Questions

This is a list of all the questions and their associated study carrel identifiers. One can learn a lot of the "aboutness" of a text simply by reading the questions.

identifier question
chapter-005And how have they injured Thee?
chapter-005And what, O Lord, was she with so many tears asking of Thee, but that Thou wouldest not suffer me to sail?
chapter-005And where would have been those her so strong and unceasing prayers, unintermitting to Thee alone?
chapter-005But what availed the utmost neatness of the cup- bearer to my thirst for a more precious draught?
chapter-005But where was I, when I was seeking Thee?
chapter-005But yet who bade that Manichaeus write on these things also, skill in which was no element of piety?
chapter-005Doth then, O Lord God of truth, whoso knoweth these things, therefore please Thee?
chapter-005For had I then parted hence, whither had I departed, but into fire and torments, such as my misdeeds deserved in the truth of Thy appointment?
chapter-005For how should He, by the crucifixion of a phantasm, which I believed Him to be?
chapter-005For whither fled they, when they fled from Thy presence?
chapter-005Heal Thou all my bones, and let them say, O Lord, who is like unto Thee?
chapter-005Is it not thus, as I recall it, O Lord my God, Thou judge of my conscience?
chapter-005Or how shall we obtain salvation, but from Thy hand, re- making what it made?
chapter-005Thou, by whose gift she was such?
chapter-005or how have they disgraced Thy government, which, from the heaven to this lowest earth, is just and perfect?
chapter-005or where dost not Thou find them?
chapter-006Again, if he asked had I rather be such as he was, or what I then was?
chapter-006Ambrose has no leisure; we have no leisure to read; where shall we find even the books?
chapter-006And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man''s, who shall give you that which is your own?
chapter-006BOOK VI O Thou, my hope from my youth, where wert Thou to me, and whither wert Thou gone?
chapter-006But should any ask me, had I rather be merry or fearful?
chapter-006But when then pay we court to our great friends, whose favour we need?
chapter-006But where shall it be sought or when?
chapter-006Hadst not Thou created me, and separated me from the beasts of the field, and fowls of the air?
chapter-006I should choose to be myself, though worn with cares and fears; but out of wrong judgment; for, was it the truth?
chapter-006Life is vain, death uncertain; if it steals upon us on a sudden, in what state shall we depart hence?
chapter-006See, it is no great matter now to obtain some station, and then what should we more wish for?
chapter-006The forenoons our scholars take up; what do we during the rest?
chapter-006What glory, Lord?
chapter-006What, if death itself cut off and end all care and feeling?
chapter-006When compose what we may sell to scholars?
chapter-006When refresh ourselves, unbending our minds from this intenseness of care?
chapter-006Whence, or when procure them?
chapter-006Wherefore delay then to abandon worldly hopes, and give ourselves wholly to seek after God and the blessed life?
chapter-006Whom so soon as Alypius remembered, he told the architect: and he showing the hatchet to the boy, asked him"Whose that was?"
chapter-006Why not this?
chapter-006Why say more?
chapter-006and shall we not rather suffer the punishment of this negligence?
chapter-006and where shall we learn what here we have neglected?
chapter-006from whom borrow them?
chapter-003are they to be esteemed righteous who had many wives at once, and did kill men, and sacrifice living creatures?
chapter-003is God bounded by a bodily shape, and has hairs and nails?
chapter-003And who is sufficient for these things?
chapter-003Are griefs then too loved?
chapter-003But what foul offences can there be against Thee, who canst not be defiled?
chapter-003But what sort of compassion is this for feigned and scenical passions?
chapter-003But whither goes that vein?
chapter-003Can it at any time or place be unjust to love God with all his heart, with all his soul, and with all his mind; and his neighbour as himself?
chapter-003For how much better are the fables of poets and grammarians than these snares?
chapter-003How did I burn then, my God, how did I burn to re- mount from earthly things to Thee, nor knew I what Thou wouldest do with me?
chapter-003Is justice therefore various or mutable?
chapter-003My God, my Mercy, with how much gall didst Thou out of Thy great goodness besprinkle for me that sweetness?
chapter-003My life being such, was it life, O my God?
chapter-003Or whereas no man likes to be miserable, is he yet pleased to be merciful?
chapter-003Shall compassion then be put away?
chapter-003What is this but a miserable madness?
chapter-003What marvel that an unhappy sheep, straying from Thy flock, and impatient of Thy keeping, I became infected with a foul disease?
chapter-003What then could they be more truly called than"Subverters"?
chapter-003Whence was this, but that Thine ears were towards her heart?
chapter-003Where then wert Thou then to me, and how far from me?
chapter-003Why is it, that man desires to be made sad, beholding doleful and tragical things, which yet himself would no means suffer?
chapter-003or what acts of violence against Thee, who canst not be harmed?
chapter-003which because it can not be without passion, for this reason alone are passions loved?
chapter-003whither flows it?
chapter-007And I said,"Is Truth therefore nothing because it is not diffused through space finite or infinite?"
chapter-007And what can be unlooked- for by Thee, Who knowest all things?
chapter-007And what more monstrous than to affirm things to become better by losing all their good?
chapter-007And what should we more say,"why that substance which God is should not be corruptible,"seeing if it were so, it should not be God?
chapter-007But again I said, Who made me?
chapter-007Did not my God, Who is not only good, but goodness itself?
chapter-007Did the whole tumult of my soul, for which neither time nor utterance sufficed, reach them?
