Ill INTRODUCTION. 



one part of scripture with another, and to 

 weigh well the various figures under which 

 they are concealed, and the use of them on 

 other occasions ; and also to consider the 

 modes in which they were communicated to 

 the mind of the prophet, whether in a vision 

 exhibited to him when entranced ; in a dream 

 when asleep ; or under certain acts, which he 

 was commanded, or by immediate inspiration 

 excited, to perform. So that if we wish to 

 ascertain the meaning of any particular 

 symbol, or of the terms in which any com- 

 munication is made from God in Holy 

 Scripture ; we must not be satisfied by study- 

 ing merely the passage under our eye, but, 

 comparing spiritual things with spiritual, hunt 

 out the meaning, as it were, by considering 

 all those passages where the same thing is 

 alluded to. 



It is to be observed, that in all the com- 

 munications which it has pleased the Deity 

 to make of his will to mankind, respect is 

 had to the then state of society, and the 

 progress of knowledge, arts, and civilization 

 light was imparted to them as they were 

 able to bear it ; they were fed with milk 

 when they could not digest strong meat. 



