From: Gregory Nazianzen, "Fifth Theological Oration (Oration 31)":
XXVII. You see lights breaking
upon us, gradually; and the order of Theology, which it is better for us to
keep, neither proclaiming things too suddenly, nor yet keeping them hidden to
the end. For the former course would be unscientific, the latter atheistical;
and the former would be calculated to startle outsiders, the latter to alienate
our own people. I will add another point to what I have said; one which may
readily have come into the mind of some others, but which I think a fruit of my
own thought. Our Saviour had some things which, He said, could not be borne at
that time by His disciples (though they were filled with many teachings),
perhaps for the reasons I have mentioned; and therefore they were hidden. And
again He said that all things should be taught us by the Spirit when He should
come to dwell amongst us. Of these things one, I take it, was the Deity of the
Spirit Himself, made clear later on when such knowledge should be seasonable
and capable of being received after our Saviour's restoration, when it would no
longer be received with incredulity because of its marvellous character. For
what greater thing than this did either He promise, or the Spirit teach. If
indeed anything is to be considered great and worthy of the Majesty of God,
which was either promised or taught. (NPNF2 7:326)
