St. Augustine’s Teachings: “On Christian Doctrine”

In Book IV of the “Christian Doctrine” by St. Augustine, he exposes what the art of rhetoric should be and how should be used. We can find teachings throughout the whole book concerning different aspects that a good discourse must have, such as: structure, the use of words, the audience, etc.
In Chapter 8 we find one of his teachings. St Augustine begins to talk about one element that is essential in rhetoric: citing. He states that words can gain power and credibility when you cite, especially from the scripture. Bare statements cannot convince, unless you seek divine authority to support them. He also says that wisdom is more important than eloquence; that it’s better to hear to get profit out of what you’re hearing than hearing a speech for pleasure.
I agree with St. Augustine because citing is a powerful tool that, if used correctly, can give strength and credibility to one’s speech. It’s impossible to present certain facts, without any textual proof of what you are saying. By citing, I also understood giving examples. You won’t be able to communicate effectively with your audience, if they don’t understand what you are saying. You have to give examples in order to make clear the point that you want to get across.
This is one of many teachings that we can find in Book IV, of “On Christian Doctrine”. He does an excellent job, by applying the latter teaching in the book. The book is based on examples of the teachings that St. Augustine wants to instruct, and he makes those teachings very clear to the reader. I guess that is why the book is so effective, because it’s very clear to the reader what it is that the author wants to say.