Augustine Quotes

       Aurelius Augustinus
       354-430 C.E.
      
       Aurelius Augustinus - more commonly "St. Augustine of Hippo," or simply "Augustine" - was a philosopher and theologian, and one of the most important figures in the development of Western Christianity. He framed the concepts of original sin and just war. Augustine was one of the most prolific Latin authors in terms of surviving works, and the list of his works consists of more than a hundred separate titles.
      
       Augustine took the view that the Biblical text should not be interpreted literally if it contradicts what we know from science and our God-given reason. Many Protestants, especially Calvinists, consider him to be one of the theological fathers of Reformation teaching on salvation and divine grace.

What you are must always displease you, if you would attain to that which you are not.     Topics: Achievement It is the function of perfection to make one know one's imperfection.     Topics: Achievement, Character Passion is the evil in adultery. If a man has no opportunity of living with another man's wife, but if it is obvious for some reason that he would like to do so, and would do so if he could, he is no less guilty than if he was caught in the act.     Topics: Adultery, Sin, Passion It was pride that changed angels into devils; it is humility that makes men as angels.     Topics: Angels, Pride, Humility We cannot pass our guardian angel's bounds, resigned or sullen, he will hear our sighs.     Topics: Angels, Pain Is it any merit to abstain from wine if one is intoxicated with anger?     Topics: Anger At times one hesitates to reprove or admonish evil-doers, either because one seeks a more favorable moment or fears his rebuke might make them worse, and further, discourage weak brethren from seeking to lead a good and holy life, or turn them aside from the faith. In such circumstances forbearance is not prompted by selfish considerations but by well advised charity.     Topics: Apathy     Source: City of God To be assured of our salvation is no arrogant stoutness. It is faith. It is devotion. It is not presumption. It is God's promise.     Topics: Assurance My Father, supremely good, beauty of all things beautiful.     Topics: Beauty     Source: Confessions. God chooses us, not because we believe, but that we may believe.     Topics: Believing A man may lose the good things of this life against his will; but if he loses the eternal blessings, he does so with his own consent.     Topics: Blessings, Eternity The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.     Topics: Books, Reading