Behold, dear Father, meet it is that in this hour thy servant suffer something for thy sake.
O Father, ever more be honoured, the hour is come; that for a short time thy servant should outwardly be oppressed, but inwardly live with thee.
That he should be a little despised, humbled, and made abject in the sight of men, and worn down with heaviness; that he may rise again with the morning of the new light, and be glorified in heaven.
Holy Father, thou hast so appointed it; and this is fulfilled which thyself hast commanded.
3. It is a favour to thy friend, that he may suffer and be afflicted in the world for the love of thee, how often soever, and by whomsoever, thou permittest it to fall upon him.
Nothing cometh to pass on earth without thy counsel, without thy providence, or without a cause.
It is good for me, Lord, that thou hast afflicted me, that I may learn thy righteous judgment, and cast away all haughtiness of heart, and presumption.
*It is profitable to me, that shame hath covered my face, that I may rather seek to thee for comfort than to men.
4. I have learned also here to dread thy unsearchable judgments, who afflictest the just with the wicked, but not without equity and justice.
I give thee thanks, for that thou hast not spared my sins, but hast worn me away, inflicting sorrows, and sending griefs within and without.