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Of Dependence on God.

Thou art my hope, Thou my confidence: Thou art my comforter, and in all things most faithful.

2. All men seek their own gain. Thou settest forward my salvation and my profit only, and turnest all things to my good.

Although Thou exposest me to divers temptations and adversities, yet Thou orderest all this to mine advantage. Who art wont to try Thy beloved ones in a thousand ways.

In which trial of me Thou oughtest no less to be loved and praised, than if Thou didst fill me full of heavenly consolation.

3. In Thee, therefore, O Lord God, I place my whole hope and refuge: on Thee I rest my tribulation: for I find all to be weak and inconstant, whatsoever I behold but in Thee.

For many friends cannot profit, nor strong helpers assist, nor prudent counsellors give a profitable answer, nor the books of the learned afford comfort, nor any precious substance deliver, nor any place, however retired and lovely, give shelter, unless Thou Thyself dost assist, help, strengthen, console, instruct, and guard us.

4. For all things, that seem to belong to the attainment of peace and felicity, without Thee are nothing, and do bring in truth no felicity at all.

Thou therefore art all that is good, the height of life, the depth of all that can be spoken; and to hope in Thee above all things, is the strongest comfort of Thy servant.

To Thee therefore do I lift up mine eyes; in Thee my God, the Father of mercies, do I put my trust.