CHAPTER XL.
THAT MAN HATH NO GOOD OF HIMSELF, NOR ANY THING OF WHICH HE CAN GLORY.
ORD, who is man, that Thou art so mindful of him, or the son of man, that Thou visitest him?
What hath man deserved that Thou shouldst grant him thy favour?
O Lord, what cause have I to complain, if Thou forsake me? or if Thou do not that which I desire, what can I justly say against it?
Surely this I may truly say: Lord, I am nothing, I can do nothing, I have nothing that is good of myself, but I do ever tend to nothing.
And unless Thou help me, and inwardly instruct me, I become altogether lukewarm.
2. But Thou, Lord, art always the same, and endurest for ever, always good, just, and holy, doing all things well, justly, and holily, and ordering all things with wisdom.
But I, that am more ready to go backward than forward, do not ever continue in one estate, for "seven times are passed over me."
Yet is it soon better with me, when it so pleaseth Thee, and when Thou vouchsafest to stretch forth Thy hand; for Thou canst help me, and canst so strengthen me, that my countenance shall be no more changed, but my heart shall be turned to Thee alone, and be at rest.
3. Wherefore, if I could once perfectly cast off all