chapter-007For where was that charity building upon the foundation of humility, which is Christ Jesus?
chapter-007For, what was that which was thence through my tongue distilled into the ears of my most familiar friends?
chapter-007Had He no might to turn and change the whole, so that no evil should remain in it, seeing He is All- mighty?
chapter-007If the devil were the author, whence is that same devil?
chapter-007Lastly, why would He make any thing at all of it, and not rather by the same All- mightiness cause it not to be at all?
chapter-007No man sings there, Shall not my soul be submitted unto God?
chapter-007Or hath it no being?
chapter-007Or if it were from eternity, why suffered He it so to be for infinite spaces of times past, and was pleased so long after to make something out of it?
chapter-007Or, could it then be against His will?
chapter-007Or, was there some evil matter of which He made, and formed, and ordered it, yet left something in it which He did not convert into good?
chapter-007These things being safe and immovably settled in my mind, I sought anxiously"whence was evil?"
chapter-007What is its root, and what its seed?
chapter-007What shall wretched man do?
chapter-007Whence is evil?
chapter-007Whence is it then?
chapter-007Whence then came I to will evil and nill good, so that I am thus justly punished?
chapter-007Where is evil then, and whence, and how crept it in hither?
chapter-007Why so then?
chapter-007Why that?
chapter-007Why then fear we and avoid what is not?
chapter-007or when should these books teach me it?
chapter-007who set this in me, and ingrafted into me this plant of bitterness, seeing I was wholly formed by my most sweet God?
chapter-009And the prophet cries out, How long, slow of heart?
chapter-009And what is like unto Thy Word, our Lord, who endureth in Himself without becoming old, and maketh all things new?
chapter-009And when shall I have time to rehearse all Thy great benefits towards us at that time, especially when hasting on to yet greater mercies?
chapter-009And when shall that be?
chapter-009And who but Thou could be the workmaster of such wonders?
chapter-009But hast not Thou, O most merciful Lord, pardoned and remitted this sin also, with my other most horrible and deadly sins, in the holy water?
chapter-009But what pain?
chapter-009But whosoever reckons up his real merits to Thee, what reckons he up to Thee but Thine own gifts?
chapter-009But yet, O my God, Who madest us, what comparison is there betwixt that honour that I paid to her, and her slavery for me?
chapter-009For what other place is there for such a soul?
chapter-009He cries out, How long?
chapter-009Let my heart and my tongue praise Thee; yea, let all my bones say, O Lord, who is like unto Thee?
chapter-009My God hath done this for me more abundantly, that I should now see thee withal, despising earthly happiness, become His servant: what do I here?"
chapter-009Oh that they were wearied out with their famine, and said, Who will show us good things?
chapter-009What evil have not been either my deeds, or if not my deeds, my words, or if not my words, my will?
chapter-009When shall I recall all which passed in those holy- days?
chapter-009When we shall all rise again, though we shall not all be changed?
chapter-009Whence and whither hast Thou thus led my remembrance, that I should confess these things also unto Thee?
chapter-009Where was then that discreet old woman, and that her earnest countermanding?
chapter-009Who am I, and what am I?
chapter-009Who repay Him the price wherewith He bought us, and so take us from Him?
chapter-009Who shall restore to Him the innocent blood?
chapter-009Would aught avail against a secret disease, if Thy healing hand, O Lord, watched not over us?
chapter-009how didst Thou cure her?
chapter-009how heal her?
chapter-009or how went it away?
chapter-009why do ye love vanity, and seek after leasing?
chapter-009why do ye love vanity, and seek after leasing?
chapter-002A man hath murdered another; why?
chapter-002Ambition, what seeks it, but honours and glory?
chapter-002And to what end?
chapter-002And to what purpose?
chapter-002And what was it that I delighted in, but to love, and be loved?
chapter-002And whose but Thine were these words which by my mother, Thy faithful one, Thou sangest in my ears?
chapter-002Anger seeks revenge: who revenges more justly than Thou?
chapter-002Because none doth ordinarily laugh alone?
chapter-002But art thou any thing, that thus I speak to thee?
chapter-002But yet what was it?
chapter-002Didst Thou then indeed hold Thy peace to me?
chapter-002Envy disputes for excellency: what more excellent than Thou?
chapter-002For what is nearer to Thine ears than a confessing heart, and a life of faith?
chapter-002For what mortal can?
chapter-002For what thief will abide a thief?
chapter-002I loved then in it also the company of the accomplices, with whom I did it?
chapter-002Or where but with Thee is unshaken safety?
chapter-002The cruelty of the great would fain be feared; but who is to be feared but God alone, out of whose power what can be wrested or withdrawn?
chapter-002To Thy grace I ascribe also whatsoever I have not done of evil; for what might I not have done, who even loved a sin for its own sake?
chapter-002To whom tell I this?
chapter-002What is it which hath come into my mind to enquire, and discuss, and consider?
chapter-002What is worthy of dispraise but vice?
chapter-002What is, in truth?
chapter-002What shall I render unto the Lord, that, whilst my memory recalls these things, my soul is not affrighted at them?
chapter-002What then did I love in that theft?
chapter-002What then did wretched I so love in thee, thou theft of mine, thou deed of darkness, in that sixteenth year of my age?
chapter-002What then was this feeling?
chapter-002Who can disentangle that twisted and intricate knottiness?
chapter-002Who can understand his errors?
