Rhetoricians divide figures into two general classes, figures of words, and figures of thought, and they give elaborate definitions, classifications, and rules for their use.  The interpreter of Scripture, however, need not encumber himself with any rhetorical system.  The general rules of interpretation already considered will be, for the most part, a sufficient guide to the meaning of the rich variety of figures contained in the Bible, especially in its poetical parts.  It is only necessary to add a few words in reference to the ascertaining of figurative language; the most prominent classes of figures; and some principles to be observed in their interpretation.

2.  The question may arise whether a writer is to be understood literally or figuratively.  For the ascertaining of figurative language, a few simple rules will be, in general, sufficient.

(1.) Multitudes of cases can be decided at once by considering the nature of the subject.

Thus, when the apostle calls Jesus Christ a “foundation,” and speaks of building upon this foundation “gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble,” adding that “every man’s work shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is;” and, further, that “if any man’s work abide” this fire, “he shall receive a reward,” but “if any man’s work be burned he shall suffer loss” (1 Cor. 3:11-15), we know at once, from the nature of the subject, that he speaks figuratively.  He compares the church of God to a temple, of which Jesus Christ is the foundation, while her teachers and preachers are the builders.  The “gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble,” represent primarily the materials with which they build; that is, the character of their doctrines and precepts, and secondarily, the character of those whom they bring into the Christian fold.  The “fire,” again, is the trial and judgment of the last day.

The apostle says of the ancient Israelites that “they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them; and that Rock was Christ.” 1 Cor. 10:4.  So also Christ is called to believers “a chief corner-stone, elect, precious;” but to unbelievers “a stone of stumbling and a rock of offence” (1 Pet. 2:6-8); “the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David” (Rev. 5:5); “the Lamb of God” and simply “the Lamb” (John 1:29, 36; Rev. 5:12; 6:1; etc.); “the door of the sheep” (John 10:7, 9); “the true vine” (John 15:1); and “the living bread which came down from heaven” (John 6:51).  He himself says:  “Whoso eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.”  John 6:54.  There is no more ground for understanding the last of these passages literally than the preceding, that is, there is no ground whatever.  The dogma of the Romish church, which teaches that the consecrated bread and wine are literally converted into the body and blood of Jesus, violates alike sound reason and