|
38. When, again, not some one interpretation, but two or more
interpretations are put upon the same words of Scripture, even though
the meaning the writer intended remain undiscovered, there is no danger
if it can be shown from other passages of Scripture that any of the
interpretations put on the words is in harmony with the truth. And if
a man in searching the Scriptures endeavors to get at the intention of
the author through whom the Holy Spirit spoke, whether he succeeds in
this endeavor, or whether he draws a different meaning from the words,
but one that is not opposed to sound doctrine, he is free from blame so
long as he is supported by the testimony of some other passage of
Scripture. For the author perhaps saw that this very meaning lay in
the words which we are trying to interpret; and assuredly the Holy
Spirit, who through him spoke these words, foresaw that this
interpretation would occur to the reader, nay, made provision that it
should occur to him, seeing that it too is founded on truth. For what
more liberal and more fruitful provision could God have made in regard
to the Sacred Scriptures than that the same words might be understood
in several senses, all of which are sanctioned by the concurring
testimony of other passages equally divine?
|
|