chapter-002Why then was my delight of such sort that I did it not alone?
chapter-002Would any commit murder upon no cause, delighted simply in murdering?
chapter-002Yea, sloth would fain be at rest; but what stable rest besides the Lord?
chapter-002and dare I say that Thou heldest Thy peace, O my God, while I wandered further from Thee?
chapter-002and wherein did I even corruptly and pervertedly imitate my Lord?
chapter-002could I like what I might not, only because I might not?
chapter-002in those things, of the remembrance whereof I am now ashamed?
chapter-002when, or where, or whither, or by whom?
chapter-002who can teach me, save He that enlighteneth my heart, and discovereth its dark corners?
chapter-002who would believe it?
chapter-004And doth not a soul, sighing after such fictions, commit fornication against Thee, trust in things unreal, and feed the wind?
chapter-004And who is He but our God?
chapter-004And who is this but our God, the God that made heaven and earth, and filleth them, because by filling them He created them?
chapter-004And who leaveth Thee, whither goeth or whither fleeth he, but from Thee well- pleased, to Thee displeased?
chapter-004But I would not be asked,"Why then doth God err?"
chapter-004But didst Thou fail me even by that old man, or forbear to heal my soul?
chapter-004But do I depart any whither?
chapter-004But in these things is no place of repose; they abide not, they flee; and who can follow them with the senses of the flesh?
chapter-004But is it also in grief for a thing lost, and the sorrow wherewith I was then overwhelmed?
chapter-004But what did this further me, imagining that Thou, O Lord God, the Truth, wert a vast and bright body, and I a fragment of that body?
chapter-004But what prouder, than for me with a strange madness to maintain myself to be that by nature which Thou art?
chapter-004But what sort of man is any man, seeing he is but a man?
chapter-004But what speak I of these things?
chapter-004But whither ascend ye, when ye are on high, and set your mouth against the heavens?
chapter-004Do I then love in a man, what I hate to be, who am a man?
chapter-004Doth this sweeten it, that we hope Thou hearest?
chapter-004Even now, after the descent of Life to you, will ye not ascend and live?
chapter-004For how should there be a blessed life where life itself is not?
chapter-004For what am I to myself without Thee, but a guide to mine own downfall?
chapter-004For what else is it to feed the wind, but to feed them, that is by going astray to become their pleasure and derision?
chapter-004For what profited me good abilities, not employed to good uses?
chapter-004For where doth he not find Thy law in his own punishment?
chapter-004For whither should my heart flee from my heart?
chapter-004Hast Thou, although present every where, cast away our misery far from Thee?
chapter-004May I learn from Thee, who art Truth, and approach the ear of my heart unto Thy mouth, that Thou mayest tell me why weeping is sweet to the miserable?
chapter-004O ye sons of men, how long so slow of heart?
chapter-004One is commended, and, unseen, he is loved: doth this love enter the heart of the hearer from the mouth of the commender?
chapter-004Or is weeping indeed a bitter thing, and for very loathing of the things which we before enjoyed, does it then, when we shrink from them, please us?
chapter-004To what end then would ye still and still walk these difficult and toilsome ways?
chapter-004What did all this further me, seeing it even hindered me?
chapter-004What diddest Thou then, my God, and how unsearchable is the abyss of Thy judgments?
chapter-004What is it that attracts and wins us to the things we love?
chapter-004What then is the beautiful?
chapter-004Whence then is sweet fruit gathered from the bitterness of life, from groaning, tears, sighs, and complaints?
chapter-004Where now are the impulses to such various and divers kinds of loves laid up in one soul?
chapter-004Whither go ye in rough ways?
chapter-004Whither go ye?
chapter-004Whither not follow myself?
chapter-004Whither should I flee from myself?
chapter-004Who can recount all Thy praises, which he hath felt in his one self?
chapter-004Why then be perverted and follow thy flesh?
chapter-004Why, since we are equally men, do I love in another what, if I did not hate, I should not spurn and cast from myself?
chapter-004and what is beauty?
chapter-004or what am I even at the best, but an infant sucking the milk Thou givest, and feeding upon Thee, the food that perisheth not?
chapter-004yea, who can grasp them, when they are hard by?
chapter-008What ails us?
chapter-008Where art thou now, my tongue? chapter-008 And she smiled on me with a persuasive mockery, as would she say,Canst not thou what these youths, what these maidens can?
chapter-008And what was it which they suggested in that I said,"this or that,"what did they suggest, O my God?
chapter-008And who has any right to speak against it, if just punishment follow the sinner?
chapter-008And who there knew him not?
chapter-008And, not indeed in these words, yet to this purpose, spake I much unto Thee: and Thou, O Lord, how long?
chapter-008Are we ashamed to follow, because others are gone before, and not ashamed not even to follow?"
chapter-008Can our hopes in court rise higher than to be the Emperor''s favourites?
chapter-008Do not divers wills distract the mind, while he deliberates which he should rather choose?
chapter-008For I ask them, is it good to take pleasure in reading the Apostle?
chapter-008For his presence did not lessen my privacy; or how could he forsake me so disturbed?
chapter-008For whence else is this hesitation between conflicting wills?
chapter-008I exclaim:"what is it?
chapter-008I sent up these sorrowful words: How long, how long,"to- morrow, and tomorrow?"
chapter-008Is this their allotted measure?
chapter-008Let my bones be bedewed with Thy love, and let them say unto Thee, Who is like unto Thee, O Lord?
