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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 thenext book. The difficulty arising from ignorance of
signs is to be removed bylearning 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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