es the allegory quite
frequently.

70. But while I followed the example of these men, I discovered at
last that, to my great loss, I had followed a shadow, and had
overlooked the very sap and marrow of the Scriptures. Thereupon I
began to hate allegories. They are pleasing, to be sure, especially
when they contain happy allusions. They may be compared to choice
pictures. But as much as real objects with their native hues surpass a
picture, even though it should glow, as the poet has it (stat silo V.
1, 5), with Apelles-like colors, closely copied from nature, so much
the historical narrative itself is superior to the allegory.

71. In our day the ignorant mob of the Anabaptists is as much filled
with immoderate craving for allegory as are the monks. They love to
delve in the more mysterious books, such as the Revelation of John,
and that worthless fabrication passing under the title of the second
and third books of Esdras. For, there you are at liberty to follow
your fancy as you please. We recall that Muntzer, the seditious
spirit, turned everything into allegory. But true it is, that he who,
without judgment, makes allegories or follows those made by others,
will not only be deceived but sustain deplorable injury, as there are
examples to prove.

72. Allegories must either be avoided altogether or be worked out with
the best judgment. They must conform to the rule followed by the
apostles, of which we shall soon have occasion to speak. Let us avoid
falling into those ugly and baneful absurdities, not only of those who
are misnamed theologians, but also of the Canonists, or rather
Assinists, of which the decretals and decisions of that most
detestable master, the pope, are an example.

73. This statement, however, must not be taken for a general
condemnation of all allegory. Christ and the apostles made use of
allegories at times. These, however, were in keeping with the faith
according to the injunction of Paul (Rom 12, 6) that prophecy, or
doctrine, should be according to the proportion of faith.

74. When we put the allegory under the ban, we confine ourselves to
that species which, with the setting aside of scriptural warrant, is
altogether the product of man's mind and fancy. Those which are tested
by the analogy of faith, serve not only as ornaments of the doctrine
but also as consolation for the soul.

75. Peter turns this very story of the flood into a most beautiful
allegory, saying that baptism is sym