Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 41:161 (Jan 1884)
Article: Sketches Of Pentateuch Criticism
Author: Samuel Ives Curtiss

BSac 41:161 (Jan 1884) p. 1

Sketches Of Pentateuch Criticism

Rev. Samuel Ives Curtiss

Introductory

In every well-ordered gallery of paintings on the Continent it is customary to illustrate the progress of the art by classifying the collection according to the different schools. Thus in one room we have the glories of Italian masters, in another the sensuous productions of a Rubens and his disciples, in another the hard, cold lines of a Cranach; but all so arranged as to illustrate the history of painting in various countries. Such collections, historically arranged, are most important for students of the art.

The historical method is not less useful in other departments of study. In theology it has been especially recognized in the wide field of church history. It is accepted as an axiom that no one can properly understand the church of the present day, unless he can trace the progress of that church from the time of its Founder down to our age. And we may remark in passing, it ought also to be as universally accepted that no man can understand the New Testament aright without a thorough knowledge of the Old.

We arc now engaged with certain questions in connection with the origin and composition of the Old Testament Scriptures. These questions, however, centre in the Pentateuch. If we were simply to regard the most pressing needs of a

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world lying in wickedness, we might perhaps wish that they had never been raised, although we must believe that they will lead to a better understanding of the Scriptures. We cannot, however, ignore them, and if we do not ignore them we are bound to make a thorough study of the subject. Whatever the results may be, they cannot overthrow the divine and inspired character of God’s word; that has been abundantly attested through the witness of the Spirit and in the experience of millions. Not all can pursue these studies. The faithful pastor and conscientious preacher have no time for them. There is but one class of theologians who can, and they are the professors of Old Testament Theology in our various seminaries. In this work they need the sympathy and prayers of all their ministerial brethren. The position which they hold in this country is not only one of solemn responsibility to Christ, but also of positive peril to themselves should the results of their investigations not seem to be in accord with the various standards received by different denominations. One might well desire to escape such a responsibility, — not to say peril,— and pursue only those studies which warm the heart and tend to edification; and yet some must devote themselves to these discussions, and if they do they must undertake them fairly and honestly. They must, if possible, go to the bottom of the sub...