Having completed his exposition of things, the author now proceeds to
discuss the subject of signs. He first defines what a sign is, and shows that
there are two classes of signs, the natural and the conventional. Of
conventional signs (which are the only class here noticed), words are the most
numerous and important, and are those with which the interpreter of Scripture is
chiefly concerned. The difficulties and obscurities of Scripture spring chiefly
from two sources, unknown and ambiguous signs. The present book deals only with
unknown signs, the ambiguities of language being reserved for treatment in the
next book. The difficulty arising from ignorance of signs is to be removed by
learning the Greek and Hebrew languages, in which Scripture is written, by
comparing the various translations, and by attending to the context. In the
interpretation of figurative expressions, knowledge of things is as necessary as
knowledge of words; and the various sciences and arts of the heathen, so far as
they are true and useful, may be turned to account in removing our ignorance of
signs, whether these be direct or figurative. Whilst exposing the folly and
futility of many heathen superstitions and practices, the author points out how
all that is sound and useful in their science and philosophy may be turned to a
Christian use. And in conclusion, he shows the spirit in which it behoves us to
address ourselves to the study and interpretation of the sacred books.
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