Prophets, and what the Apostles thought. In support of their own conceptions they adduce incongruous proofs; not aware, that, to distort sentences and to force the reluctant Scripture to bend to their own wishes, argues not a superior understanding, but is a mode of teaching the most faulty." Ep. L. T. iv. Pars. 11. p. 571.
CENT. V.
ST. AUGUSTIN, L. C. So great is the depth of the sacred writings, that I might daily advance in them, if, from youth to old age, I were to endeavour, in the midst of leisure, with incessant application, and with greater talents, to learn them only: not that, in those points that are necessary to salvation, the difficulty be so great: but when a man has acquired that faith, which is necessary to form a good and holy life, then so much remains involved in obscurity, such depth of wisdom in the expression, and in the thing signified, that, after the most acute and ardent mind has given all its days to the study, it finds the truth of the saying; When a man hath done, then shall he begin.” (Eccles. c. xviii. 6.) Ep. cxxxvii. ad Volusianum. T. 11. p. 402.-"Heresies have not arisen, nor certain pernicious doctrines, but from the Holy Scriptures being ill understood, and when rash and bold assertion has been the consequence. Wherefore, my brethren, what we are little able to comprehend, let us listen to with great caution, and, with humble deference, holding the sound rule, that we use that as food, which, according to the faith that is in us, we understand; and what we do not thus understand, still believe without doubting, that it is good and true.” Tract xviii. in Ioan. Evang. parte 2, T. iii.
