A90280:320
Of the divine original, authority, self-evidencing light, and power of the Scriptures. With an…Of the divine originall, authority, self-evidencing light, and povver of the Scriptures. With an…
Of the divine original, authority, self-evidencing light, and power of the Scriptures. With an answer to that enquiry, how we know the Scriptures to be the Word of God. Also a vindication of the purity and integrity of the Hebrew and Greek texts of the Old and New Testament; in some considerations on the prolegomena, & appendix to the late Biblia polyglotta. Whereunto are subjoined some exercitations about the nature and perfection of the Scripture, the right of interpretation, internal Light, revelation, &c. / By John Owen: D.D.Of the divine originall, authority, self-evidencing light, and povver of the Scriptures. With an answer to that enquiry, how we know the Scriptures to be the Word of God. Also a vindication of the purity and integrity of the Hebrew and Greek texts of the Old and New Testament; in some considerations on the prolegomena, & appendix to the late Biblia polyglotta. Whereunto are subjoyned some exercitations about the nature and perfection of the Scripture, the right of interpretation, internall Light, revelation, &c. / By Iohn Owen: D.D.
Oxford: printed by Henry Hall for Tho, 1659
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Sect. 2. 1 It is said then, that whereas the old Hebrew letters, were the present Samaritan, the Samaritan letters having been always without points as they yet continue, it is manifest that the Invention of the points must be of a later date than the change of the letters, which was in the days of Ezra, & so consequently be the work of the postalmudical Massorites. Pergula Pictoris! This whole Objection is made up of most uncertain conjectures. This is not a place to speak at large of the ⟨p. 261⟩Samaritans, Their Pentateuch and its Translation. The Original of that nation is known from the Scripture, as also their Worship of God, 2 Kings. 17. Their solemn Excommunication and casting out from any interest among the people of God, is also recorded, Ezra. 9. Nehem. 6: and c. 13. Their continuance in their abominations after the closing of the Canon of the scripture is reported by Josephus Antiq. lib. 11. c. 8. In the days of the Maccabees they were conquered by Hyrcanus, and brought into subjection by the Jews. Joseph. Antiq. lib. 13: cap. 17. Yet their Will worship upon the credit of the tradition of their Fathers continued to the days of our Saviour, and their hatred to the people of God, Joh. 4. When, by whom, in what Character they first received the Pentateuch, is most uncertain; not likely by the Priest sent to them; for notwithstanding his instructions they continued in open Idolatry; which evidences that they had not so much as seen the book of the Law. Probably this was done when they were ⟨p. 262⟩quered by Hyrcanus, and their Temple razed after it had stood 200 years. So also did the Edomites. What Diligence they used in the preservation of it, being never committed to them by God, we shall see afterwards. That there are any of them remaining at this day, or have been this 1000 years past, is unknown. That the Letters of their Pentateuch were the ancient Hebrew letters, as Eusebius, Hierome and some of the Rabbins report, seems to me (on the best enquiry I have been able to make) a groundless Tradition and mere fable. The evidences tendered for to prove it, are much to weak to bear the weight of such an Assertion. Eusebius speaks only on report; affirmatur; it was so affirmed, on what ground he tells us not. Hierome indeed is more positive;