I remember not that I have done any good, but that I have been always prone to sin, and slow to amendment.
This is true, and I cannot deny it. If I should say otherwise, Thou wouldst stand against me, and there would be none to defend me.
What have I deserved for my sins, but hell and everlasting fire?
I confess in very truth that I am worthy of all scorn and contempt, nor is it fit that I should be remembered amongst Thy devout servants.
And although I be unwilling to hear this, yet notwithstanding, for the truth's sake, I will lay open my sins against myself, that so the more readily I may be counted worthy to obtain Thy mercy.
3. What shall I say, in that I am guilty and full of all confusion?
My mouth can utter nothing but this word only, I have sinned, Lord! I have sinned; have mercy on me, pardon me.
Spare me a little, that I may bewail my griefs, before I go into the land of darkness, a land covered with the shadow of death.
What dost Thou so much require of a guilty and miserable sinner, as that he be contrite, and that he humble himself for his offences?
Of true contrition and humbling of the heart ariseth hope of forgiveness; the troubled conscience is reconciled; that which was lost, is recovered; man is preserved from the wrath to come; and God and the penitent soul meet together with a holy kiss.
4. Humble contrition for sins is an acceptable
