have been so bold as to speak to the Lord, though I am nothing but dust and ashes” † If I esteem myself to be anything more, behold, You stand against me, and my iniquities bear true witness, and I cannot contradict it. But if I abase myself, and reduce myself to nothing, and shrink from all self-esteem, and grind myself to (what I am) dust, Your grace will be favorable to me, and Your light near to my heart; and all self-esteem, no matter how little, will be swallowed up in the valley of my nothingness, and perish forever.  Thus You show me myself, what I am, what I have been, and whither I am come; for I am nothing, and I knew it not. If I am left to myself, behold, I am nothing, and altogether weakness! But if You for an instant look upon me, I am made strong and am filled with new joy. And a great marvel it is, that I am so suddenly lifted up, and so graciously embraced by You, who of mine own weight am always sinking to the depths.
This is the work of Your love, freely keeping me, and relieving me in so many necessities, guarding me also from dangers, and snatching me (as I may truly say) from evils without number. For indeed by loving myself amiss, I lost myself; † and seeking You alone, and purely loving You,