Homilies on Exodus, Homilia X
Two men strike a pregnant woman§1
1If two men quarrel and strike a pregnant woman, and her child comes out not yet formed, a fine is paid. The bodily law is a shadow of spiritual things.
Latin · §1
Si litigabunt duo et percusserint mulierem praegnantem, et exierit infans nondum formatus, detrimentum pendetur. Lex corporalis umbra est spiritalium.
Formed and unformed in the soul§2
2The formed child figures a more perfect understanding; the unformed, a beginning. To harm catechumens or the imperfect is a grave fault.
Latin · §2
Infans formatus — sensus perfectior; nondum formatus — inchoatio. Laedere catechumenos vel imperfectos grave est.
Soul for soul when form is complete§3
3If the child is formed, life is given for life. Fuller teaching demands fuller care. Scandalizing little ones earns a millstone.
Latin · §3
Si formatus fuerit, dabit animam pro anima. Perfectior doctrina maiorem exigit custodiam. Scandalum paruulorum — mola.
Allegory’s limit and use — Homilia X CLOSEOUT§4
4Let no allegory be forced; let it serve edification. The letter has its guard; the Spirit gives life. Amen.
Latin · §4
Non omnis allegoria violenta sit; serviat aedificationi. Lex litterae custodem habet; spiritus vivificat. Amen.