A Source Book for Ancient Church History - Mirrors

§ 82. Augustine's Life and Place in the Western Church 479rejoices. We relate how it came to pass—she exults and triumphs,and she blesses Thee, who art “able to do exceeding abundantlyabove all that we ask or think” [Eph. 3:20]; for she perceivedThee to have given her more for me than she used to ask by herpitiful and most doleful groanings. For Thou didst so convert meunto Thyself, that I sought neither a wife, nor any other hope of [437]this world—standing in that rule of faith in which Thou, so manyyears before, had showed me unto her. And thou didst turn hergrief unto gladness [Psalm 30:11], much more plentiful than shehad desired, and much dearer and chaster than she used to crave,by having grandchildren of my flesh.(b) Augustine, Confessiones, X, 27, 29, 43. (MSL, 32:795, 796,808.)The following passages from the Confessions are intended toillustrate Augustine's type of piety.Ch. 29. My whole hope is only in Thy exceeding great mercy.Give what Thou commandest and command what Thou wilt. 167Thou imposest continency upon us. “And when I perceived,”saith one, “that no one could be continent except God gave it;and this was a point of wisdom also to know whose this gift was”[Wis. 8:21]. For by continency are we bound up and brought intoone, whence we were scattered abroad into many. For he lovesThee too little, who besides Thee loves aught which he loves notfor Thee. O love, who ever burnest and art never quenched! Ocharity, my God, kindle me! Thou commandest continency; givewhat Thou commandest, and command what Thou wilt.Ch. 27. Too late have I loved Thee, O fairness, so ancient,yet so new! Too late have I loved Thee. For behold Thouwast within and I was without, and I was seeking Thee there; I,167 This is the phrase which so deeply offended Pelagius; Da quod jubes, etjube quod vis.