I must needs bear it; and would to God, it may be with patience, till the storm pass over, and it be better.
But thy Almighty hand is able to take away from me this temptation also, and to moderate its violence, lest I quite sink under it; as thou hast often done heretofore for me; O my God, my mercy!
And how much more difficult this is to me, so much easier to thee is this change of the right hand of the Most High. Psalms lxxvi.
Chap. XXX.
Of asking the divine assistance,
and of confidence of recovering grace.
1. Son, I am the Lord, who give strength in the day of tribulation.
Come to me when it is not well with thee.
This is that which most of all hinders heavenly comfort, that thou art slow in turning thyself to prayer.
For before thou earnestly prayest to me, thou seekest in the mean time many comforts, and delightest thyself in outward things.
And hence it comes to pass, that all things avail thee little, till thou take notice that I am he who deliver those that trust in me: nor is there out of me any powerful help, nor profitable counsel, nor lasting remedy.