13 Gregory I Quotes

Gregory I quotes

1. Non Agli sed Angeli

1. He who is required by the necessity of his position to speak the highest things is compelled by the same necessity to exemplify the highest things.

2. I despise the proper constructions and cases, because I think it very unfitting that the words of the celestial oracle should be restricted by the rules of Donatus [a well-known grammarian].

3. The universe is not rich enough to buy the vote of an honest man.

4. If we are, in fact, now occupied in good deeds, we should not attribute the strength with which we are doing them to ourselves. We must not count on ourselves, because even if we know what kind of person we are today, we do not know what we will be tomorrow.

5. Now if the wearing of fine and precious robes were not a fault, word of God would never have so carefully expressed this. For no one seeks costly garments except for vainglory, that he may seem more honorable than others; for no one wishes to be clothed with such, where he cannot be seen by others.

6. What do they not see, who see Him Who sees all things?

7. There are in truth three states of the converted: the beginning, the middle, and the perfection. In the beginning they experience the charms of sweetness; in the middle the contests of temptation; and in the end the fullness of perfection.

8. The bliss of the elect in heaven would not be perfect unless they were able to look across the abyss and enjoy the agonies of their brethren in eternal fire.

9. Whatsoever one would understand what he hears must hasten to put into practice what he has heard.

10. Ignorance is a dangerous and spiritual poison, which all men ought warily to shun.

11. Because He moves against faults, God is said to be angered, although He is moved by no disturbance of equanimity.

12. The Bible is a stream of running water, where alike the elephant may swim, and the lamb walk without losing its feet.