159. Thus, then, ye would have us believe
that the Son, as touching His Godhead, is like to a vine, so that
without a vine-dresser He is nothing, and may be neglected or even
rooted up. Thus ye juggle up a lie from the letter of the
Scripture which sayeth that our Lord called Himself the Vine, intending
thereby the mystery of His Incarnation. Or
“intending an emblem” or “token (orig.
sacramentum) of His Incarnation.” Howbeit, if ye are bent on it that
we dispute upon the letter, I too confess, yea, I proclaim, that the
Son called Himself the Vine. For woe be to me, if I deny the
pledge Orig.
sacramentum. of the
salvation of His people!