thy law; and finally, to do to our neighbour as we would be done by? Again, it is just that we, who ask thee to forgive us the far heavier debt of ten thousand talents, should not refuse to forgive our neighbour the trifling debt of a hundred pence. Give me, therefore, a desire and love for this justice, O Lord, that I may not, by neglecting it, fall into the hands of thy justice. For if a man reserves anger for a man like himself, how shall he hope for mercy from thee? Is it not just that, with what measure he metes, it should be measured to him again?
VI. FORTITUDE.
And lead us not into temptation.
The life of man is exposed to many temptations, nay, is itself a temptation from first to last. Strengthen my heart, therefore, with the virtue of fortitude, that I may "not be led away by prosperity, nor overcome and separated from thee by adversity. For thou seest what strength I have for resistance; but thou, O Lord, art my strength and my safety. Have pity on me, therefore, for I am weak. But they who have sought after my soul are strong. Oh, that one stronger than they, even thou, wouldst come upon them, for thou art strong and mighty in battle; so shall my heart not fear, for thou art with me! If God is for us, who shall be against us? For thou wilt not suffer us to be tempted above that we are able, but wilt make, with the temptation, issue.
VII. PRUDENCE.
But deliver us from evil. Amen.
He who is governed by prudence, which is the right rule of all conduct, will easily escape all evil. Give me, therefore, O Lord, this virtue, that whatever I do, I may do prudently, and in all things look to the end. For where prudence presides, even evils work together for good; but where it is absent, even virtues degenerate into vices. Let me not, then, like a blind man who runs headlong, stumble and fall, but let thy eyelids go before my steps. Give me the simplicity of the dove, but above all, the prudence of the serpent; that, as it exposes its body to save its head, so I may choose rather to expose my body and limbs to torments, than to suffer the utmost of all evils, in the injury of my soul.
