Introduction
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Divisio (see above) 1) First part: the saints, by praying, can intercede for our salvation and help us obtain grace from God (reference to Gregory the Great, Moralia in Iob 12). 2) Second part: the «fiery prayer» made by Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane was so effective that it enabled all human beings to obtain God's grace (reference to Thomas Aquinas). 3) Third part: Superbis resistit Deus, humilibus autem dat gratiam (quote from 1Peter 5, 5). Exempla of pride: Lucifer »; Eve. Exempla of humility: David; the centurion (Domine, non sum dignus ut intres sub tectum meum, quote from Matthew 8, 8 [miracle of the healing of the centurion’s servant]); the woman of Canaan (Nam et catelli edunt de micis que cadunt de mensa domini sui, quote from Matthew 15, 27 [miracle of the exorcism of the daughter of the woman of Canaan]); the Publican (reference to the parable of the Pharisee and the Publican [Luke 18, 9-14]). 4) Fourth part: shame drives away things contrary to virtue in two ways (reference to Thomas Aquinas): 1. out of shame human beings often keep away from vice; 2. shame of one's vices often induces human beings to confession. 5) Fifth part: persevering in prayer and charitable behaviour makes it possible to obtain grace; «“Dimandate e riceverete” (cioè la gratia), “battete e ve serà aperto”» (reference to Luke 11, 5-13).