Yesterday’s reading had Augustine struggling with his will. Today’s reading (schedule here) begins with Augustine reflecting on Continence, and the noble army of virgins. He comes to realize that it cannot be attained by the mere exertion of the will, but only through the grace of God. “Could any of them achieve it by their own strength, without the Lord their God?” Yet in anguish, he longed to be freed from his slavery. Going outside to weep alone, he throws himself beneath a fig tree (a reference to John 1?), and asks God how long He will be angry with him over his sins. He hears a child’s voice chanting repeatedly as in a game, “Take up and read, take up and read.” He…