God gives us many external aids to help us in our spiritual life ― parents, teachers, education, books, sermons and even the ordinary incidents of life. These are some times in a broad sense called graces. But besides these we need an inward aid from God to accompany the outward one and make it profitable. This is Grace, strictly so called, and this is the efficient power in our lives. St. Paul therefore says: "I have planted, Apollo watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he that planted is anything, nor he that watered, but God who giveth the increase" (1 Cor. iii. 6, 7). Actual grace, or the grace that accompanies our good actions, is a transient movement of supernatural influence, which enlightens the understanding and strengthens the will, directing us towards some good action and helping us in its performance. It includes an anticipating or "prevenient" grace, which precedes our demand and is not dependent on our will, and a subsequent assistance which enables us to give effect to the previous one after we have entertained it and corresponded to it. Grace is not an exercise of omnipotence breaking down all opposition and forcing the will; it is the breathing of a gentle wind of persuasion, which we can act upon or reject as pleases us. Watch for the movements of the Spirit of God, and be careful never to thrust them aside. Do not expect them to compel you and save you the pangs of self-sacrifice. You have to act and do violence to yourself before the strength of grace is revealed in you.
