The Speech Of Scripture

Modus autem ipse dicendi, quo sancta Scriptura contexitur, quam omnibus accessibilis, quamvis paucissimis penetrabilis! Ea quae aperta continet, quasi amicus familiaris, sine fuco ad cor loquitur indoctorum atque doctorum: ea vero quae in mysteriis occultat, nec ipsa eloquio superbo erigit, quo non audeat accedere mens tardiuscula et inerudita, quasi pauper ad divitem; sed invitat omnes humili sermone, quos non solum manifesta pascat, sed etiam secreta exerceat veritate, hoc in promptis quod in reconditis habens. Sed ne aperta fastidirentur, eadem rursus operta desiderantur, desiderata quodam modo renovantur, renovata suaviter intimantur. His salubriter et prava corriguntur, et parva nutriuntur, et magna oblectantur ingenia. Ille huic doctrinae inimicus est animus, qui vel errando eam nescit esse saluberrimam, vel odit aegrotando medicinam. Sanctus Augustinus Hipponensi, Epistola CXXXVII, Volusiano Source: Migne PL 33.524

The style of speaking in which Sacred Scripture is composed, how accessible it is to all, how approachable to little ones. That which it contains it reveals like a close friend, speaking to the heart of the learned and unlearned without pretence, but even that which it conceals in mystery it does not lift up in proud speech, which a sluggish and uneducated mind might not venture to approach, like a poor man a rich man, but with its humble words it invites all, not only that they be fed with what is manifest, but also that they be exercised by the truth which is hidden, having the same both in its simple and its recondite parts. But lest that which is obvious be wearisome, the same again being veiled, is desired, and by that desire is in some way renewed, and being renewed is received more sweetly. By these means both strong and weak minds are improved, the weak are nourished and the strong are delighted. He is an enemy of this teaching who either in error is ignorant of its usefulness, or being diseased hates its healing. Saint Augustine of Hippo, from Letter 137, To Volusianus