Classic Poem

O J ESU , my beloved King!
I give all thanks to Thee,
Who by Thy Cross hast merited
Celestial grace for me.

In Adam, raised 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 strength to will and to perform
From this pure fount I draw!

By this, how many acts which else
Had worthless been and vain,
Endued with meritorious power,
A prize eternal gain!

By this, to me is open'd wide,
Through death's inviting door,
A nobler realm,—a brighter crown,—
Than Adam lost of yore.

O Jesu, on whose grace alone,
I by Thy grace depend;
Grant me the grace to persevere
In grace unto the end!