Thursday, July 3, 2008

Opening Door

Yea, sloth would fain be at rest; but what stable rest beside the Lord? Luxury affects to be called plenty and abundance; but Thou art the fulness and neverfailing plenteousness of incorruptible pleasures. Prodigality presents a shadow of liberality: but Thou art the most overflowing Giver of all good. Covetousness would possess many things: and Thous possessest all things. Envy disputes for excellency: what more excellent than Thou? Anger seeks revenge: who revenges more justly than Thou? Fear startles at things unwonted and sudden, which endanger things beloved, and takes forethought for their safety: but to Thee what unwonted or sudden, or who seperateth from Thee what thou lovest? Or where but with Thee is unshaken safety? Grief pines away for things lost, the delight of its desires; because it would have taken from it, as nothing can from Thee.
Confessions, St. Augustine
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I've only gotten two chapters into this book, but I knew that if I didn't share a quote now, I would have a very difficult time choosing which one to share. St. Augustine's writings explore subjects much deeper than anything that ever even occurred to me. It is like opening a door into a new world.