chapter-008The other, in banter, replied,"Do walls then make Christians?"
chapter-008What means this, O Lord my God, whereas Thou art everlastingly joy to Thyself, and some things around Thee evermore rejoice in Thee?
chapter-008What means this, that this portion of things thus ebbs and flows alternately displeased and reconciled?
chapter-008What said I not against myself?
chapter-008What then if all give equal pleasure, and all at once?
chapter-008What then if one of us should deliberate, and amid the strife of his two wills be in a strait, whether he should go to the theatre or to our church?
chapter-008What then takes place in the soul, when it is more delighted at finding or recovering the things it loves, than if it had ever had them?
chapter-008Whence is this monstrousness?
chapter-008Whence is this monstrousness?
chapter-008Whence this monstrousness?
chapter-008Who then should deliver me thus wretched from the body of this death, but Thy grace only, through Jesus Christ our Lord?
chapter-008Why not now?
chapter-008Why standest thou in thyself, and so standest not?
chapter-008and by how many perils arrive we at a greater peril?
chapter-008and from that moment shall not this or that be lawful for thee for ever?"
chapter-008and from that moment shall we no more be with thee for ever?
chapter-008and in this, what is there not brittle, and full of perils?
chapter-008and to what end?
chapter-008and to what end?
chapter-008and to what end?
chapter-008and when arrive we thither?
chapter-008how long, Lord, wilt Thou be angry for ever?
chapter-008or can they either in themselves, and not rather in the Lord their God?
chapter-008or good to discourse on the Gospel?
chapter-008or good to take pleasure in a sober Psalm?
chapter-008what aim we at?
chapter-008what heardest thou?
chapter-008what serve we for?
chapter-008why not is there this hour an end to my uncleanness?
chapter-008would not these Manichees also be in a strait what to answer?
chapter-013that it was idly said, and without meaning?
chapter-013( for to such creatures, is this food due;) what is it that feeds thee?
chapter-013And I am admonished,"Truly the things of God knoweth no one, but the Spirit of God: how then do we also know, what things are given us of God?"
chapter-013And I said,"Lord, is not this Thy Scripture true, since Thou art true, and being Truth, hast set it forth?
chapter-013And what have we, that we have not received of Thee?
chapter-013And what man can teach man to understand this?
chapter-013As if He had been in place, Who is not in place, of Whom only it is written, that He is Thy gift?
chapter-013Behold, I too say, O my God, Where art Thou?
chapter-013But how know we this?
chapter-013But was not either the Father, or the Son, borne above the waters?
chapter-013But what is this, and what kind of mystery?
chapter-013But wherefore was it not meet that the knowledge of Him should be conveyed otherwise, than as being borne above?
chapter-013For what did heaven and earth, which Thou madest in the Beginning, deserve of Thee?
chapter-013For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of a man, which is in him?
chapter-013For who discerneth us, but Thou?
chapter-013How did corporeal matter deserve of Thee, to be even invisible and without form?
chapter-013How did they deserve of Thee, to be even without form, since they had not been even this, but from Thee?
chapter-013Or who, except Thou, our God, made for us that firmament of authority over us in Thy Divine Scripture?
chapter-013Rejoiceth he for that?
chapter-013To whom shall I speak this?
chapter-013Unto it speaks my faith which Thou hast kindled to enlighten my feet in the night, Why art thou sad, O my soul, and why dost thou trouble me?
chapter-013Was it for his own necessities, because he said, Ye sent unto my necessity?
chapter-013What can be more, and yet what less like?
chapter-013What then shall I say, O Truth my Light?
chapter-013Whence then so many thorns, if the earth be fruitful?
chapter-013Whereat then rejoicest thou, O great Paul?
chapter-013Which of us comprehendeth the Almighty Trinity?
chapter-013Who gathered the embittered together into one society?
chapter-013Who, Lord, but Thou, saidst, Let the waters be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear, which thirsteth after Thee?
chapter-013Why should he trouble me, as if I could enlighten any man that cometh into this world?
chapter-013Why then is this said of Thy Spirit only, why is it said only of Him?
chapter-013and yet which speaks not of It, if indeed it be It?
chapter-013how speak it?
chapter-013how speak of the weight of evil desires, downwards to the steep abyss; and how charity raises up again by Thy Spirit which was borne above the waters?
chapter-013or what Angel, a man?
chapter-013or what Angel, an Angel?
chapter-013to whom shall I speak it?
chapter-013whereat rejoicest thou?
chapter-013who could any ways express it?
chapter-013who would, any way, pronounce thereon rashly?
chapter-012No,they say;"What then?
chapter-012What then? chapter-012 What then?"
chapter-012What will ye say then, O ye gainsayers? chapter-012 What?"
chapter-012And this changeableness, what is it?
chapter-012And what is it to have silence there, but to have no sound there?
chapter-012And what, among all parts of the world can be found nearer to an absolute formlessness, than earth and deep?
chapter-012Are these things false?"
chapter-012But whence had it this degree of being, but from Thee, from Whom are all things, so far forth as they are?
chapter-012For had there been light, where should it have been but by being over all, aloft, and enlightening?
chapter-012For if they be comprised in this word earth; how then can formless matter be meant in that name of earth, when we see the waters so beautiful?
chapter-012Hast not Thou, O Lord, taught his soul, which confesseth unto Thee?
