Have pity on me, and draw me out of the mire, that I stick not fast therein, that I may not be utterly cast down for ever.
This it is which often drives me back, and confounds me in thy sight, to find that I am so subject to fall, and have so little strength to resist my passions.
And although I do not altogether consent, yet their assaults are troublesome and grievous to me; and it is exceedingly irksome to live thus always in a conflict.
From hence my infirmity is made known to me; because wicked thoughts do always much more easily rush in upon me, than they can be cast out again.
3. Oh! that thou the most mighty God of Israel, the zealous lover of faithful souls, wouldst behold the labour and sorrow of thy servant, and stand by me in all my undertakings.
Strengthen me with heavenly fortitude, lest the old man, the miserable flesh not yet fully subject to the spirit, prevail and get the upper hand; against which we must fight as long as we breathe in this most wretched life.
Alas! what kind of life is this, where afflictions and miseries are never wanting, where all things are full of snares and enemies.
For when one tribulation or temptation is gone, another cometh; yea, and whilst the first conflict still lasts, many others come on, and those unexpected.
4. And how can a life be loved that hath so great bitterness, that is subject to so many calamities and miseries.