since
their childhood, but continually learned it more perfectly, while I
have to translate my words and speech into a foreign tongue; and it can
be easily proved from the style of my writings how I am instructed in
speech and learning, for the Wise Man says: "By the tongue wisdom is
discerned, and understanding and knowledge and learning by the word of
the wise." But what avails an excuse, however true, especially when
accompanied with presumption? For I, in my old age, strive after that
which I was hindered from learning in my youth. But who will believe
me? And if I say what I have said before, that as a mere youth, nay,
almost a boy in words, I was taken captive, before I knew what I ought
to seek and to avoid. Therefore I blush to-day and greatly dread to
expose my ignorance, because I am not able to express myself briefly,
with clear and well-arranged words, as the spirit desires and the mind
and intellect point out. But if it had been given to me as to others,
I would not have been silent for the recompense; and although it may
seem to some who think thus that I put myself forward with my ignorance
and too slow tongue, nevertheless it is written, "The tongues of
stammerers shall speak readily and plain"; how much more ought we to
undertake this who are the epistle of Christ for salvation unto the
ends of the earth, written in pure heart, if not with eloquence, yet
with power and endurance, "not written with ink, but with the Spirit of
the living God"; and again the Spirit testifies, "Husbandry, it was
ordained by the Most High."

Therefore I undertook this work at first, though a rustic and a
fugitive, and not knowing how to provide for the future; but this I
know for certain: that before I was humbled, I was like a stone lying
in deep mire, until He who is powerful came, and in his mercy raised me
up, and indeed again succored and placed me in His part; and therefore
I ought to cry out loudly, and thank the Lord in some degree for all
his benefits, here and after, which the mind of man cannot estimate.
Therefore be amazed, both great and small who fear God; rhetoricians
and ye of the Lord, hear and enquire who aroused me, a fool, from the
midst of those who seem to be wise, and skilled in the law, and
powerful in speech and in all things, and hath inspired me (if indeed I
be such) beyond others, though I am despised by this world, so that,
with fear and reverence and without murmuring, I should faithfully