eople would not have performed an evil work unless an evil will had preceded it. Now what else than pride could be the beginning of an evil will? What is pride but the desire of a height out of proportion to our state?

It is a height out of proportion to our state to leave God to whom the soul should cling as its basis and to become in some way our own basis. This is what happens when the soul is too pleased with itself.

Prayer. What shall I ask of you, kind Jesus? Through you all things were made, Son of God, yet you are made among all things, Son of Man. Why should we come and learn from you? "Because I am meek and humble of Heart."

From John E. Rotelle, O.S.A., Augustine Day by Day: Minute Meditations for Every Day Taken from the Writings of Saint Augustine. Catholic Book Publishing Co. New York, 1986.

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