chapter-012How then should it be called, that it might be in some measure conveyed to those of duller mind, but by some ordinary word?
chapter-012I should have desired verily, had I then been Moses( for we all come from the same lump, and what is man, saving that Thou art mindful of him?
chapter-012If God be for us, who can be against us?
chapter-012Is it body?
chapter-012Is it false, that every nature already formed, or matter capable of form, is not, but from Him Who is supremely good, because He is supremely?"
chapter-012Is it soul?
chapter-012Is it that the matter was without form, in which because there was no form, there was no order?
chapter-012Is it that which constituteth soul or body?
chapter-012The heaven of heavens are the Lord''s; but the earth hath He given to the children of men?
chapter-012Therefore didst Thou command it to be written, that darkness was upon the face of the deep; what else than the absence of light?
chapter-012These be Thine own promises: and who need fear to be deceived, when the Truth promiseth?
chapter-012We hold the promise, who shall make it null?
chapter-012What strength of ours, yea what ages would suffice for all Thy books in this manner?
chapter-012Where is that heaven which we see not, to which all this which we see is earth?
chapter-012Where then light was not, what was the presence of darkness, but the absence of light?
chapter-012and what Thy days, but Thy eternity, as Thy years which fail not, because Thou art ever the same?
chapter-012if she now seeks of Thee one thing, and desireth it, that she may dwell in Thy house all the days of her life( and what is her life, but Thou?
chapter-001And how shall I call upon my God, my God and Lord, since, when I call for Him, I shall be calling Him to myself?
chapter-001And is this the innocence of boyhood?
chapter-001And is, then one part of Thee greater, another less?
chapter-001And then mark how he excites himself to lust as by celestial authority:"And what God?
chapter-001And what could I so ill endure, or, when I detected it, upbraided I so fiercely, as that I was doing to others?
chapter-001And what had I now said, my God, my life, my holy joy?
chapter-001And whither, when the heaven and the earth are filled, pourest Thou forth the remainder of Thyself?
chapter-001And yet whence was this too, but from the sin and vanity of this life, because I was flesh, and a breath that passeth away and cometh not again?
chapter-001Before them what more foul than I was already, displeasing even such as myself?
chapter-001But Thou who fillest all things, fillest Thou them with Thy whole self?
chapter-001But who shall cleanse it?
chapter-001But why did I so much hate the Greek, which I studied as a boy?
chapter-001Did not I read in thee of Jove the thunderer and the adulterer?
chapter-001Do the heaven and earth then contain Thee, since Thou fillest them?
chapter-001Dost Thou mock me for asking this, and bid me praise Thee and acknowledge Thee, for that I do know?
chapter-001For what would I say, O Lord my God, but that I know not whence I came into this dying life( shall I call it?)
chapter-001For who is Lord but the Lord?
chapter-001Grant me, Lord, to know and understand which is first, to call on Thee or to praise Thee?
chapter-001Have I not confessed against myself my transgressions unto Thee, and Thou, my God, hast forgiven the iniquity of my heart?
chapter-001I beseech Thee, my God, I would fain know, if so Thou willest, for what purpose my baptism was then deferred?
chapter-001If not, why does it still echo in our ears on all sides,"Let him alone, let him do as he will, for he is not yet baptised?"
chapter-001If, again, I should ask which might be forgotten with least detriment to the concerns of life, reading and writing or these poetic fictions?
chapter-001In so small a creature, what was not wonderful, not admirable?
chapter-001Is it then a slight woe to love Thee not?
chapter-001Let him also rejoice and say, What thing is this?
chapter-001Nor did that depart,--(for whither went it?)
chapter-001Or was it then good, even for a while, to cry for what, if given, would hurt?
chapter-001Or what am I to Thee that Thou demandest my love, and, if I give it not, art wroth with me, and threatenest me with grievous woes?
chapter-001Or, is it rather, that we call on Thee that we may know Thee?
chapter-001Say, Lord, to me, Thy suppliant; say, all- pitying, to me, Thy pitiable one; say, did my infancy succeed another age of mine that died before it?
chapter-001Shall any be his own artificer?
chapter-001Since, then, I too exist, why do I seek that Thou shouldest enter into me, who were not, wert Thou not in me?
chapter-001Therefore I contend not in judgment with Thee; for if Thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall abide it?
chapter-001Thou receivest over and above, that Thou mayest owe; and who hath aught that is not Thine?
chapter-001What art Thou then, my God?
chapter-001What art Thou to me?
chapter-001What is it to me, O my true life, my God, that my declamation was applauded above so many of my own age and class?
chapter-001What is it to me, though any comprehend not this?
chapter-001What then was my sin?
chapter-001Whence could such a being be, save from Thee, Lord?
chapter-001Whither do I call Thee, since I am in Thee?
chapter-001Who knows not this?
chapter-001Who remindeth me of the sins of my infancy?
chapter-001Who remindeth me?
chapter-001Who shall stand against thee?
chapter-001Why then did I hate the Greek classics, which have the like tales?
chapter-001Why?
chapter-001Wilt Thou hold Thy peace for ever?
chapter-001and all at once the same part?
chapter-001and was there nothing else whereon to exercise my wit and tongue?
chapter-001and what before that life again, O God my joy, was I any where or any body?
chapter-001and what else did he who beat me?
chapter-001and what room is there within me, whither my God can come into me?
chapter-001and, again, to know Thee or to call on Thee?
