An Alphabetical Analysis
Volume 5 - Dispensational Truth - Page 209 of 328
INDEX
Dr. Davidson speaks of Ernesti's work, cited above as follows:
`It has always obtained an extensive reputation, and continues to be
highly esteemed.  The advance, however, which it exhibits, as compared
with those of Baumgarten and Wyttenbach, is neither great nor
remarkable.  Yet the classical form in which it appeared, the omission
of many useless topics, and the perspicuity observable throughout,
contributed to procure for it a reception almost unexampled in the
history of theological literature.  But though its merit was great at
the time it appeared, and is still unquestionable, it cannot be denied
that it has many repetitions; or that it is meagre, dry and tame.  It
is characterized by good sense and discriminating judgment, but the
precepts, no less than the rules, partake of the coldness of a
classical commentator'.
We give this opinion of Ernesti, by Davidson, because in so doing the
reader will not only get a competent criticism of Ernesti, but that Dr.
Davidson, will, by inference, suggest where his own work improves upon the
features of Ernesti to which he takes exception.  The book is well indexed,
and occupies 748 pages.  Our own copy was obtained for a few pence at a
second-hand furniture stores, which exposed a miscellaneous row of books
for sale.  Either or both of these works would be an acquisition.  As tools
for the unashamed workman, we commend them both.
Greek Grammars that Grip
Having suggested that works dealing with the principles of Biblical
interpretation must be included among our tools, we are impelled to take the
matter a step further, and refer to the Greek of the New Testament as the
great subject upon which our highest powers should be exercised.  And first
of all a word as to the epoch -making work of Winer.
A Grammar of the New Testament Diction, intended as an introduction to
the Critical study of the Greek New Testament.  By Dr. George Benedict Winer.
Translated by Edward Masson, M.A.
Winer makes his aim clear in the Preface.
`When this Grammar first made its appearance, in 1882, the object
proposed was, to put some check on the unbridled licence with which the
diction of the New Testament was still handled in commentaries and
exegetical dissertations.  It was high time that some voice should be
raised against the deep-rooted empiricism* of expositors, and that some
effort should be made to emancipate the New Testament writers from the
bondage of a perverted philology, which, while it styled itself, showed
but scanty respect towards sacred authors and their maturely meditated
phraseology ... "Is not, then Scripture", said an eminent scholar long
ago, "like a waxen nose, which every one may twist any way he pleases,
in proportion to his ignorance of the principles of language?"`
*
The theory that regards experience as the only source of knowledge.
Empiricism is the term used to define quackery for example, in medicine.
Dr. A. T. Robertson writes of Winer, as follows: