In the eighth book of Augustine: Confessions, Augustine is documenting his conversion process to God how he struggles between a new, holy life and old, habitual sin. In order to complete his conversion, Augustine must win a battle of the mind and habit. He recognizes what is true treasure- a dedicated life to God- and visits Simplicianus, who tells a story about the joy in coming back to God (and proclaiming oneself as a Christian.) The story made Augustine ponder why is there greater value in things that are lost then found; that delight must come from discomfort. The chapter transitions to a visit from Ponticianus, who shares the story of Antony and inspires a humble life dedicated to God. From Ponticianus’ story, Augustine becomes painfully aware of the filthy image of his own life. Though he’s invited to be healed of his diseased ways and life a holy life, Augustine is bonded by his habitual desires until he hears a voice to read the bible. From the first scripture he reads, Augustine’s mind is set at peace and he (with Alypius) dedicates his whole life to God.
Augustine’s conversion story is set on dual complexities- life and death; good and evil; foreign purity and familiar sin. Augustine has discovered a new treasure in dedicating one’s life to God. Throughout the chapter, Augustine expresses his thoughts and ways through scriptures, as if he’s learning how to communicate as a pure Christian. As this is a foreign lifestyle to Augustine, he also takes the scriptures and two inspiring stories, and compares its’ godly purity to the ill ways of his past. He becomes disgusted with his physical and spiritual appearance. He sees and desires this beautiful new way of living (and of life), yet he feels trapped in his vile body and soul. The chaste Lady Continence calls him to jump so that God may catch and heal him, but Augustine has to struggle with and defeat his mind before he can direct his body. Once he’s exhausted from being ashamed, Augustine asks God to end his “impure life” (91) and immediately finds cleansing scripture. He’s able release his old sinful ways and dedicates to a new, pure life in the garden, (which alludes to the Garden of Eden.)