TO THE 
 
 READING AND STUDY 
 
 HOLY SCRIPTURES. 
 
 # 
 
 •A 
 
GUIDE 
 
 TO THE 
 
 READING AND STUDY 
 
 OF THE 
 
 #o!p &tti9tutt#, 
 
 BY 
 
 AUGUSTUS HERMAN FRANCK, A. M. 
 
 : ATE PROFESSOR OF DIYTNITY, AND OF THE GREEK AND ORI- 
 ENTAL LANGUAGES, IN THE UNIVERSITY OF HALLE, 
 
 Translated from tlie LatirL, 
 
 AND AUGMENTED WITH 
 NOTES ; 
 
 Distinct Notations of some of (be best editions of the 
 
 GREEK AND HEBREW SCRIPTURES; 
 
 And a copious but select List of the 
 
 MOST VALUABLE COMMENTARIES AND BIBLICAL WORKS. 
 
 EXHIBITING ALSO ON EACH BOOK 
 
 THE CRITICISMS OF ABLE DIVINES: 
 
 By WILLIAM JAQUES, A. M. 
 
 ^ " Franek's Gr,ide deserves to be often read. It contains the best Rules 
 for studying the Scriptures that I ever remember to have seen." Dfr. 
 
 }>oddridge.— Lectures on Preaching. 
 
 FIB** AMERICAN, FROM THE LAST LONDON EDITION- 
 
 PHILADELPHIA: 
 
 BLISHED BY DAVID IIOGAN, 
 
 JVV 255, Market Stt 
 
 j <3° i 
 
 / 
 
**5^f 
 
 THE CONTENTS. 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 The Translator's Preface . . . . vii 
 
 Introduction . 17 
 
 Of Reading as it respects the Letter 
 
 of the Scriptures 19 
 
 Grammatical Reading ...... ib. 
 
 Historical Reading 43 
 
 Analytical Reading 53 
 
 Of Reading as it respects the SriRiT of 
 
 the Word * 63 
 
 Expository Reading ib. 
 
 Doctrinal Reading 87 
 
 Inferential Reading 92 
 
 Practical Reading Ill 
 
 Of the Order of Studying the Scriptures 117 
 
 Appendix 121 
 
 Treatise on the Affections . . . 123 
 Analysis of the Epistle to the Ephe- 
 
 sians 149 
 
 Analytical Introduction to the Epistle 
 
 to the Colossians . . . • . 161 
 
 THa Translator's Notes 179 
 
 \ 2 
 
THE 
 
 TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE. 
 
 Of all the volumes that have engaged the 
 attention of the human mind, there is no 
 point of view in which the Bible is not infi- 
 nitely pre-eminent. Whatever constitutes ex- 
 cellency in writing, whatever has diffused a 
 partial beauty over the productions of men, 
 whatever conspires to expand the intellect or 
 interest of the heart, shines forth in the sa- 
 cred pages with transcendent lustre; while it 
 commends itself to our notice by another, a 
 triumphant consideration, — " it is able to 
 make us wise unto Salvation." — In the prac- 
 tical study of this blessed Book, thousands 
 have found an exhaustless source of spiritual 
 and intellectual enjoyment ; and they have 
 invariably been compelled to acknowledge 
 
\m THE TKANb), A. 1 OR*S PftEF A 
 
 and admire, with an eminent divine,* that 
 «« the most learned, acute, and diligent stu- 
 dent, cannot, in the longest life, obtain an 
 entire knowledge of this one Volume ; be- 
 cause, the more deeply he works the mine, 
 the richer and more abundant he finds the 
 ore.'' — To encourage and assist in the pro- 
 secution of this sublime study, is the imme- 
 diate object of the present work. It is the 
 last result of deep piety, and profound learn- 
 ing, united in a man who was peculiarly 
 called to the study of Holy Writ ; and « it 
 contains," says Dr. Doddridge, (no common 
 judge,)—" the best rules for studying the 
 Scriptures, that I evkr remember to have 
 seen.' 5 
 
 The publication of a treatise so highly and 
 yet so worthily recommended, cannot but be 
 gratifying to the biblical student ; and, in the 
 present state of sacred literature, it promises 
 to be as seasonable as beneficial. It certainly 
 is a culpable deficiency, that, at a time when 
 so much is done so well to elucidate Scripture 
 in the way of Comment and Exposition, there 
 is scarcely one popular work, whose immedi- 
 
 • Th<? P<*r. Thomas Scotl 
 
T#E TRANSLATORS PREFACE 
 
 ate object is to excite and assist learners, to 
 study the sacred text for themselves. Whe- 
 ther this fact be not indicative of one more 
 serious, and whether the lively Oracles be not 
 studied too generally through the medium of 
 human expositions, the reader must deter- 
 mine for himself: but none surely will con- 
 tend, that such a practice is not a solecism 
 iu divinity $ and none who reflect, with Mr. 
 Locke, that " the understanding is always 
 desirous to obtain presently the knowledge it 
 is about, and then set upon some new inquiry; 
 and, on that account, often contents itself with 
 improper ways of search ; M will hesitate to 
 admit, as a consequence, that the young di- 
 vine is eminently exposed to commit this er- 
 ror: and that our author's work, independ- 
 ently of its internal claims, makes a valid ap- 
 peal to the reader's attention, as a seasonable 
 production.^ 
 
 The importance of cultivating an acquain- 
 tance with the sacred languages, will doubt- 
 less render the Chapter on Grammatical 
 
 * See the latter part of a Review of the First Edition of 
 this Work, in the Christian Observer for Dec. 1814, where 
 the above observation is strongly confirmed. 
 
3l f HE Tit 
 
 Reading peculiarly useful and acceptable ; 
 as it furnishes a complete series of excellent 
 rules for the attainment of the Greek, He- 
 brew, and Chaldee : and it is hoped that, by 
 the perusal of it, many will be incited to stu- 
 dy the Original Scripture*. The mode of 
 teaching which our author so justly censures 
 as discouraging and tedious, and which en- 
 joins a considerable knowledge, of the gram- 
 mar, before the language it&elf can be at- 
 tempted, has given to the stitfly, a most for- 
 bidding aspect : but, if the unlearned reader 
 inspect the Professor's plai, he will find lit- 
 tle to deter, and much to encourage him. 
 Should therefore any who have acquired their 
 skill in languages by different methods, con- 
 sider this too easy to be true, and advise the 
 unwary student « to turn out of his way in a 
 well-beaten track ;" it will be fair to remem- 
 ber that our authors rules are not only the 
 professed fruit of practical inquiry, but that 
 they evince their worth by the success with 
 which they were attended, when he occupied 
 the chair of Professor of Languages in the 
 University of Halle. 
 
 When it is considered with what facility 
 this inestimable attainment mav be made, awl 
 
I HE TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE, 
 
 the happy consequences which, in every view, 
 must result from it, one cannot but impute it 
 to ignorance or to culpable indifference, that 
 it does not more generally constitute an ob- 
 ject of attention in the education of youth. 
 The period usually allotted to the acquisition 
 of knowledge, would afford ample opportuni- 
 ties for this study, without interfering with 
 other duties. That those indeed with whom 
 matchless excellencies cannot atone for evan- 
 gelical truth, should treat the Word of God 
 with neglect, is a fact at which we have long 
 ceased to wonder ; but the Christian parent 
 should interpose with regard to his own off- 
 spring, and instead of appropriating their 
 time to difficult languages and sciences, in 
 which nothing but a course of application 
 unusually long, can render them even tolera- 
 able proficients, he should consecrate at least 
 a part, to the easier and more important stu- 
 dy of the Original Scriptures. 5 '* 
 
 * " That time and pains which youth commonly spend on 
 a language of such real difficulty as the Latin, might, with the 
 assistance of proper Grammars and Lexicons, be abundantly 
 sufficient for their instruction in the Hebrew of the Old, and 
 in the Greek of the New Testament : and might enable them 
 to read in their original purity, those Divine Writings, on 
 
rHfc TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE': 
 
 It is possible that the superficial reader, 
 taking his estimate of the following treatise 
 in the abstract, and not in its practical ap- 
 plication, may deem it deficient in that spiri- 
 tuality which is so eminently conspicuous in 
 the Professor's other works : but, besides 
 that the opinions of Doctors Doddridge and 
 Allix, might well induce "the many," to he- 
 sitate; every judicious person must be satis- 
 fied that the contrary is the fact. It is suffi- 
 cient to say with respect to Part I. which 
 treats of the Letter of Scripture, that this is al- 
 ways considered in subordination to the Spirit 
 of the Word ; and that the student is continu- 
 ally admonished to devotefto it no more of his 
 time than it absolutely requires: and a refe- 
 rence to the concluding chapter of the work — 
 «f On the order of studying the Holy Scrip- 
 tures,"— will show that an attention to the 
 Letter fwhich naturally comes first to be no- 
 ticed) is, at no time, to preclude the study of 
 the Sacred Volume in a spiritual way. The 
 Second Part certainly is replete with spiri- 
 
 vhieh their profession as Protestants, and what is yet of 
 greater moment, their faith and hope as Christians, are found- 
 cd."— Pahkhubst. 
 
THE TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE. x\a 
 
 tuality. They, however, who expect that a 
 series of Rules will, in thefnselves, be fraught 
 with unction, do not think correctly. We 
 might, with more appearance of reason, ob- 
 ject to an excellent book of Logic, which 
 aids us in our inquiries after truth, that its 
 abstract rules are meagre and jejune ; than 
 condemn the present work (which would lead 
 our minds to the beatific vision of truths di- 
 vine,) on the grounds in question. 
 
 It now remains, to offer a few remarks in 
 reference to those points for which the Editor 
 is more immediately responsible. In giving 
 a Translation of the work, it has, of course, 
 been his object to apprehend fully his author's 
 ideas, and deliver them in perspicuous, appro- 
 priate language. Independently, however, 
 of this, a part of his time and attention has 
 been employed in divesting the Treatise of 
 its scholastic stiffness, without sacrificing 
 the advantages of methodical arrangement; 
 and in simplifying, as much as possible, the 
 technical phrases which abound in the origi- 
 nal work. 
 
 The most material part of his labour, how- 
 ever, will be found in the Notes. It was im- 
 
siv THE TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE. 
 
 mediately obvious, that these were highly 
 necessary, because the works which our Au- 
 thor has recommended, have, in many in- 
 stances, become scarce, and, in others, are 
 superseded. Besides, it « is of vast advan- 
 tage," says Dr. Watts, « for the improve- 
 ment of knowledge and saving time, for a 
 young man to have the most proper books 
 for his reading recommended 5" nor is it a 
 matter of inferior consequence to theological 
 students, to have correct Editions of works 
 generally, and of the Original Scriptures in 
 particular, ascertained. — To afford informa- 
 tion on these important points is the chief 
 scope of the Translator's Notes ; and in or- 
 der to render the student's path certain as well 
 as easy, almost every book has annexed to it, 
 the name, and frequently the criticisms of 
 some standard writer who has recommended 
 it. To enumerate the various works which 
 have been consulted on the occasion, must be 
 unnecessary ; the reader will however see that 
 to Dr. Doddridge's Preaching Lectures, Dr. 
 Williams' Appendix to the Christian Preach- 
 er, and to Dr. A. Clarke's Preface to* his 
 Bible, his Bibliographical Dictionary, and 
 
THE TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE, xv 
 
 Concise View, the Notes are much in- 
 debted. 
 
 In conclusion, the Translator would ob- 
 serve, that he has laboured to make the work 
 as complete and useful as possible ; though 
 he does not presume to hope, but that, in se- 
 veral respects, he may appear deficient, 
 " Whoever has edited a work, well knows 
 how many causes of error may operate, not 
 only independently of himself, but in spite of 
 all his exertions, " 
 
 London, 
 May, 1815. 
 
% <®U3®>® 
 
 READING AjYI) STUDY 
 
 HOLY SCRIPTURES. 
 
 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 JL HE methods which those who read the 
 Scriptures prescribe to themselves, and 
 the motives by whicli they are influenced, are 
 equally various : hence, as they do not adopt 
 the same measures, so they derive not from 
 their labours the same advantages. All Read- 
 ing, however, respects either the letter or 
 the spirit of the Inspired Writings. Sepa- 
 rate from the latter, the former is empty and 
 inconsistent; but when both are united, the 
 study of Divinity is rendered complete. 
 
18 INTRODUCTION", 
 
 Reading, as it respects the letter of 
 Scripture, divides itself into three branches : 
 Grammatical, Historical, and Analy- 
 tical. As it respects the spirit of the 
 Word, it comprehends four: Expository, 
 Doctrinal, Inferential, and Practi- 
 cal. 
 
PART I. 
 
 OF READING, AS IT RESPECTS THE LETTER OF THE 
 SCRIPTURES. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Or GRAMMATICAL READING. 
 
 Grammatical Reading relates to the Greek of 
 the New, and the Hebrew and Chaldee of the Old 
 Testament; and requires that their Etymology, Sig- 
 nification, Syntax, and Idiom, be fully understood: lest 
 the false senses which are consequent on translations, 
 and on an imperfect acquaintance with these languages, 
 should be incautiously attributed to the Inspired Pen- 
 men. 
 
 This branch of Scripture Reading embraces four 
 things. 
 
 I. The Analysis and Grammatical Interpretation 
 of Greek and Hebrew Words: connected with which 
 are Etymology, Signification, and, in part, Syntax. 
 
 71. An accurate Examination of Idiom. 
 
20 STUDY OF THE SCRIPTURES. 
 
 III. A Knowledge of the Chaldee Tongue. 
 
 IV. An Acquaintance with the Rabbinical Wri- 
 tings; which are considered to follow more immediate- 
 ly the Grammatical Reading of the Scriptures. 
 
 I. Of Analysis and Interpretation. 
 
 In treating of the Anal) r sis and Grammatical Inter- 
 pretation of words, it will be requisite to notice dis- 
 tinctly the Greek and Hebrew tongues. 
 
 The Greek language, with us, is not to be studied 
 as it would be by the professed Grammarian ; but sim- 
 ply with a view to Divinity and the New Testament: 
 though, certainly, a student may profitably cultivate a 
 larger acquaintance with it afterwards, provided the 
 Hebrew and other necessary studies be not neglected. 
 So much of it, however, as is really essential, may be ea- 
 sily acquiredby attending to the following observations : 
 
 The first seven chapters of St. Matthew's gospel 
 should be read with an accurate, collated version (as 
 that of Beza or Erasmus,) until the learner be able 
 to translate the Greek text, without difficulty, into his 
 own, or any other language- (a) He ought not, how- 
 ever, in this, his first attempt, to be anxious to com- 
 prehend all the principles of grammatical construc- 
 tion: nor, on account of partial ignorance in this par- 
 ticular, should he forego the improvement which must 
 
GRAMMATICAL HEADING. 21 
 
 ever attend a frequent translating of the text. Yet, 
 in order that no delay may be occasioned through a 
 want of some acquaintance with the grammar, it will 
 be proper to read and review frequently, the para- 
 digms of the declensions and conjugations, with other 
 grammatical rudiments; and thus gradually impress 
 them on the mind. When the study of these accom- 
 panies a perusal of the seven chapters, theory and 
 practice mutually assist each other. It remains, not- 
 withstanding, to devote more time to the latter, than 
 to the former; to reading the New Testament, than 
 to studying the grammar. Practice may prove a sub- 
 stitute for theory; but theory can avail nothing with- 
 out practice. 
 
 When the seven chapters in question have been 
 thoroughly studied, and the requisite paradigms are 
 familiarized, the New Testament should be read 
 through in its natural order, with a collated and ac- 
 curate version: and the signification and grammatical 
 nature of words, may be sought in Pasor's larger Lex- 
 icon, (b) The student should impress the significa- 
 tions of words on his memory, by writing them, or by 
 repeatedly reading the chapters; accordingly as he 
 may deem either method better adapted to his genius. 
 I have, however, uniformly observed, that \o ivrite 
 the significations of words, is the more successful 
 practice. 
 
 Students should remark, that this reading is not to 
 
22 STUDY OF THE SCRIPTURES. 
 
 be prosecuted in an irregular and inconstant manner. 
 Other pursuits must submit to a temporary, or at least, 
 partial cessation, lest they obliterate what has been 
 learned; and lest a distaste for this should be ac- 
 quired; when long continued labours are not accom- 
 panied with that improvement, with which they would, 
 in the course of a few weeks, be otherwise attended. 
 Words which are continually recurring under different 
 forms and various combinations, are, without much 
 difficulty, impressed on the mind. It is therefore a 
 judicious distribution of time, to allot a stated period 
 to the study of a language, and remit, during that 
 term, every other pursuit. — It is proper to remark 
 here, that every one should take into consideration, 
 his time, his opportunities, his genius, &c. ; and not 
 prematurely draw conclusions unfavourable to himself, 
 from comparing his own method and progress with 
 those of others; while he perhaps enjoys, in a higher 
 degree ; the means of acquiring other branches of this 
 study, equally useful and important. 
 
 The New Testament being perused in the manner 
 prescribed, and in as short a period as possible, it 
 should undergo a second reading. A student of Di- 
 vinity could scarcely be so dull as not to gain, in this 
 way, a grammatical acquaintance with the new Tes- 
 tament, within three months. 
 
 In acquiring a knowledge of the Greek Tongue, as 
 well as preserving it when attained, it will prove of 
 
GRAMMATICAL READING. 2J 
 
 considerable advantage, if the learner accustom him- 
 self to carry a Pocket Edition of the Greek Testa- 
 ment about with him; and, when any text is propound- 
 ed either in public or private, to search it out imme- 
 diately, and collate the original with it. By means 
 of this excellent practice, a habit is likewise formed 
 of accurately reading and # examining the original 
 Scriptures, (c) 
 
 Provided the ends proposed be effectually attained, 
 it can be of little consequence, however, what plan is 
 adopted. Hence, we are not authorized to assert that 
 the modes pursued by others have no foundation in 
 reason, or that they would not prove useful to our- 
 selves. Minds are diverse; and the same methods 
 are not equally adapted to every capacity. I have 
 recommended the plan which, according to my views 
 and experience, is best suited to the genius of all. 
 
 If, for instance, instead of taking the first seven 
 chapters of Matthew, a student should choose rather 
 to select some easy Epistle, as John, Timothy, Ti- 
 tus, &c. and, then, proceed regularly through the 
 Testament; or should he habituate himself to read 
 the sacred pages with more care than has been en- 
 joined, so as perfectly to understand and familiarize 
 one thing, before he proceed to another: or were he, 
 agreeably to the advice of Lubinus, to make use of 
 that writer's interlineary version ; — in the adoption of 
 any one of these schemes, the learner might, very pos- 
 
STUDY OF THE SCRIPTURES. 
 
 sibly, be making a wise election. Again, it is a mea- 
 sure which may, perhaps, be attended with success, 
 provided the student be endued with a happy memory, 
 to learn Leusden's Compendium of the New Testa- 
 ment; or to study the verses which, in that author's 
 Testament, are distinguished by an asterisk, and 
 which comprise all the words used by the Sacred 
 Writers; before he takes up the New Testament it- 
 self. Let not any learner, however, be guided by his 
 own judgment, either in adopting or rejecting a me- 
 thod ; but rather submit to the decision of a judicious 
 tutor or friend. In conclusion, I would, nevertheless, 
 observe, that experience has repeatedly and fully 
 shewn the excellency of the plan at first prescribed; 
 and no person will ever have reason to lament that he 
 gave that plan his preference, (d) 
 
 It is not impossible, but that some of our readers 
 may wish to devote more time and attention to the 
 study of the Greek language : and there are still ex- 
 tant several works which throw considerable light on 
 Theology; and, at the same time, resemble the New 
 Testament in point of style. Of this character, are 
 the Epistles of Clemens Romanus (supposed to be the 
 Clement mentioned Phil. iv. 3.,) addressed to the 
 Corinthian church, which breathe the wisdom of pri- 
 mitive days: the Epistles of Barnabas, and those of 
 Ignatius; which, considered generally, are not unwor- 
 thy of the soundness and gravity of the first aires of 
 
GRAMMATICAL READING. 25 
 
 the church. Next to these, we may notice the 
 Apologies of Justin Martyr and Athenagoras; and 
 the Homilies of Macarius, which are composed in an 
 easy and perspicuous style. It is indeed to be wished, 
 that works of this complexion were more frequently 
 in the hands of the studious; especially those which 
 were written immediately after the earlier days of the 
 Christian church. Such reading has a tendency to 
 impress on the mind, the image of pure and undefiled 
 Christianity, even though prosecuted with primary re- 
 ference to some other object, (e) 
 
 In addition to these works, may be mentioned the 
 Septuagint, and the Apocrypha, among the books of 
 which, that of Wisdom stands conspicuous. Euse- 
 bius' Ecclesiastical History, embracing a per;od of 
 six hundred years, may follow in order after those last 
 noticed: and, from this work- the transition to the 
 best Greek fathers, as Chrysosrom, Basil, he: will 
 be extremely easy. All these productions may be so 
 read, as to afford lasting profit.— Michael Neander 
 has published several books, in pursuance of this plan: 
 as " Patrum Sentential ;" " Apocrypha Novi Testa- 
 " menti;" &c. The " Spicilegium Patrum" of 
 Grabe, will also merit the reader's attention, (f) 
 
 I would here repeat an observation which has al- 
 ready been made, that this volume is not intended for 
 the professed grammarian, but solely for them who 
 purpose to devote their time and attention to the study 
 
20 STUDY OF THE SCRIPTURES. 
 
 of the Sacred Oracles. That such persons should 
 toil through the numerous works of profane writers, 
 would be, in every respect, injudicious. 
 
