I perish: but Thou dost not abandon me because (continued)
MORAL AND RELIGIOUS LIFE 151
There are even passages in St. Augustine which suggest, at least to some readers, that he knew from his own life the meaning of mystical experience. Dom Cuthbert Butler always maintained that Augustine was a true mystic. Oddly, there has been much difference of opinion on this point. Certain scholars (E. Hendrikx, G. Ellard) bluntly deny that Augustine's experiences were mystical. For those interested, the article of Mandouze gives complete details on the technical controversy. There is little doubt that critics of Augustine's claims as a mystic make a radical differentiation between intellectualism and mysticism. One is inclined to agree with the sharp comment of Father Charles Boyer, in this connection: "If we admit this opposition, even the intuitive vision in Heaven will not be mystical—in which case, one wonders what mysticism really is!" (Augustinus Magister, IU, 168).
ALL MEN DESIRE HAPPINESS*
But what is this? [V.. 12] Blessed is the nation. 15. Who would not rouse himself at hearing this? All men love happiness, and therefore men are unreasonable in wanting to be wicked without being unhappy. And whereas unhappiness is the inseparable companion of wickedness, these perverse folk not only want wickedness without unhappiness, which is an impossibility, but they want to be wicked on purpose to avoid being unhappy. What do I mean by saying they want to be wicked on purpose to avoid being unhappy? Consider this point for a moment: in all the wickedness men commit, they always desire happiness. A man steals; you ask: "Why?" For hunger, for need. So he is wicked for fear of being unhappy, and all the more unhappy for being wicked. For the sake of driving away unhappiness and obtaining happiness, all men do whatever they do, good or bad; they invariably, you see, want to be happy. Whether they lead a good life or a bad one, they want to be happy; but not all attain to what all desire. All wish to be happy; none will be so but those who wish to be good. And then, lo and behold, someone or other, although doing wrong, wants to be happy. How? With money, with silver and gold, with estates and farms, with houses and servants, with worldly magnificence, with fleeting and perishable honors. He wish-
* On Psalm 32, Serm. 3, 15-16; trans. ACW 30, 130-133.