'CHAPTER VIII. 5 hutfor, with the same or kindred words and phrases used in other places of the same author, which are generally called pa- rallel places ; and as one expression explains another which is like it, so sometimes a contrary expression will explain its con- trary. Remember always that a writer best interpretshimself and as we believe the Holy Spirit to be the supreme agent in the writings of the Old Testament and the New, he can best ex- plain himself. Hence that theological rule arises, that " scrip- ture is the best interpreter of scripture ;" and therefore concord- ances, which show tis parallel places, are of excellent use for interpretation. IV. Consider the subject of which the author is treating, and by comparing other places where he treats of the same sub- ject, you may learn his sense in the place which you are read- ing, though some of the terms which he uses in those two places may be very different. And on the other hand, if the author uses the same words where the subject of which he treats is not just the same, you cannot learn his sense by comparing those two places, though the mere words may seem to agree, for some authors, when they are treating of a quite different subject, may use perhaps the same words in a very different sense, as St. Paul dyes the words faith, and law, and righteousness. V. Observe the scope anddesign. of the writer : enquire into his aim and end in that book, or section, or paragraph, which will help to explain particular sentences : for we suppose a wise and judicious writer directs his expressions generally toward his designed end. VI. When an author speaks of any subject occasionally, let his sense be explained by those places where he treats of it distinctly and professedly: Where he treats of any subject in Mystical or metaphorical terms, explain them by other places, where he treats of the same subject in terms that are plain and literal : Where he speaks in an oratorical, affecting, or persua- sive way, let this be explained by other places where he treats of the same theme in a doctrinal or instructive way : Where the author speaks more strictly, and particularly on any thyme, it will explain the more loose and general expressions .. Where he treats more largely, it will explain the shorter hints and brief intimations : And wheresoever he writes more obscurely, search out some more perspicuous passages in the same writer, by which to determine the sense of that obscurer language. VII. Consider not only the person who is introduced speak- ing, but the persons to whore the speech is directed, the circum- stances of time and place, the temper and spirit of the speaker, as well as the temper and spirit of the hearers : in order to in- terpret scripture well, there needs a good acquaintance with the Jewish customs, some knowledge of the ancient Roman and.
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