It was thought that the criterion of truth had at length been obtained.
The authority thus imputed to the Scriptures was not restricted to matters of a purely religious or moral kind; it extended over philosophical facts and to the interpretation of Nature.

Many went as far as in the old times Epiphanius had done: he believed that the Bible contained a complete system of mineralogy! The Reformers would tolerate no science that was not in accordance with Genesis.

Among them there were many who maintained that religion and piety could never flourish unless separated from learning and science.

The fatal maxim that the Bible contained the sum and substance of all knowledge, useful or possible to man--a maxim employed with such pernicious effect of old by Tertullian and by St.Augustine, and which had so often been enforced by papal authority--was still strictly insisted upon.

The leaders of the Reformation, Luther and Melanchthon, were determined to banish philosophy from the Church.