CHAPTER XXI.
Of the excellent liberty which humble prayer sooner gaineth than reading.
Christian.LORD, it is the work of a perfect man, never to slacken his mind from the attentive thought of heavenly things, and to pass without care among many cares; not like a dull sluggard; but by a free mind, adhering to no creature with inordinate affection.
2. I beseech thee, my most gracious God, preserve me from the cares of this life, lest I be entangled thereby; and from the many necessities of the body, lest I should be caught by pleasure; and from whatsoever is an obstacle to the soul, lest broken with troubles I should be overthrown.
3. O my God, who art ineffable sweetness, embitter unto me all carnal comfort, which draws me away from the love of eternal things, by the hope of present delight.
Let me not be overcome, O Lord, let me not be overcome by flesh and blood. Let not the world, and the short glory thereof deceive me. Let not the devil and his subtilty supplant me.
*Give me strength to resist, patience to suffer, and constancy, to persevere.
Give me, instead of the comforts of the world, the unction of thy Spirit; and for carnal love pour into my soul the love of thy name.
Herein, I beseech thee, let thy hand govern me, and teach me, that I may fall into no extreme.