OF THE FIGURATIVE STYLE, AND ITS DIVISIONS.
II. The Figurative Style; to be treated rather according
to the genius of the Hebrew poetry, than according to
the forms and arrangements of Rhetoricians-The defi-
nition and constituent parts of the Figurative Style,
METAPHOR, ALLEGORY, COMPARISON, PERSONIFI-
CATION—The reason of this mode of treating the sub-
ject: difficulties in reading the Hebrew poetry, which
result from the Figurative Style; how to be avoided.
1. Of the METAPHOR, including a general disquisi-
tion concerning poetic imagery: the nature of which is
explained; and four principal sources pointed out: Na-
ture, Common Life, Religion, History
Comparisons are introduced for three purposes; illustra-
tion, amplification, and variety-For the first an image
is requisite, apt, well known, and perspicuous; it is of
little consequence whether it be sublime or beautiful, or
neither: hence oomparisons from objects which are in
themselves mean and humble may be sometimes useful-
For the purpose of amplification an image is requisite
which is sublime, or beautiful; even though it should be
less apt and perspicuous: and on this plea a degree of
obscurity, or a remoteness in the resemblance, may some-
times be excused-When variety is the object, splendid,
beautiful, and elegant imagery must be sought for; and
which has an apt agreement with the object of the com-
parison in the circumstances or adjuncts, though the ob-
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