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- The Confessions of S. Augustine. 29
beauty as is in justice and wisdom; nor even such as is in the mind and memory, and senses, and animal life of man; nor yet as the stars are glorious and beautiful in their orbs; or the earth or sea, full of embryo-life, replacing by its birth that which decayeth; nay, nor even that false and shadowy beauty which belongeth to deceiving vices.
For pride doth ape highness; whereas Thou only art God, Most High above all. Ambition, what seeks it, but honours and glory? whereas Thou alone art to be honoured above all, and glorious for evermore. The cruelty of the powers that be, would fain be feared; but who is to be feared but God alone, out of whose power what can be wrested or withdrawn? when, or where, or whither, or by whom? The charms of the wanton would fain be loved; but there is nothing that hath more charm than Thy charity; nor is aught loved more healthfully than that Thy truth which is beautiful and luminous above all. Curiosity seems to affect a desire of knowledge; whereas Thou supremely knowest all. Yea, ignorance and very folly is cloaked under the name of simplicity and harmlessness; because nothing is found more simple than Thyself. And what is more harmless than Thou art? Truly his own deeds are the sinner's foes. Sloth again is a certain seeking after rest; but what sure rest is there besides the Lord? Luxury would prefer to be called sufficiency and abundance; but Thou art the fulness and never-failing plenteousness of sweetness incorruptible. Prodigality presents a shadow of liberality: but Thou art the most plenteous Giver of all good things. Covetousness would possess many things: and Thou possessest all things. Envy quarrels about excellency: what more excellent than Thou? Anger seeks vengeance; who avengeth more justly than Thou? Fear trembles at unwonted and sudden adversities which endanger things beloved, and takes precautions for their safety; but to Thee what unwonted or sudden, or who separateth from Thee what Thou lovest? (Rom. viii. 9.) Or where but with Thee is unshaken safety? Grief pines away for things now lost, in which covetousness used to take delight; because it would have nothing taken from it, as nothing can be taken from Thee.
Thus doth the soul commit fornication, when she turns from Thee, seeking without Thee, what she findeth not
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