*But indifferently from all creatures, how much soever, or how often soever any adversity befalleth him, he taketh all thankfully from the hands of God, and esteemeth it great gain; *Seeing nothing how little soever, so it be suffered for God, shall pass without its reward. 3. Be thou therefore prepared for the fight, if thou wilt have the victory. Without a combat thou canst not attain unto the crown of patience. If thou wilt not suffer, thou refusest to be crowned; But if thou desirest to be crowned, fight manfully and endure patiently. Without labour there is no coming to rest, nor without fighting can victory be obtained. 4. _Christian._ Lord, let that be made possible to me by thy grace, which seemeth impossible to me by nature. Thou knowest, that I can suffer but little, and that I am quickly dismayed when a small adversity ariseth. Let every exercise of tribulation be made amiable unto me, and be welcome for thy name; for to suffer and to be troubled for thy sake is very profitable for my soul. I will confess against me my unrighteousness; I will confess unto thee, O Lord, my infirmities. It is often a small matter that grieveth and dejecteth me. I purpose to act with courage; but when a small temptation cometh, it bringeth me into great straits. It is sometimes a very trifle, from whence great temptations proceed. And whilst I think myself safe, when I least expect it, I am overcome with a small blast. 5. Behold, therefore, Lord, my frailty, every way known unto thee. Have mercy on me, and deliver me out of the mire, that I stick not fast therein, and that I may not be cast down altogether. 6. O mighty God of Israel, the zealous lover of faithful souls, let it please thee to consider the labour and sorrow of thy servant, and assist him in all whatsoever he undertaketh. Strengthen me with heavenly strength, lest the old man, the miserable flesh, not yet fully subject to the Spirit, prevail. CHAPTER XVI. _That we are to rest in God above all his gifts and benefits._ _Christian._ ABOVE all things, and in all things, O my soul, rest in the Lord: for he is the everlasting rest of the saints. *Grant me, O most sweet and loving Jesus, to rest in thee above all creatures: Above all health and beauty, above all glory and honour, above all power and dignity, above all knowledge and subtilty, above all riches and arts, above all joy and gladness, above all hope and promise, above all desert and desire! Above all gifts and presents that thou canst impart unto us; Above all joy and triumph, that the mind of man can receive and feel: Lastly, above the angels and arch-angels, and above all the host of heaven, above all visible and invisible things, and above all that thou art not, O my God.