by Baruch Spinoza
Originally published as volume 1 of
The chief works of Benedict de Spinoza by G. Bell and
Sons, London
[1883-1884]
Confused ideas of the vulgar on the subject
A miracle in the sense of a contravention of natural laws an absurdity.
In the sense of an event, whose cause is unknown, less edifying than an event better understood.
God's providence indentical with the course of Nature, How Scripture miracles may be interpreted.
Current systems of interpretation erroneous.
Only true system to interpret it by itself.
Reasons why this system cannot now be carried out in its entirety.
Yet these difficulties do not interfere with our understanding the plainest and most important passages.
Rival systems examined—that of a supernatural faculty being necessary—refuted.
That of Maimonides.
Refuted.
Traditions of the Pharisees and the Papists rejected.
The Pentateuch not written by Moses.
His actual writings distinct.
Traces of late authorship in the other historical books.
All the historical books the work of one man.
Probably Ezra.
Who compiled the first book of Deuteronomy.
And then a history, distinguishing the books by the names of their subjects.
That these books have not been thoroughly revised and made to agree.
That there are many doubtful readings.
That the existing marginal notes are often such.
The other explanations of these notes refuted.
The hiatus.
Chronicles, Psalms, Proverbs.
Isaiah, Jeremiah.
Ezekiel, Hosea.
Other Prophets, Jonah, Job.
Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther.
The author declines to undertake a similar detailed examination of the New Testament.
Author's Endnotes to the Treatise.