_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.