 In closing these remarks on the Greek of the New 
 Testament, and on the writings of the Fathers, &c. 
 I would observe in reference to the latter, that, in 
 whatever terms I may have recommended them to the 
 notice of those who are studying the language, their 
 authority is, at present, out of the question. On this 
 subject, the reader may consult the " Critica Sacra" 
 of Rivet; the " Censura Patrum" of Cocus; and 
 Pearson's " Vindiciae Epistolarum Ignatii." The 
 point for our consideration was the Greek tongue, so 
 far as it is connected with Divinity; and, in this 
 view, no one surely will deny, that it must prove emi- 
 nently beneficial to students, if they read these works ; 
 on the same principles that it is useful to peruse the 
 Apocrypha appended to the Old Testament, (g) 
 
 The Hebrew language next claims our attention. 
 In studying this, it is not, in my opinion, advisable to 
 connect it with the Greek; for when a student has ac- 
 quired the latter in a short period, he will naturally 
 engage in learning the other with more ardour and sa- 
 tisfaction. However, such is the disposition of some, 
 and particularly of young persons, that, when required 
 to study for any length of time, they become dull and 
 inactive. On this account it may, sometimes, be pru- 
 dent, to unite the. Latin with the Greek, or the Greek 
 
GRAMMATICAL READING. £7 
 
 with the Hebrew; and to divide the attention, so as 
 to appropriate the morning to the more difficult, and 
 the afternoon to the more easy language. This prac- 
 tice cannot, however, be recommended, when an affi- 
 nity exists between the tongues studied, as it would 
 then introduce confusion. 
 
 If it be thought that the Hebrew claims precedence 
 of the Greek, in point of order, I do not decidedly op- 
 pose the position; nor need a learner be discouraged 
 from adopting it, by adverting to the popular method 
 of teaching, in the order of Latin, Greek, and He- 
 brew, Some there are who entirely reverse the se- 
 ries; neither does this arrangement want the support 
 of reason, or the sanction of success. 
 
 Whatever plan the reader determine to adopt, let- 
 it be his primary care, to attend to things really es- 
 sential in preference to those of inferior moment. 
 It is indeed much to be wished, that this admonition 
 were more deeply impressed on the minds of students, 
 because the observance of it, in any branch of learn- 
 ing, would invariably ensure advancement. 
 
 The method which I shall propose for acquiring 
 the Hebrew language, resembles that prescribed for 
 the Greek. The first four chapters of Genesis should 
 be studied and collated with an accurate version, until 
 the learner be capable of rendering the Hebrew text 
 into his vernacular idiom, without the aid of a trans- 
 lation, — The versions of Junius and Tremellius me- 
 
2S STUDY OF THE SCRIPTTRES. 
 
 rit a preference; and this is likewise due to the ver* 
 sion of the first four chapters of Genesis, prefixed by 
 Opitius to his Atrium. That of Genesis by Pagni- 
 nus, enriched with short annotations, and accompa- 
 nied with the Hebrew text, will prove useful to be- 
 ginners. (It) 
 
 It will next be proper to commit to memory some ru- 
 diments of the grammar, so as to enable the learner to 
 know what are prefixes and affixes, as well as the more 
 necessary paradigms. (?) More time must, however, 
 be allotted to reading the text itself, than to studying 
 the grammar; which will undoubtedly be attained with 
 greater facility and pleasure, when the language is 
 become, in some measure, familiarized. Experience 
 has repeatedly and clearly evinced, to the conviction 
 of many besides myself, that, in the course ofr only 
 four days, these chapters maybe perfectly known; so 
 known, as that the student shall be able to translate 
 the text into another language; to ascertain the roots 
 and their signification; and to separate from them the 
 prefixes and affixes with which they stand connected. 
 The great assistance which this must afford in a se- 
 cond reading, is very evident. Surely, a week so em- 
 ployed, is calculated to improve a learner more than 
 three months spent over the grammar, and in the 
 practice of analyzing alone; through a dislike to which, 
 many persons have totally given up the study of the 
 Hebrew tongue. 
 
GRAMMATICAL READING, 29 
 
 A good Tutor will, at this juncture, prove emi* 
 nently useful, in order to deliver to the pupil, in a 
 concise and perspicuous summary, such grammatical 
 rudiments as he may consider essential. They who 
 do not enjoy this privilege, must avail themselves of 
 . those works which h^ve been drawn up to supply the 
 deficiency. Such are the Analysis of the first chap- 
 ters of Genesis, annexed by Opitius to his Atrium; 
 and the Hebrew Lexicon of the same celebrated man, 
 written for the use of beginners, after the plan of 
 Schrevelius'. Besides these, we should notice Bal- 
 dovius' Analysis of Genesis, accommodated to his 
 Grammar, and printed with it; By timer's " Lyra 
 Prophetica," or a Critico-practical Analysis of the 
 book of Psalms (a most excellent production in this 
 way;) and Leusden's " Clavis Yeteris Testamenti;" 
 a work similar to that compiled for the Greek Testa- 
 ment, by the same author, (k) 
 
 Having perused the chapters prescribed, and com- 
 mitted to memory the more essential rudiments of 
 Grammar, (as far as this can be done without be- 
 coming tedious,) it remains that the whole Bible 
 should be- immediately and thoroughly read through. 
 Compendiums, Manuals, &c. may respectively possess 
 merit; but they must never be suffered to preclude 
 the learner from the Scriptures, which should consti- 
 tute the main object of his attention. Many have 
 erred greatly in this point; and after consuming much 
 
B3. 
 
 time over compendium*, their advancement has been 
 considerably impeded, and been 
 
 ted from studying the whole of the Sacred 
 _^ 
 
 In this perusal of t; v the version used 
 
 should be accurate; that of Tremellius with Notes,, 
 will be found to merit recommendation. It must also 
 be prosecuted with as much persevering assiduity as 
 possible, It og intervals have elapse. 
 
 learner forget what he had previously known. 
 
 The significations of words may be icritten in the 
 margin, or interline the text, until, by means of repe- 
 tition, they become familiar. Numbers have testified 
 from experience - the utility of this mode; though I 
 would allow every one to enjoy his private opinion. 
 No person can, however, learn mere uncocr 
 words with either pleasure or profit; nor would I ad- 
 vise the reader to make use of a Lexicon, unless is* 
 dec-:". > . - *.;.:.: •:: (>.•;-; :"::. .. :: ':: -.i_ :'-.—.-_- : .1 
 grammatical knowledge, much of his time would, in 
 consequence, be irrecoverably lost. It will prove 
 more beneficial to have a Bible with all the roc 
 pressed in the margin, such as that of Montanus; or, 
 otherwise, to write those roots which are not known, 
 and ascertain their significations from a friend. Be- 
 sides, little moment, if, in a first reading, 
 MnemoHh nmam aofbined: many have protracted 
 their advancement by yielding to the unreasonable de- 
 
GRAMMATICAL READING. 
 
 While thus employed, in reading the Original 
 Scriptures, the Hebrew Grammar, under the direc- 
 tion of a rilaster, will be gradually acquired; for when 
 a person is daily engaged in studying the Text, most 
 grammatical difficulties will be overcome in one or 
 two weeks. They, however, who can never rest sa- 
 tisfied without inquiring into every critical nicety, will 
 eventually lament, that their time has been misapplied. 
 
 The Old Testament being thus thoroughly peru- 
 sed, which we have known some do in the course of 
 three months, it may be read a second time, and in a 
 shorter period; remembering, that it should be a chief 
 concern with the student not to lose what was acqui- 
 red in the first reading. With this may be connected 
 an examination into Idiom; a subject of which we shall 
 treat hereafter. If in this second reading, the stu- 
 dent be inclined to make use of Leusden's Hebrew 
 Manuel, in order to commit the words of the Old 
 Testament to memory with greater facility, I would 
 not dissuade him from the attempt, (m) 
 
 It plainly appears, from what has been advanced, 
 that, in order to study the Hebrew effectually, we 
 should place entire dependance neither on a Tutor, 
 nor on private exertions, only; they must be conjoin- 
 ed. However excellent the method, a very great loss 
 of time will undoubtedly be prevented, if the efforts 
 of the student be seconded by those of a teacher; be- 
 cause tbe latter can introduce him to a deep acquaint- 
 
52 STUDY OF THE SCRIPTURES. 
 
 ance with the language by the readiest way. The 
 proper office of the preceptor is to explain difficulties, 
 as, in the course of reading, they occur; afld to point 
 out, in a perspicuous manner, the method best adapt- 
 ed to private study. I am not unacquainted with the 
 different modes prescribed by others; but I am fully 
 warranted in saying, that this which I have proposed 
 is most fully calculated to answer the ends in view, 
 and the least likely to issue in disappointment, (n) 
 
 If the student use Men. Ben. Israel's Bible with- 
 out points, and habituate himself to search out the 
 texts proposed in public and in private, and to com- 
 pare them with the Hebrew, he will promote and con- 
 firm his progress, (o) 
 
 In learning a language, it is a practice of no small 
 utility, for two or three friends to unite in the prose- 
 cution of their studies, and strive to afford mutual as- 
 sistance. This may be accomplished, by instituting 
 some kind of exercise or examination between the 
 parties. 
 
 When engaged in this branch of Scripture reading, 
 the student should observe the following rules: 
 
 1. Never be weary of writing the signification of 
 words. This is an excellent auxiliary to the memo- 
 ry; and, though it may, perhaps, appear to be a tedious, 
 unnecessary provision at the first, it will soon recom- 
 mend itself by its practical utility. 
 
 % When the Root of anv word is not of fcasv at* 
 
GRAMMATICAL HEADING. S3 
 
 tainment, write the word in the margin; and, instead 
 of laboriously searching it out in a Lexicon, ascertain 
 it from a Friend or Tutor, This plan will not be 
 found unprofitable, in the second, or even the third 
 reading; provided it have been duly executed in the 
 first reading. 
 
 3. The biblical student should carefully guard 
 against reading without rule or plan : he must proceed 
 through the books of the Inspired Writings in their 
 regular succession. The persevering will, eventu- 
 ally, succeed: while they who are incessantly vacilla- 
 ting, must naturally expect to suffer considerable loss. 
 A good acquaintance with* a language is but seldom 
 acquired, when order is not deemed of importance. 
 
 4. Let it be deeply impressed on the mind, that all 
 things cannot be learned at once. It is not requisite, 
 that the student should, in the first reading, make 
 himself master of every difficulty: some points apper- 
 tain rather to a second and more accurate perusal, 
 and their consideration should, on that account, be 
 deferred. Many have imbibed an early distaste for 
 the study of languages, in consequence of neglecting 
 to attend to this precept. 
 
 5. The Text should be frequently read aloud; for 
 the custom of reading mentally, often induces a habit 
 of stammering and reading slowly, even after a great 
 part of the Bible has been perused. 
 
 3* 
 
34 STUDY OF THE SCRIPTURES. 
 
 6. .It will conduce to improvement, if the Tutor 
 sometimes read the Text, and cause his pupils' care- 
 fully to imitate his pronunciation. 
 
 7. When it can be done, it may be found useful to 
 review and repeat on the Saturday, the lessons of the 
 preceding days. Subsequent weeks will bear abun- 
 dant testimony to the excellency of this practice. 
 
 8. The books of the Chronicles, are to be taken in 
 their natural order, and follow the books of Kings; 
 which, in point of subject-matter, they much resem- 
 ble. — Those parts of the Hagiographa which are 
 written in Chaldee, may, in the first reading, be 
 omitted, (p) 
 
 9. Different Teachers should not be employed, 
 when learning the rudiments of a language. 
 
 10. Words that seldom, or but once, occur, may 
 be noted on paper; or, they may be impressed on the 
 mind, by the frequent repetition of Leusden's Com- 
 pendium. 
 
 11. In a first reading, those Proper Substantives 
 which are not easily distinguishable from Appellatives, 
 should be marked with the pen. The progress of 
 students is too frequently protracted, through their 
 inability to discern between Common and Proper 
 Names. 
 
GRAMMATICAL READING. $5 
 
 2. Of Idiom. 
 
 If we wish to interpret the Original Scriptures 
 with propriety, and to form a right judgment of Trans- 
 lations, it is indispensable, that we be acquainted with 
 the Idiom of the Old and New Testaments. It will 
 be highly necessary, however, to ascertain what is 
 meant by the term itself, before we proceed to treat 
 of it, as a branch of study. The doctrine may, other- 
 wise, be' extended to phrases to which it by no means 
 applies: or, it may be thought on the other hand, that 
 all Idiomatic expressions can be included in a few 
 rules; and thus the major part of them will be over- 
 looked. 
 
 " An Idiom," observes Danhauerus, " is an ex- 
 u pression common to the whole language of which it 
 " is a part; pertaining to that language only; and ap- 
 " plying to it always. Common to the whole Ian- 
 " guage, — because always employed by writers in that 
 " tongue, when they wish to express the same thing: 
 " pertaining to it alone , because not only exclusively 
 " but also eminently peculiar to it; and always, that 
 " is. not from mere accident, or from casual analogy." 
 
 Danhauerus also makes a just distinction between 
 Idiom and Signification; intimating that the Significa- 
 tion of words is not in itself to be referred to Idiom, 
 but is a study antecedent to it, and distinct from it; 
 being chiefly learned from etymology, and the use of 
 
STOW DP THE SCBIFTUR] 
 
 WOfds. — It may also happen, that, through the mere 
 
 signification of words, when translated, expressions 
 
 Sometimes be improperly deemed Idiomatic: as, 
 
 d cannot be rendered into another language 
 
 by a word synonymous; Ol only by one that is very 
 
 I roposed. 
 That is properly an Idiom, which cannot be ren- 
 dered word for word, into anotl ige, without 
 i re purity o\ that language and wound- 
 's of those who an th it. Dan- 
 haue k from Augustine, that is ex- 
 tremely pertinent. — % * We should learn how the lan- 
 " gnage of I i is to be received, consistently 
 
 respective languages 
 ■ tongue has modes of expr 
 
 would 
 " appear absurd.' 3 If this observation be duly m 
 ed] we shall readily apprehend the nature of Idiom, (q) 
 
 It is now proper to notice, in r to the Old 
 
 Test,- an Idiom is called, from the Hebrew 
 
 tongue, a H except that Syriac and CI 
 
 I respectively. Syriasms Chakhiams 
 i (horns are, by some, denomi- 
 '.oly Greek 
 Style;'" a designation which includes those p] 
 
 ; : stk] but a: 
 
 Greek words. 
 
 New Tt s ire are carefully 
 
GRAMMATICAL READING. 37 
 
 to distinguish between Hebraisms and pure Grecisms. 
 Ptochen Stolberg, and others have indeed written 
 judiciously, on the purity of the New-Testament 
 Greek, and shown that many phrases generally deemed 
 Hebraisms, were actually used by the profane Greek 
 writers; and it cannot be denied but that caution is 
 necessary when collating the style of the New, with 
 that of the Old Testament. It is, nevertheless, very 
 evident that the Inspired Penmen borrowed many 
 phrases from their vernacular tongue. Hence on 
 the one hand no person can say that the style of the 
 New Testament ditTers widely from that of profane 
 authors ; and yet, on the other* rto book can be ren- 
 dered into the Hebrew Idiom with more facility not 
 on account of the subject-matter only but chiefly be- 
 cause of the similarity existing between the respective 
 styles of their compositions. See the u Hermeneuticae 
 Sacrae." of Danhauerus Art. 10. §5. P. 181 182; 
 and the authors cited by PfehTer, " Critic. Sac." P. 
 78, &c. and 214. — It therefore obviously follows that 
 no person can attain to an exact acquaintance with 
 the Idiom of the New Testament unless he first study 
 the doctrine of Hebraisms and- on this account the 
 examination of Idiom should immediately follow the 
 first perusal of the Old and New Testaments, (r) 
 
 Among the works which have been written on this 
 subject the l * Grammatica Sacra," in the third trea- 
 tise of Glassius' " Philologia Sacra," merits particular 
 
oS STUDY OF THE SCRIPTURES. 
 
 regard, and judiciously conjoins the Idiom both of the 
 Old and New Testaments. Without meaning to de- 
 tract, however, in the least, from the credit of this 
 celebrated man, who has deserved so well of the 
 church, and whose memory I cannot but revere, it will 
 be necessary to make a few critical remarks on his 
 work, in order to its being read with profit, (s) 
 
 1. The rules which it contains, are taken from the 
 " Clavis Scrip turae Sacrae" of Flacius Illyricus: a 
 work which may very properly be read and collated 
 with the book in question, (t) 
 
 2. A great part of the Examples are taken from 
 other authors, especially from the notes of Junius and 
 Tremellius. Buxtorf ? s " Thesaurus Grammaticus" 
 may be likewise collated with it, as well as the " Ob- 
 servationes Philologicse et Exegeticae" of Chem- 
 nitz. (u,y 
 
 3 Glassius often considers as Idiomatic, forms of 
 expression which, if duly examined, it will be evident 
 may obtain in all languages ; provided the same cir- 
 cumstances concur, and make it requisite: being an 
 arbitrary expression, and not warranted by the genius 
 of the tongue. 
 
 4. He has increased the number of the Rules, which 
 might, with more propriety, have been abridged; so 
 as not so much to try the memory of learners. 
 
 5. He does not give the reasons of the Rules. 
 This might have been done to most, if not to all 
 
GRAMMATICAL READING. 3D 
 
 of them ; and especially to those on Grammatical 
 Figures. 
 
 6. He does not treat of the doctrine of Idiom tho- 
 roughly. Many Idioms lie, as it were, concealed, 
 both in the Hebrew and other languages ; particular- 
 ly, in the connexion of words. That this is the case 
 in the Latin tongue, has been fully proved by Schorus ; 
 whose little works, " Methodus discendae linguae Lati- 
 nse et Grecae," and " Phrases Ciceronianae," (espe- 
 cially the preface,) deserve commendation, (v) 
 
 Some valuable Spicilegia have been added to Glas- 
 sius' work by Danhauerus. See Hermeneut Sac, 
 Art. VI. P. 183, &c. 
 
