Chapter 28.— It is Safer to Explain a Doubtful Passage by Other Passages of Scripture Than by Reason.

39.  When, however, a meaning is evolved of such a kind that what is doubtful in it cannot be cleared up by indubitable evidence from Scripture, it remains for us to make it clear by the evidence of reason.  But this is a dangerous practice.  For it is far safer to walk by the light of Holy Scripture; so that when we wish to examine the passages that are obscured by metaphorical expressions, we may either obtain a meaning about which there is no controversy, or if a controversy arises, may settle it by the application of testimonies sought out in every portion of the same Scripture.

CAPUT XXVIII. Locus incertus tutius per alios Scripturae locos, quam per rationem manifestatur.

39. Ubi autem talis sensus eruitur, cujus incertum certis sanctarum Scripturarum testimoniis non possit aperiri, restat ut ratione reddita manifestus appareat, etiam si ille cujus verba intelligere quaerimus, eum forte non sensit. Sed haec consuetudo periculosa est: per Scripturas enim divinas multo tutius ambulatur; quas verbis translatis opacatas cum scrutari volumus, aut hoc inde exeat quod non habeat controversiam; aut, si habet, ex eadem Scriptura ubicumque inventis atque adhibitis testibus terminetur.