Page:Imitation-of-christ-1901.djvu/156

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142
Of God's Benefits.

CHAPTER XXII.

OF THE REMEMBRANCE OF GOD'S MANIFOLD BENEFITS.

OPEN, O Lord, my heart in Thy law, and teach me to walk in Thy commandments.

Grant me to understand Thy will, and with great reverence and diligent consideration to remember Thy benefits, as well in general as in particular, that henceforward I may be able worthily to give Thee thanks.

But I know and confess, that I am not able, even in the least, to give Thee due thanks for the favours which Thou bestowest upon me.

I am less than the least of all Thy benefits: and when I consider Thy excellency, the greatness thereof maketh my spirit to faint.

2. All that we have in soul and body, and whatsoever we possess outwardly or inwardly, naturally or supernaturally, are Thy benefits, and do speak Thee bountiful and good, from Whom we have received all good things.

Although one have received more, another less, all notwithstanding are Thine, and without Thee even the least blessing cannot be had.

He that hath received the greatest cannot glory of his own desert, nor extol himself above others, nor insult over the lesser. For he is the greatest and the best who ascribeth least unto himself, and who in rendering thanks is the most humble and devout.