 If the reader desire to engage more fully in this 
 study, he may derive the requisite assistance from the 
 " Adversaria Sacra" of Fesselius ; and from the 
 Commentaries of Drusius, Grotius, &c. contained in 
 ten volumes of " Critici Sacri." Pfieffer likewise 
 cites authors on this subject, in his " Critica Sacra,' 7 
 P. 174, and 175. It is, however, to be observed, 
 that a very tolerable acquaintance with the subject of 
 Idiom may be acquired from the above-mentioned 
 u Grammatica Sacra" of Glassius. (w) 
 
 Various are the methods which have been devised 
 for the study of Glassius' work. Some have trans- 
 cribed an Index of the Rules into their Bibles, that 
 they might be able to refer to them with less trouble, 
 when examining the text. Others have preferred read- 
 
40 STUDY OF THE SCRIPTURES. 
 
 ing Herwart's Compendium: while others again have 
 perused the Index subjoined to the " Grammatica 
 Sacra," and transcribed in the margin of their Bibles, 
 the heads of the rules, and even the explanations an- 
 nexed by its author. The last plan is that which I 
 recommend to the reader, (x) 
 
 When, however, the assistance of a friend can be 
 procured, it is really advisable for the student to avail 
 himself of it. Any person who thoroughly understands 
 the nature of Idiom, may include the whole doctrine 
 in two sections, taken, one from the Old, and the 
 other, from the New Testament ; and point out the 
 Idioms as they occur, adding, if agreeable, the rules 
 from Glassius and other writers. I have experienced, 
 that, by adopting this mode, the whole may be very 
 profitably gone through in the space of one month. — - 
 There is one other advantage peculiar to it, that not 
 being employed on various and indifferent parts of the 
 Bible, but confined to a few definite pages, the student 
 enjoys the advantage of being able to refer to a pa- 
 rallel example in sections previously examined, when- 
 ever a corresponding Idiom comes under his notice. 
 
 The Tutor may follow the order of the Rules, first, 
 briefly explaining them ; adding, next, one or two se- 
 lect examples ; and, lastly, impressing the whole upon 
 the pupil's mind by an attentive examination. This 
 will not be a task of any length. 
 
 It must be confessed, that, in gaining a knowledge 
 
GRAMMATICAL READING. 41 
 
 of Idiom, much depends on a cc ent pe- 
 
 rusal cf t : :e Gi'-ek c.' & evi- 
 
 dent, from considering the principles on which-, with- 
 out adverting to any Rules , we judge of our vernacu- 
 lar Idiom. It always sounds very harshly to us who 
 are familiar with it, whenever this is violated ; and 
 we may therefore conclude, that a perfect acquaintance 
 with the Idiom of any tongue, is best acquired by stu- 
 dying and familiarizing the tongue itself. 
 
 Having now treated of the doctrine of Mom, and 
 made those remarks on it as a study which we deem- 
 ed important, let the reader be admonished, not to 
 devote his time and attention to the Letter of Scrip- 
 ture only, but hasten to the enjoyment of those sacred 
 delights, which flow from the Spirit of the lively 
 Oracles. 
 
 3. Of the Chaldee Language. 
 
 When the student has made a proficiency in the 
 Hebrew, he should commence with the Chaldee lan- 
 guage. This may be learned according to the me- 
 thod prescribed for acquiring the Greek and Hebrew: 
 — taking those parts of the Scriptures that were writ- 
 ten in Chaldee, and reading them with a translation. 
 
 They who covet a more enlarged knowledge of this 
 tongue, may study the Targum; which, if they be 
 4 
 
STUDY OF THE SCRIPTURES 
 
 previously versed in the Hebrew, will cost them littles 
 trouble to understand. See Pfeiffer's " Critiea Sa- 
 cra," page 398, &c. (y) 
 
 4< Of the Rabbinical Writings. 
 
 The study of Rabbinism presupposes an acquaint- 
 ance with the Hebrew and Chaldee; and is better 
 learned by practice, than by precept. Cellarius has 
 written on this subject; and Sixtinus Amama has pro- 
 posed an easy method of acquiring it. Those who do 
 not make this their professed study, (which can be 
 proper for but few,) will find it sufficient, if they at- 
 tentively peruse Michlal Iophi; which is a kind of 
 Literal Commentary on the Old Testament, and con- 
 tains the substance of all the Rabbinical Annotations. 
 A Master will be useful in this branch of Scripture 
 literature, in order to explain any difficulties that may 
 occur. — They who wish to engage in the study more 
 fully, may consult the Biblia of Buxtorf ; and Pfeif- 
 fer's " Manuductio facilis ad lectionem Talmudico- 
 Rabbinicam." Vide " Critiea Sacra," Page 517, 
 &c. (z) 
 
 He who applies himself to the writings of the Rab- 
 bins with an undue and intemperate ardour, may, per- 
 haps, enjoy his labours; but I would caution the read- 
 er against filling his mind with Judaical absurdities, 
 while the Sacred Volume invites him to contemplate 
 divine truths, and to participate of divine pleasures 
 
HISTORICAL READING. 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 OF HISTOIUGAX. REAMKG. 
 
 Historical Reading is confined to the outward 
 Letter of Scripture, and its proper tendency is to lead 
 the mind to an historical knowledge of the things con- 
 tained in it, as the Argument, Scope, &c. — whether 
 this knowledge be sought in the Volume of inspiration 
 itself, or through the medium of other helps, (a) 
 
 Historical reading comprehends an acquaintance 
 with the following particulars : — • 
 
 I. The Sum and Substance of the Old and New 
 Testaments. This may be acquired from a cursory 
 perusal: and, indeed, might be reasonably presupposed 
 in a student of divinity, who is expected " to have 
 " known from a child, the Holy Scriptures:" 2 Tim. 
 iii. 15. The Sum and Substance of the Old and 
 New Testaments, we define to be — what is under- 
 stood by " the Old and New Testaments;" and, like- 
 wise, the points in which they differ from each other. 
 Luther's Prefaces will furnish the reader with all ne- 
 
U STUDY OF THE SCRIPTURES. 
 
 cessary information on this head; and give him a ge- 
 latter of the books of Scrip- 
 ture. (6) 
 
 II. The Inspired Penmen. 
 
 III. The Occasion or Causes of writing. These 
 are, most commonly, declared by the Sacred Writers 
 in explicit terms; and, when diligently examined, they 
 assist the reader in ascertaining the Scope, and in 
 gaining a fuller conception of the Subject. 
 
 IV. The Scope: so far as it can be gathered from 
 historical incidents. 
 
 V. The Arquments of the respective books: a 
 perfect acquaintance with which, prepares the mind 
 for more accurate investigation. A knowledge of 
 the Arguments j whether of books or chapters, may 
 be acquired with more advantage from Scripture it- 
 self, than from any compilations that have been 
 made to assist the memory; as Martin's " Memoriale 
 
 Biblicum," Heidegger's " Enchiridion," &c. 
 
 though works of this kind may be useful in the busi- 
 ness of repetition, and in more forcibly impressing on 
 the memory what has been previously learned. It is, 
 nevertheless, proper to guard against wasting time 
 over compendiums; and against such an attention to 
 
HISTORICAL READING. 45 
 
 the mere Letter, as might induce a neglect of the 
 Spirit of the Holy Oracles. Diligence in reading and 
 examining the Word itself, is a compendious system 
 of mnemonics, (c) 
 
 Under this head, there are three helps worthy of 
 remark: — a Tutor,- Diligence, and Exercises institu- 
 ted between fellow-students. 
 
 A Tutor. The instructions of an able Tutor or 
 Friend, will prevent much loss of time, and be other- 
 wise of essential service; when the student is engaged 
 in obtaining a knowledge of those things, which relate, 
 as well to the whole Scripture, as to its respective 
 books. Indeed, it cannot but prove exceedingly pre- 
 judicial to the learner, if he be deprived of the ad- 
 vantages that result from the cathechetical mode of 
 teaching; which, by descanting on the scope, argu- 
 ment, &c. of a book, and by asking questions con- 
 cerning them, is so happily calculated to impress the 
 memory. 
 
 Diligence. The best mode of confirming the mind 
 in the recollection of what has been previously learned 
 from the lips of a Tutor, is to read and re-read the 
 books oi Scripture. It is indeed necessary to be in- 
 cessantly exercised in these elements of exposition, 
 and thus to render them familiar; lest, in interpreting 
 any Sacred Writer, we be betrayed into error. 
 
 Exercises between Associates in Study. Frequent 
 4* 
 
46 STUDY OF THE SCRIPTURES. 
 
 discussion and converse with fellow-students, are, in 
 this, as well as all other parts of learning, extremely 
 helpful to the memory, when conducted with due mo- 
 deration. By means of these, we may both form an 
 acquaintance with the Arguments, &c. of books and 
 chapters; and likewise retain them constantly in re- 
 collection. 
 
 VI. The Seats of Subjects. A knowledge of 
 these is requisite, in order that the Scriptures may be 
 digested in the mind, as it were, into common-places ; 
 whence passages parallel to any text that may occur, 
 will readily suggest themselves. With a view to this, 
 it is recommended by Wolffgang Franzius, in his ad- 
 mirable preface to his treatise, " De Scripturae Sa- 
 crae Interpretation, " not to measure our reading by 
 the chapters into which Holy Writ has been divided, 
 but to peruse an entire subject at one time. Were 
 this monition strictly regarded, students would clearly 
 perceive, that to explain scripture by scripture, and 
 difficult passages by others of easier solution, is an 
 invaluable expository help: and they would likewise 
 have in constant readiness, a system of Divinity com- 
 piled from the Sacred volume itself, and divested of 
 all human glosses, (d) 
 
 The high importance of this help was not unobserved 
 by Chemnitz. T T ? says — " Since the several articles 
 ci of the Christian faith, have their own peculiar Seats, 
 
HISTORICAL READING. 17 
 
 u in certain parts of God's Word; it is indispensably 
 a requisite to ascertain and familiarize those sacred 
 " testimonies by which scriptural truths are confirmed. 
 " He who deserts these testimonies, at once so suita- 
 " ble and perspicuous, in order to give the ampler 
 " scope to the exercise of his own judgment, is unwor- 
 " thy of the student's imitation and regard. Let the 
 St Scriptures explain themselves: and let their genuine 
 " force and native emphasis be carefully collected from 
 u the grammatical signification of the words, &c. in 
 " order that the sacred testimonies may carry with 
 " them their full weight. It is also proper to know, 
 " in what manner, and on what principles, they are 
 " applied; as well when adduced to detect error, as 
 11 when they are cited to confirm truth." — These re- 
 u marks are applicable to Doctrinal Reading likewise ; 
 for which, see Part II. Chap 3. (e) 
 
 The Seat of a subject is — any place in the Scrip- 
 tures where such subject is treated: whether profess- 
 edly; or in subordination to another subject ; or, more 
 especially, when it is regularly discussed and grounded 
 by the obvious appointment of the Holy Spirit. This 
 last may be termed its Proper Seat ; and is that of 
 which we, at present, chiefly speak. It should, how- 
 ever, be remarked, that the same subjects are thus 
 treated, in more than one chapter and book of Scrip- 
 ture ; and. hence, there is an evident difference even 
 between the Proper Seats of the .same subject. The 
 
4S STUDY OF THE SCRIPTURES. 
 
 doctrine of Justification, for instance, is considered in 
 the third chapter of Philippians, as in its Proper Seat ; 
 but the epistles to the Romans and Galatians, are, 
 more eminently, the Seats of that doctrine. 
 
 The student will find it a beneficial practice, if he 
 draw up, as he reads, for his own private use, an In- 
 dex of Subjects digested according to their Proper 
 Seats. To form such an Index, will not require mucB 
 labour, and will certainly be productive of abundant 
 advantage. Those which are prepared by others (as 
 that of Tossanus, annexed to the version of Junius 
 and Tremellius,) do not so forcibly affect the memo- 
 ry. Young persons are not indeed capable of ar- 
 ranging such an Index with the requisite precision: 
 they ought, on that account, to be assisted by a Mas- 
 ter, at least in a few chapters, lest their time and la- 
 bour should be unsuccessfully bestowed. (J) 
 
 The exercises of Discussion and Examination are 
 better adapted to fix the seats of subjects in the mind, 
 than any other means whatever. Students do not in- 
 deed usually appreciate the important advantages 
 which result from a perfect acquaintance with the 
 Seats, and therefore do not cultivate this branch of 
 study with a correspondent attention ; but experience 
 will demonstrate and enforce its claims, 
 
 VII. ExTER.VAL Cl$( ■>. Such arts 
 
 MSS. editions ; versions ; the divisions, made by 
 
HISTORICAL READING ft 
 
 chapters, verses, and points ; accents ; inscriptions ; 
 subscriptions ; various readings ; the Masora ; &,c. — 
 these may be emphatically denominated external. On 
 such points, recourse may be had to the following 
 works: — Walther's u Officina Biblica ;" Kortholtus 
 u de variis Scripturse Sacrse Editionibus ;" Scherert- 
 zius' " Animadversiones Philologicae in Codicem Ye-* 
 teris et Novi Testamenti ;" Fabricius' " Partitiones 
 Codicis Hebrsei ;" and Father Richard Simon's 
 u Critica Sacra Veteris et Novi Testamenti." — It 
 is, however, allowed, that these books contain excep- 
 tionable matter ; and, among others, this is noticed 
 by Majus, in several Latin Dissertations published at 
 Frankfort in 1690 ; and also by Walton, in the pre- 
 face to his Polyglott Bible. Many remarks to this 
 effect maybe likewise seen in the " Critica Sacra" of 
 Pfeiffer. (g) 
 
 Various things connected with History occur even 
 in texts of Scripture : as the names of places and sea- 
 sons ; genealogies ; various kinds of money, weights, 
 and measures ; phrases appropriated to peculiar anti- 
 quities, rites, laws, privileges, or to some condition 
 of persons. Whatever, therefore, goes to explain such 
 points, appertains to Historical Reading. Hence, Na- 
 tural History, is, in no small degree, helpful to the bib- 
 lical student ; and on this ground, Franzius composed 
 his " Historia Anamalium," and has been followed 
 more at large bv Bochart in his a Hierozoictts." 
 
5# STUDY OF THE SCRIPTURES. 
 
 The other learned works of the latter merit commen- 
 dation, (h) 
 
 It is proper to remark, with regard to Historical 
 reading, that it would be unwise, indeed, to prefer it, 
 as it concerns the subjects which have been consider- 
 ed, to the other branches of Scripture Reading; a 
 •position on which we shall speak more fully, in treat- 
 ing of the Order in which the Sacred Volume should 
 be studied. To be immoderately anxious about things 
 merely external, argues a great insensibility of the 
 internal excellencies of the Holy Scriptures. — It 
 should likewise be our concern, to guard against vain- 
 glory, in a business wherein the glory of God should 
 be our only object. 
 
 There is also a necessity for the exercise of cau- 
 tion, lest a knowledge of external points render us less 
 ardent and lively in reading the Word itself. How 
 many are there who err in this respect, and feed con- 
 tentedly on the husks, while those heavenly delights 
 which flow from the Volume of Revelation remain un- 
 tasted and unenjoyed. 
 
 Since the Letter is examined only for the sake of 
 the Spirit of the Sacred Oracles, we should contemn 
 whatever cannot be reduced to some useful purpose; 
 and never give place to vain, unprofitable curiosity. 
 He who protracts his advancement, by dwelling too 
 long on things of secondary importance, is justly 
 deemed unworthy of the divine wisdom which Scrip- 
 
HISTORICAL BEADING. U 
 
 ture inculcates. In this study, our estimate of other 
 books is constantly to be formed, from the degree in 
 which they assist us in attaining the proper object of 
 the Bible itself. 
 
 There are some things which, from their pecu- 
 liar nature, must be referred to following chapters; 
 thus, the Scope and Argument are more accurately 
 considered under Analytical Reading. They could 
 not, however, be excluded from this chapter, because 
 they are to be historically known, and appertain to 
 any general comprehension of the things contained in 
 Scripture; and yet they are not so known as in Ana- 
 lytical and Expository reading, where they will re- 
 quire a further investigation. 
 
 It is highly prejudicial to young students, to take 
 up, at will, the works of many and various writers; 
 since they want judgment to discriminate, skill to se- 
 lect, as well as practice and experience to read books 
 with profit. During the first years of study, they 
 should confine themselves within the limits prescribed . 
 by a Friend or Tutor. They should read little, but 
 read that little well; they should prefer those works 
 whose tendency is to lay a solid foundation, and pe- 
 ruse them in a sedate and attentive manner; never 
 commencing any other book until the subject of the 
 former be perfectly understood and digested. If these 
 monitions be neglected, they may become sciolists, 
 but never men of learning; sophists, but never truly 
 
$» STUDY OF THE SCRIPTURES. 
 
 wise : the mind will be possessed by an intemperate 
 thirst after " knowledge that puffeth up/' and filled 
 with unholy indifference for " the wisdom which cometh 
 from above." 
 
ANALYTICAL READIKO. 53 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 9E ANALYTICAL READING*, 
 
 Analytical Reading of Scripture, is that by which 
 we institute a logical analysis; and consider the struc- 
 ture, connexion, and order, of entire books and par*» 
 ticular texts of the Old and New Testaments: that, 
 being thus resolved into their first principles, they 
 may be understood with the greater facility and pre- 
 cision. 
 
 This branch of reading is not prescribed, on the 
 supposition that the Sacred Penmen affected to com- 
 pose and arrange their subjects, according to the 
 rules of Logic ; for it were absurd to entertain so un- 
 worthy an idea of men divinely inspired; but it is 
 adopted, because Order is so natural to the things 
 themselves, to reason, and to discourse, that it ac- 
 companies language, whether sacred or profane, even 
 when it is not studied; and tends, in no small degree, 
 to render it perspicuous and easily understood, This 
 is evident in all discourse; for, though it be of the 
 most familiar kind, it will not please an iUitercde per- 
 5 
 
5i STUDi OF TiJE SCRIPTURE». 
 
 son, unless its parts harmonize, and order be observed. 
 Hence, it is certain, that to observe the order and 
 connexion, is more necessary in interpreting, than in 
 dictating; because, in the former, they are not imme- 
 diately obvious to all; while, as it respects the latter. 
 we have only to follow as nature leads. 
 
 That it is highly expedient to obtain an accurate 
 knowledge of Logical Analysis is evident from the 
 following considerations: 
 
 1. As all helps calculated to expound the Scrip- 
 tures, reciprocally explain, assist, and confirm each 
 other; so Analysis has a great effect in determining 
 the Emphasis, Idiom, Literal Sense, Inferences, and 
 Practical Application. 
 
 2. Analysis causes the several members, and even 
 words of the Text, to be considered with more accu- 
 racy and precision. 
 
 3. It affords especial aid to the memory. 
 
 4. When any thing is to be, or has been, proved 
 from a text, it lays the whole connexion of the sub- 
 ject open to inspection. 
 
 5. It assists in meditation and in the delivery of a 
 discourse. 
 
 6. It developes the grounds on which the Inspired 
 "Writers propound their doctrines; which is a point of 
 of much importance. 
 
ANALYTICAL READ -3 J 
 
 7. It conduces, in no small degree., to the deci- 
 sion of controversies. 
 
 Logical Reading is employed either on whole Books, 
 or on particular Texts. The resolution of particular 
 Texts, however, presupposes an acquaintance with 
 the structure of whole Books. Indeed, they who 
 begin with texts, are generally deficient, as they are 
 not prepared for that branch of Analysis. 
 
 In Logical Reading, the Books of Scripture must 
 evidently be considered in different views. 
 
 First, the Doctrinal books are to be referred hi- 
 ther; such are the Epistles in the New Testament. 
 A distinction is to be made between these, the His- 
 torical and Prophetic books, and the Psalms: and 
 they also must be distinguished from each other. 
 
 The Doctrinal books are either of one, or of Pori- 
 ous Argument. If they be of the latter kind, the 
 different Arguments must be separated, and each of 
 them analyzed apart. Thus, the first Epistle to the 
 Corinthians treats of the following particulars: 
 
 1. The inconsiderate Zeal of that church; under 
 the influence of which, one person preferred Paul; 
 and another, Apollos: to Chap. 4. inclusive. 
 
 2. The Incest that had been committed among 
 them: Chap. 5. 
 
 3. Their Law-suits: Chan. G, 
 
5u STUDY OF THE SCRIPTURES. 
 
 4. Their Fornication: Chap. 6. 
 
 5. Of Marriage and Divorce: Chap. 7. 
 
 6. Of Things offered to Idols: Chapters 8, 9, 10, 
 
 7. Of the External Deportment of Christians, in 
 the public congregation: Chap. 11. 
 
 8. Of the Abuse of the sacrament of the Lord's 
 Supper: Chap. 11. 
 
 9. Of Spiritual Gifts; and the Harmony subsisting 
 between such gifts in certain particulars: Chap. 12. 
 
 10. Of Christian Love: Chap. 13. 
 
 11. Of the Manner of conducting Holy Assem- 
 blies; and of prophesying therein: Chap. 14. 
 
 12. Of the Resurrection: Chap. 15. 
 
 13. Of Alms, &c. Chap. 16. 
 
 If they consist of one Argument, the following rules 
 must be observed: 
 
 1 . By frequent reading, the Scope should be well 
 ascertained and understood. 
 
