Introduction to the Book of Genesis, with a commentary on the opening portion, from the Germ., ed. by J. Heywood - Softcover
Synopsis
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. 1855 Excerpt: ... comprehended even by the few more spiritual and enlightened individuals." The received opinion, derived wholly and solely from the Pentateuch, that the Israelites were continually falling back into idolatry, is utterly unfounded and erroneous. It would appear, on the contrary. that it was only by the exertions of a few pious princes that they were slowly weaned from the abominations, which they never entirely relinquished until after the Babylonish exile. A sceptical CEREMONIAL SERVICE. 157 spirit had already begun to make great progress among their sages, particularly towards the close of this period1; the result of experience appeared to them at variance with the justice of the Deity, and no doctrine of immortality had as yet taught them to look for a compensation in the future. Hence the prophets so frequently complain, that even the most orthodox among their contemporaries had little genuine piety, and that they worshiped God more in sacrifices than in spirit2. From these complaints we must infer, that a ceremonial service was at this time everywhere prevalent, and that no pure conceptions of morality had yet found admittance among the people. And how, we may ask, could it be otherwise? The people lived among kindred tribes addicted to the worship of nature in all its various gradations, and it was manifestly impossible that a single sanctuary could satisfy the religious wants of the whole Jewish nation, even supposing that the temple at Jerusalem had been dedicated to a purer worship. It is, however, openly confessed that its very founder, Solomon, erected private 1 Compare Psalm lxxiii. 2 Isaiah lviii. 2, &c, lxvi. 3, &c. Compare also the following passages:--"Your burnt offerings are not acceptable, nor your sacrifices sweet unto m...
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
