Hence it is, O my God, that “in my inner being I delight in God's law”,† knowing Your commandment to be good, just, and holy, and proving also that all evil and sin are to be shunned. But with the flesh I serve the law of sin, while I obey sensuality rather than reason. “For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out”.† I often purpose many good things, but because grace is wanting to help my infirmity, upon a light resistance, I fail.
And it comes to pass that I know the way of perfection, and see clearly enough how I ought to act; but being pressed down with the weight of my own corruption, I do not attain what is more perfect. O Lord, how entirely needful is Your grace for me, to begin anything good, to proceed with it, and to accomplish it. For without it I can do nothing, but in You I can do all things, when Your grace strengthens me.†
O grace, truly celestial! Without it our own worthy actions are nothing, nor are any gifts of nature to be esteemed. Neither arts nor riches, neither beauty nor strength, neither wit nor eloquence, avail before You, without Your grace, O Lord. For gifts of nature are common to good and bad, but the peculiar gift of the elect is grace and love; and they that are blessed