 2. All Conclusions affecting the principal Scope 
 and General Argument of the whole book, must bo 
 seduously compared with the Scope. 
 
 3. The Middle Terms must be thoroughly weighed, 
 and compared with all the subordinate Conclusions. 
 
 It may, hewever, prove sufficient to give us a right 
 
ANALYTICAL READING 5/ 
 
 Understanding of the structure of a book, if we duly 
 notice the Scope of the whole, the Conclusions ac- 
 commodated to the Scope, and the Middle Terms 
 prepared to produce these Conclusions; all arranged 
 in their proper order. That this may more effectu- 
 ally be accomplished, it will be necessary to observe 
 the subsequent remarks: 
 
 1. The greater number of the books in question 
 are polemical;* whence, if the Opposite Proposition 
 be examined, it will afford material service in ascer- 
 taining the Scope, and in distinguishing it from that 
 of other books. This is evidently the case in the 
 Epistle to the Galatians. (a) 
 
 2. Most of the epistles are divided into four parts: 
 that is, contain two principal parts; of which the 
 former is doctrinal : and the latter, hortatory, or prac- 
 tical, and, as it were, applicatory, (as may be seen in 
 Romans, Galatians, Ephesians, and Colossians:) and 
 two secondary parts, the Exordium and the Conclu- 
 sion. If the Analysis of the Doctrinal part be pro- 
 perly instituted, little difficulty will attend the 
 others, (b) 
 
 3. Several books treat of the same, or at least, of 
 a kindred Argument; and some analytical aid may be 
 drawn from this affinity. Thus, the Epistles to the 
 Romans and Galatians both treat of Justification; 
 and the Epistles addressed to the Ephesians ; Phi- 
 
58 STUDY OF THE SCRIPTURES. 
 
 lippians, and Colossians ; touch likewise on the same 
 subject. 
 
 The Historical Books are attended with less diffi- 
 culty, because the order, in an historical narration, 
 cannot but be obvious. The different histories which 
 they contain, should, however, be accurately separa- 
 ted; and, then, considered according to antecedents 
 and consequents. We shall find it of assistance here, 
 if we begin to read, not by chapters, but as was be- 
 fore recommended, by distinct subjects. 
 
 The Prophetical Books are very similar in nature 
 to the Historical Books, and borrow light from them. 
 This was also Luther's opinion: Praef. in Jes. The 
 Prophetical Books refer to the future ; as the Histo- 
 rical, to the past. 
 
 The Psalms must be analyzed separately; and, 
 being short, they will be solved with more ease than 
 whole books: especially if we be careful not to in- 
 fringe, by any refined logical subtilties, on the Pro- 
 phetic Spirit, the Affections of the Writer, and the 
 Scope of God the Holy Ghost. When Analysis has 
 in it any thing forced, it must necessarily be defec- 
 tive. A warm and glowing emotion will frequently 
 overstep the limits of natural, or, rather, of accus- 
 tomed order; nor can it reasonably be confined withio 
 
ANALYTICAL READING . $ j 
 
 them. See Gen. xlviii. 14. We do best, when we 
 seek the Order in the Subject; and not the Subject, 
 in an order which we may have ill conceived. 
 
 In analyzing a Doctrinal Text, the following rules 
 must be attended to : 
 
 1. The Text should be referred to the Proper 
 Argument and General Scope of the whole book; for 
 various things belong to various scopes. 
 
 2. We must examine whether the Text have not 
 a nearer connexion with some subordinate Scope; and, 
 consequently, a mediate rather than immediate, re- 
 ference to the Scope of the whole Book. 
 
 3. It is proper to inquire, whether the Text refer 
 to the General Scope, as a Conclusion, as a Middle 
 Term, or as a Perfect Syllogism : and also, whether 
 the Argument go to prove, to explain, or to illus- 
 trate; all which, it will not be difficult to ascertain, 
 when we are thoroughly acquainted with the argument 
 and structure of the whole Book or Section, (c) 
 
 4. The Proposition contained in the Text, must 
 next be formed and examined; and this, not in diffe- 
 rent or more simple language (which belongs to Ex- 
 position,) but in the very words of the Text. 
 
 5. The Subject and Predicate of the proposition 
 must be considered, (d) 
 
 6. The casual matter which may attach to tho 
 
STUDY OP THE SCRIPTURES. 
 
 Subject and Predicate must be separated; and it 
 should be ascertained, what part of it belongs to the 
 former, and what to the latter; as well as what rela- 
 tion they bear to each other. 
 
 7. If there be several Doctrines enumerated iu 
 one Text, they must be examined separately; and, 
 afterwards, the order in which they connect should 
 he ascertained; a point to which the Inspired Writers 
 are usually very attentive. 
 
 In order that the mode of instituting an Analysis 
 of any entire doctrinal Book may be rendered evident 
 to all, we propose the following rules, in addition to 
 those which have been already given: 
 
 I. Read, re-read, and repeat the whole Epistle 
 (for here I allude more particularly to the Epistles,) 
 from beginning to end, in the original Greek; and, if 
 possible, in an ancient copy, where the text is not di- 
 vided into verses. Read it, as^ou would an epistle from 
 a friend, three or four times over without interrup- 
 tion, until you fully apprehend the meaning, and the 
 subject of the whole letter become clear. In fact, 
 it should be perused, as it may be supposed, the 
 Epistles which Paul addressed to the Corinthians 
 were perused by them — frequently; not with many 
 interruptions; not by chapters; but the whole read, at 
 once, and until they perfectly understood the Apostle's 
 
ANALYTICAL UtiADL\ G . 61 
 
 mind. — Much perplexity has certainly arisen from the 
 manner in which the generality of persons read the 
 Scriptures. They mangle and dismember a text; and 
 consider that separately, which should always be con- 
 nected with antecedents and consequents. On this 
 account, we again recommend the advice given by 
 Franzius, to read without observing the arbitrary di- 
 visions of chapter and verse. 
 
 II. From this perusal, re-perusal, and repetition of 
 the Epistle, the student must take care to derive a 
 right knowledge of the Scope which the Apostle had 
 in writing it, and thus obtain an acquaintance with the 
 General Argument of the Epistle. 
 
 In order to succeed in this effectually, let the sub- 
 sequent precautions be attended to : 
 
 1 . Remark the Words by which the Apostle him- 
 self declares his object and scope ; which he frequently 
 does in express terms. 
 
 2. Remark the Historical Incidents noticed in the 
 Text; from which some judgment may be formed of 
 the state of the controversy, as well as of the circum- 
 stances of the church or person to whom the Epistle 
 is addressed. 
 
 3. When reference can be made to the " Acts of 
 the Apostles," examine that book, and collate it with 
 the text; inasmuch as it throws light on all the 
 Epistles 
 
STUDY OF THIS SCRIPTURES. 
 
 4. Weigh every word attentively (not however 
 spending much time over minute words;) and consi- 
 der whether it contain any thing which may lead to a 
 more accurate judgment of the scope and argument of 
 the whole Epistle. No one can easily be so dull of 
 apprehension, as not to attain, by this means, the ob- 
 ject he should have in view. 
 
 III. When all this has been done, the student 
 should resume the Epistle, and sedulously weigh the 
 Conclusions interspersed through it. These are best 
 ascertained by means of the particles, xv ocpoc ho <Sfc. 
 wherefore, therefore, &.c. (e) 
 
 W r ith respect to these Conclusions — 
 
 1 . Gain some knowledge of their meaning. 
 
 2. Compare them together, in order to determine 
 in what they agree, and in what they differ. 
 
 3. Compare them with Scope and Argument of 
 the whole Epistle; both which, it is supposed, are 
 become familar to the student. 
 
 4. Distinguish those which contain the Entire 
 Scope of the whole Epistle, immediately in them- 
 selves; and those which are referred to it mediately; 
 that is, are as Middle Terms to the Principal Con- 
 clusion. According to the accuracy with which the 
 Conclusions are understood, and the precision with 
 which they are distinguished; will the entrance to 
 
ANALYTICAL READING. € $ 
 
 Logical Analysis become more or less easy and cer- 
 tain. For what is it to institute a Logical Analysis, 
 but to search out the truth contained in any Proposi- 
 tion or Conclusion , and the Middle Terms by which 
 that truth is demonstrated? 
 
 IV. The Conclusions being thus examined, the 
 student should resume the Epistle, and ascertain the 
 Middle Terms, or reasons on which these Conclusions 
 are founded, whether they precede, or follow them. 
 In a Logical Analysis, it is proper to notice that 
 which proves; and to separate what is explanatory, 
 from that which is illustrative. 
 
 V. Having thus throro uglily examined the Epistle, 
 its component parts will become very perceptible. If 
 there be an Exordium and Conclusion, a separation 
 must take place between them, and each must be con- 
 sidered by itself. Should they prove to be twofold, 
 partly Doctrinal, and partly Practical, each branch 
 
 . must likewise be examined apart. 
 
 Since, however, this species of Reading, is, pro- 
 perly speaking, confined to the Letter of the Word, 
 let us guard against supposing that we are " mighty 
 in the Scriptures," if we be more solicitous to ana- 
 lyze a text, than concerned about understanding and 
 applying it. In the exercise of refined subtilties, and 
 the solution of difficult passages, we may lose sight of 
 
04 STUDY OF THE SCRlPTUEi 
 
 holy Christian simplicity, and sacrifice the edification 
 of ourselves and others: for when the rays of Truth 
 are divided, they cannot act with so much life and 
 power, as when its energies are collected together. 
 May the reader learn not to abuse this branch of 
 Scripture Exposition; and, in the sober use of it, may 
 he realize its excellencies! 
 
PART II. 
 
 Of reading, as it respects the spirit of the 
 
 SCRIPTURES. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 03? EXPOSITORY READING, 
 
 Expository Reading of the Scriptures has reference 
 to the Literal Sense purposed by the Holy Spirit ) 
 and its object is to develope and expound it. 
 
 We say " Literal Sense," in order to distinguish 
 it from the seme of the Letter, as conveyed by words 
 in their proper and native signification : the considera- 
 tion of which belongs to Grammatical Reading. Thus,, 
 in that portion of Holy Writ, — u Thou shalt not 
 kill," the sense of the Letter is, that we should not 
 lay violent hands on any person, and deprive him of 
 life: to elicit which, appertains to Grammatical Read- 
 ing. 
 
 We added, " purposed by the Holy Spirit;" for it 
 is the Literal Sense of Scripture which the Spirit 
 purposes, directly or indirectly, to declare, Thus 
 6 
 
Go STUDY OF THE SCRIPTURES. 
 
 our Saviour shows the Literal Sense of the fifth com- 
 mandment, Matt. v. 21, 22, &x. and teaches us, that 
 it is possible to break this commandment in lip, in life, 
 in gesture. On this subject, the reader may consult 
 Chemnitz (Loci Theologici,) who gives twelve admi- 
 rable rules for ascertaining the Literal Sense, purpo- 
 sed by the Holy Spirit, in the Decalogue. 
 
 It is a universal axiom, that — One Word or Sen- 
 tence having respect to one and the same subject has 
 but one Literal Sense formally purposed. To disco- 
 ver this one and true meaning of the Holy Spirit in 
 the Scriptures, is therefore the design of Expository 
 Reading. 
 
 In treating of the Literal Sense, we must distin- 
 guish it from that which, by means of natural judg- 
 ment or genuine helps to exposition, may be compre- 
 hended by the unregenerate ; — by those who are des- 
 titute of the Spirit's light. Were the rules proposed 
 by Chemnitz for expounding the Decalogue (or ra- 
 ther, derived by him from a collation of the Scrip- 
 tures,) rightly understood by an unrenewed man, even 
 he would be fully satisfied that they ascertained the 
 proper and genuine meaning of the commandments. 
 This apprehension of the Literal Sense, ought then 
 to be carefully distinguished from that .sense which no 
 one can apprehend, unless divinely illuminated by the 
 Spirit who speaks in the Scriptures. The natural 
 man has not, it is evident, anj perception of tire things 
 
EXPOSITORY READING. 67 
 
 of the Spirit of God; and Christ has declared, that 
 u the World cannot receive the Spirit of Truth." 
 St. Paul also observes, that " spiritual thinp^ are spi- 
 ritually discerned;" that is, although the natural man, 
 (a man destitute of the Spirit,) may speak diffusely, 
 on the Literal Meaning of the fifth commandment, and 
 may utter truths that are weighty, and consonant to 
 the mind of the Holy Ghost; yet he does not spiritu- 
 ally discern what he himself advances; he does not 
 properly conceive of that genuine love to our neigh- 
 bour flowing from faith, which is enjoined in the com- 
 mandment instanced: nor of that spiritual death which 
 they must inherit who foster malice against ano- 
 ther. None can know this but by experience : a truth 
 which, when duly considered, removes much doubt and 
 perplexity. 
 
 We observed further — " to develope and expound:" 
 for the business of the expositor is twofold; namely, 
 to understand aright himself, and to explain the true 
 meaning clearly to others The former should be the 
 main object; the latter partly follows of itself, and 
 partly derives efficacy from method, advice, practice, 
 and experience. 
 
 The primary requisite for Expository Reading, is 
 an acquaintance with the branches considered in Part 
 I. which go to explain the Letter of Scripture, and 
 prepare the way for sound exposition: for Expository 
 Reading is understood to be that which respects the 
 
6b i>TUJJV Of THE SCRIPTURES. 
 
 internal evidence (avT07ri$-icc) of the Hebrew and 
 Greek text, and which aims at the fuller conviction 
 both of ourselves and others. 
 
 Hence, it supposes that simple reading of the Word 
 which every Christian should practise, though he be 
 a stranger to the Original Scriptures; and which the 
 first Christians used, when they read the Epistles 
 addressed to them. As a friend declares his will by 
 letter to his friend, who ascertains and executes that 
 will without any laboured interpretations; so, and with 
 just such plainness, does the Almighty declare his will 
 to us in his Word; and thus did the Apostles convey 
 their injunctions to the primitive Christians, in their 
 Epistles; by which the latter regulated their conduct, 
 contented with the simple and obvious meaning, and 
 vmsolicitous about the learned and prolix expositions 
 of commentators. 
 
 Further, it is requisite that the mind aspire not 
 only after a theoretical and historical, but after a 
 practical and spiritual knowledge; lest the Scrip- 
 tures be read, as the works of Aristotle would be ; 
 in perusing which, we are satisfied with ascertain- 
 ing the meaning through the medium of natural 
 reason. 
 
 It now remains, to supply Helps, partly Inter- 
 nal and partly External, for the purpose of ascer- 
 taining and expounding the Literal Sense. Those 
 
EXPOSITORY READING. 
 
 of the former character merit the name of true and 
 genuine expository helps, introducing us to an ac- 
 quaintance with those things which relate to fnith and 
 eternal life: for it must be remembered and constantly 
 enforced, that Scripture is its own interpreter, and, 
 therefore, that expository helps are to be drawn from 
 its own pages. With respect to External Helps in- 
 deed, they either are confined to external circum- 
 stances, as Rites, Antiquities, &c; or they are them- 
 selves derived from Scripture, or Internal Helps. 
 Hence, we should proceed from Helps Internal to 
 Helps External; for they who resort immediately to 
 the latter, and neglect those Helps which repose, as 
 it were, in the bosom of Holy Writ, will apply their 
 exertions and their time to no useful purpose, and 
 thus pay the forfeit of such idleness and indiscretion. 
 
 Internal Helps are General, Special, and Par- 
 ticular. 
 
 I. General Helps are those to be used in ex- 
 pounding all texts of Scripture. They are the fol- 
 lowing: 
 
 1. A Consideration of the Scope; and in order 
 shat this Help may be rightly applied, the subsequent 
 directions must be observed. 
 
 The whole Context, and sometimes the whole Book, 
 "must be studiously perused, before we attempt an ac- 
 6* 
 
STUDY OF THE SCRIPTURES. 
 
 curate examination of any particular text. This was 
 a constant practice with that able expositor, Wolff- 
 gang Franzius. See the preface to his treatise " de 
 Interpretatione Scripturae Sacrae." 
 
 When the Scope of a whole Book, or even of any 
 particular Section, is given by the Sacred Writer in 
 express words, it should be carefully remarked. Thus 
 St. John's Gospel, xx. 31. — " These are written, 
 /A that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the 
 " Son of God; and that, believing, ye might have life 
 " through his name. Thus, 2 Peter, iii. 1. — " This 
 u second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in 
 u which I stir up your pure minds by way of remern- 
 " brance; that ye may be mindful of the words which 
 " were Spoken before by the holy prophets, and of 
 " the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord 
 u and Saviour." Danhauerus (Herm. Sac. p. 358.) 
 judiciously observes, that the Title sometimes sug- 
 gests the Scope. Thus, the beginning of the book 
 of Proverbs: — " The proverbs of Solomon, the son 
 u of David, king of Israel ; to know wisdom and in- 
 u struction; to perceive the words of understanding; 
 u to receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, judg- 
 u ment, and equity; to give subtilty to the simple; to 
 ;i the young man, knowledge and discretion." 
 
 When Inferences are properly examined and com- 
 pared together, they greatly assist in ascertaining the 
 Scope. Indeed, they either evolve it, or confirm it 
 
ANALYTICAL HEADING, 71 
 
 when developed, by some very decisive expressions of 
 the writer, or by concurrent circumstances. 
 
 The General Scope of the whole section or book, 
 must be gathered from the whole context. In doing 
 this, it will be useful to examine whether the text 
 contain any account of the reasons which occasioned 
 the book or section to be written. 
 
 A Special Scope is likewise to be sought, when 
 there is a Middle Term in the text, referring to a Con- 
 clusion that is subordinate to the proposition and prin- 
 cipal argument of the whole book. 
 
 The Consideration of the Scope must not be laid 
 aside, in the following more exact examination of the 
 text itself: for if we wander from the Scope, we mar 
 all. Vide the preceding Chapter, p. 60. 
 
 Much loss of time would be prevented at this junc- 
 ture, if a friend, accustomed to exposition, were brief- 
 ly to explain and demonstrate the Scope of every 
 book; which is a point of eminent utility. 
 
 2. A Consideration of Antecedents ; of the Matter 
 (ingredientia ;) and of Consequents. By the Matter, 
 we mean the words of the particular text under exa- 
 mination; with which, unless Antecedents and Conse- 
 quents be carefully collated, they cannot be fully un- 
 derstood. By Antecedents and Consequents, we 
 mean those words which pertain to the same subject, 
 in the same context. Hence, if a book consist of but 
 one subject or argument, the whole of it must be re- 
 
STUDY OF THE SCRIPTURES. 
 
 ferred to antecedents and consequents: but, if it be 
 composed of various arguments, only those parts are 
 to be so accommodated, which belong to one and the 
 same argument. Thus, if 1 Cor. x. 16. be the sub- 
 ject of inquiry, the Antecedents and Consequents are 
 chap. 8, 9, and 10; without an accurate collation of 
 which, we can form no solid judgment of the text in 
 question. Franzius, in the preface to his book, " de 
 Interpretatione Scripturae Sacrae," earnestly recom^ 
 mends and explains this branch of Exposition, and il- 
 lustrates his remarks with examples from Holy Writ. 
 See also Danhauerus u Herm. Sac." p. 360, Sec. 
 
 3. A Collation of the passage under consideration 
 w r ith other parallel passages. 
 
 A Parallelism is either real or verbal. 
 
 A verbal parallelism is to be sought, when the 
 words are attended with any obscurity, emphasis, inv- 
 propriety, or ambiguity. To this belongs the use of 
 Verbal Concordances, as those of H. Stephens and 
 Schmidius in Greek, that of Buxtorf in Hebrew; and 
 that of Noldius, which relates to Hebrew Particles. («) 
 
 A real Parallelism properly appertains to Exposi- 1 
 tory Reading, and, in this, some aid may be derived 
 from Real Concordances. But, as was remarked, 
 Chap. II. Page 46, it is better to form Concordances 
 ourselves, by the frequent and assiduous perusal of the 
 Scripture; and diligently to commit the Seats of sub* 
 reels to memory. 
 
EXPOSITORY READING. 
 
