As
Augustine teaches, there are two things to be observed in questions
of this kind. First, that the
truth of Scripture be inviolably
maintained. Second, since Divine
Scripture may be
explained in many ways, that no one cling to any particular
exposition with such pertinacity that, if what he supposed to
be the teaching of Scripture should turn out to be plainly
false, he would nevertheless presume to put it forward;
lest thereby Sacred Scripture should be exposed to the
derision of unbelievers, and the way of salvation should be closed
to them.
Aquinas, On the Work of the Second Day