[130] The quality of these souls he teaches very fully, leading us on by degrees, using the ordinary arts as the means of instruction. For he shows us Hagar filling a water-skin and giving the child drink. Hagar represents imperfect training, being handmaid of Sarah who represents perfect virtue. The picture shown is perfectly true to principles. For when incomplete education having come to the depths of knowledge, which is called a well, draws from it into the soul as into a vessel the doctrines and speculations of which it is in quest, and thinks fit to feed the child with that on which it has itself been fed.
[131] “Child” is the name he gives to the soul just beginning to crave after instruction, and now become to some extent engaged in learning. It is in accordance with this that the boy, when grown to manhood, becomes a sophist, for which Moses’ name is “archer.” For whatever points he sets forth as a target, at this he discharges proofs like arrows, with sure aim.