The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil According to the Holy Scriptures

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a figurative locution; for otherwise the whole Scripture would perish, along with its literal sense, and it would have only various allegories and importunate interpretations, which each person would attach to it according to his own judgment and will, and thus Scripture would always say what we want, not what the Holy Spirit wanted us to understand.

Whence the true literal and authentic sense ought to be discerned.

Moreover, a manifold sense not rarely lies hidden under the same letter, for which reason the Theologian or interpreter of sacred Scripture must again be extremely vigilant so that the true, secure, and optimal sense is always held. For this to happen, it must first be seen whether the words of Scripture taken according to the letter produce an absurd sense, or introduce something less consonant with faith or good morals, or something entirely contrary. But if in the words of God, says St. Augustine in On Genesis according to the Literal Meaning, book 11, chapter 1, or of any person assumed into the prophetic office, something is said which could only be understood absurdly if taken literally, it must undoubtedly be accepted as spoken figuratively for the sake of some meaning. Second, it must be investigated whether the text accepted in the literal sense coheres with the context, and the antecedents with the consequents? For almost nothing, says the Great Aurelius again in On Christian Doctrine, book 2, chapter 6, is extracted from those obscurities which is not found clearly stated elsewhere. Third, it must be examined whether the literal sense of Scripture agrees with the place, time, and Scope of the person writing. For the change of persons, says St. Jerome in Commentary on Jeremiah, book 2, chapter 8, and especially in the Prophets, makes understanding difficult, which, if returned to their own places and causes and times, will become plain, things which seemed obscure. Fourthly and finally, and this must be attended to before all else, is the sense taken according to the letter the same one that our Roman Catholic Church has held and holds constantly? For this is that infallible Teacher, which, because of the special