February 4th

Book Two, Chapter 10

Of Gratitude for the Grace of God

God does well in giving the grace of consolation, but man does ill in not returning it all to God with thanksgiving.  And this is the reason why the gifts of grace cannot flow in us, because we are ungrateful to the Giver, nor do we return all to the fountain-head.  For grace will be always given to him that duly returns thanks; and what is wont to be given to the humble, will be taken away from the proud....If you consider the dignity of the Giver, no gift will seem little or too mean for you.  For that is not little which is given by the most high God.  Yes, though He give punishment and stripes, it ought to be acceptable; for whatever He suffers to befall us, He always does it for our salvation.