resist the passions thereof, unless Thy most holy grace infused into my heart assists me.
2. There is need of large supplies of Thy grace, O Lord, that nature may be overcome, which is ever prone to evil from her youth.
For through Adam nature being fallen and corrupted by sin, the penalty of this stain hath descended upon all mankind, in such sort that nature itself, which by Thee was created good and upright, is now taken for the sin and infirmity of corrupted nature; because the inclination thereof left unto itself draweth to evil and to lower things.
For the small power which remaineth is, as it were, a spark lying hid in the ashes.
This is natural reason itself, encompassed about with great darkness, yet still retaining power to discern the difference between good and evil; although it be unable to fulfil all that it approveth, and enjoyeth no longer the full light of the truth, nor soundness in its own affections.
3. Hence it is, O my God, that I delight in Thy law after the inward man, knowing Thy commandment to be good, just, and holy, reproving also all evil and sin.
But with the flesh I serve the law of sin, in that I obey my senses rather than my reason.
Hence it is, that to will what is good is present with me, but how to perform it I know not.
Hence it is that I often purpose many good things, but because grace is wanting to help my infirmity, upon a light resistance I start back and faint.
Hence it cometh to pass that I know the way of
