[The Pentateuch]

First allegories prove nothing (and by allegories understand examples or similitudes borrowed of strange matters and of another thing than that thou entreatest oft) As though ⟨image 181⟩circumcision be a figure of baptism, yet thou canst not prove baptism by circumcision For this argument were very feeble, the Israelites were circumcised therefore we must be baptised. And in like manner though the offering of Isaac were a figure or ensample oft the resurrection, yet is this argument nought, Abraham would have offered Isaac, but God delivered him from death, therefore we shall rise again, and so forth in all other.

First allegories proue nothinge (and by allegories vnderstonde examples or similitudes borowed of straunge matters and of another thinge than that thou entreatest oft) As though ⟨image 181⟩circumcysyon be a figure of baptim, yet thou canst not proue baptim by circumcysion For this argumēt were verye feble, the Israelites were circūcysed therfore we must be baptised. And in like maner though the offering of Isaac were a figure or ensample oft the resurrection, yet is this argument nought, Abraham wold haue offered Isaac, but God delyuered him from deth, therfore we shall ryse agayne, and so forth in all other.

But the very use of allegories is to declare and open a text that it may be the better perceived and understand. As when I have a clear text of Christ and of the apostles, that I must be baptised, then I may borrow an ensample of circumcision to express the nature power and fruit or effect of baptism. For as circumcision was unto them a common bag signifying that they were all soldiers off God to war his war and separating them from all other nations disobedient unto God: even so baptism is our common bag and sure earnest and perpetual memorial that we pertain unto Christ and are separated from all that are not christs. And as circumcision was a token certifying them that they were received unto the favour off God and their ⟨image 182⟩