ßtl THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE MIND. Greek times and manners, which sometimes strike a strange and surprising light upon passages which before were very ob- scure. VIII. In particular propositions, the sense Of an author may be sometimes known by the inferences which he draws from them; and all those senses may be excluded which will not allow of that inference. Note, This rule indeed is not always certain in reading and interpreting human authors, because they may mistake in drawing their inferences ; but in explaining scripture it is .a sure rule ; for the sacred and inspired writers always make just inferences from their own propositions. Yet even in them we must take heed we do not mistake an allusion for an inference, which is many times introduced almost in the same manner. IX. If it be a matter of controversy, the trite sense of the author is sometimes known by the objections that are brought against it. So we may be well assured, the Apostle speaks against our justfieatien in the sight of God by our own works of holiness ; in the 3d, 4th, and 5th chapters of the Epistle to the Romans, because of the objection brought against him in the beginning of the 6th chapter, viz. What shall we say then? shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? which objection could never have been raised, if he had been proving our justification by our own works of righte- ousness. X. In matters of dispute, take heed of warping the sense of the writer to your own opinion, by any latent prejudices of self-love and a party-spirit. It is this reigning principle of pre- judice and party, that has given such a variety of senses both to the sacred writers and others, which would never havecome into the mind of the reader, if he had not laboured under some such prepossessions. XI. For the same reason take heed of the prejudices of passion, malice, envy, pride or opposition to an author, whereby you may be easily tempted to put a false and invidious sense upon his words. Lay aside therefore a carping spirit, and read even an adversary with attention and diligence, with an honest design to-find out his true meaning ; do not snatch at little lapses and appearances of mistake, in opposition to his declared and avowed meaning : nor impute any sense or opinion to him whichhe denies to be his opinion, unless it beproved by the most plain and express language. Lastly, Remember that you treat every author, writer or speaker, just as you yourselves would be willing to be treated by others, who are searching out the meaning of what you write or speak ; and maintain upon your spirit an awful sense of the presen ce of God, who is the judge of hearts, and will' punish
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