When still a youth, nay almost a beardless boy, I was taken captive before I knew what to seek or what to thirst after, or what to avoid. Whence to-day I blush, and am exceedingly afraid to expose my want of skill, because not being learned I am unable to express myself with brevity; for as the spirit yearneth the affection reveals the soul and the understanding.
11. But, if only it were given to me as to others! Still I would not hold my peace, on account of the reward. And if, haply, it seems to some that I am putting myself forward in this matter with my want of knowledge and halting speech, still, it is written: The stammering tongues shall quickly learn to speak peace. How much more should we seek to do so, who are, he saith, the epistle of Christ unto salvation unto the ends of the earth, and although not a learned one, still a most powerful document written in your hearts, not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God. And, again, the Spirit testifieth: Rusticity also was ordained by the Most High.
12. Whence I, at first a rustic and an exile and unlearned, as is plain, who know not how to make provision for the future, but this I know most certainly, that truly before I was afflicted I was as a stone lying in a deep mire and He that is powerful came and in His mercy lifted me, and indeed raised me up again and placed me on the top of the wall. Therefore, I ought to cry aloud mightily, so that I also may render somewhat to the Lord for His so great benefits here and in eternity, such as the mind of man is unable to estimate.
13. Wherefore, then, be astonished, ye that fear God both small and great, and ye lordly rhetoricians, hear and scrutinise. Who was it that called me up, fool though I am, from the midst of those that seem to be wise and skilled in the Law and mighty in word and in all
