Introduction to the Philosophy of Saint Augustine
cannot do this without thinking; but our sufficiency, by which we begin to believe, is of God. Wherefore, as no one is sufficient for himself, for the beginning or the completion of any good work. whatsoever . . . so no one is sufficient for himself, either to begin or to perfect faith; but our sufficiency is of God. Because if faith is not a matter of thought, it is of no account; and we are not sufficient to think anything as of ourselves, but our sufficiency is of God.
Ss 126 > 1. The mysteries and secrets of the kingdom of God first seek for believing men, that they make them understanding. For faith is understanding's step; and understanding, faith's attainment. This the prophet expressly says to all who prematurely and in undue order look for understanding and neglect faith. For he says, Unless ye believe, ye shall not understand. Faith itself then also hath a certain light of its own in the Scriptures, in Prophecy, in the Gospel, in the Lessons of the Apostles. For all these things which are read to us in this present time are lights in a dark place, that we may be nourished up unto the day... . 2. Ye see then, brethren, how exceedingly unregulated and disordered in their haste are they who like immature conceptions seek an untimely birth before the birth; who say to us, "Why dost thou bid me believe what I do not see? Let me see something that I may believe. Thou biddest me believe whilst yet I see not; I wish to see and by seeing to believe, not by hearing." Let the Prophet speak. Unless ye believe ye shall not understand. Thou wishest to ascend and dost forget the steps. Surely, out of all order. O man, if I could show thee already what thou mightest see, I should not exhort thee to believe.
3. Faith, then, as it has been elsewhere defined, is the firm support of those who hope, the evidence of things which are not seen. If they are not seen, how are they evidenced to be? What! Whence are those things which thou seest but from That which thou seest not? To be sure thou dost see somewhat that thou mayest believe somewhat, and from what thou seest, mayest believe what thou seest not. Be not ungrateful to Him Who hath made thee see, whereby thou mayest be able to believe what as yet thou canst not see. God hath given thee eyes in the body, reason in the