[1] http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?path=AS...=9325

xv.24

In drawing a distinction between the good, the virtuous, the orderly; and the evil, the vicious, the irrational, Augustine notes his mistake in giving the latter too much substance of its own. He corrects himself by noting that nothing has being apart from God (hence, the degradations and graduations of beauty, truth, goodness, &c.).

25

Without being enlightened by the truth of God, our minds—our souls—cannot “participate in truth,” since our minds are fallible. God is exalted as the sole source of Truth.

26

Augustine was proud, so God pushed him away so that he would “taste of death.” This was good for him, but how frightening a spectacle to witness in our lives and in the lives of others. Praise God that He is so far above the Manichee Light-deity, the latter being reputed to be forced to act by other forces and of limited power!

27

Humility is the beginning. To seek truth without being first humbled is to have it elude you.

[2] http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?path=AS...=9325

xv.24

In drawing a distinction between the good, the virtuous, the orderly; and the evil, the vicious, the irrational, Augustine notes his mistake in giving the latter too much substance of its own. He corrects himself by noting that nothing has being apart from God (hence, the degradations and graduations of beauty, truth, goodness, &c.).

25

Without being enlightened by the truth of God, our minds—our souls—cannot “participate in truth,” since our minds are fallible. God is exalted as the sole source of Truth.

26

Augustine was proud, so God pushed him away so that he would “taste of death.” This was good for him, but how frightening a spectacle to witness in our lives and in the lives of others. Praise God that He is so far above the Manichee Light-deity, the latter being reputed to be forced to act by other forces and of limited power!

27

Humility is the beginning. To seek truth without being first humbled is to have it elude you.