which was fifty cubits wide, measured six times as much in
length, namely 300 cubits. Hence, they say, the ark typifies Christ
the man, in whom all promises center. Therefore, those who believe in
him are saved even in the midst of the flood, that is, in death
itself.

92. This conception is both appropriate and beautiful; above all, it
agrees with faith. Though there may be a mistake in the application,
the groundwork is strong and secure. There is no doubt that the Holy
Spirit found various ways to illustrate the promises to be fulfilled
in Christ, and the wonderful counsel of salvation for mankind through
faith in Christ. Hence, allegories of this nature, though lacking in
aptness, are not necessarily wicked and a source of offense.

93. If one were to say the sun represents Christ, while the moon
represents the Church, which receives its light by the grace of
Christ, he might possibly be mistaken in his choice of illustration,
yet his error is based, not upon an erroneous, but upon a sure
foundation. But when the pope declares the sun represents the papal
authority, while the moon represents the emperor's, then not only the
application is inapt and foolish, but the very foundation is evil.
Such allegories are not conceived and invented by the Holy Spirit, but
by the devil, the spirit of lies.

94. Allegories must have some application to the promises and the
doctrine of faith if they are to comfort and strengthen the soul.
Peter's allegory teaches us this. Because Peter saw that Noah was set
free in the midst of death and that the ark was an instrument of life,
the ark was rightly applied to typify Christ. Only divine power can
save in the midst of death and lead unto life. The Scriptures declare
that to God belong the issues from death, (Ps 68, 21), and he makes
death the occasion, yea, even an aid to life.

95. This has given rise to expressions used in Scripture, where
afflictions and perils are likened to a cup that intoxicates. This is
an apt and vivid figure of speech. So the passion of Christ is called
a draught from a brook (Ps 110, 7), meaning that it is a medicinal
draught or mixture, which, though bitter, is healing in its bitterness
and gives life by causing death. Such soothing words serve to console
us that we may learn to despise death and other perils and meet them
with greater readiness.

96. Satan, also, has his cup; but it is sweet, and inebriates unto
nausea. He who, attracted by its sweetn