Confessions - Book I - Chapter Vii
St. Augustine reflects on the innate sinfulness present from infancy and the merciful nature of God who created man but not sin.
In this devotional sermon, St. Augustine meditates on the nature of sin from infancy and the merciful character of God. He explores how even the youngest are touched by sin, yet God’s mercy remains steadfast. Augustine also reflects on the process of spiritual growth, emphasizing the importance of rejecting harmful desires while preserving what is good. This sermon invites listeners to a deeper understanding of human nature and divine compassion.
Text
11. \"Hear me, O God! Woe to the sins of men!\" When a man cries thus, thou showest him mercy, for thou didst create the man but not the sin in him. Who brings to remembrance the sins of my infancy? For in thy sight there is none free from sin, not even the infant who has lived but a day upon this earth. Who brings this to my remembrance? Does not each little one, in whom I now observe what I no longer remember of myself? In what ways, in that time, did I sin? Was it that I cried for the breast? If I should now so cry--not indeed for the breast, but for food suitable to my condition--I should be most justly laughed at and rebuked. What I did then deserved rebuke but, since I could not understand those who rebuked me, neither custom nor common sense permitted me to be rebuked. As we grow we root out and cast away from us such childish habits. Yet I have not seen anyone who is wise who cast away the good when trying to purge the bad. Nor was it good, even in that time, to strive to get by crying what, if it had been given me, would have been hurtful; or to be bitterly indignant at those who, because they were older--not slaves, either, but free--and wiser than I, would not indulge my capricious desires. Was it a good thing for me to try, by struggling as hard as I could, to harm them for not obeying me, even when it would have done me harm to have been obeyed? Thus, the infant\\
Sermon Outline
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I. The Reality of Sin from Infancy
- Recognition that no one is free from sin, even infants
- Reflection on early sinful behaviors and their implications
- Understanding sin as inherent in human nature
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II. God's Mercy Toward Humanity
- God created man but not sin
- God's merciful response to human cries for help
- The balance between justice and mercy in God's dealings
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III. The Growth from Childishness to Wisdom
- The natural process of casting away childish habits
- The importance of retaining good while rejecting bad
- The folly of harmful desires and rebellion
Key Quotes
“Hear me, O God! Woe to the sins of men!” — St. Augustine
“Thou didst create the man but not the sin in him.” — St. Augustine
“I have not seen anyone who is wise who cast away the good when trying to purge the bad.” — St. Augustine
Application Points
- Recognize and confess the presence of sin in all stages of life, including infancy.
- Trust in God's mercy even when confronted with your own weaknesses and failings.
- Strive to grow spiritually by casting away harmful habits while retaining what is good.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Augustine say about sin in infancy?
He acknowledges that even infants are not free from sin, highlighting the pervasive nature of original sin.
How does God respond to human sin according to Augustine?
God shows mercy to humans, having created man but not the sin within him.
Why does Augustine discuss childish behaviors?
To illustrate how sinful tendencies begin early and how growth involves rejecting harmful habits while preserving good.
What is the significance of crying in the sermon?
Crying symbolizes human weakness and need, and God's merciful response to such cries.