chapter-001bitterly to resent, that persons free, and its own elders, yea, the very authors of its birth, served it not?
chapter-001but how shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed?
chapter-001do then heaven and earth, which Thou hast made, and wherein Thou hast made me, contain Thee?
chapter-001doth not each little infant, in whom I see what of myself I remember not?
chapter-001for of that I have heard somewhat, and have myself seen women with child?
chapter-001for who can call on Thee, not knowing Thee?
chapter-001how long roll the sons of Eve into that huge and hideous ocean, which even they scarcely overpass who climb the cross?
chapter-001how long shalt thou not be dried up?
chapter-001is not all this smoke and wind?
chapter-001is there, indeed, O Lord my God, aught in me that can contain Thee?
chapter-001or can there elsewhere be derived any vein, which may stream essence and life into us, save from thee, O Lord, in whom essence and life are one?
chapter-001or dost Thou fill them and yet overflow, since they do not contain Thee?
chapter-001or each its own part, the greater more, the smaller less?
chapter-001or hast Thou no need that aught contain Thee, who containest all things, since what Thou fillest Thou fillest by containing it?
chapter-001or how shall they believe without a preacher?
chapter-001or to whom should I cry, save Thee?
chapter-001or was it not laid loose?
chapter-001or what saith any man when he speaks of Thee?
chapter-001or whence canst Thou enter into me?
chapter-001or who is God save our God?
chapter-001or, art Thou wholly every where, while nothing contains Thee wholly?
chapter-001or, because nothing which exists could exist without Thee, doth therefore whatever exists contain Thee?
chapter-001or, since all things can not contain Thee wholly, do they contain part of Thee?
chapter-001that many besides, wiser than it, obeyed not the nod of its good pleasure?
chapter-001that period I pass by; and what have I now to do with that, of which I can recall no vestige?
chapter-001to do its best to strike and hurt, because commands were not obeyed, which had been obeyed to its hurt?
chapter-001was it for my good that the rein was laid loose, as it were, upon me, for me to sin?
chapter-001was it that I hung upon the breast and cried?
chapter-001was it that which I spent within my mother''s womb?
chapter-001what, but the Lord God?
chapter-001whither can God come into me, God who made heaven and earth?
chapter-001who does not foresee what all must answer who have not wholly forgotten themselves?
chapter-001who, if worsted in some trifling discussion with his fellow- tutor, was more embittered and jealous than I when beaten at ball by a play- fellow?
chapter-011And if any should ask me,"How knowest thou?"
chapter-011And that very long one do I measure as present, seeing I measure it not till it be ended?
chapter-011And whence should he be able to do this, unless Thou hadst made that mind?
chapter-011And whence should they be, hadst not Thou appointed them?
chapter-011And who denies past things to be now no longer?
chapter-011And who denieth the present time hath no space, because it passeth away in a moment?
chapter-011Are an hundred years, when present, a long time?
chapter-011BOOK XI Lord, since eternity is Thine, art Thou ignorant of what I say to Thee?
chapter-011But do I perceive it, or seem to perceive it?
chapter-011But how didst Thou make the heaven and the earth?
chapter-011But how didst Thou speak?
chapter-011But how dost Thou make them?
chapter-011But how is that future diminished or consumed, which as yet is not?
chapter-011But if before heaven and earth there was no time, why is it demanded, what Thou then didst?
chapter-011But if the will of God has been from eternity that the creature should be, why was not the creature also from eternity?"
chapter-011But in what sense is that long or short, which is not?
chapter-011But time present how do we measure, seeing it hath no space?
chapter-011But we measure times as they are passing, by perceiving them; but past, which now are not, or the future, which are not yet, who can measure?
chapter-011But what in discourse do we mention more familiarly and knowingly, than time?
chapter-011But whence should I know, whether he spake truth?
chapter-011But whence, by what way, and whither passes it while it is a measuring?
chapter-011By what Word then didst Thou speak, that a body might be made, whereby these words again might be made?
chapter-011By what way dost Thou, to whom nothing is to come, teach things to come; or rather of the future, dost teach things present?
chapter-011Can my hand do this, or the hand of my mouth by speech bring about a thing so great?
chapter-011Could it be measured the rather, for that?
chapter-011Do I then measure, O my God, and know not what I measure?
chapter-011Does not my soul most truly confess unto Thee, that I do measure times?
chapter-011Dost Thou bid me assent, if any define time to be"motion of a body?"
chapter-011For if He made, what did He make but a creature?
chapter-011For if Thine ears be not with us in the depths also, whither shall we go?
chapter-011For if( say they) He were unemployed and wrought not, why does He not also henceforth, and for ever, as He did heretofore?
chapter-011For that past time which was long, was it long when it was now past, or when it was yet present?
chapter-011For what is time?
chapter-011For what is, but because Thou art?
chapter-011For what, I beseech Thee, O my God, do I measure, when I say, either indefinitely"this is a longer time than that,"or definitely"this is double that"?
chapter-011For when a body is moved, I by time measure, how long it moveth, from the time it began to move until it left off?
chapter-011For whence could innumerable ages pass by, which Thou madest not, Thou the Author and Creator of all ages?
chapter-011For whence shouldest Thou have this, which Thou hadst not made, thereof to make any thing?
chapter-011For where did they, who foretold things to come, see them, if as yet they be not?
chapter-011For why should not the motions of all bodies rather be times?
chapter-011How may it then be measured?
chapter-011How then know I this, seeing I know not what time is?
