II.
(No verb is found in the lexicons, etc., note 3, p.
737.)
The study of Syriac is just beginning to be
regarded as only less important to the theologian than that of the
Hebrew. The twain will be found a help, each to the other, if one
pursues the study of the cognate languages together. In fact, the
Book of Daniel demands such a preparation for its enjoyment and
adequate comprehension.3525
| 3525 It must not be
inferred that I speak as a Syriac scholar. I have laboured
unsuccessfully, and late in life, to repair my sad neglect at an
earlier period; and I can speak only as a penitent. |
Let me
commend to every reader the admirable example of Beveridge, who at eighteen
years of age produced a grammar of the Syriac
language, and also a
Latin essay on the importance of cultivating this study, as that of the
vernacular of our
Lord Himself. This little
treatise is worthy of
careful reading; and right worthy of note is the motto which he
prefixed to it,—“Estote imitatores mei,
sicut et
ego sum Christi” (
1 Cor. xi. 1).
When one thinks of the difficulties even yet to be
overcome in mastering the language,—the want of a complete
lexicon, etc.,3526
| 3526 Dean Payne Smith
has assumed the unfinished task of Bernstein. |
—it is
surprising to think of Beveridge’s pioneer labours in extreme
youth. Gutbir’s
Lexicon Syriacum had not yet
appeared, nor his edition of the Peshito, which preceded it, though
Brian Walton’s great name and labours were his
noble
stimulants. Nobody can read the touching account which
Gutbir
3527
| 3527 See his
Preface to the Testament, published at Hamburg a.d. 1664. He had the type cut at his personal
expense, and set up the press and lodged the printers in his own
house. |
gives of his
own enthusiastic and self-sacrificing
work, without feeling
ashamed of
the slow progress of Oriental studies in the course of two centuries
since the illustrious Pocock gave his grand example to English
scholarship. All honour to our countryman Dr. Murdock, who late
in
life entered upon this charming pursuit, and called on others to
follow him.
3528
| 3528 See his
translation of the Peshito Syriac version, Stanford & Swords
(Bishop Hobart’s publishers), New York, 1855. |
May I
not venture to
hope that even these specimens of what may be reaped
from the field of Aramaic literature may inspire my young countrymen to
take the lead in elucidating the Holy Scriptures from this almost
unopened storehouse of “treasures new and
old”?
E.C.F. INDEX & SEARCH
