For I perceive in my flesh the law of sin contradicting the law of my mind, and leading me captive to obey sensuality in many things; neither can I resist the passions thereof, unless thy most holy grace assist me, infused ardently into my heart.
2. I stand in need of thy grace, and of a great grace to overcome nature, which is always prone to evil from her youth;
For she having fallen in Adam, the first man, and having been corrupted by sin, the penalty of this stain has descended upon all mankind: so that nature itself, which by thee was created good and right, is now put for the vice and infirmity of corrupt nature; because the motion thereof, left to itself, draws to evil, and to things below;
For the little strength which remains, is but like a spark hidden in the ashes.
This is our natural reason, which is surrounded with a great mist, having yet the judgment of good and evil, and of the distance of truth and falsehood; though it be unable to fulfil all that it approves; neither does it now enjoy the full light of truth, nor the former integrity of its affections.
3. Hence it is, O my God, that according to the inward man I am delighted with thy law, knowing thy command to be good, just, and holy, and reproving all evil and sin, as what ought to be shunned:
And yet in the flesh I serve the law of sin, whilst I rather obey sensuality than reason.
Hence it is, that to will good is present with me, but how to accomplish it I do not find. Romans vii.