 A Parallelism is either adequate or inadequate . 
 adequate^ when it affects the whole subject proposed 
 in the text; inadequate , when it affects it only in part. 
 In Expository Reading, the former is to be decidedly 
 preferred; but the latter, nevertheless, merits some 
 attention, since a paraphrase lurnished with such pa- 
 rallelisms is not without merit: — but on this point, we 
 are to speak more fully hereafter. In the year 1682, 
 John Canne published an English Bible, with paral- 
 lel passages annexed to the text in a continued series, 
 for the purpose of showing that Scripture is the best 
 interpreter of itself. It would be well, if this were 
 added to all our bibles; and it might also be much en- 
 larged and improved. (6) 
 
 A Parallelism may be sought in those parts which 
 flow from the text by way of consequence; but this ra- 
 ther appertains to Inferential Reading and Practical 
 Application. 
 
 4. The Analogy of Faith. This Expository help 
 coincides with that last noticed. They, however^ 
 differ from each other, first, in extent; Verbal Paral- 
 lelism not belonging to this expository help; and, se- 
 condly, in their mode of comprehending; for in the 
 former we look for nothing but an Exposition of a 
 particular passage, but in the latter we regard the 
 agreement and universal harmony of the Divine Ora- 
 cles. This help may, however, be very properly viewed 
 as subordinate to the preceding; though, deeming it 
 
^\ 
 
 SI ODY OF THE SCRlPTtiRES. 
 
 of high import to use it skilfully, we have assigned a 
 separate consideration to it. 
 
 In the exercise of this help, the student is called 
 to guard against entertaining a false idea of the Ana- 
 logy of Faith. It is a false idea, when, from a wrong 
 interpretation of Scripture, or from tradition, we im- 
 bibe a number of human opinions; and, receiving these 
 as the genuine doctrine of faith, endeavour to interpret 
 Scripture agreeably to them. On this principle, the 
 .Romish Church has an Analogy of Faith; of which, 
 this is the foundation. — a I believe what the Churcb 
 believes." Here a circumlocution becomes necessa- 
 ry: " How do you prove that this is the sense of 
 Scripture?" — " Because the Church believes it." 
 a Why does the Church believe it?" — " Because the 
 Scripture asserts it." This will be more evident, if 
 we advert to the whole system of Popery, as it is de- 
 veloped, by Puffendorf, in the Appendix of his u In- 
 Iroductio in Historiam, and by Ferrarius in his u Eu- 
 clides Catholicus." See also Kortholt's treatise " de 
 Canonc Scripturae Sacra?." 
 
 On such grounds as these, indeeed, every sect may 
 have its Analogy of Faith: all its doctrines terminating 
 in some assumed position, so that its partisans may not 
 contradict themselves. When persons of this descrip- 
 tion meet with passages of Scripture that they cannot 
 readily explain, consistently with their hypothesis, they 
 Htrive to f?nlve the difficulty by that Analogy of Faith, 
 
EXPOSITORY READING, H 
 
 which they have themselves invented. But, allowing 
 that all their assumptions were founded in truth, it is 
 by no means consonant with the principles of Divinity, 
 to interpret Scripture by the hypothesis of a Church*, 
 because the Sacred Records are the proper mediums 
 of ascertaining theological truth. 
 
 We ought, on the other hand, to be solicitous that 
 we form a true and genuine idea of the Analogy of 
 Faith. " This Analogy," says Danhawer, " is ex- 
 " planatory of the harmony and perfect consistency of 
 w the Divine Oracles; and it is founded on the univer- 
 iC sal agreement of the Inspired Writers — the mouth 
 Ci of all the prophets." See Danhawer, who speaks 
 largely on this point; and compare with his, the brief, 
 but clear and perspicuous observations made by Pfeif- 
 fer, " Herm. Sac." p. 168, &c.(c) 
 
 5, A Consideration of the Affections. When this 
 help is neglected, the Expositor of Scripture must 
 necessarily err. This is abundantly shown by Luther, 
 hi various parts of his works; by Wolffgang Franzius, 
 in his treatise " de Interpretatione Scripturae Sa- 
 crae," who expounds it by a portion of Holy Writ; 
 and by Flacius, Danhauerus, &c. Daily experience 
 likewise evinces, that familiar discourse derives «luch 
 of its energy and perspicuity from the Affections of 
 the speakers; and that the same words, pronounced 
 under the influence of different emotions, convey very 
 different meanings, This valuable help requires a se« 
 
7G STUDY OF THE SCRIPTURES. 
 
 parate consideration; for which, see the Treatise on 
 the affections appended to this work. 
 
 6. A Consideration of the Order observed by the 
 Sacred Penmen in proposing their Subjects. When 
 this help is judiciously exercised, it opens the way to 
 a deep acquaintance with the meaning of an author; 
 when it is neglected, many things necessarily remain 
 obscure and ambiguous. By duly adverting to it, how 
 fully intelligible do the following passages become; 2 
 Pet. i. 5, 6, 7. Rom. v. 1,2, 3, 4, 5, &c. This 
 help indeed merits particular attention; though it is 
 seldom obvious to those who are destitute of experi- 
 ence in divine things. 
 
 7. A Consideration of Circumstances; — Who? 
 What? Where? By what means? Why? How? Wlien? 
 This help may act as a supplement to the others ; for, 
 when any thing is neglected that tends to explain and 
 confirm the literal meaning, such Circumstances care- 
 fully examined, will disclose it. It is, however, better 
 to make use of this help in applying all the others. 
 See Danhauerus " Hermen. Sac." p. 358. 
 
 II. Special Helps to Exposition, are Rules form- 
 ed by those who have made Scripture their study, for 
 the purpose of assisting in the interpretation of parti- 
 cular texts, or in the exposition of particular books. 
 Hence, they are of two kinds: such as are used in any 
 part of Scripture indifferently; and such as are applied 
 
EXPOSITORY READING. 77 
 
 to a certain description of writers, or to the expound- 
 ing of their peculiar subjects and texts ; which latter 
 we may term Particular Helps. 
 
 Rules of this kind may be learned by practice in 
 reading the Scriptures; but the labours of others will 
 also prove useful/ " Rules formed by others/' says 
 Danhauerus (" Herm. Sac." p. 390) are not to be 
 " neglected. They are like the counsels of a courier 
 " who has finished a journey which we are about to 
 " commence; and the tendency of whose instructions 
 a is to render the path of those who follow less ha- 
 " zardous and difficult." Flacius has given us, in the 
 second part of his " Clavis Scripturae," a collection 
 of rules, composed of such as he had himself remarked 
 to be highly useful in the study of the Scripture; and 
 of others, which he had gleaned from the writings of the 
 Fathers. Danhauerus in his " Herm. Sac." proposes 
 the following: 
 
 1 . The most simple is the most genuine meaning. 
 
 2. The literal is preferable to the figurative sense. 
 
 3. The Scriptures are to be taken in their widest 
 signification, when they are not limited by the Holy 
 Spirit; especially in the descriptions that are given of 
 the gracious blessings of the Gospel. 
 
 4. A less portion of Holy Writ must be interpreted 
 agreeably to a larger; and one single passage is not to 
 
 7 
 
rs study of the scbiptures. 
 
 be explained in contrariety to many others, but cob* 
 sistently with them. 
 
 5. The Scriptures sometimes denominate an action 
 or thing from the object to which it finally refers. 
 
 6. The Sacred Writings sometimes affirm, that a 
 thing which did not succeed, was neyer done. 
 
 7. The Scripture often accommodates its language, 
 not so much to facts as they exist, as to the opinions 
 of men respecting them. 
 
 8. What is said of Christ in the Inspired Volume, 
 is sometimes understood of Him alone, as the Head 
 of the Church; sometimes of the Body only, which is 
 the Church; and sometimes of both the Head and the 
 Body. 
 
 9. When a word which had preceded, is repeated 
 in connexion with a conditional, or some similar par- 
 ticle, it, in the latter instance, imports an Intention; 
 so that what, in the first place, is said to be done, is, 
 in the second, said to have been done resolutely, on 
 full consideration. Thus — " What I have written, I 
 have written." John xix. 22. 
 
 10. The name " Children" is not always indicative 
 of a certain age ; but is, sometimes an expression of 
 love and tenderness. See John's Episttes. 
 
 11. An action begun, or about to be begun, is 
 sometimes said to be finished. 
 
EXPOSITORY HEADINGS T$ 
 
 12. A thing is often attributed to one who for- 
 merly was a remarkable example of any action. See 
 Jude 11. (d) 
 
 Glassius has likewise furnished Rules of this kind 
 (" Philologia Sacra," Book 2,) and there are many 
 interspersed in the Commentaries of Guierus, Schmi- 
 dius, &c. and in the writings of the Rabbins. It is, 
 however, an easy matter, to draw up rules according 
 to some assumed hypothesis; and, therefore, 1. Their 
 authority should be examined, and 2. They must al- 
 ways be applied with caution, (e) 
 
 III. Particular Helps are those Rules which 
 Lave been made for the purpose of interpreting par- 
 ticular writers and books. Glassius, Flacius, and 
 others, have drawn up some which are applicable to 
 Allegories, Types, Parables, &c. They likewise have 
 some profitable thoughts, in reference to the writings 
 of Paul, John, &c. Danhauerus, in his " Herme- 
 neutica Sacra," presents us with several Canons for 
 the elucidation of the Prophets, Psalms, Types, Pa- 
 rable, and Laws: and it has been already observed, 
 that Chemnitz has furnished others explanatory of the 
 Decalogue. On such principles, Rules might be 
 formed for the Lord's Prayer, &c. 
 
 Having considered Internal Helps according to 
 the classification of General ^ Special* and Pafticu- 
 
80 STUDY OF THE SCRIPT URES. 
 
 lav j we proceed to offer some remarks on Helps Ex- 
 ternal. 
 
 External Helps are those which may be subor- 
 dinate^ used, in more clearly ascertaining and ex- 
 pounding the sense of Scripture; though it is to be 
 observed, that, in all things pertaining to eternal sal- 
 vation, the Scriptures sufficiently explain themselves. 
 
 External Helps are for the purpose of throwing 
 light on certain abstruse passsages, and on their lite- 
 ral sense: as Antiquities; the Rites and Customs of 
 the ancients (things frequently alluded to in the In- 
 spired Writings;) Geography, Chronology, Natural 
 History, &,c. ; which, through the goodness of God, 
 have been respectively treated, by men mighty in the 
 Scriptures, in order to their elucidation. (/) 
 
 In the use of these Helps, both deficiency and ex- 
 cess are blameable. They who can admire nothing 
 but their own meditations, and know not how to make 
 Externals subservient to the edification of themselves 
 and others, do most certainly commit the former error; 
 while those who depend on the authority of expositors 
 alone, and receive, as infallible,, whatever pleases the 
 learned, commit the latter fault, and infringe on the 
 privileges of the Christian, the gifts of the Spirit, and 
 the full assurance (xXniftQtpiai) of faith. They are 
 most secure who take the middle path; who neither 
 rely on their own wisdom, nor are fascinated by the 
 
EXPOSITORY RBABIXti. ffl 
 
 authority of others; but learn happily to conjoin In- 
 ternal with External Helps. 
 
 Internal Helps must be decidedly preferred to those 
 which are External. Indeed, the latter are rather to 
 be used in authorising and confirming the sense when 
 it is discovered; er in determining it when, after all 
 Internal Helps have been exhausted, it remains doubt- 
 ful. Hence, they who labour through vast Com- 
 mentaries, or devote their time to the purposes of 
 forming selections, and digesting them into common 
 places, will make but small advancement; and cannot 
 reasonably expect to attain to an accurate and sound 
 talent for interpreting Scripture. To write a Com- 
 ment is one thing; but to develope the sense of the 
 Sacred Volume is another. 
 
 Commentators are generally diffuse on critical; 
 polemical ahd common-place subjects: and seldom 
 examine very minutely into the spiritual sense of 
 Scripture. We must therefore be careful to select 
 such Commentaries as are most agreeable to the ob- 
 ject we have in view; and especially such as evince the 
 illumination of that Spirit who speaks in the Sacretl 
 Oracles. This is essential ; for if we cannot under- 
 stand the Scriptures, without the aid of the divine 
 Spirit who dictated them; is it possible to derive as- 
 sistance from a Commentator who has presumed to 
 judge of spiritual things, while he himself is car- 
 mi?^) 
 
fe£ STUDY OF THE SCRIPTURES 
 
 Some valuable remarks on this subject, by Me- 
 lanctLon, deserve to be noticed here: the reader may 
 see tbem in his treatise " de Origine et Auctoritate 
 Verbi." — u The gift of interpretation indeed, be- 
 longs not to the ungodly, but is with that assembly 
 which is governed and sanctified by the Holy Spirit; 
 for St. Paul says — ' Let the prophets speak two or 
 three; and let the other judge; however, if any thing 
 be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first 
 hold his peace.' Interpretation then is a revelation 
 made by the Holy Spirit, and since the ungodly 
 are the organs of Satan, it cannot be made in them. 
 Hence, how much soever some men may excel in 
 learning and polity, the interpretation of Scripture 
 appertains not to them, but to the regenerate ; be- 
 cause the natural man receiveth not the things of the 
 Spirit of God, which are spiritually discerned." 1 
 Cor. ii. 
 
 Immediately antecedent to this remark, Melancthon 
 has another: " When the ordinary succession and 
 government of the Church were enjoyed by blas- 
 phemous, idolatrous, and ungodly men, God raised up 
 Prophets and others, who were not in the order of 
 succession, to reprovet he sins of the high and infe- 
 rior priests. This is evident, as it respects the pro- 
 phets Elijah, Elisha, Isaiah, and Amos; whom the 
 Lord endued with the gift of interpretation, at a pe- 
 riod when the priests were enemies to the Truth- 
 
EX POSIT ORY READING. &> 
 
 So, in the time of Christ, the gift of Interpretation 
 was not possessed by Annas, Caiaphas, the Scribes, 
 and the Pharisees, though they were the heads of the 
 visible Church, and considered themselves to be the 
 only true Church and people of God. The gift was, 
 at that time, confined to the Church and assembly of 
 Zacharias, Elizabeth, the Baptist, the Shepherds, 
 Simeon, Anna, the Apostles, &c, who were all con- 
 spicuous for their purity, and the light of heavenly 
 instruction. It therefore becomes our duty not to 
 listen to those who, for the sake of wealth and ho- 
 nours, assume the right of interpretation, without be- 
 ing themselves influenced by the knowledge and fear 
 of that God; who as the sole Author, is the sole In- 
 terpreter of Scripture; and who, by his Spirit, im- 
 parts the gift to those only who are pious, renewed, 
 and lovers of the Word." 
 
 Caution is requisite in another respect; namely, 
 lest we accumulate External things without measure; 
 for the perusal of Scripture is too easily neglected, 
 when we are searching after many and various Ex- 
 ternal helps. We may safely assure those who read 
 the word with devotion and simplicity, that they will 
 derive more light and profit from such a practice, and 
 from connecting meditation with it (in the manner so 
 exquisitely described by David, Psal. i.,) than can 
 ever be acquired from drudging through an infinite 
 variety of unimportant minutiae They who search 
 
S-i STUDY OP THE SCRIPT URES. 
 
 the Scriptures for the edification of themselves and 
 others, and not for the sake of vanity, or to please 
 men, will learn, from what has been advanced, to 
 avoid the abuse of External things, and to build their 
 knowledge of divine truth, on foundations firm and 
 immoveable. 
 
 It is proper to observe that many things " hard to 
 be understood," which will occur in Expository 
 Reading, may be passed over until a greater proficien- 
 cy has been made in spiritual wisdom. They who 
 observe no medium, but seek to know every thing at 
 once, are urged by this insatiable and irrational itch 
 for knowledge, among a crowd of Commentators, and 
 there they remain. They inconsiderately perplex 
 their minds; add to the difficulties with which the 
 pursuit of knowledge is attended; and, after all, re- 
 main ignorant of the " truth which is after godli- 
 ness." In Expository Reading, every one must con- 
 sider his own strength. A skilful architect first lays 
 the foundation; but he does not immediately super- 
 add the roof; and that student will ever make the 
 most progress who, rising from less to greater points ; 
 and from the more easy to the more difficult, moves 
 on in regular and happy gradation. 
 
 When the Literal Sense is ascertained, some give 
 it 1. In a succinct Paraphrase; others, 2. In a pro- 
 lix Exposition. 
 
EXP< READING 
 
 I. A Paraphrase may be cither Historical or 
 Textual. The former pursues the argument of a 
 book historically, and aims at giving the sense and 
 meaning of the Writer in perspicuous language; the 
 latter assumes the Person of the Writer, accom- 
 panies the text at the bottom of the page, and gives 
 all phrases and expressions, in words that are sim- 
 ple and obvious. 
 
 In order to render a Textual Paraphrase just^ five 
 things are requisite: 
 
 1 . The Literal Sense must be fully known. 
 
 2. All Propositions that are contained in the text, 
 whether they be expressed or implied, must be ex- 
 plicitly and separately considered; lest any thing in 
 the text should be neglected. 
 
 3. Instead of the more obscure, emphatic, and am- 
 biguous words, contained in the propositions formed 
 from the text, others should be substituted of a de- 
 finite and obvious signification. The Emphasis may 
 also be more fully shown. 
 
 4. Those which admit of it, may be expressed in 
 the clearer words of Scripture itself; this alone is 
 always equivalent to copious Annotations. 
 
 5. These Propositions thus explained, must be 
 connected together, by means of copulative, casual, 
 and conclusive particles, as the context may happen 
 to require. 
 
80 STUDY OF THE SCR1TPTURES. 
 
 II. The prolix Exposition of the text chiefly re* 
 spects the Analysis of it, and unites Logical with 
 Expository Reading. If therefore we institute these 
 Readings aright, we shall have no cause to complain 
 either of the order, or of the matter. We ought 
 however be tenacious of the natural order, unless 
 there be good grounds for deviation, 
 
©OCTRINAL READING S7 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 OF DOCTRINAL BEADING. 
 
 Doctrinal Reading is that by which we so appre* 
 hend the truths contained in Scripture, as to derive 
 thence a just and saving acquaintance with the na* 
 ture and will of God. 
 
 It supposes in the person who institutes it, the sub* 
 sequent requisites. 
 
 1. A Knowledge of Exposition; for without Ex* 
 position, Divinity rests on an uncertain foundation, 
 since uo Proposition can otherwise be resolved into its 
 first principles. 
 
 2. The Faculty of judging of the Scope, and of 
 theological doctrines spiritually (1 Cor. ii> 15;) and 
 not naturally, as the dogmas of Aristotle would be 
 considered. Hence, this Reading, to be instituted 
 in a consistent and profitable manner, requires that 
 the reader be spiritual. Augustine remarks with 
 the greatest truth, that, " in the Scriptures, our 
 eyes see with more or less clearness, according as 
 we die more or less to this present world; and, on 
 (he contrary, in proportion as we live to this world a 
 
H STUDY Oh THE SCRlPTUKKb. 
 
 we do not discern .spiritual things." See Book II,. 
 C. 7. " de Doctrina Christiana."(a) 
 
 3. A Disposition to reduce the Doctrines of Scrip- 
 ture to practice: for the Saviour says — u If any man 
 will do the will of him (that sent me,) he shall know 
 of the doctrine, whether it be of God: or whether I 
 speak of myself." John vii. 17. 
 
 4. A high Esteem for divine Truth, as that which is 
 to be defended against assaults by the (to yeypcmTctt) 
 "thus it is written;" — to be sought in its proper 
 Seat, if not with anxious care, yet certainly with the 
 greatest assiduity;— -and to be confirmed by sound ar- 
 gument, and canvassed with deep attention, in order 
 that its purity may be protected against every inno- 
 vation. Unless, therefore, we reduce the precepts 
 of Scripture to practice, mere intellect will, in these 
 respects, avail nothing. 
 
 These things being premised, we observe, that in 
 order to a right institution of Doctrinal Reading, the 
 particulars following must be attended to : 
 
 1. The Argument of the whole Book and its Gen- 
 eral Scope (on which every thing else depends) should 
 be duly weighed. 
 
