Confessions - Book IX - Chapter IV
St. Augustine reflects on God's merciful deliverance from pride and worldly pursuits, highlighting the transformative power of divine grace in his life and those close to him.
In this reflective sermon, St. Augustine recounts the profound spiritual transformation he experienced through God's grace, moving from pride and worldly pursuits to humility and devotion. He shares how God subdued his heart and mind, enabling him to dedicate his intellectual efforts to divine service. Augustine also highlights the communal nature of grace as seen in the transformation of his close friends. This sermon offers deep insight into the workings of divine mercy and the journey toward spiritual renewal.
Text
7. Finally the day came on which I was actually to be relieved from the professorship of rhetoric, from which I had already been released in intention. And it was done. And thou didst deliver my tongue as thou hadst already delivered my heart; and I blessed thee for it with great joy, and retired with my friends to the villa.[275] My books testify to what I got done there in writing, which was now hopefully devoted to thy service; though in this pause it was still as if I were panting from my exertions in the school of pride.[276] These were the books in which I engaged in dialogue with my friends, and also those in soliloquy before thee alone.[277] And there are my letters to Nebridius, who was still absent.[278]
When would there be enough time to recount all thy great blessings which thou didst bestow on us in that time, especially as I am hastening on to still greater mercies? For my memory recalls them to me and it is pleasant to confess them to thee, O Lord: the inward goads by which thou didst subdue me and how thou broughtest me low, leveling the mountains and hills of my thoughts, straightening my crookedness, and smoothing my rough ways. And I remember by what means thou also didst subdue Alypius, my heart\\
Sermon Outline
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I
- Release from worldly duties and pride
- Reflection on past exertions and achievements
- Dedication of work to God's service
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II
- Recognition of God's blessings and mercies
- The inward transformation through divine discipline
- The humbling of pride and correction of thoughts
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III
- The impact of grace on close friends
- The communal aspect of spiritual growth
- Continued reliance on God's guidance
Key Quotes
“And thou didst deliver my tongue as thou hadst already delivered my heart; and I blessed thee for it with great joy.” — St. Augustine
“The inward goads by which thou didst subdue me and how thou broughtest me low, leveling the mountains and hills of my thoughts.” — St. Augustine
“My books testify to what I got done there in writing, which was now hopefully devoted to thy service.” — St. Augustine
Application Points
- Trust in God's grace to transform pride into humility in your own life.
- Dedicate your talents and work to the service of God as Augustine did.
- Reflect regularly on God's blessings to cultivate gratitude and spiritual growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of this sermon?
The main theme is God's transformative grace that delivers from pride and worldly attachments.
Who is Alypius mentioned in the sermon?
Alypius was a close friend of St. Augustine who also experienced spiritual transformation through God's grace.
Why does Augustine mention his writings and letters?
He references his writings and letters to show how his intellectual work was redirected towards serving God.
How does Augustine describe his past pride?
He describes it as mountains and hills of thoughts that God leveled and smoothed through inward correction.
What role does memory play in this sermon?
Memory serves as a tool for Augustine to recall and confess God's blessings and mercies.