Of Holy Virginity 51
51 Section 51 PL 40, 426
51. But I contend not with those, who assert that a man can in this life live without any sin: I contend not, I gainsay not. For perhaps we take measure of the great from out our own misery, and, comparing ourselves with ourselves, understand not. One thing I know, that those great ones, such as we are not, such as we have not as yet made proof of, by how much they are great, by so much humble themselves in all things, that they may find grace before God. For, let them be how great soever they will, “there is no servant greater than his Lord, nor disciple greater than his master.” And assuredly He is the Lord, Who saith, “All things have been delivered unto Me of My Father;” and He is the Master, Who saith, “Come unto Me, all ye who labor, and learn of Me;” and yet what learn we? “In that I am meek,” saith He, “and lowly of heart.”
Sed non contendo cum eis qui asserunt hominem posse in hac vita sine ullo peccato vivere: non contendo, non contradico. Fortassis enim ex nostra miseria magnos metimur, et comparantes nosmetipsos nobismetipsis , non intelligimus. Unum scio, quod isti magni, quales non sumus, quales nondum experti sumus, quanto magni sunt, tanto humiliant se in omnibus, ut coram Deo inveniant gratiam. Quamlibet enim magni sint, non est servus major domino suo, vel discipulus magistro suo . Et utique ille est Dominus qui dicit, Omnia mihi tradita sunt a Patre meo: et ille est Magister qui dicit, Venite ad me, omnes qui laboratis, et discite a me. Et tamen quid discimus? Quoniam mitis sum, inquit, et humilis corde .