clean the habitation of thy heart.

Shut out the world, and all the throng of sins; sit thou as it were a sparrow alone upon the house-top, and think over thy transgressions in the bitterness of thy soul.

For every one that loveth will prepare the best and fairest place for his beloved; for herein is known the affection of him that entertaineth his beloved.