Page:Imitation-of-christ-1901.djvu/218

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204
Of Deadness to Earthly Affections.

sacrifice unto Thee, O Lord, savouring much sweeter in Thy sight than the perfume of frankincense.

This is also the pleasant ointment, which Thou wouldst to be poured upon Thy sacred feet; for a contrite and humbled heart Thou never hast despised.

Here is the place of refuge from the angry face of the enemy; here is amended and washed away whatever defilement and pollution hath been any where contracted.


CHAPTER LIII.

THAT THE GRACE OF GOD DOES NOT UNITE WITH THOSE WHO RELISH EARTHLY THINGS.

MY son, My grace is precious, it suffereth not itself to be mingled with outward things, nor with earthly consolations.

Thou oughtest therefore to cast away all hindrances to grace, if thou desire to receive the inpouring thereof.

Choose a secret place to thyself, love to live alone with thyself, desire the conversation of none; but pour out devout prayer unto God, that thou mayest keep thy soul contrite, and thy conscience pure.

Esteem thou the whole world as nothing; prefer attendance upon God before all outward things.

For thou wilt not be able to attend upon Me, and at the same time to take delight in things transitory.

Thou oughtest to remove thyself away from thine