April 2nd
Book Three, Chapter 55
Of the Corruption of Nature and of the Efficacy of Divine Grace

I often make many good purposes, but because grace is wanting to help my weakness, through a light resistance I recoil and fall off.  Hence it comes to pass, that I know the way of perfection, and see clearly enough what I ought to do, but pressed down with the weight of my own corruption, I rise not to the things that are more perfect.

Oh, how supremely necessary for me, O Lord, is Your grace, to begin that which is good, to go forward with it, and accomplish it.  For without it I can do nothing; but I can do all things in You, when grace strengthens me.

O grace, truly celestial, without which our own merits are nothing, neither are the gifts of nature to be esteemed!...for the gifts of nature are common to the good and to the bad; but grace or divine love is the proper gift of the elect, with which they are are adorned are esteemed worthy of eternal life....

I beseech You, O Lord, that I may find grace in Your eyes; for sufficient for me is Your grace, though I obtain none of those things which nature desires.