[271] 1 Cor. xii. 31.
[272] Gal. iii. 19.
[273] 3 Kings vi. 7.
[274] Genesis iii. 8.
[275] Malachias iv. 2.
[276] Isaias xxii. 24; or, as it may be translated: “The vessels of small quality, from vessels of basins even to all vessels of flagons.”
[277] Suarez holds that grace is not always perceptible. There are moments when we are conscious of the distinct action of grace, by the direct perception of its effects in our soul. These are the exceptions, which are multiplied with increasing holiness, until they become the rule, and heroic sanctity is perfected in all its parts.
[278] S. Matthew xix. 8.
[279] S. Matthew xi. 14.
[280] “Tantum ut qui tenet nunc, teneat, donec de medic fiat.”—2 Thessalonians ii. 7.