THE BIBLIOTHECA SACRA, VOLUME XXIV. THE BIBLICAL REPOSITORY, VOLUME LV. THE CHRISTIAN REVIEW, VOLUME XXXII. THE BIBLIOTHECA SACRA. ARTICLE I. PHILOSOPHY OF LANGUAGE. BY PROF. R. L. TAFEL, PH.D., OF WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY, ST. LOUIS. IN speaking of the philosophy of a thing, or in saying that it is philosophically considered, we generally mean that it is regarded from a higher or interior point of view; a point from which the principles by which it is governed and its interior construction become visible. In treating of the philosophy of language we must, therefore, so proceed that the interior things contained therein may become apparent, and that we may get a full view of it in all its bearings. At first appearance language looks, indeed, simple enough, and by most people it is regarded as a mere instrument for giving vent to their feelings, expressing their ideas, and holding intercourse with their fellow-men. By the more intelligent among men, however, it is held in higher esteem, and even regarded with profound reverence, as by its means they obtain access to all the intellectual treasures of mankind, and in it they see the medium by which God has communicated his word for the salvation of the human race. Beyond this, however, their interest in language rarely extends, and the sole purpose for which, until very recently, it has been made a subject of diligent study, was that of possessing the ability to converse with people of different nations, and of |