Augustine: Plain Teachings of Scripture are Basis for Right Allegorical Interpretation

Augustine (354-430): For what else is it than superlative impudence for one to interpret in his own favour any allegorical statements, unless he has also plain testimonies, by the light of which the obscure meaning of the former may be made manifest.

NPNF1: Vol. I, Letters of St. Augustin, Letter 93 – To Vincentius, Chapter 8, §24, A.D. 408.