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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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