5. All that Scripture
therefore, which is called the Old Testament, is handed down
fourfold to them who desire to know it, according to history,
according to ætiology, according to analogy, according to
allegory. Do not think me silly for using Greek words. In the first
place, because I have so received, nor do I dare to make known to
you otherwise than I have received. Next you yourself perceive,
that we have not in use terms for such things: and had I translated
and made such, I should have been indeed more silly: but, were I to
use circumlocution, I should be less free in treating: this only I
pray you to believe, that in whatever way I err, I am not inflated
or swollen in any thing that I do. Thus (for example) it is handed
down according to history, when there is taught what hath been
written, or what hath been done; what not done, but only written as
though it had been done. According to ætiology, when it is shown
for what cause any thing hath been done or said. According to
analogy, when it is shown that the two Testaments, the Old and the
New, are not contrary the one to the other. According to allegory,
when it is taught that certain things which have been written are
not to be taken in the letter, but are to be understood in a
figure.