833 angelic doctor Thomas is of that sort, which all the schools of theologians, all the debate halls of doctors, if not following [his doctrine] in all things, at least admire, wonder at, and venerate [it]. And just as once all the world flocked to the Oracle of Apollo at Delphi seeking to know the future and to investigate the events of causes and the causes of events;39 thus also shortly before these fallen and modern times all Christianity, as if to a certain temple of wisdom, came to the books filled with the extraordinary doctrine of this most wise Phoebus40 of theologians; in which as many times as one reads conclusions, so also [does he read] oracles; [and] as many times [as one reads] opinions, so also [does he read] responses. Concerning this matter, [the one known as] the eye of writers,41 no less eloquent than learned gives a brilliant testimony: “The wisdom of Thomas”, he says, “is so illustrious, subtle, and divine, that geniuses marvel and are astounded at it, no matter how great, acute, and blessed [they may be]. There is nothing in all of theology so arduous, nothing in philosophy so difficult and obscure, that he cannot explain [it]; nothing so obscure, that he cannot declare [it]; nothing so hidden and covered that he cannot dig it up and disclose [it]. And indeed, with a method so laconic, that there are seen to be as many ideas as there are words; and with the shortest sentences he comprehends everything, about which other doctors have composed huge volumes. Moreover, the clarity and distinction of his doctrine, and the connection of things is so marvelous, that as a likeness of corporeal light, it is seen to be nothing except light.” He goes on further, comparing the most holy doctor to a unicorn: “Just as,’’ he says, “a unicorn heals water with its horn, then the other animals drink protected against poison; thus, whoever drinks from the books of St. Thomas as from the springs 39 Drączowski, Franciszek, art. Delfy: EK III, 1130. 40 Phoebus is another name for Apollo, and hence is sometimes said in place of the word “sun” Cf. CLD: Phoebus, -I, Apollo, the Sun-god. Poet. The sun. 41 We do not know to whom Stanislaus is referring here, and the source of this quote has not been found.
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