 2. The Principal Doctrine of the whole Argu- 
 ment, is to be accurately formed in the words of the 
 Sacred Writers. 
 
DOCTBINAL READING. 89 
 
 3. The Special Doctrines must be pointed out, and 
 the mode in which they arise out of the Principal 
 Doctrine. 
 
 4. The doctrines expressed must be distinguished 
 from those which are implied: the former are to be 
 particularly noted; and the latter are to be confirms 
 from passages where they are expressed, 
 
 5. The Law and the Gospel should be rightly dis- 
 tinguished, and the things appertaining to each, accu- 
 rately separated; because they constitute the princi- 
 pal classes of theological doctrines. 
 
 In order to illustrate these points by example, let 
 us advert to St. Paul's Epistle to the Ephesians 
 Here we have — 
 
 1. The General Scope of the apostle; namely, to 
 conciliate the minds of Jewish and Gentile converts, 
 and to confirm both in the purity of the faith in Christ 
 Jesus, as well as in holiness of life. 
 
 2. The Principal Doctrines: see Chap. ii. 11, 
 12, 13; and also 19, 20; and Chap. iii. 6. 
 
 3. The Special Doctrines; which are the six fol- 
 lowing. 1 . God constituted the Jews his own peo- 
 ple, promised them Christ, and eternal life in Him. 
 2. The Jews possess this prerogative^ that they first 
 hoped in Christ. 3. The salvation of the Gentiles 
 flows from mercy, through the grace of Jesus Christ, 
 
 8 
 
90 STUDY OF THE SCRIPTURES. 
 
 4. Our salvation depends not on the righteousness of 
 works; but, on mere grace. 5. The way of salva- 
 tion, as it respects both Jews and Gentiles, is the 
 same. 6. None, but those who are justified, can 
 perform good works. 
 
 4. The Doctrine Implied; thus (Chap. ii. 12,) 
 the state of the Gentiles, antecedent to their conver- 
 sion to Christ, was a state of condemnation. This 
 is Expressed, Rom. Chap. i. 
 
 5. The Law contains things to be done; the Gos- 
 pel, things to be believed: the entire foundation of 
 this epistle is therefore evangelical. However 
 throughout the whole of it, the general Application 
 relates to the Law, so far as it is observed by believ- 
 ers. — See also the Analysis of the Epistle to the 
 Ephesians appended to this work. 
 
 The Doctrinal Books, such as the Epistles of the 
 New Testament, should especially be perused, be- 
 cause they peculiarly abound in Expressed Doctrines; 
 and because the Doctrines are ascertained with ease 
 in these parts of Holy Writ. 
 
 The consideration of the abstruser Doctrines may 
 be deferred, until the student have made greater ad- 
 vances in the knowledge of fundamental truth. Those 
 which are most essential to salvation and to a full as- 
 surance (irlypoQoptu) of faith, should be first learned 
 by a living and practical acquaintance with them; and^ 
 
DOCTRINAL REAL" i)t 
 
 tnen, the transition to Doctrines more profound, but 
 less essential, will become pleasant and easy. 
 
 When Doctrines are well known, they may be di- 
 gested into a certain order, which must nevertheless 
 comport with the subject, and the intention of the 
 Holy Spirit. All of them may be referred to God, 
 to man, or to Christ the Mediator between both. 
 
 Since Jesus is the very Soul of Scripture, and the 
 Way by which we have access to the Father, he who, 
 in Doctrinal Reading, does not fix his eyes on Him, 
 must read in vain. Truth and Life are attainable only 
 through this Way. To know Christ and the Doc- 
 trines concerning Christ, only. in theory, is not the 
 Soul of Scripture; it is faith in him, and that imita- 
 tion of him which flows from faith. — It is, however, to 
 be remarked, that some texts treat expressly of Christ, 
 and inculcate either faith in him, or the imitation of 
 him; some contain prophecies concerning the Sa- 
 viour, fulfilled, or remaining to be fulfilled; others 
 exhibit a type and figure of Christ; while others are 
 to be referred to him by the Analogy of Faith, which, 
 as to all the articles of faith, is entirely founded on 
 him: 
 
91 STUDY OF THE SCRIPTURES, 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 OF INFERENTIAL READING, 
 
 Inferential Reading has for its object, the dedu- 
 cing; of Inferences or Conclusions by legitimate con- 
 sequence, from texts; when the Literal Sense is ex- 
 plored, and the Truths expressed have been fully exa- 
 mined. These Inferences may be either theoretical 
 and mediately practical ; or, they may be immediately 
 practical. 
 
 The foundation of this Reading is the perpetual 
 analogy and harmony of things sacred; which is such, 
 that, from one truth rightly known, all others depend, 
 being linked, as it were, together. He who keeps 
 this in mind, and is versed in the Sacred Oracles, may 
 easily diffuse himself ) from one word, over the whole 
 Scriptures. 
 
 It is essential to a right institution of this Read- 
 ing, that the mind be endued with a living knowledge 
 and " form (virorvTracns) of sound words in faith and 
 love." It cannot otherwise be prosecuted in a con- 
 sistent and profitable way, nor can the inexhaustible 
 fulness of the sacred text be else perceived. Experi- 
 ence, will, however, suggest every thing necessary to 
 them who prosecute Inferential Reading. 
 
INFERENTIAL READING, 95 
 
 The Sources whence Inferences are drawn are 
 either themselves Inherent in the text; — or External; 
 that is, taken from other parts of Scripture, and col- 
 lated with that under consideration. 
 
 Sources are Inherent, when Inferences are de- 
 duced as follows: 
 
 1. From the Words, and their Emphasis: 
 
 2. From the Structure and Order of the things 
 contained in the text. 
 
 3. From the Affections of the Sacred Writer. 
 
 Sources are External, when a collation of the 
 text is instituted — 1. With the Scope; 2. With An- 
 tecedents and Consequents; and, 3. With Parallel 
 Passages* The consideration of Circumstances — 
 who? what? where? does not so much constitute a new 
 Source, as yield a more favourable opportunity of 
 drawing inferences from other Sources. 
 
 If there be different kinds of Inferences, these 
 Sources may be differently applied. Indeed, some 
 Inferences are profitable for doctrine; others, for in- 
 struction ; others, for reproof; and others, for comfort. 
 Some are useful to confirm faith; others, to elicit love 
 from faith; and others, to nourish hope. Some have 
 respect to piety grounded on faith, hope, and love; 
 8* 
 
94 STUDY OF THE SCRIPTURES, 
 
 others instil holy wisdom; and others inculcate sacred 
 eloquence. Some are theoretical, and only virtually 
 practical; while others are in themselves formally 
 practical. 
 
 Let us cite an example from 2 Tim. i. 1. — " Be 
 not thou therefore ashamed of (lie testimony of out 
 Lord nor of me his prisoner; bid be thou partaker of 
 the afflictions of the Gospel." — Observe here, it is 
 taken for granted, that the Literal Sense of this pas- 
 sage, and the truths expressed in it, are sufficiently 
 obvious to the reader. It is supposed that he is aware 
 of the two-fold proposition which it contains, the one 
 negative, and the other affirmative ; that the former 
 has a two-fold object, real and personal ; and that, by 
 force of opposition, the latter no less respects this two- 
 fold object than the former. 
 
 Inferences deduced from the first Inherent Source. 
 
 u Be not thou ashamed." — In times of persecu- 
 tiori, Boldness is required in our testimony of Christ. 
 Again — It is not the least step towards apostacy, 
 when a man is ashamed of the testimony of Christ; 
 for, thus, the Spirit of courage with which believers 
 are endued, is denied. 
 
 " The testimony."—- Boldness of confession is in- 
 
INFERENTIAL READING. Q5 
 
 fcreased, in no small degree, by the consideration that 
 we are witnesses, and not the first confessors: we 
 having iC a cloud of witnesses." Heb. xii. 1. 
 
 " Of our Lord." — He who is ashamed of the Gos- 
 pel, is ashamed of the Lord himself, and completely 
 denies that he is His servant. Again — Since we have 
 a Lord in heaven, we need not fear earthly lords. 
 
 " Prisoner." — It is not Christian but diabolical 
 prudence, to pay regard to Christ's members, while 
 they enjoy outward prosperity, and to be ashamed of 
 them in seasons of persecution. 
 
 " His." — The bonds and wounds of Christians, 
 are the bonds and wounds of Christ. Again — A 
 Christian in bonds, is not the servant of man, but of 
 Christ. 
 
 " Be thou partaker of the afflictions." — Fellow- 
 ship in afflictions is consolatory, on account of ap- 
 proaching fellowship in glory; for, in the Gospel, all 
 Christians labour together. Again — He who preach- 
 es the Gospel without afflictions, is far removed from 
 the example of the apostle. 
 
 " Of the Gospel." — The Gospel proclaims eternal 
 joys in the midst of calamities. 
 
06 STUDY OP THE SCRIPTURES. 
 
 Inferences deduced from the second Inherent Source. 
 
 A consideration of the two-fold Proposition tend- 
 ing to the same Scope, evolves the Inference, that 
 He who is ashamed of the testimony of Christ, is de- 
 sirous of avoiding impending afflictions, though he 
 may endeavour to palliate his fear by the most spe- 
 cious arguments. Again Apostacy is so much to be 
 deprecated, that we must not only carefully watch 
 against the fear of afflictions: but, lest we should 
 apostatize, the mind ought to be constantly prepared 
 to undergo them with alacrity. 
 
 From a consideration of the two-fold Object, placed 
 thus — " Be not thou ashamed of the testimony of our 
 Lord, nor of Me, his prisoner" — it follows, that he 
 who is ashamed of suffering Christians, is ashamed of 
 the testimony of the Lord himself. 
 
 The implied opposition of this object in the word 
 a Gospel," authorizes the Inference, that — He who 
 avoids the afflictions which result from the faithful 
 preaching of the Gospel, is ashamed both of Christ 
 and his holy servants. 
 
 Inferences deduced from the third Inherent Source. 
 The hope and confidence which the apostle lias in 
 
INFERENTIAL HEADING. 9? 
 
 the Gospel is so great, that he not only stands in no 
 need of consolation himself, though now cast into a 
 prison: but he can even urge others to witness for 
 Christ. Hence we infer, that The Spirit of God in- 
 spires believers with such courage and magnanimity, 
 that they rise above the dread of bonds; and, when 
 cast into prison, seek not those external comforts 
 which man can impart, but abound in strong inward 
 consolations, and become a source of encouragement 
 and joy to those who are weak. Again — Paul's love 
 to Christ is so ardent, that he not only bears testimo- 
 ny of him in word, but retains this boldness in cir- 
 cumstances the most adverse. He will be faithful 
 even unto bonds and death; and, in short, he exer- 
 cises the utmost care, lest his bonds should shake any 
 in their attachment to the Saviour, and in the profes- 
 sion of their faith. Hence arise the subsequent In- 
 ferences : 
 
 1. Christ must be loved sincerely. 
 
 2. Sincerity is evidenced by bearing testimony of 
 Christ. ' 
 
 3. Our testimony of Christ is to be borne, not only 
 in prosperous times, but likewise in seasons of ad- 
 versity. 
 
 4. We ought not to be confounded or ashamed, if 
 our testimony of Christ be rejected 
 
STUDY OF THE SCRIPTURES. 
 
 5. To be imprisoned for the name of the Saviour, 
 is a glorious evidence that our testimony of him is 
 sincere and constant. 
 
 6. We ought not to be deterred from confessing 
 Christ, because others have shrunk from the duty. 
 
 7. Love to Jesus should possess such influence 
 over the soul, that, were it to expose us to the se- 
 verest calamities, and to inevitable death, we should 
 remain unmoved (1 Cor. xv. 58. Col. i. 23.) and 
 even unabashed. 
 
 8. Firm faith derives so much strength from love to 
 the Saviour, that it renders us careless of ourselves, in 
 seasons of affliction, and only anxious that none be turn- 
 ed aside from the right way. Vide 1 Thess. iii. 1 — 5. 
 
 Again, Paul was actuated by so fervent a desire of 
 fulfilling his apostolic office,, in proclaiming the Gos- 
 pel, that he preached Christ even to bonds; and now 
 that he was imprisoned and enjoyed less liberty of 
 speech, he incited others by his letters, to bear their 
 testimony of Christ without fear. (Compare Chap, 
 ii. Ver. 2.) Hence we deduce the following Infer- 
 ences: 
 
 1 . A minister should make use of his utmost exer- 
 tions in fulfilling his office. 
 
 2. A minister who abandons his rare for thp cl 
 
INFERENTIAL READING. 99 
 
 when men oppose obstacles and hindrances, does not 
 fulfil his duty. 
 
 3. A faithful minister, when restrained by perse- 
 cution from preaching, casts his eyes on others who 
 do not fear to have fellowship in suffering; or, who 
 seem ready to turn aside ; &,c. 
 
 Inferences deduced from the first External Source. 
 
 The text may be accommodated to the General 
 Scope of the whole epistle or book. The General Scope 
 of the epistle to Timothy is as follows. Paul wish- 
 ing Timothy to come to him, endeavours previously 
 to prepare and fortify his mind against the calamities 
 which, at that period threatened the church at Ephe- 
 sus, and especially that at Rome. Here, if we con- 
 sider the Subject, the following Inferences are dedu- 
 cible, 
 
 1 . Calamities often happen to Christians suddenly 
 (not however by chance, but in the gracious provi- 
 dence of God.) 
 
 2. When calamity befals Christians suddenly, it is 
 possible for them to be cast down from their stead- 
 fastness. 
 
 3. They should therefore be seasonably warned of 
 
luo STUDV OF THE SCJUFTUKES 
 
 it, by those experienced Christians who foresee its 
 approach. 
 
 4. When thus warned, they are better able to com- 
 pose their minds, in order to meet the impending ca- 
 lamity. 
 
 If we advert to the person of Paul, the following 
 Inferences are deducible. 
 
 1 . It is right for a minister to call fellow-labourers 
 to his assistance, not only in prosperous times, but 
 also in seasons of adversity. 
 
 2. It is, however, incumbent on him not to do this 
 precipitately, but carefully to prepare for the events 
 which seem about to take place. 
 
 3. It is also his duty to fortify the mind of the 
 person whom he intends to call. 
 
 4. If he should perceive any thing in himself, that 
 is likely to offend the weaker mind of the other whom 
 he purposes to call, or to deter him from affording the 
 necessary assistance, it becomes his part seasonably to 
 anticipate and remove the scruples, which the other 
 may possibly imbibe. 
 
 If we advert to the Person of Timothy, we may 
 derive the subsequent Inferences. 
 
 1. A minister ought neither to accelerate this de- 
 
INFERENTIAL READING. m 
 
 parture from his own church, nor defer going to ano- 
 ther, through fear of calamities. 
 
 2. He ought to fortify his mind against such cala- 
 mities, in order that he may be " a workman that 
 needeth not to be ashamed." 2 Tim. ii. 15. 
 
 3. The danger of others ought not to intimidate 
 him, but render him cautious and prudent; and ra- 
 ther create in his bosom, a like readiness to endure 
 sufferings. 
 
 With reference to this Source, we might likewise 
 consider the church at Ephesus from which Timothy 
 was summoned, and that at Rome, to confirm which 
 was the object of his being called; and, thence, de- 
 duce many Inferences concerning the dismissal of mi- 
 nisters from a church, and their call to one. 
 
 The words of the text may also be separately ac-* 
 commodated to the Scope; and, thence, Inferences 
 theoretical and practical, will be deduced, in the fol- 
 lowing manner. 
 
 " Be not thou ashamed." — Paul hastened Timo- 
 thy, but he pre-required of him, boldness. Hence, a 
 minister can promise himself little or no assistance 
 from a fellow-labourer who is not possessed of spiri- 
 tual boldness; since, through fear of shame and im- 
 9 
 
102 STUDY OF THE SCRIPTURES. 
 
 prisonment, such a one will impede, rather than acce- 
 lerate the course of the word of God. 
 
 " The testimony." — Paul had borne his testimo- 
 ny, and, now that he was a prisoner, he continued to 
 bear it; yet he required the testimony of Timothy. 
 Hence, it is not of small consequence, that the testi- 
 mony of God's servants be multiplied. 
 
 " Of the Lord." — It is a servant of the Lord that 
 summons, but he summons to the business of the Lord. 
 Hence, we must listen to the voice of the Lord's ser- 
 
 • vants, especially if it concern not human convenience ? 
 but the Lord's glory. 
 
 u Our." — Paul and Timothy were both the ser- 
 vants of Jesus Christ. Phil. i. 1. Hence, they who 
 have one common Lord, and are engaged in one com- 
 mon service, may mutually stir up each other to seek 
 their Lord's glory; which is to be promoted by uni- 
 
 *ty, &c. 
 
 The Special Scope cannot here be sought in ante- 
 cedents, because the Special Inference is contained in 
 this verse; and, therefore, the antecedent words have 
 reference to the proposition expressed in this verse, 
 as to the Special Scope; just as any middle term is 
 referred to its own conclusion. With respect to con- 
 sequents, the proposition itself is as a Special Scope; 
 
INFERENTIAL RE ADING. 103 
 
 and the things which might be considered here, recur 
 in the following Source. 
 
 Inferences from the second External Source. 
 
 Here we may again institute a general, special, 
 and particular collation and deduction of Inferences. 
 
 If the text form one perfect subject, it may be col- 
 Mated with the antecedents and consequents. The 
 whole epistle is of one subject; and, therefore per- 
 tains to antecedents and consequents. Thus, St. 
 Paul's first exhortation is, to undergo afflictions for 
 the cause of Christ. This he endeavours to enforce 
 by very cogent arguments; and he frequently repeats 
 it, with the addition of new .arguments, throughout 
 the whole epistle. Hence flow the following Infer- 
 ences. 
 
 1 . A subject of great importance is not to be treat- 
 ed indifferently. 
 
 2. If danger of apostacy threaten even the esta- 
 blished Christian, it should be guarded against with 
 the utmost care. 
 
 3. He who is bound to invite another to undergo 
 hardships for the cause of Christ, is also bound to use 
 wisdom, in fortifying him against fear; and diligence 
 
104 STUDY OF THE SCRIPTURES. 
 
 in enjoining on Lira the necessity of enduring such 
 hardships. 
 
 A special collation may be instituted, by separately 
 collating the entire text with entire verses antecedent 
 and consequent. From an immense number of In- 
 ferences that might be deduced, we present the fol- 
 lowing, which result from a collation with the ante- 
 cedent verse 7. 
 
 1 . Before we animate a combatant to engage in the 
 holy war, we should put arms into his hands. 
 
 2. Unless the Spirit of God prepare the heart, we 
 vainly attempt to animate by words. 
 
 3. A fearful heart is not capable of the testimony 
 of Christ, nor of enduring afflictions for the promotion 
 of the Lord's glory. 
 
 Inferences deduced from Collation ivith verse 6. 
 
 1 . The gift which a minister of a church may have 
 received from God^Ss to be stirred up, in order not 
 only to teach, but also to suffer. 
 
 2. He who permits the laying on of the hands of 
 the presbytery, ought to suffer, if it be the will of 
 Providence, the laying on of the hands of the civil 
 officer* 
 
INFERENTIAL BEADING. 105 
 
 Inference , from Collation with verse 5. 
 
 Faith received from ancestors, and steadily pre- 
 served, may, when brought to remembrance in a sea- 
 son of persecution, happily prevent apostacy. 
 
 Inference j from Collation ivith verse 4. 
 
 The godly, though surrounded by calamities, and 
 expecting nothing but affliction, can nevertheless re- 
 joice, and enjoy the most delightful communion with 
 each other. 
 
 Inference j from Collation ivith verse 3, 
 
 We ought to offer up prayers night and aay, in be- 
 half of those who are about to suffer for the testimony 
 of Jesus. 
 
 The above Inferences all flow from Antecedents, 
 and if we now advert to Consequents, we shall find 
 that a similar abundance is deducible from them. 
 
 Inference, from Collation with verse 9. 
 
 When our salvation and the grace of God are 
 9* 
 
206 STUDY OP THE SCRIPTURES. 
 
 called to remembrance, they dispel all fear of tempo* 
 ral affliction. 
 
 Inference , from Collation, with verse 10, 
 
 Greater boldness in affliction, should be evidenced 
 under the New Testament dispensation, because 
 Christ has really appeared; and, thus, confirmed our 
 faith in his passion, resurrection, &*c. 
 
 A Particular Collation is when the several Words 
 of the text, as far as they relate to the several Words 
 antecedent and consequent, are collated with them, in 
 order that fresh Inferences may be derived. This 
 Collation cannot very easily be exhausted, because 
 words may be collated together without end. 
 