chapter-011I measure the motion of a body in time; and the time itself do I not measure?
chapter-011In the future, whence it passeth through?
chapter-011In the way that the voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son?
chapter-011In what space then do we measure time passing?
chapter-011Is it to come?
chapter-011Lo, are they not full of their old leaven, who say to us,"What was God doing before He made heaven and earth?
chapter-011O my Lord, my Light, shall not here also Thy Truth mock at man?
chapter-011Or in the present, by which it passes?
chapter-011Or, should there in our words be some syllables short, others long, but because those sounded in a shorter time, these in a longer?
chapter-011Or, while we were saying this, should we not also be speaking in time?
chapter-011Or,"How came it into His mind to make any thing, having never before made any thing?"
chapter-011See, I answer him that asketh,"What did God before He made heaven and earth?"
chapter-011Seeing then Thou art the Creator of all times, if any time was before Thou madest heaven and earth, why say they that Thou didst forego working?
chapter-011This same time then, how do I measure?
chapter-011This then that He is said"never to have made"; what else is it to say, than"in''no time''to have made?"
chapter-011Those two times then, past and to come, how are they, seeing the past now is not, and that to come is not yet?
chapter-011Thou then, Ruler of Thy creation, by what way dost Thou teach souls things to come?
chapter-011Times passing, not past?
chapter-011What is that which gleams through me, and strikes my heart without hurting it; and I shudder and kindle?
chapter-011What then do I measure?
chapter-011What then is it I measure?
chapter-011What then is time?
chapter-011What when we measure silence, and say that this silence hath held as long time as did that voice?
chapter-011What wilt thou answer me?
chapter-011When therefore will it be?
chapter-011Whence it seemed to me, that time is nothing else than protraction; but of what, I know not; and I marvel, if it be not of the mind itself?
chapter-011Where then is the time, which we may call long?
chapter-011Which way, but through the present?
chapter-011Who can even in thought comprehend it, so as to utter a word about it?
chapter-011Who can readily and briefly explain this?
chapter-011Who declare it?
chapter-011Who now teacheth us, but the unchangeable Truth?
chapter-011Who shall comprehend?
chapter-011Who therefore denieth, that things to come are not as yet?
chapter-011Whom shall I enquire of concerning these things?
chapter-011Why then do I lay in order before Thee so many relations?
chapter-011Why, I beseech Thee, O Lord my God?
chapter-011Yea, and if I knew this also, should I know it from him?
chapter-011Yet what do we measure, if not time in some space?
chapter-011and what the engine of Thy so mighty fabric?
chapter-011but no space, we do not measure: or in the past, to which it passes?
chapter-011do we by a shorter time measure a longer, as by the space of a cubit, the space of a rood?
chapter-011how, O God, didst Thou make heaven and earth?
chapter-011or dost Thou see in time, what passeth in time?
chapter-011or how should they pass by, if they never were?
chapter-011or how that past increased, which is now no longer, save that in the mind which enacteth this, there be three things done?
chapter-011or is it perchance that I know not how to express what I know?
chapter-011or what times should there be, which were not made by Thee?
chapter-011whence, but from the future?
chapter-011where is the short syllable by which I measure?
chapter-011where the long which I measure?
chapter-011whither cry?
chapter-011whither, but into the past?
chapter-010Is that it?
chapter-010Am I not then myself, O Lord my God?
chapter-010Am I then doubtful of myself in this matter?
chapter-010And I turned myself unto myself, and said to myself,"Who art thou?"
chapter-010And from Thee, O Lord, unto whose eyes the abyss of man''s conscience is naked, what could be hidden in me though I would not confess it?
chapter-010And how shall I find Thee, if I remember Thee not?
chapter-010And what is this?
chapter-010And whence does that present itself, but out of the memory itself?
chapter-010And whence is it that often even in sleep we resist, and mindful of our purpose, and abiding most chastely in it, yield no assent to such enticements?
chapter-010And where do I recognise it, but in the memory itself?
chapter-010And where shall I find Thee?
chapter-010And where should that be, which it containeth not of itself?
chapter-010And who is he, O Lord, who is not some whit transported beyond the limits of necessity?
chapter-010And why seek I now in what place thereof Thou dwellest, as if there were places therein?
chapter-010As then we remember joy?
chapter-010As we remember eloquence then?
chapter-010As we remember numbers then?
chapter-010But for what fruit would they hear this?
chapter-010But is it so, as one remembers Carthage who hath seen it?
chapter-010But now when I hear that there be three kinds of questions,"Whether the thing be?
chapter-010But what do I love, when I love Thee?
chapter-010But what is forgetfulness, but the privation of memory?
chapter-010But what is nearer to me than myself?
chapter-010But what when the memory itself loses any thing, as falls out when we forget and seek that we may recollect?
chapter-010But when it was present, how did it write its image in the memory, seeing that forgetfulness by its presence effaces even what it finds already noted?
chapter-010But where in my memory residest Thou, O Lord, where residest Thou there?
chapter-010But whether by images or no, who can readily say?
chapter-010But why doth"truth generate hatred,"and the man of Thine, preaching the truth, become an enemy to them?
chapter-010By remembrance, as though I had forgotten it, remembering that I had forgotten it?
chapter-010By which of these ought I to seek my God?
chapter-010Do they desire to joy with me, when they hear how near, by Thy gift, I approach unto Thee?
