This vision of Amos sets forth a series of punishments which have overtaken or threaten to overtake the land. “The first two refer to dangers already past at the time of the discourse, the last two to the future.” In form, again, the first two and the last two exhibit a close affinity with one another. All four strophes have eight lines apiece and begin with the same phrase; in all four the second line begins in the same fashion, but proceeds differently even in the verses of each couple. In the third line the couples diverge entirely, the twin strophes alone remaining in close correspondence. This method of working on a definite plan was a favourite one with the prophets. The change of picture in the same framework produces a lasting impression, and the repetition of the same form with a different substance fixes the mind on the thing seen, which is in danger of vanishing all too quickly. The responsion in verses apparently different is very noteworthy; as are lines 7 and 8 respectively, where the desolate places of Isaac correspond to the songs of the temple changed into howlings, and the _rising with the sword_ of the third strophe to the _many dead bodies_ of the fourth. AN EXAMPLE FROM EZEKIEL I take another example of correspondence between the strophes from the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel, Chap. xxi. 1) _And the word of the Lord came 6) _And the word of the Lord unto me, saying,_ came unto me, saying_, 2) _Son of man_, 7) _Son of man_, _Set thy face_ toward the South. _Set thy face_ toward Jerusalem _And drop thy word_ toward the _And drop thy word_ toward the South, Sanctuaries, _And prophesy against_ the forest _And prophesy against_ the land of the field in the South; of Israel; 3) _And say to the_ forest of the 8) _And say to the_ land of Israel: South: Hear the word of the Lord; _Thus saith the Lord God:_ _Thus saith the Lord:_ Behold I will _kindle a fire_ Behold I am against thee, in thee And will _draw forth_ my _sword_ from its sheath And it shall _devour_ every _green_ And will _cut off from thee_ the tree in thee and every _dry_ tree. _righteous_ and the _wicked_.