Simply Brilliant

Recently I have embarked on a four year reading program developed by Mark Dever and Michael J. Thate. I was led to the plan by D.A. Carson at a conference I attended in Fargo, ND. You can find the plan at the Gospel Coalition web site. Only being in the second month of the first year I'm still a newbie but I can say that I have enjoyed it so far. This month's read is Augustine's Confessions. I am enjoying the read very much and I came across a paragraph that I wanted to share. It is simply brilliant as it discusses the nature/depth of why sin is so offensive to God.

Book 2, Chapter 6, Paragraph 13:

For thus cloth pride imitate high estate, I whereas Thou alone art God, high above all. And what does ambition seek but honours and renown, whereas Thou alone art to be honoured above all, and renowned for evermore? The cruelty of the powerful wishes to be feared; but who is to be feared but God only,(Ps. lxxvi. 7.) out of whose power what can be forced away or withdrawn—when, or where, or whither, or by whom? The enticements of the wanton would fain be deemed love; and yet is naught more enticing than Thy charity, nor is aught loved more healthfully than that, Thy truth, bright and beautiful above all. Curiosity affects a desire for knowledge, whereas it is Thou who supremely knowest all things. Yea, ignorance and foolishness themselves are concealed under the names of ingenuousness and harmlessness, because nothing can be found more ingenuous than Thou; and what is more harmless, since it is a sinner's own works by which he is harmed? (Ps. vii. 15.) And sloth seems to long for rest; but what sure rest is there besides the Lord? Luxury would fain be called plenty and abundance; but Thou art the fellness and unfailing plenteousness of unfading joys. Prodigality presents a shadow of liberality; but Thou art the most lavish giver of all good. Covetousness desires to possess much; and Thou art the Possessor of all things. Envy contends for excellence; but what so excellent as Thou? Anger seeks revenge; who avenges more justly than Thou? Fear starts at unwonted and sudden chances which threaten things beloved, and is wary for their security; but what can happen that is unwonted or sudden to Thee? or who can deprive Thee of what Thou lovest? or where is there unshaken security save with Thee? Grief languishes for things lost in which desire had delighted itself, even because it would have nothing taken from it, as nothing can be from Thee.

Think about it a little..."And sloth seems to long for rest; but what sure rest is there besides the Lord?"