In the Roman Church at the same period we have a typical example of the theologic method applied to philology, as we have seen it applied to other sciences, in the statement by Luther's great opponent, Cajetan, that the three languages of the inscription on the cross of Calvary "were the representatives of all languages, because the number three denotes perfection." In 1538 Postillus made a very important endeavour at a comparative study of languages, but with the orthodox assumption that all were derived from one source, namely, the Hebrew.

Naturally, Comparative Philology blundered and stumbled along this path into endless absurdities.

The most amazing efforts were made to trace back everything to the sacred language.

English and Latin dictionaries appeared, in which every word was traced back to a Hebrew root.

No supposition was too absurd in this attempt to square Science with Scripture.