perfection, and see clearly enough what I ought to do; but being pressed down by the weight of mine own corruption, I rise not to that which is more perfect.
4. O Lord, how entirely needful is Thy grace for me, to begin any good work, to go on with it, and to accomplish it.
For without that grace I can do nothing, but in Thee I can do all things, when Thy grace doth strengthen me.
O heavenly grace! without which our most worthy actions are nothing, nor are any gifts of nature to be esteemed.
Neither arts nor riches, beauty nor strength, wit nor eloquence, are of any value before Thee, O Lord, without Thy grace.
For gifts of nature are common to good and bad, but the peculiar gift of the elect is grace and love; they that bear this honourable mark, are accounted worthy of everlasting life.
So eminent is this grace that neither the gift of prophecy, nor the working of miracles, nor any speculation, how high soever, is of any esteem without it.
No, not even faith, nor hope, nor any other virtues, are unto Thee acceptable without charity and grace.
5. O most blessed grace, that makest the poor in spirit rich in virtue, and renderest him who is rich in goods humble in heart!
Come Thou down unto me, come and replenish me early with Thy comfort, lest my soul faint for weariness and dryness of mind.
