That work, De Doctrina Christiana, also introduces a discourse on the nature of interpretation.
He notes that "God does not give heed to the ambitiousness of our prayers" in a commentary on the Sermon on the Mount.  In his most famous theological work, he attempts to adapt the methods of Ciceronian rhetoric to the purposes of defenders of the church. That work, De Doctrina Christiana, also introduces a discourse on the nature of interpretation. His focus on hermeneutics laid the foundation for a re-examination of the fall of the Roman Empire in terms of a long-standing conflict between the titular entity and the city of man. For 10 points, name this Bishop of Hippo, author of City of God and the Confessions.
He notes that "God does not give heed to the ambitiousness of our prayers" in a commentary on the Sermon on the Mount.  
Saint {Augustine} (of Hippo)