The author, having discussed in the preceding book the method of
dealing with unknown signs, goes on in this third book to treat of ambiguous
signs. Such signs may be either direct or figurative. In the case of direct
signs ambiguity may arise from the punctuation, the pronunciation, or the
doubtful signification of the words, and is to be resolved by attention to the
context, a comparison of translations, or a reference to the original tongue.
In the case of figurative signs we need to guard against two mistakes:—1. the
interpreting literal expressions figuratively; 2. the interpreting figurative
expressions literally. The author lays down rules by which we may decide
whether an expression is literal or figurative; the general rule being, that
whatever can be shown to be in its literal sense inconsistent either with
purity of life or correctness of doctrine must be taken figuratively. He then
goes on to lay down rules for the interpretation of expressions which have
been proved to be figurative; the general principle being, that no
interpretation can be true which does not promote the love of God and the love
of man. The author then proceeds to expound and illustrate the seven rules of
Tichonius the Donatist, which he commends to the attention of the student of
Holy Scripture.
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