Woodward: The Feast of St. Augustine

Setting aside the apostles (who must be kept in a category by themselves), a debate on the question of who is the greatest saint might make an amusing parlor game. My candidate would very probably be the man whose feast is commemorated today. Not just a great theologian, philosopher, and pastor, but a great writer. Who has ever understood sin better -- or described its attractions more accurately?

Thus with the baggage of the world was I sweetly burdened, as when in slumber; and the thoughts wherein I meditated upon You were like the efforts of those desiring to awake, who, still overpowered with a heavy drowsiness, are again steeped therein. And as no one desires to sleep always, and in the sober judgment of all waking is better, yet does a man generally defer to shake off drowsiness, when there is a heavy lethargy in all his limbs, and, though displeased, yet even after it is time to rise with pleasure yields to it, so was I assured that it were much better for me to give up myself to Your charity, than to yield myself to my own cupidity; but the former course satisfied and vanquished me, the latter pleased me and fettered me. Nor had I anything to answer You calling to me, Awake, you that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give you light. (Ephesians 5:14) And to You showing me on every side, that what You said was true, I, convicted by the truth, had nothing at all to reply, but the drawling and drowsy words: Presently, lo, presently; Leave me a little while. But presently, presently, had no present; and my leave me a little while went on for a long while.

Confessions 8.5.12