ABSTRACT
The parameters of Saint Augustine's spiritual universe are already succinctly set forth in the exordium of the Confessions, though in the form of an insoluble logical problem, and not as narrative. Augustine's plea to be circumcised from both inward and outward lying in Book XI of the Confessions is as much a plea to be free of sin as it is to speak truly, that is, to comprehend and convey the spirit of the Law. Augustine explored St. Paul's notion of "inner" circumcision in treatises of his own. St. Paul opposes the written Jewish Law to the "natural" law of the Gentiles, which is "written in their hearts". The acquisition of signs is the beginning of Augustine's subjection to the external Law, since by acquiring signs he allied his inner thoughts first to natural, corporeal signs and next to vocal signs. Augustine's espousal of Christ as Word occurs in distinct phases in the Confessions.