 " Be not thou ashamed" — verse 8. with " a sound 
 mind:" — verse 7. 
 
 1. Carnal wisdom is easily put to shame by adverse 
 circumstances. 
 
 2. The Spirit of a sound mind so composes the 
 soul, that afflictions do not even produce shame. 
 
 u Be not thou ashamed" — with " love:" verse 7. 
 
 cc There is no fear in love ; but perfect love casteth 
 out fear, because fear hath torment: he that feareth 
 is not made perfect in love." This is the language 
 of John., 1 Epist. iv. 18 e 
 
INFERENTIAL RE ADING. 107 
 
 " Be not thou ashamed" u with power, 5 ' — verse 7. 
 
 The Christian's power is internal, and confirms 
 and strengthens the mind in Christ, in order that it 
 may not be moved away from its steadfastness. 
 
 The Third External Source will, without difficulty :> 
 furnish a far greater abundance of Inferences. Here, 
 we may advert to Parallelisms adequate and inade- 
 quate, and carefully compare the words of the text 
 with all parallel passages: as Rom. i. 16. 2 Cor. iv, 
 6—11. Phil. i. 19, 20. 1 Thess. iii. 2. 4. Matt. v. 
 10. 11. Matt. x. 31. 33. 1 Pet. iii. 13. 1 Pet. iv. 
 13. Rom. viii. 17. Acts xiv. 22. Phil. iii. 10. Col. 
 i. 24. 2 Thess. i. 1. 1 Tim. vi. 12. Heb. xL 12. 1 
 Pet. i. and ii. 21. Rev. vii. 14. 
 
 In the same manner as it was intended that Timo- 
 thy should be confirmed and fortified against affliction 
 by the words of Paul, is it purposed that all Chris- 
 tians should be thus fortified and confirmed by the 
 foregoing passages. Hither are to be referred all 
 parts of the New and Old Testaments which speak 
 of bearing the cross of Christ and of denying self; 
 but especially, those which relate to the office of 
 a minister of a church, and to the faith required of 
 them in times of persecution. The parallel words 
 are not, however, to be considered apart, but only as 
 they are compared with the text; neither are other 
 Inferences to be attended to, than those which natu 
 
Ki8 STUDY OF THE SCRIPTURES. 
 
 rally flow from texts when collated. In Phil. i. 19. 
 and Rom. i 16. Paul affirms that he is not ashamed 
 of the testimony of Christ; and it is this which he re- 
 quires of Timothy in the text under our notice. Hencej 
 Faithful teachers confidently demand that from others, 
 which they experimentally know is not impossible. 
 Again, — He who inculcates patience, manifests it by 
 example, before he enjoins it by precept, hi Rom. 
 viii. 17, 18. the proportion between temporal cala- 
 mity and eternal joy is said to be nothing. Hence, — 
 The hope of everlasting glory represses all shame of 
 temporal afflictions. 
 
 It is requisite in all cases, but particujarly so in 
 the present, correctly to distinguish whether the In- 
 ferences be homogeneous, that is, flow from an entire 
 text; or heterogeneous, that is, result from only a part 
 of a text. As Inferences are nothing more than Con- 
 clusions which may be proved from a text viewed in 
 itself, or in collation with some other passage; the 
 strength of the proof must be either in an entire text 
 or else in some part of a text; which, if carefully ob- 
 served, renders Inferences far more evident. 
 
 The latter Sources are termed External, from a 
 comparison with the Inherent Sources, which suggest 
 Inferences only from the text itself. No Sources can 
 be denominated External, unless in this view; because 
 all Inferences must, of necessity, evolve from the 
 
INFERENTIAL READING, 100 
 
 text The only difference is, that some result from 
 it when considered by itself; while others flow from a 
 collation with other passages. 
 
 If, in the respective Sources, the student take into 
 consideration, Circumstances, as, who? ichat? &c. 
 they will easily furnish him with Inferences. Tin's 
 remark we noticed in treating of the Scope. 
 
 The reader may proceed to consider the different 
 kinds of Inferences and their various application, as 
 expressed above. In this view, we shall be presented 
 with such a profusion of them, as it would weary hu- 
 man nature to exhaust. Some, for example, apply to 
 piety; others, to wisdom; others, to holy eloquence. 
 Piety consists in faith that works by love. Hence — - 
 
 1 . It is the character of faith, when true and saving, 
 and wrought by the Spirit, not to be ashamed of ca* 
 lamities, but to endure them with an intrepid mind. 
 
 2. Christian love does not relinquish public com- 
 munion, on account of persecution or the hazard of 
 life ; the glory of God requiring this of us. 
 
 3. It is the highest Christian wisdom, to undergo 
 afflictions on account of the Gospel, with the simpli- 
 city of the lamb and dove. 
 
 4. It is the duty of a wise teacher, not only to in- 
 struct the church committed to him, but, especially to 
 prepare the minds of proper persons by wholesome ad- 
 
110 STUDY OF THIi SCRIPTURES. 
 
 monitions, in order that some such may be always 
 ready to continue the preaching of the Gospel. See 
 2 Tim. ii. 2. 
 
 Paul, as is usual with him, strongly inculcates the 
 same thing, by the force of an Opposite Proposition. 
 Hence — A Tautology in holy eloquence, is not to be 
 rashly censured, nor is the repetition of the same 
 thing, in different words, to be considered as a fault. 
 The necessity of the thing itself, and the weakness of 
 human nature, very often render frequent repetition 
 needful. 
 
PRACTICAL READING. Ill 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 OE rRACTICAI, READING. 
 
 Practical Reading is essentially necessary and 
 eminently useful; and its object is the application of 
 the Scriptures to faith and practice. This application 
 respects either others, or ourselves; and, of course, 
 it would be . absurd to apply Divine Truth to our 
 neighbour, before we have done so to our own hearts. 
 To deduce practical doctrines and inferences from 
 Scripture, and to apply them in an historical way, is 
 not properly Practical Reading, which chiefly respects 
 the affections of the person who institutes it. 
 
 Practical Reading is of such a nature, that it may 
 be prosecuted by an illiterate person; for the applica- 
 tion of Scripture which it enjoins, is connected with 
 salvation; and therefore, if it were not within the abi- 
 lity of the unlearned, it would be vain to concede to 
 them, the reading of the Scriptures, We do not, 
 however, deny, but that, from an acquaintance with 
 the Greek and Hebrew languages, several things of 
 un edifying nature may arise., which would not be so 
 
112 STUD? OF THE SCBIPTUBE9. 
 
 obvious in a translation. It is, however, sufficient, 
 that all things necessary to faith and practice may be 
 acquired from versions. 
 
 The simplest Application of Divine Truth is cer- 
 tainly the most profitable, if it be made with sincerity 
 of mind: yet, if some advice on this subject be re- 
 quired, the following observations may not be found 
 useless. 
 
 Practical Application should be rightly distinguish- 
 ed, as it respects its Commencement and its Continu- 
 ation. It is begun with the reading of the Scriptures, 
 and it is 1o be continued during the whole life. 
 
 The Commencement of Practical Application is 
 instituted with most ease, by including the text we 
 are employed on and its component words, in short 
 prayers or ejaculations, after its meaning has been 
 properly ascertained. This method may appear sim- 
 ple and puerile; but many have approved its excel- 
 lency by experience, and the rich fruits which it has 
 produced. 
 
 When a physician attends a patient, he, in the first 
 place, ascertains his malady and its attendant symp- 
 toms; then, he inquires into the causes of it; and, 
 lastly, he fixes on the remedies. Just in the same 
 way are we to act, in applying any portion of Holy 
 Writ. — After the most natural and obvious meaning 
 of the text has been ascertained^ we are, accordingly^ 
 
PRACTICAL HEADING. 113 
 
 to consider first the habit of our minds, and accurately 
 to compare it with the portion under our notice. If 
 this be done with singleness of intention, we shall* 
 plainly perceive, as in a glass, the particular faults 
 under which we labour. We are then to examine into 
 the causes of these faults, that we may not attempt 
 to heal an internal wound with an external remedy; 
 or commit any similar error. After this, we must 
 look for remedies proper to correct our faults, (a) 
 
 It is not merely external precepts that are to be 
 observed, for we should solicitously search out their 
 foundation; and, in this, Practical Reading should 
 principally terminate; otherwise, we may accumulate 
 precepts to no useful purpose. Here, the following 
 directions require our attention. 
 
 1 . We should seek for the Foundation of precepts 
 in the Scriptures themselves. 
 
 2. We should then try whether we can discover it 
 in our own breasts. For instance, when we are re- 
 quired to pray for our enemies, it is evident that the 
 Foundation of the precept is sincere and unaffected 
 love for them. We should, therefore, consider, whe- 
 ther we really possess this love; because, to pray for 
 them, when we have it not, must be hypocrisy. 
 
 3. The Foundation must be laid in our hearts, be- 
 fore we think of building any precepts upon it. 
 
 10 
 
Vbt OT i HB SCRIPTURES. 
 
 In all Practical Application, wc mu; >t have our eyes 
 fixed on Christ; for, ficjrt, he is to be applied to our 
 • hearts, by faith, for salvation; and, secondly, he is to 
 be imitated in our lives; for "He is the way, the 
 truth, and the life; and no one cometh to the Father, 
 but by him." The examples of men are to be copied 
 only so far as they conform to this rule. "Be ye 
 "followers of me," saith Paul, "even as I also ani 
 "of Christ." 1 Cor. xi. 1. — Here, likewise, we 
 must guard against two common errors; lest, in the 
 first place, our carnal nature and depraved reason, 
 which are propense to evil, should mistake vice for 
 virtue; and, in the second, lest we should pay that 
 regard to external excellencies, and hold them up to 
 that imitation, which are due rather tc the internal 
 habit of our minds. Rom. xv. 3. 
 
 We ought frequently to read some book of Scrip- 
 ture which inculcates the foundations of faith and 
 practice with peculiar force and perspicuity, and stu- 
 diously endeavour to render ourselves as much as pos- 
 sible conformed to it. Such are the Gospel and 
 Epistles of John. — This is not, however, enjoined, to 
 the exclusion of other, and perhaps better plans. 
 
 In the Commencement of Practical Reading, the 
 student should attend to the following remarks: 
 1. We are not to apply all things at once, but sue- 
 
PRACTICAL RKAi> 115 
 
 oessively; lest our minds be overwhelmed with the 
 abundance of matter. 
 
 2. Application should commence with the» more 
 easy books and passages, in which the understanding 
 is not liable to be fatigued by any difficulties in the 
 sense, nor to be agitated by consequent doubts. When 
 a proficiency has been made, recourse may be had to 
 those which are more abstruse. 
 
 3. Application is to be instituted, not that we may 
 have matter for discourse, but for practice. 
 
 The Continuation of Practical Application should 
 occupy the whole of our lives. It is assisted partly 
 by our own industry, which would, however, be ineffi- 
 cient without grace; and, partly, by the help of Di- 
 vine grace, which is continually poured out in larger 
 measures on their hearts, who receive the seed of the 
 word, as into good ground. We are bound, on our 
 parts, to use diligent prayer, and constant meditation 5 
 — to institute perpetual collations of Scripture; — to 
 be instant in our attention to what passes in others 
 and ourselves; — and to exercise a vigilant observation 
 of our own state of mind. Equally essential with 
 these important particulars, are — conversation with 
 those who have made greater advances in spiritual 
 knowledge; and — the cultivation of inward peace; of 
 which, the more we possess, the more we shall enter 
 into the true meaning of the Scripture. 
 
116 ST UDY OF THE SCRIPTURES. 
 
 Many other things there are, which experience 
 ■will readily suggest to the minds of those who are 
 intent on the application of divine truth. God, in his 
 infinite mercy to his children, imparts to them the in- 
 ternal operation of his Spirit, at other seasons than 
 when engaged in reading his Word. As he blesses 
 the seed sown in the earth, and causes it to strike 
 root, to flourish, and to bear abundant fruit; so does 
 he incessantly nourish the incorruptible seed of his 
 Word, with the richest out- pourings of his grace. 
 He likewise permits the mind to be exercised with 
 trials, internal and external : and, by all these means, 
 the Practical Application of Scripture, is much as- 
 sisted. 
 
 The Application of the Sacred Oracles to others, 
 whether in public or private, is attended with less 
 trouble and more confidence, after sufficient care and 
 devotion have been used in the duty of self-applica- 
 tion: because no other way of salvation is to be 
 exhibited to them, than that by which we expect 
 to be saved. It however supposes in those who ex- 
 ercise it, not a vain prurience, but a holy zeal for the 
 conversion of souls; the spirit of experience and dis- 
 cretion; a knowledge of the state of the Church; and 
 that all the admonitions given, spring from faith and 
 love. The Lord help us so to interpret Scripture, 
 both to ourselves and otlr- 
 
ORDER OF STUDYING. 11? 
 
 OF THE 
 
 ORDER OF STUDYING 
 
 THE 
 
 HOLY SCRIPTURES. 
 
 It was intimated, in the course of the work, that we 
 should notice the Order in which the Scriptures are 
 to be studied; and, therefore, a few directions are 
 added, on this subject, by way of conclusion. 
 
 First, then, our Object should be agreeable to the 
 divine will, and always deeply imprinted on our minds; 
 namely, to promote the glory of the eternal God, by 
 the edification of ourselves and others. 
 
 The Scriptures may be studied both in a Transla- 
 tion, and in an authentic edition of the Original. Our 
 perusal of the Translation is to be Historical, 
 Doctrinal, and Practical. 
 
 ! . The Sum and Substance of the book under con- 
 10* 
 
118 STtTDY OF THE SCRIPTURES. 
 
 sideration, and its Argument, may be fully weighed 
 and considered. 
 
 2. The Seats of Subjects may be distinguished ac- 
 cording to the recommendation of Franzius, (Part I. 
 Chap. 2. ;) and those which are proper, together with 
 such Seats as are here and there interspersed, may 
 be expressly noted. 
 
 3. The Doctrines which are clearly and perspicu- 
 ously revealed, and concerning which there is no 
 doubt on the reader's mind, may be impressed on the 
 memory. 
 
 4. Those which are obvious, may be applied to 
 the purpose of self-edification, according to the me- 
 thod prescribed in the last chapter. — Thus the pious 
 student will be able to study the Scriptures with both 
 pleasure and profit, at the same time that he devotes 
 the chief part of his labour to the acquisition of the 
 Greek and Hebrew, and opens the Way to more use- 
 ful reading. 
 
 The study of the Greek language may be followed 
 by that of the Hebrew; and, finally, by that of Idiom, 
 and these may be prosecuted in connexion with the 
 proposed reading of the vernacular version. Indeed, 
 the four branches of Scripture Reading to be attend- 
 ed to in the perusal of the latter, may claim some 
 share of our regard, when instituting Grammatical 
 
ORDER OF STUDYING. 119 
 
 Reading, This, however, must be done indirectly; 
 because the study of Languages requires our whole 
 attention. 
 
 When the Grammatical Reading is completed, the 
 mind will be prepared to engage in a more exact and 
 particular examination of the Books of Scripture. It 
 will then be proper to obtain a more perfect acquain- 
 tance with the external points noticed, Part I. Chap. 
 2. In doing this, it may however be well to consult 
 a friend, and not waste our time over a multitude of 
 books, with whose claims to our regard, we are not 
 supposed to be acquainted. We may next select some 
 easy book of the New Testament, such as the Epis- 
 tles to Timothy, Titus, and the Philippians, and 
 carefully examine them with regard to the subsequent 
 particulars. 
 
 1. The Sense of the Letter, and the Grammatical 
 Sense. Part 1. Chap. 1. 
 
 2. Logical Analysis. Chap. 3, 
 
 3. The Sense purposed by the Holy Ghost. Part 
 II. Chap. 1. 
 
 4. Doctrines,whether expressed or implied. Chap. 2. 
 
 5. Inferences. Chap. 3. 
 
 6. Practical Application. Chap. 4. 
 
 We must gradually proceed from the easier books 
 
1& STUDY OP THE SCRIPTURES. 
 
 to those which are more difficult, and especially those 
 of a parallel Argument; from the New Testament to 
 the Old; and here also, from the simpler books, to 
 those which are more abstruse. 
 
 With respect to External Helps, the Order in 
 which they should be tised, cannot easily be deter- 
 mined. In our opinion, a Tutor is requisite at this 
 crisis; for, without such aid, we must be liable to er- 
 ror; whereas, he will conduct us by the readiest path. 
 Should the student enjoy this advantage, he need not 
 be totally confined to the plan which has been propo- 
 sed, and which is prescribed with a view rather to 
 private studij. 
 
 But, after all, it is he who simply aims at the glory 
 of God, and thus enjoys Him as a guide and a support, 
 
 at will put the happiest period to his labours, 
 whether he be called to public exposition of Scripture, 
 or to sit under the ministration of another. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 

TREATISE ON THE AFFECTIONS, 123 
 
 AYPEXlilX, 
 
 A 
 
 TREATISE ON THE AFFECTIONS, 
 
 As connected with the Study of the Holy Scriptures, 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 THE NECESSITY OF A KNOWLEDGE OF THE AFFEC- 
 TIONS DEMONSTRATED. 
 
 That an acquaintance with the doctrine of the Af- 
 fections, is an essential requisite in the exposition o 
 the Scriptures, may be proved from Reason, and from 
 the Authority of Divines. 
 
 It may be proved from Reason: for (1.) the Af- 
 fections of Love, Hatred, Desire, Hope, Fear, Joy. 
 Sorrow, &c. are frequently to be met with in HoK 
 Writ. It is evident, therefore, that were we igno 
 rant of these Affections, we should be inadequate to 
 
t& APPENDIX, 
 
 the exposition of no inconsiderable part of the Sacred 
 Writings. 
 
 2. When no Affections are expressed, we must ne- 
 cessarily consider them implied; and that every sen- 
 tence is of their dictation. In 2 Cor. ii. 4. Paul says 
 himself, that he wrote the former epistle to the Co- 
 rinthians, " out of much affliction and anguish of heart, 
 "with many tears." In Phil. iii. 18, he speaks of 
 the false teachers with " weeping'" and in 1 Thess. 
 ii. 7, &c. he describes his ardent love for the Thes- 
 salonians, in language replete with energy and pathos. 
 Does not reason then warrant us, in concluding that 
 the Affections here expressed, are, in similar passa- 
 ges, implied! When Paul, addressing the converts 
 (1 Cor. iv. 15.) tells them, "Though ye have ten 
 thousand instructors in Christ, yet not many fathers; 
 for in Christ Jesus, I have begotten you through the 
 Gospel ;" is he not influenced by the Affection men- 
 tioned in 1 Thess. ii. 7, &c? When he asserts, 2 
 Cor. ii. 17, that " many corrupt the Word of God," 
 (collate iii. 2, &c.) who but infers that he is actuated 
 by the Affection noticed Phil. iii. 18? an Affection in 
 which Indignation, Sorrow, Pity, &c. are blended to* 
 gether. Hence, it is evident, that to neglect the Af- 
 fections because they are not directly expressed, would 
 be as palpable an error, as to pass them over without 
 concern, where they are plainly and fully revealed, 
 The indications of an Affection are aot indeed always 
 
TREATISE OX THE AFFECTIONS, 125 
 
 similar nor uniformly perspicuous; but the judicious 
 and spiritual reader, will ever find them to be fully 
 adequate and sufficient. 
 
 3. When we read the Scriptures we are bound to 
 see that our natural Affections be amended and cor- 
 rected; and that our hearts under the influence of the 
 Holy Spirit, overflow with gracious Affections. With- 
 out, however, a knowledge of these emotions, who 
 can inspect the abyss of the human heart, and the 
 depth of those feelings by which it is agitated ? And, 
 without forming correct ideas of the Affections which 
 it is proposed to imitate, how shall man, who is car- 
 nal, " put them on ?" 
 
