Hermeneutics or Rules for Interpreting the Vulgate

The religious benefit of this treatise lies in its practical application of sound hermeneutical principles that safeguard against both rationalist reductionism and arbitrary spiritualizing. By following the six general rules-interpreting authentically as given by the Church, following the sentiment of the Church, adhering to the unanimous consent of the Fathers, conforming to the analogy of faith, presuming the proper sense where metaphoric is doubtful, and following the laws of human language-readers learn to penetrate the sacred text with both scholarly rigor and pious devotion. The work demonstrates how Saint Francis de Sales himself exemplified these principles, showing that true biblical interpretation requires not merely academic learning but also humility, prayer, and submission to the teaching authority of the Catholic Church, making this volume an indispensable resource for priests, seminarians, and serious students of Sacred Scripture.

Particularly valuable are the detailed examinations of grammatical construction, idiomatic usage, and syntactical nuances that affect interpretation, including warnings against common pitfalls such as imposing modern meanings on ancient texts or neglecting the chronological and psychological context of sacred authors. Through numerous examples drawn from both the Old and New Testaments, the reader discovers how to distinguish between literal and metaphorical language, when to seek mystical senses, and how to apply the principle of accommodation without distorting the sacred text. This meticulous attention to detail, combined with unwavering fidelity to Catholic doctrine, ensures that interpreters will neither fall into the errors of rationalism nor wander into the vagaries of private interpretation, but will instead arrive at the true meaning intended by the Holy Ghost through the sacred writers. 

116 pages.

Author: J.J. Isenring, O.S.F.S.

Year: 1915