Page:Imitation-of-christ-1901.djvu/283

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Of Fervency.
269

burneth, whilst Thou, blessed Jesu, dost walk and converse with them.

Such affection and devotion as this, love and fervency so vehement, are too often far from me.

Be Thou favourable unto me, merciful Jesu, sweet and gracious Lord, and grant to me, Thy poor needy creature, sometimes at least in this holy communion to feel if it be but a small portion of Thy hearty love, that my faith may become more strong, my hope in Thy goodness be increased, and that charity once perfectly kindled within me, may never decay.

3. Thy mercy is able to grant me the grace which I long for, in the day when it shall please Thee to visit me most mercifully with the spirit of fervour.

For although I burn not with such vehement desire as those who are so specially devoted to Thee; yet notwithstanding by Thy grace I long for this great and hearty desire, praying from the heart that I may participate with all such Thy fervent lovers, and be numbered with them in their holy company.