Keeping Away from the Memory of Our Sins

The Institutes, the Conferences and On the Incarnation

The Conferences, Conference 20

Keeping Away from the Memory of Our Sins

That is why we must try to rouse ourselves to this praiseworthy contrition by aiming at virtue and by longing for the kingdom of heaven, rather than by dangerous memories of sins. For a man is sure to be choked by the deadly fumes of the sewer as long as he chooses to stand over it or to stir up its filth.