I have nothing to say but this; I have sinned, Lord, I have sinned; have mercy on me, pardon me; *Suffer me a little, that I may vent my grief, before I go into the land of darkness, a land covered with the shadow of death. What dost thou require of a guilty and miserable sinner, but that he humble himself for his offences? Of true contrition and humbling of the heart, ariseth hope of forgiveness; the troubled conscience is reconciled to God; the favour of God which was lost, is recovered; man is preserved from the wrath to come, and God and the penitent soul meet together with an holy kiss. 4. Humble contrition for sin is an acceptable sacrifice unto thee, O Lord, savouring much sweeter in thy presence than the perfume of frankincense. This is also the pleasant ointment which thou wouldst should be poured upon thy sacred feet. For thou never despisest a contrite heart. CHAPTER XXXVII. _Of the different motions of nature and grace._ _Christ._ SON, mark diligently the motions of nature and grace, for they move in a very subtle manner, and cannot be discerned but by him that is spiritually enlightened. All men pretend some good in their words and deeds; and therefore under the shew of good many are deceived. Nature is crafty, and seduceth, entangleth, and deceiveth many, and always proposeth herself for her end: But grace walketh in simplicity, useth no deceit, and doth all things purely for God’s sake, in whom also she finally resteth. 2. Nature will not willingly die, nor be kept down, nor be overcome, nor be subject to any: But grace studieth mortification, resisteth sensuality, seeketh to be subject, is willing to be kept under, and will not use her own liberty. She loveth to be kept under discipline, and desireth not to rule any, but always to live and remain wholly subject to God; and for God, is ready humbly to obey all men. Nature striveth for her own advantage, and considereth what profit she may reap by another; But grace considereth not what is profitable unto herself, but what is profitable to many. Nature willingly receiveth honour and respect. But grace faithfully attributeth all honour and glory unto God. 3. Nature feareth shame and contempt; But grace rejoiceth to suffer reproach for the name of Jesus. Nature loveth ease and bodily rest; But grace cannot be idle, but willingly embraceth labour. Nature seeketh to have those things that are beautiful, and abhorreth that which is mean or coarse; But grace delighteth in plain and humble things, and despiseth not rough things, that are old and mean. Nature respecteth temporal things, rejoiceth at earthly gain, sorroweth for loss, is moved with every little injurious word; But grace thinketh on that which is everlasting, and cleaveth not to temporal things; she is not troubled at losses, nor disquieted with hard words; because she hath placed her treasure and joy in heaven, where nothing perisheth.