Notes on New Testament Literature and Ecclesiastical History (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1861 Excerpt: ... biblical interpretation?)--corresponds to what is technically known as Hermeneutics, differing from Exegesis, as the science from the art, or theory from practice. But as this is an inductive science, resting more Hpon experience and common sense than on any abstract speculations a priori, it is not to be severed from the seventh and last question--(what has been already done in this department?)--corresponding to the History of Interpretation. Indeed, it may be found most convenient in practice, to give this the preference in order of consideration, so as to secure the advantage of historical induction in determining our rules and principles of exegesis. 42. Such is a brief view of the topics comprehended in the widest application of the technical term Introduction, and actually treated in some works upon the subject, as for instance that of Home already mentioned ( 17). But in order to reduce the field to manageable compass as well as to accommodate our own arrangements, it will be necessary to eliminate several of these topics, although not precisely on the same grounds. One of 42. Where is tins scheme carried out in its full extent? Why must it be reduced to narrower limits? How may this be effected? Why may the evidences be omitted? Why may Antiquities and Geography be omitted? Why may Hermeneutics be omitted? these, the first in our enumeration, though a fundamental and preliminary question, belongs rather to Theology than to Introduction, and is either presupposed or included in that study. Another, holding ihe fifth place, may be excluded on the ground that it is rather a collateral auxiliary than an introductory preliminary study. This, with its vast extent and growing interest, requires it to be separately treated as I hope it ...