we must always endeavour to put ourselves on the writer’s mental standpoint, so as to see things as nearly as possible from his point of view: for only thus can we understand his words. This effort will seldom be in vain. For every hour’s study will be mental intercourse with the author, and will make us more familiar with his words, phrases and modes of thought, thus bringing us nearer to his point of view, and enabling us better to understand the next chapter we read, and to comprehend his work