Familiar Lectures on the Pentateuch; Delivered Before the Morning Class of Bethany College, During the Session of 1859-60

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. 1887 Excerpt: ...the outer world, and for this reason we have letters for the eye, and the sounds represented by vowels and consonants, for the ear. Now, a man of intelligence, has only to look steadfastly upon these symbols, and by and by every idea there represented, will penetrate his mind and permeate his heart. It is true that the letters of the alphabet are positively arbitrary, as they are used to represent this or that sound; but there is no other way of representing the vocal powers, and why may not technical terms be employed, provided they be clearly defined, and the definitions strictly adhered to? We find that a great deal of information, has been derived from pictures, graven by the chisel upon marble pillars. A great deal of our knowledge, too, is communicated by the ear. Thus, we have pictures for the eye, and sound for the ear, and by looking upon the monument, and listening to the interpreter of its symbols, we may comprehend and appreciate their significance. Bell rings. LECTURE XXII. EXODUS XXV, 17. Gentlemen--There is a central idea, in every (properly so called) science. There is a grand central root to every science. Take for example, the sciences of Geography and Astronomy. Now the root of the first is merely gee the earth; of the latter astron, a star. Hence, the whole science of the earth, is founded in gee, and that of the heavens in astron. These roots lie back of all terminology, hence, the importance of being inspired with their true significance. Adam was called upon to name every thing about him--no mean task, since, according to our philosophy, no man can give an appropriate name, unless he understands the differential characteristics and attributes of the object. We discover Adam's wisdom in the fact, that he made not a single mistake, inas...