chapter-010Does the memory perchance not belong to the mind?
chapter-010For I ask any one, had he rather joy in truth, or in falsehood?
chapter-010For then I ask myself how much more or less troublesome it is to me not to have them?
chapter-010For what is it to hear from Thee of themselves, but to know themselves?
chapter-010For what pleasure hath it, to see in a mangled carcase what will make you shudder?
chapter-010For what shall I say, when it is clear to me that I remember forgetfulness?
chapter-010For when it was found, whence should she know whether it were the same, unless she remembered it?
chapter-010For who would willingly speak thereof, if so oft as we name grief or fear, we should be compelled to be sad or fearful?
chapter-010For with a wounded heart have I beheld Thy brightness, and stricken back I said,"Who can attain thither?
chapter-010How can I say that the image of forgetfulness is retained by my memory, not forgetfulness itself, when I remember it?
chapter-010How seek I it?
chapter-010How then do I seek Thee, O Lord?
chapter-010How then do I seek a happy life, seeing I have it not, until I can say, where I ought to say it,"It is enough"?
chapter-010How then is it present that I remember it, since when present I can not remember?
chapter-010I remember to have sought and found many a thing; and this I thereby know, that when I was seeking any of them, and was asked,"Is this it?"
chapter-010If in my praise I am moved with the good of my neighbour, why am I less moved if another be unjustly dispraised than if it be myself?
chapter-010Is it also present to itself by its image, and not by itself?
chapter-010Is it clasped up with the eyes?
chapter-010Is it without it, and not within?
chapter-010Is not the life of man upon earth all trial: without any interval?
chapter-010Is not the life of man upon earth all trial?
chapter-010Is not this corporeal figure apparent to all whose senses are perfect?
chapter-010Is the comparison unlike in this, because not in all respects like?
chapter-010Is the thing different, because they are but small creatures?
chapter-010Know I not this also?
chapter-010Known therefore it is to all, for they with one voice be asked,"would they be happy?"
chapter-010Notwithstanding, in how many most petty and contemptible things is our curiosity daily tempted, and how often we give way, who can recount?
chapter-010Or, desiring to learn it as a thing unknown, either never having known, or so forgotten it, as not even to remember that I had forgotten it?
chapter-010Shall I say that that is not in my memory, which I remember?
chapter-010To wish, namely, to be feared and loved of men, for no other end, but that we may have a joy therein which is no joy?
chapter-010What am I then, O my God?
chapter-010What greater madness can be said or thought of?
chapter-010What middle place is there betwixt these two, where the life of man is not all trial?
chapter-010What nature am I?
chapter-010What sayest Thou to me?
chapter-010What shall I do then, O Thou my true life, my God?
chapter-010What then do I confess unto Thee in this kind of temptation, O Lord?
chapter-010What then do I love, when I love my God?
chapter-010What third way is there?
chapter-010What, but that I am delighted with praise, but with truth itself, more than with praise?
chapter-010What, when I name forgetfulness, and withal recognise what I name?
chapter-010What, when sitting at home, a lizard catching flies, or a spider entangling them rushing into her nets, oft- times takes my attention?
chapter-010Whence and how entered these things into my memory?
chapter-010Where in the end do we search, but in the memory itself?
chapter-010Where is reason then, which, awake, resisteth such suggestions?
chapter-010Where then and when did I experience my happy life, that I should remember, and love, and long for it?
chapter-010Where then did I find Thee, that I might learn Thee, but in Thee above me?
chapter-010Where then did I find Thee, that I might learn Thee?
chapter-010Where then did they know this happy life, save where they know the truth also?
chapter-010Where then?
chapter-010Which images, how they are formed, who can tell, though it doth plainly appear by which sense each hath been brought in and stored up?
chapter-010Who now shall search out this?
chapter-010Who will say so?
chapter-010Who wishes for troubles and difficulties?
chapter-010Whom could I find to reconcile me to Thee?
chapter-010Why am I more stung by reproach cast upon myself, than at that cast upon another, with the same injustice, before me?
chapter-010Why seek they to hear from me what I am; who will not hear from Thee what themselves are?
chapter-010Why then does not the disputer, thus recollecting, taste in the mouth of his musing the sweetness of joy, or the bitterness of sorrow?
chapter-010Why then joy they not in it?
chapter-010and to pray for me, when they shall hear how much I am held back by my own weight?
chapter-010and who knoweth and saith,"It is false,"unless himself lieth?
chapter-010by what prayers?
chapter-010by what sacraments?
chapter-010how then doth it not comprehend itself?
chapter-010is it lulled asleep with the senses of the body?
chapter-010is not a happy life what all will, and no one altogether wills it not?
chapter-010of what kind it is?"
chapter-010or is it at last that I deceive myself, and do not the truth before Thee in my heart and tongue?
chapter-010or shall I say that forgetfulness is for this purpose in my memory, that I might not forget?
chapter-010was I to have recourse to Angels?
chapter-010what it is?
chapter-010what manner of lodging hast Thou framed for Thee?
chapter-010what manner of sanctuary hast Thou builded for Thee?
chapter-010whence should I recognise it, did I not remember it?
chapter-010where have they known it, that they so will it?
chapter-010where seen it, that they so love it?
chapter-010who ever sounded the bottom thereof?
chapter-010who is He above the head of my soul?
chapter-010who shall comprehend how it is?
chapter-010why are they not happy?
chapter-010why then speaks it not the same to all?