miracles of the canonical books have always a worthy occasion, and are connected with the Saviour’s work of redemption.  But the pretended miracles of the apocryphal writings are, as a general rule, wrought on trivial occasions, with either no end in view but the display of supernatural power, or with a positively unlawful end, whence it not unfrequently happens that their impiety rivals their absurdity.  Many samples of both these characters could be given, but the general reader may well remain ignorant of them.

PRINCIPLES OF BIBLICAL INTERPRETATION.

* * * * *

CHAPTER XXXIII.

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.

1.  The term Hermeneutics (Greek, hermeneuo, to interpret) is commonly employed to denote the principles of scriptural interpretation.  The Greek word exegesis—­that is, exposition—­denotes the actual work of interpretation.  Hermeneutics is, therefore, the science of interpretation; Exegesis, the application of this science to the word of God.  The hermeneutical writer lays down general principles of interpretation; the exegetical writer uses these principles in the exposition of Scripture.  The terms epexegesis and epexegetical are used by expositors in a special sense to denote something explanatory of the immediate context.

2.  The expositor’s office is, to ascertain and unfold the true meaning of the inspired writers, without adding to it, subtracting from it, or changing it in any way.  Here we may draw an instructive parallel between his work and that of the textual critic.  The textual critic aims to give, not what some one might think the inspired penman should have written, but what he actually did write.  So the true expositor, taking the very words of Scripture, seeks not to force upon them a meaning in harmony with his preconceived opinions, but to take from them the very ideas which the writer intended to express.  It is pertinent, therefore, to consider at the outset the qualifications which belong to the biblical interpreter.  These include high moral and intellectual qualities, as well as varied and extensive acquirements.

3.  Foremost among the qualities that belong to the interpreter is a supreme regard for truth.  A general conviction and acknowledgment of the duty of truthfulness will not be sufficient to guard him against all the seductive influences that beset his path.  Though he may be a sincere Christian, he will still be in danger of being misled by the power of preconceived opinions and party connections.  He will need a constant and vivid apprehension of the sacredness of all truth, more especially of scriptural truth, which God has revealed for the sanctification and salvation of men.  “Sanctify them through thy truth:  thy word is truth.”  These words of the Saviour he will do well to ponder night and day, till they become a part of his spiritual life; and to remember always that, if such be the divine origin and high office of scriptural truth, God will not hold guiltless any who tamper with it in the interest of preconceived human opinions, thus substituting the folly of man for the wisdom of God.