“... The situation of a man “under grace”, i.e., his own situation after conversion and, consequently, the acceptance of baptism, is also related by Augustine as a struggle, yet a victorious one. Continence (continentia), to which he has resolved himself, has always been so difficult for him that he does not hope to persevere except through God’s gift. With God’s aid it is nevertheless possible to succeed even in this formidable task: “Grant what you com- mand, and command what you will.” (Da quod iubes et iube quod vis.) This sentence appears in Augustine’s reflections on his present situation, still endangered by the “snare of concupiscence” (laquaeus concupiscentiae), like a refrain. As for drunkenness (to which he is nevertheless not partial), Augustine also asks: “Strengthen me that I may have this power (Phil. 4:13). Grant what you command, and command what you will … it is by your gift that your command is kept” (te dare, cum fit quod imperas fieri). By the same token, moderation with respect to the human tongue and to vainglory is God’s gift as well (for men often glory in having given up glory): “In this respect also you command us to be continent: grant what you command, and command what you will.” [...] 37 …neminemposseessecontinentem,nisitudederis(Confess.VI,11,20:CCL27,87)Cf.Wisd. 8:21. 38 See Confess. X,29,40: CCL 27, 176. English translation by H. Chadwick, 202. 39 See Confess. X,31,44: CCL 27, 178. 40 See Confess. X,31,45: CCL 27, 178f. English translation by H. Chadwick, 206. ...”