CHAPTER VI.

_Of the oblation of Christ on the cross, and resignation of ourselves._

_The voice of the Beloved._

*AS I willingly offered up myself unto God my Father for thy sins, my hands being stretched forth on the cross, so that nothing remained in Me that was not wholly turned into a sacrifice, for the appeasing the Divine Majesty;

So oughtest thou also to offer up thyself willingly unto me every day, as a pure and holy oblation, with all thy might and affection, in as hearty a manner as thou canst.

What do I require of thee more than that thou entirely resign thyself unto me?

Whatsoever thou givest besides thyself is of no account in my sight; for I seek not thy gifts but thyself.

2. As it would not suffice thee to have all things besides me; so neither can it please me, whatsoever thou givest, if thou offerest not thyself.

Offer up thyself unto me, and give thyself wholly to God, and thy offering shall be accepted.

Behold I offered up myself wholly unto my Father for thee, that I might be wholly thine, and thou remain mine.

But if thou dost not offer thyself up freely unto my will, thy oblation is not entire, neither will the union between us be perfect.

Therefore a free offering up of thyself into the hands of God, ought to go before all thy actions, if thou wilt obtain freedom and grace.

For this cause so few become inwardly free, because they cannot wholly deny themselves.

My saying is unalterable, unless a man forsake all, he cannot be my disciple.

Therefore, if thou desirest to be my disciple, offer up thyself unto me with thy whole affections.