Augustine in His Own Words (continued)
works on theological matters profit greatly, but I believe that the ones who really profited were those who actually heard him and saw him speak in church, and especially those who got to know him in conversations when he was among us. Not only was he a scribe well-instructed in the kingdom of heaven, bringing forth from his storehouse treasures new and old (Mt 13:52), and one of those merchants who, once he had found the precious pearl, sold what he had and bought it (Mt 13:45–46); he was also one of those about whom we read: "So you speak, and so you do" (Jas 2:12).'4
Of Useful Length
Augustine concluded his "handbook" to Laurentius with the following remarks. It seems a fitting end to this volume. From Enchiridion: (33) But there must be an end somewhere to this volume. It is for you to see whether you ought to call it a handbook or use it as such. As for myself, since I thought that your zeal in Christ was not to be despised, believing and hoping good things for you with the help of our Redeemer, and loving you greatly among the members of His body, I have written for you, as well as I could, this book on faith, hope, and love. May it be as useful as it is lengthy.5
4. Vita 31 (Geerlings, 104); my trans., based on Muller and Deferrari, FOTC 15:124. 5. Enchiridion 33 (BA 9:326); trans. Peebles, FOTC 2:471–72.