A First Series of Hymns and Songs/Catholic Hymns/Divine Grace
35. Divine Grace.
O Jesu! my beloved King,
I give all thanks to thee,
Who by thy cross hast merited
Celestial grace for me.
In Adam rais'd to dignities
Transcendent and divine;
In Adam fallen from the bliss
That once in him was mine.—
That grace to which my native strength,
Could never have attain'd,
That grace, O my Incarnate God,
In thee I have regain'd.
O gift of love! O gift immense!
Surpassing nature's law;
What force to will and to perform
From this pure fount I draw.
By this how many passing acts,
Which else had been in vain,
Endued with meritorious power,
A prize eternal gain!
By this to me it open'd wide,
Through death's inviting door,
A brighter world, a nobler realm
Than Adam lest of yore.
O Jesu! on whose grace alone
I by thy grace depend,
Grant me the grace to persevere
In grace unto the end.