Introduction to the Philosophy of Saint Augustine
(since it brings all the other virtues along with it) a retreat of all vices whatsoever that were in the man; for all vices were not in him, but at one time so many, at another a greater or smaller number might occupy their place.
CHAPTER 3:10 We must inquire more carefully whether these
things are so; for the statement that "he who has one virtue has all, and that all virtues are awanting to him who lacks one,' is not given by inspiration, but is the view held by many men, ingenious, indeed, and studious, but still men. But I must avow that, in the case—I shall not say of one of those from whose name the word virtue is said to be derived but even of a woman who is faithful to her husband and who is so from a regard to the commandments and promises of God and, first of all, is faithful to Him—I do not know how I could say of her that she is unchaste or that chastity is no virtue or a trifling one. I should feel the same in regard to a husband who is faithful to his wife; and yet there are many such, none of whom I could affirm to be without any sins, and doubtless the sin which is in them, whatever it be, proceeds from some vice. Whence it follows that though conjugal fidelity in religious men and women is undoubtedly a virtue, for it is neither a nonentity nor a vice, yet it does not bring along with it all virtues, for if all virtues were there, there would be no vice; and if there were no vice, there would be no sin; but where is the man who is altogether without sin? Where, therefore, is the man who is without any vice, that is, fuel or root, as it were of sin, when he who reclined on the breast of the Lord says, "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us'? .. . (I John 1:8)
11. Far be it, however, from any believer to think that so many thousands of the servants of Christ, who, lest they should deceive themselves, and the truth should not be in them, sincerely confess themselves to have sin, are altogether without virtue! For wisdom is a great virtue, and wisdom herself has said to man, "Behold the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom." (Job xxviii. 28.) Far be it from us, then, to say that so many and so great believing and pious men have not the fear of the Lord, which the Greeks call evoe Bevw, Or more literally and fully, JeoogBevw. And what is the fear of the Lord but His worship? and whence is He truly worshipped except from love? Love, then, out of a pure heart, anda good conscience, and faith unfeigned, is the great and true virtue, because it is "the end of the commandment." (L. Tim.o1:5)- Deservedly is love said to be "strong as death," (Song of Sol. 8:6) be-