Why is it that man desires to be made sad, beholding doleful and tragical things, which yet himself would by no means suffer?
Saint AugustineSlavery is not penal in character and planned by that law which commands the preservation of the natural order and forbids disturbance.
Saint AugustineDivine Scripture is wont to frame, as it were, allurements for children from the things which are found in the creature; whereby, according to their measure, and as it were by steps, the affections of the weak may be moved to seek those things that are above, and to leave those things that are below. But the same Scripture rarely employs those things which are spoken properly of God, and are not found in any creature; as, for instance, that which was said to Moses, I am that I am; and, I Am has sent me to you."
Saint Augustine