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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Book Four.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Augustine believe should be the least important aim of a Scriptural speaker?
(a) Impressing the audience with knowledge.
(b) Winning the approval of an audience.
(c) Getting along with an audience.
(d) Giving pleasure to the audience.

2. Why does Augustine suggest that God would use confusing signs?
(a) Because God wants students to understand the context of words.
(b) Because God wants his community to work through things and signs.
(c) Because God wants students to examine Scripture so they can discover His illuminated truth.
(d) Because humans find grasping the nature of things by analogy more satisfying.

3. What are the two primary reasons that Augustine devotes his time to those questions?
(a) Because Scriptural infallibility affirms God's role in miracles and prophesy.
(b) The two commandments of Christianity to love God and to love one's neighbor.
(c) The Christian conception of Christ's deity explains His resurrection and authority over forgiveness.
(d) God's omnipotence establishes His authority over creation and judgment.

4. To whom does Augustine refer for principles of engaging the attention of an audience?
(a) Elijah.
(b) Moses and Aaron.
(c) Isaiah.
(d) Cicero.

5. How does the approach to subject matter show itself in execution, according to Book Four?
(a) Speakers will present their subjects directly and in high terms to expect audiences to rise to the emotional and intellectual level the speakers' works demand.
(b) The speaker will deliver messages calmly and without flourishes as the foundation of Truth will find its own audience.
(c) Speakers will show restraint when speaking of things of little importance, grand when discussion important things, and mixed when discussing things of middling importance.
(d) The speaker will find a light story or joke to draw in the audience to the more important points of a sermon.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the primary tool for interpretation for the critics that Augustine primarily focuses on in the Preface?

2. How can recommendations Augustine makes from Book Three prevent students from falling into the trap that misleads them?

3. Of Tyconius' rules for interpreting Scripture that Augustine examined, which two relate to the subjects that Augustine recommended for study in Book Two?

4. What important understanding must the student of scripture possess, as stated in Book Two?

5. To what does Augustine compare his distinction of things?

(see the answer key)

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