Thou knowest that I can bear but little, and that I am quickly cast down by a small adversity.
Let all exercises of tribulation become amiable and agreeable to me for thy name's sake; for to suffer and to be afflicted for thee is very healthful for my soul.
Chap. XX.
Of the confession of our infirmity,
and of the miseries of this life.
1. I will confess against myself my injustice. Psalms xxxi. I will confess to thee, O Lord, my infirmity.
It is oftentimes a small thing which casts me down and troubles me.
I make a resolution to behave myself valiantly; but when a small temptation comes, I am brought into great straits.
It is sometimes a very trifling thing, from whence a grievous temptation proceeds.
And when I think myself somewhat safe, I find myself sometimes, when I least apprehend it, almost overcome with a small blast.
2. Behold, then, O Lord, my abjection and frailty every way known to thee.