Quotes from Augustine of Hippo

The peace of the celestial city is the perfectly ordered and harmonious enjoyment of God, and of one another in God. (City of God, Book 19)

If you understood him, it would not be God.

We speak, but it is God who teaches.

If you have understood, then what you have understood is not God.

For in our hope we are saved.

Christ is not valued at all, unless he is valued above all.

Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore, seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand.

Charity is no substitute for justice withheld.

In my deepest wound I saw your glory, and it dazzled me.

The confession of evil works is the first beginning of good works.

Fasting cleanses the soul, raises the mind, subjects one's flesh to the spirit, renders the heart contrite and humble, scatters the clouds of concupiscence, quenches the fire of lust, and kindles the true light of chastity. Enter again into yourself.

The purpose of all war is peace.

Since you cannot do good to all, you are to pay special attention to those who, by the accidents of time, or place, or circumstances, are brought into closer connection with you.

Custom is second nature.

He that is kind is free, though he is a slave; he that is evil is a slave, though he be a king.

To abstain from sin when one can no longer sin is to be forsaken by sin, not to forsake it.

Pray as though everything depends on God. And work as if everything depends on you.

There can only be two basic loves... the love of God unto the forgetfulness of self, or the love of self unto the forgetfulness and denial of God.

Yet we must say something when those who say the most are saying nothing.

He loves Thee too little, who loves anything together with Thee, which he loves not for Thy sake.

If you believe what you like in the Gospel, and reject what you don't like, it is not the Gospel you believe, but yourself.

Lord Jesus, don't let me lie when I say that I love you...and protect me, for today I could betray you.

For it is one thing to see the Land of Peace from a wooded ridge, and yet another to walk the road that leads to it.