Love, and do as you will...

(Dilige, et quod vis fac) I've often heard this quotation from St. Augustine, “Love and do what you like.” Some even know it in Latin: Dilige, et quod vis fac. However, I have met few who quote it in
context. This Seventh Homily on the Letter of John by Augustine contains the famous
quotation.

Here is the quote “in context” : “The deeds of men are only discerned by the root of charity. For many things may be done
that have a good appearance, and yet proceed not from the root of charity. For thorns also
have flowers: some actions truly seem rough, seem savage; howbeit they are done for
discipline at the bidding of charity. Once for all, then, a short precept is given thee: Love,

and do what thou wilt: whether thou hold thy peace, through love hold thy peace; whether thou cry out, through love cry out; whether thou correct, through love correct; whether thou
spare, through love do thou spare: let the root of love be within, of this root can nothing
spring but what is good.”


-(Homily VII, paragraph 8)