CHAPTER XXXVIII.

_Of the corruption of nature, and efficacy of Divine grace._

_Christian._ O LORD, my God, who ♦hast created me after thy likeness, grant me this grace which thou hast shewed to be so necessary to salvation, that I may overcome my wicked nature, which draweth me to sin and perdition.

♦ “has” replaced with “hast” per Errata

For I feel in my flesh the law of sin contradicting the law of my mind; neither can I resist, unless thy most holy grace, infused into my heart, assist me.

2. O Lord, how exceeding needful is thy grace for me to begin any good work, to go forward, and to accomplish it;

For without it I can do nothing; but in thee I can do all things.

Arts, riches, beauty, strength, wit, eloquence, are of no value with thee, O Lord, without thy grace.

3. O most blessed grace, that makest the poor in spirit rich in virtue, and makest the rich in many blessings, to be humble in heart;

Come, come down unto me, replenish me early with thy comfort, lest my soul should faint for weariness and dryness of mind.

O Lord, thy grace is sufficient for me, though other things that nature desireth be wanting.

If I be tempted and vexed with many tribulations, I will not fear any evils, while thy grace is with me:

This is stronger than all enemies, and wiser than all the wise.

Let thy grace, O Lord, always prevent me, and follow me, and make me ever diligent in good works, through Jesus Christ thy Son. _Amen._