Chap. xviii.--the preacher confesseth his own sinfulness.

Let us also become of the number of them that give thanks, that have served God, and not of the ungodly that are judged. For I myself also, being an utter sinner, [3998] [3999] and not yet escaped from temptation, but still being in the midst of the engines [4000] of the devil, give diligence to follow after righteousness, that I may have strength to come even near it, [4001] fearing the judgment to come.