2. O Lord, to what are we come? Behold a temporal loss is greatly bewailed, for a small gain men labour and toil; but the loss of the soul is little thought on, and hardly ever returns to mind.
That which is of little or no profit takes up our thoughts; and that which is above all things necessary is negligently passed over: for the whole man sinks down into outward things; and unless he quickly recovers himself, he willingly continues immersed in them.
Chap. XLV.
That credit is not to be given to all men;
and that men are prone to offend in words.
1. Grant me help, O Lord, in my tribulation, for vain is the aid of man. Psalms lix.
[USCCB: Psalms lx. 13.]
How often have I not found faith there, where I thought I might depend upon it?
And how often have I found it where I did not expect it?
Vain therefore is all hope in men; but the safety of the Just is in thee, O Lord.
Blessed be thou, O Lord my God, in all things that befal us.