Confessions

Augustine thanks God for liberating him from his sinful inclinations, then tells of his decision to resign from the work he now viewed as empowering sinners. He had developed lung problems that teaching aggravated and, not wanting to be boastful in his conversion, was grateful that this health issue provided an unrelated excuse for resigning, but still he resolved to wait until a holiday break. He acknowledges this delay was sinful but trusts in God’s forgiveness.

Following the leads of Alypius and Augustine, Nebridius began to consider conversion. Another friend, Verecundus, would eventually convert as well, though he remained skeptical at that time. Still, Verecundus offered up his villa outside Milan as a place for Alypius and Augustine to spend the holiday break. There, Augustine studied and wrote, conceptualizing his new faith in writings he concedes contain “a whiff of scholastic pride” (162). The Psalms of David captivated and impassioned him, increasing through their wisdom his ability to resist sin and put God first, and he wished Manichees and other non-Christians could experience them through him and so be saved.

The holidays over, Augustine announced his retirement, returned to Milan, and was baptized alongside Alypius and Adeodatus (here naming his son for the first time).