Chapter 24: Conclusion of this Book

Behold, O loving Lord, I offer Thee the talent of Thy condescending intimacy, which Thou hast confided to me, vile creature that I am. I have traded with it for love of Thy love in that which I have written, or which I may yet write. And I can boldly declare, by Thy grace, that I have had no other motive in saying or writing these things, ex cept that of obeying Thy will, of promoting Thy glory, and of zeal for the salvation of souls. I desire, therefore, that all should praise Thee and give Thee thanks, that my unworthiness has not caused Thee to withdraw Thy mercy from me. I desire also that Thou shouldst be praised for those who, reading these things, are charmed with the sweet ness of Thy charity, and inwardly drawn to desire the same ; and also for those who, studying them as students, commence with the alphabet, and attain to philosophy, — thus being led by the perusal of these things, as by pic tures and images, to search for the hidden manna, which in creases the hunger of those who partake of it, and which is not found in corporal substances.

Therefore, since Thou, the Almighty Dispenser of all good things, dost vouchsafe to pasture us during our exile, until, " beholding the glory of the Lord with unveiled countenance, we are transformed into His image, and from glory to glory by the power of the spirit of love " (2 Cor. iii. 18); meanwhile, according to Thy faithful pro mises and the humble desire of my heart, grant, I beseech Thee, to all who read these writings with humility, the peace of Thy love, compassion for my miseries, and a salu tary compunction for their furtherance in perfection; so that, elevating their hearts towards Thee with burning love, they may be like so many golden censers, whose sweet odours shall abundantly supply all my negligence and in gratitude. Amen.