51. It is allowable to confirm the truths of the Church by reason, or the understanding, as much as one pleases, and also by various things in nature; and, in proportion as truths are so confirmed, they become inrooted and shine. It is also allowable to confirm truths by the Word, wherever one pleases, and also to apply for this purpose many things from the Word; and the Word is not then falsified. These sayings of Scripture, through which truths are confirmed, rise into heaven: they are like the fumes from incense; but if falsities are confirmed from the Word, they do not rise to heaven, but are driven back; and they explode on the way with a loud report. I have heard it a thousand times.