XVI.  For there are eunuchs which were made eunuchs from their mother’s womb, etc.  I should very much like to be able to say something bold about eunuchs.  Be not proud, ye who are eunuchs by nature.  For, in point of self-restraint, this is perhaps unwilling.  For it has not come to the test, nor has your self-restraint been proved by trial.  For the good which is by nature is not a subject of merit; that which is the result of purpose is laudable.  What merit has fire for burning, for it is its nature to burn?  What merit has water for falling, a property given to it by its Maker?  What thanks does the snow get for its coldness, or the sun for its shining?—It shines even if it does not wish.  Claim merit if you please by willing the better things.  You will claim it if, being carnal, you make yourself spiritual; if, while drawn down by the leaden flesh, you receive wings from reason; if though lowly born, you are found to be heavenly; if while chained down to the flesh, you shew yourself superior to the flesh.