In the same place. — He rent his garments. 81. Let those assailed by temptations flee to the mourning of penitence and to humility, that they may be healed. — We rend our garments when by discerning we re-examine our works. For if before God our works did not cover us like garments, the angelic voice would in no way say: Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame (Rev. xvi, 15). For our shame is then discerned, when a reprehensible life is in judgment before the eyes of the just in no way veiled by the covering of subsequent good work. But because, when we are tempted with guilt, we are kindled to lamentations;
and, aroused by those very lamentations, we open the eyes of the mind more subtly to perceive the light of justice, we rend our garments as it were in grief, because from weeping, discernment increasing, we judge all that we do more strictly with an angry hand. Then all our elation collapses, then all superfluity of thoughts falls from the soul. Whence also it is subjoined.