Imitation 3 213 verses
1“Speak, Lord, for Thy servant heareth.” “I am Thy servant; O give me understanding, that I may know Thy testimonies.
2Incline my heart unto the words of Thy mouth.” “Let thy speech distil as the dew.” The children of Israel spake in old time to Moses, “Speak thou unto us and we will hear, but let not speak unto us lest we die.” Not thus, O Lord, not thus do I pray, but rather with Samuel , I beseech Thee humbly and earnestly, “Speak, Lord, for Thy servant heareth.” Let not Moses speak to me, nor any prophet, but rather speak Thou, O Lord, who didst inspire and illuminate all the prophets; for Thou alone without them canst perfectly fill me with knowledge, whilst they without Thee shall profit nothing.
3They can indeed utter words, but they give not the spirit.
4They speak with exceeding beauty, but when Thou art silent they kindle not the heart.
5They give us scriptures, but Thou makest known the sense thereof.
6They bring us mysteries, but Thou revealest the things which are signified.
7They utter commandments, but Thou helpest to the fulfilling of them.
8They show the way, but Thou givest strength for the journey.
9They act only outwardly, but Thou dost instruct and enlighten the heart.
10They water, but Thou givest the increase.
11They cry with words, but Thou givest understanding to the hearer.
12Therefore let not Moses speak to me, but Thou, O Lord my God, Eternal Truth; lest I die and bring forth no fruit, being outwardly admonished, but not enkindled within; lest the word heard but not followed, known but not loved, believed but not obeyed, rise up against me in the judgment.
13“Speak, Lord, for Thy servant heareth;” “Thou hast the words of eternal life.” Speak unto me for some consolation unto my soul, for the amendment of my whole life, and for the praise and glory and eternal honour of Thy Name.