 4. The nature of discourse confirms the position. 
 Christ says (Matt. xii. 34, 35)— " How can ye, be- 
 ing evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance 
 of the heart, the mouth speaketh. A good man, out 
 of the good treasure of the heart, bringeth forth good 
 things; and an evil man, out of the evil treasure 
 bringeth forth evil things." These words decidedly 
 evidence, that, unless some Affection influenced the 
 heart, language would not be uttered; so that a man's 
 words are, in fact, the index of his feelings or Affec- 
 tions. What is " the abundance of the heart," but 
 those internal emotions which inform and actuate the 
 human soul; and which constitute in a hoiy man, holy 
 Affections; and in an unholy man, unholy Affections? 
 So closely, indeed, are language and Affections con- 
 
 11 
 
12$ APPENDIX 
 
 nee ted together, so indissoluble is the union that sub- 
 sists between them, that it would be, in effect, just aa 
 unreasonable to divide soul from body, as to separate 
 these. Since then the Affections are so intimately 
 connected with all language, none will suppose that 
 they are banished from the Writings of the Inspired 
 Penmen: and, because they are closely united with 
 the language of Inspiration, it follows that the Sacred 
 Records cannot be adequately expounded, by those 
 who are satisfied with the mere shell, and contemn 
 the precious kernel of Scripture; who watch the lips, 
 but never enter into the feelings of the Inspired Pen- 
 men. 
 
 5. Since different ideas and views are communica- 
 ted by different Affections, so that the same words, 
 pronounced under the influence of various emotions, 
 v/ill convey various meanings; it becomes requisite to 
 investigate and develope the Affections of the Sacred 
 Penmen; lest we impose on their language, a sense 
 they were not intended to deliver. — Many other ar- 
 guments which might be adduced, we intentionally 
 omit; because a treatise on this subject will best de- 
 monstrate its high importance. 
 
 Having shown the necessity of an acquaintance with 
 the Doctrine of the Affections, on the ground of Rea- 
 son, let us proceed, for a moment, to enforce its claims 
 on the Authority of Divines, . 
 
 Wolffgang Franzius, in his invaluable book, " cle 
 
iUL- VHE AFFECTIONS. 127 
 
 Interpretation Scriplurae Sacra?/' discusses the ques- 
 tion so fully, and illustrates his positions with exam- 
 ples so pertinent, as to render his work deserving the 
 serious attention of the inquiring reader, (a) 
 
 Luther also was indebted to his knowledge of the 
 Affections, and to his lively mode of representing 
 them, for that eminent gift at exposition, with which 
 he was endowed. Of this, his Comment on Genesis, 
 and his Discourses on the Psalms, are conclusive evi- 
 dences. 
 
 We next proceed to cite some observations, from 
 the letter addressed by Spener to the Philo-Biblical 
 College at Leipsic. This celebrated man observes — 
 *'No practice will prove more pleasant or beneficial, and 
 none more suitable to the College, than after fervent, 
 secret prayer, to discriminate and enter into the Af- 
 fections of the Inspired Writers with sacred attention 
 and perseverance, and strive to unfold their nature and 
 character. This being done, and the thoughts being 
 collected and brought to bear on the subject in hand, 
 the students will be able to mark, with the highest de- 
 light and profit, the indications of faith and of the 
 mind of Jesus, together with the more minute cir- 
 cumstances; and easily awaken in their own bosoms, 
 Affections of a kindred nature. That eminent divine, 
 Luther, when speaking of this practice, says — c Who- 
 ever adopts it, will, I am satisfied, learn more him- 
 self, than he can srathor from all commentaries united. 
 
128 APPENDIX. 
 
 By means of incessant and attentive reading, we 
 should, as it were, raise the Writer from the dead, 
 and consider him as alive ; so as to form perfect con- 
 ceptions mentally, of what we cannot actually be- 
 hold. When engaged in the study of the Scriptures, 
 the Idea formed in the Writer's mind should be care- 
 fully ascertained; the Affections by which he was in- 
 fluenced; his state of life; and his office, at the time 
 he penned the book. Much do I wish that the labour 
 which Casaubon has bestowed on Horace, Juvenal, 
 and Persius, in his Prolegomena, were applied to the 
 elucidation of the Divine Oracles, so as to give a 
 just description of the Genius, Mind, Condition, Man- 
 ners, and Affections, peculiar to each of the Sacred 
 Writers. These are desirable subjects, that yet re- 
 main untouched.' Luther again remarks, l that an 
 expositor should, as it were, invest himself with the 
 Author's mind, in order that he may interpret him as 
 another self.' Bernard, likewise, excelled in this hea- 
 venly art, of correcting his own Affections by those of 
 the Sacred Penmen; and it was thence he derived his 
 spiritual erudition." (6) Thus far Spener's letter; 
 and to these names may be added that of Flaccus II- 
 lyricus, who also recommends the study of the Affec- 
 tions of the Inspired Penmen. 
 
 Let us now consider a few objections which may 
 be made to this view of the subject. There are per- 
 sons perhaps who think that the Holy Spirit is 
 
TREATIS&B ON THE AFFECTIONS. 129 
 
 wronged, when we attribute to the Sacred Writers, 
 Affections which are, in reality, the fruit of his influ- 
 ence: and that the Scriptures are not to be referred 
 to those holy men, but rather to the Holy Ghost who 
 speaks by them. To this we answer, that the fact 
 of their being divinely inspired, far from militating 
 against our position, tends itself to convince us that 
 the Holy Spirit kindled sacred Affections in the Wri- 
 ters' Souls; for it is absurd to suppose, that, in pen- 
 ning the Scriptures, they viewed themselves in the 
 light of mere machines; or that they wrote without 
 any feeling or perception, what we read with so great 
 a degree of both. Doubtless, their minds were illu- 
 minated by the Spirit, and their wills inflamed with 
 pious, holy, and ardent Affections, so that they wrote 
 as they felt, and as they were u moved by the Holy 
 Ghost." 2 Pet. i. 21, Indeed, it appears that the 
 Spirit condescended to accommodate himself to their 
 peculiar genius and modes of writing, which evi- 
 dently vary in the different books of Scripture. Hence 
 we conclude, that the minds of the Sacred Penmen 
 were not unmoved; but, on the contrary, active, en- 
 lightened, and replete with holy Affections. 
 
 Besides, the Inspired Writers sometimes mention 
 the Affections by which they are actuated, as hath 
 been already shown; and this must form a complete 
 answer to the Objection proposed: for who will have 
 -the temerity to affirm, when Paul expressly dec i 
 11* 
 
iSt) APPENDIX. 
 
 his Love, Joy, Desire, Hope, that he really is not iip 
 fluenced by these sacred passions ? 
 
 Again, it may possibly be objected, that, on the 
 principles laid down, the Language of Divine Truth 
 would become ambiguous; for that any one might give 
 it what sense he pleased, by referring it to various 
 Affections. In reply to this objection we observe, 
 that we agree in considering it a matter of high im- 
 portance, to develope the genuine and spiritual mean- 
 ing of the written Word; and, then, prove it to be so, 
 where there is no gesture or modulation of voice, to 
 guide us in judging of the Affections. To infer, how- 
 ever, that we must not examine into the Affections of 
 the Inspired Penmen, lest this ambiguity should arise, 
 were to conceal our ignorance, and dissemble the 
 difficulty rather than explain it. Daily experience 
 testifies, that even familiar conversation is capable 
 of various interpretations, according to the Affections 
 that operate: will then our ignorance remove these 
 Affections, which nature implanted, and which grace 
 does not restrain ? This objection is, in truth, a co- 
 gent argument in favour of the study of the Affections; 
 for when we have acquired ability to develope them 
 (which certainly is attainable,) the Scriptures, will, 
 of course, cease to be ambiguous. 
 
 It forms no solid objection to our view of the sub- 
 ject, that many Commentators neglect this branch of 
 exposition, and pass it over in silence. This c-ar\*\" 
 
TREATISE ON THE AFFECTIONS. iSi 
 
 deration is abundantly overruled, by opposing to it the 
 high authorities that have advocated the cause of the 
 Affections. It might be added, that those persons 
 are usually but indifferent examiners of the Scriptures, 
 who, in searching into their meaning, depend, partially 
 or entirely, on authority. It evidences, as Bernard 
 has observed, that they do not read the Word in the 
 Spirit, under whose influence it was written. 
 
 Besides, a consequence deduced from the igno- 
 rance or negligence of Commentators, can avail no- 
 thing against the doctrine. It is, indeed, to be la- 
 mented, that very few are solicitous to ascertain the 
 spiritual meaning of the Sacred Writings; but are 
 anxious rather to be diffuse on critical, controverted, 
 and difficult points, where there is a wider field for 
 the range of natural intellect. This inattention to the 
 Affections is a main reason, why some commentaries 
 are so meagre and unsatisfactory to spiritual readers, 
 who with a view to personal edification, search after 
 the mind of the Spirit, and the revelations of the di- 
 vine image. A comment, written without adverting to 
 the Affections, is so only in name and form, 
 
132 APPENDIX 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 Remarks on the affections as they 
 respect an unrenewed person. 
 
 An unrenewed man cannot attain to a just knowledge 
 of the Affections, as a help to exposition. This is 
 evident from the following considerations. 
 
 An unrenewed person has no perception of any but 
 natural Affections. He speaks of spiritual Affections, 
 as a blind man does of colours: and even as it respects 
 those which are natural, his views are not just, so 
 long as he is immured in the darkness and depravity 
 of his corrupt nature. It is spiritual Affections, how- 
 ever, that are chiefly to be known; for the mind of 
 Christ best explains the mind of Christ. This is clear 
 from 1 Cor. ii. 
 
 Again, the knowledge of the Affections of which 
 we speak, is practical; whereas, an unrenewed man 
 peruses the Scriptures theoretically; and believes it 
 sufficient, if he understand them through the medium 
 of natural reason. It likewise requires an inward 
 perception, (cttvBvo-ig^) of which the unrenewed per- 
 
lilEAiiSH. O^ THE AFFECTIONS. 1S3 
 
 fcon is destitute, and after which, while in his unrege- 
 nerate state, he never seriously aspires. 
 
 It seems indeed an objection to this statement, that 
 we daily see ungodly men not only handle the Scrip- 
 ture, but also speak largely on its meaning, in books 
 and commentaries; and indeed utter truths that can- 
 not be controverted by pious men. This difficulty is, 
 however, fully explained, when we reflect that what 
 is within the compass of a carnal man in profane 
 writings, is equally so as it respects the Scriptures. 
 He can, for instance, apprehend the terms as they 
 are commonly received, form the affirmation and ne- 
 gation, understand them when formed, and perceive 
 the necessity of a consequence, as well in Holy Writ 
 as in profane authors. When an unrenewed person 
 reads the precept — " Thou shalt not kill," he per- 
 fectly conceives what is meant by killing; he likewise 
 understands what is prohibited; and, because the pre- 
 cept is universal, he rightly infers that he is forbidden 
 to murder. But as it respects the spiritual mean- 
 ing, which the letter does not immediately convey, 
 and the mind of the Spirit (to (ppovyfJL* tx 7rvevf4,&To$ y ) 
 how is it possible for a carnal, unrenewed man, to 
 have any perception of that from which he is so en- 
 tirely alienated? In 1 Cor. ii. 11, 12, Paul affirms, 
 that " the things of God knoweth no man, but the 
 Spirit of God; and they who have received, not the 
 Spirit of the World, but the Spirit wfcich is of Go<? " 
 
APPENDIX 
 
 As an example of this, we cite James iii. where 
 the Apostle, by implication, accuses the persons ad- 
 dressed, of a breach of the fifth commandment, and 
 (ver. 17, 18) describes the mind of the Spirit in full, 
 perspicuous, and energetic language; displaying that 
 mind, as it were, before their eyes, in impressive 
 points of view. It is indubitably certain, that a car- 
 nal man can apprehend the terms of the proposition 
 here advanced, and apply the precept, by legitimate 
 consequence, to himself; but he will not, he cannot, 
 have any perception, or form any idea, of the habit 
 of a soul that is sanctified, and endued with heavenly 
 knowledge and divine perception. On this subject 
 we may confidently appeal to the believer's present 
 and past experience. Since then an. unrenewed per- 
 son has no knowledge of this habit of the mind, how 
 is it possible for him to have any perception of the 
 emotions of a holy soul ? 
 
 Observation and experience have likewise evidenced 
 most decisively, that, in consequence of the incapacity 
 already noticed, the mind of a carnal, unregenerate 
 person, is far from adequately penetrating even into 
 the sense of the letter; because, from the very nature 
 of things, there subsists the closest connexion between 
 words and ideas. 
 
TREATISE ON THE AFFECTIONS. jKtf 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 OF THE NATURE OF THE AFFECTIONS. 
 
 It being demonstrated, that only a renewed person 
 can consistently engage in examining the Affections, 
 let us inquire into their nature. 
 
 The consideration of the Affections is fourfold. If 
 we examine them generally, a definition that will com- 
 port with all, cannot be given; nor is it indeed neces- 
 sary. Let us, however, notice them in the following 
 points of view. 
 
 1 . As they belong to men, in common with brutes. 
 Under this character, we must class the motions of 
 sensitive appetite, arising from the imagination of good 
 or evil, whether real, or only apparently so. 
 
 2. As they belong to the carnal man. In this class 
 w r e may range the motions (facultatis appetentis) of 
 the desiring faculty, sensitive or intellectual ; arising 
 from the apprehension of good or evil, whether this 
 be of a sensitive or intellectual nature. 
 
 3. As they belong to the spiritual man. In this 
 view, an Affection is the emotion of a soul sanctified 
 and actuated by the Spirit, 
 
136 AVPESDLV. 
 
 4. As they are attributed to God himself, in the 
 Sacred Writings. This the Grammarians call 
 uv$g&j7roira,8£ia (a human Affection,) a word which 
 immediately suggests, that Affections cannot be attri- 
 buted to the Divine Being, but that the Holy Ghost 
 accommodates himself to human infirmity, and conde- 
 scends to speak of God in a way adapted to our capa- 
 cities. Luther explains the foundation of t&v$pa7ro7rctfcaz* 
 in this way: — " Affections are attributed to God, so 
 " far as they are found in the Sacred Writers who 
 " were inspired by Him; and also in the ministers of 
 " the Word. Thus we find, Gen. vi. 6, that re- 
 u pentance is ascribed to God, so far as Noah, a holy 
 M m^n, under the sacred influences of the Spirit, felt 
 u grieved on account of the gross and universal de- 
 a pravity of mankind. Affections are likewise attri- 
 u buted to God, so far as the wicked feel them in 
 il their bosoms. Thus Anger is ascribed to the Di- 
 " vine Being because the sinner perceives, by the dis- 
 u quietude of his conscience that God is angry with 
 « him." 
 
 It will evidently be sufficient for our purpose, if we 
 consider the Affections in the second and third modes: 
 that is, as they attach to the carnal, and to the spi- 
 ritual man. This will suggest all that is necessary 
 to be known respecting the other modes noticed. 
 
 £ 
 
 i 
 
 4 
 
TREATISE ON THE AFFECTIONS. 
 
 CHAPTER IV, 
 
 OF CARNAL AND SPIRITUAL AFFECTIONS, AND THEIR 
 PECULIAR CHARACTERISTICS, 
 
 As both the carnal and spiritual Affections will come 
 under consideration, it should be remarked, that Af- 
 fections may be similar as to name, and yet, on ac- 
 count of their Source, Object, End, Subjects, Ad- 
 juncts, fyc. be essentially different. By means of some 
 definite properties or characteristics, they can, how- 
 ever, be readily distinguished. 
 
 Characteristics of Spiritual Affections, 
 
 1. A Spiritual Affection has for its Source, the 
 Holy Spirit, and is the fruit of His influence. 
 
 2. A spiritual Affection tends to a holy End. 
 
 3. A spiritual Affection is engaged on Objects that 
 are divine, eternal, spiritual, and invisible. 
 
 4. A spiritual Affection, when engaged on sensible 
 Objects, is not employed on them as such; but only so 
 far as they iiave relation to those which are unseen» 
 
138 APPENDIX, 
 
 o. A spiritual Affection, is grounded on Faith and 
 Love. When these do not operate, Affections cease 
 to be spiritual. 
 
 6. A spiritual Affection influences the Subject of 
 it, to seek, not himself nor his personal convenience, 
 as such ; but God and His Glory. 
 
 7. A spiritual, overcomes a carnal Affection, though 
 the latter be otherwise very violent. 
 
 8. A spiritual Affection is always connected with 
 Humility. The instant the mind is elated, Affections 
 become carnal. 
 
 9. A spiritual Affection excites no perturbation in 
 the mind, nor does it leave behind it any bitterness. 
 It rather assists in the regulation of the soul, receiving 
 every dispensation with complacency, and acquiescing 
 in God with joy. 
 
 10, A spiritual Affection tends to the amelioration 
 of nature, the increase of grace, and the edification of 
 mankind.; having no object but the glory of God. 
 
 Characteristics of Carnal Affections. 
 
 1. A carnal Affection, as it is opposed to those 
 which are spiritual, so, it has Nature for its Source, 
 and is destitute of Grace. 
 
 2. A Carnal Affection has for its End, the tempo- 
 ral preservation and amendment of nature, or, it re- 
 
TREATISE OS iliE AFFECTIONS. 
 
 fers all things to pleasure; and, particularly, seeks 
 such pleasure not in mental peace, but personal con- 
 venience; and this, often under a pretext of duty. 
 
 3. A carnal Affection is engaged on Objects that 
 are corporeal, local, temporal, and sensitive. 
 
 4. A carnal Affection, if engaged upon spiritual 
 Objects, does not dwell on them as such ; neither, with 
 righteous views, nor in a consistent manner; but only 
 so far as they have Relation to private gratification or 
 convenience. 
 
 5. A carnal Affection receives its existence and 
 support from perverse self-love. 
 
 6. A carnal Affection gives the preference to tbings 
 naturally pleasing, though others may approximate 
 more nearly to real excellence. 
 
 7. A carnal Affection gradually disturbs the mind 
 when it is at all indulged, rendering it incapable of 
 investigating truth, or of performing righteous ac- 
 tions; and it leaves a degree of bitterness in the 
 mind, proportioned to the strength of the Affection. 
 Cicero justly used to term them " perturbationes ani- 
 mi" — (the perturbations of the mind.) 
 
 8. A carnal Affection has always a degree of pride 
 (tfv$«JW) in it, though it is often very subtile. As 
 long as this has place in the mind, carnal Affections 
 are not put off. 
 
 9. A carnal Affection often induces a visible change 
 of the body. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 The Characteristics we have enumerated, are by 
 no means all; but they are the more general ones; 
 those which are most consonant with our present ob- 
 ject; and which may afford matter whence to derive 
 others of a more special kind. If the reader apply 
 himself to do this, his labour will not be unprofitable. 
 
 The object of the Characteristics which have been 
 adduced, is to develope with more facility, the Affec- 
 tions of the Inspired Writers. Other authors, who 
 have written on this subject, propose to themselves 
 widely different views; as Scipio Claramontius, the 
 Italian, who published a work on this subject, in quarto, 
 with a preface by Conringius (Helmstadt.) De la 
 Chambre also composed four books, " Des Characte- 
 rs des Passions;" and Cardinal Bona has another, 
 more worthy the notice of Christians, entitled "la- 
 nuductio ad Ccelum, &c." (a) 
 
 Although the carnal Affections are, by these Cha- 
 racteristics, separated from the spiritual Affections, 
 Ave are not thence to conclude, that they are so separa- 
 ted in the heart of a renewed person, as that the for- 
 mer never mingle with the latter. On the contrary, 
 the believer's daily strife is to be more and more de- 
 livered from the sinful Affections of carnal nature. It 
 is according to the reigning Affection, that a man is 
 denominated carnal or spiritual. To suppose, how- 
 ever, that renewed and unrenewed men have the same 
 perception of the Affections of the Sacred Writer 
 
TREATISE ON THE AFFECTIONS, lit 
 
 is a radical error. It were impious to ascribe any 
 mixture of good and bad Affections to the Holy Spi- 
 rit; though we cannot deny that sacred Affections 
 show themselves in a sanctified nature, by external 
 &nd natural indications. 
 
 12* 
 
APPENDIX 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 FURTHER REMARKS ON THE AFFECTIONS. 
 
 I. Affections are either simple or compound. The 
 simple Affections are, Love, Hatred, Desire, Aver- 
 sion, Joy, Sorrow, Hope, Despair, Fear, Confi- 
 dence, Anger. The Cartesian philosophy, not un- 
 reasonably, classes with them, the Affections of Ad- 
 miration, Contempt and other emotions of the mind 
 relating chiefly to the intellect. The compound are 
 those in which many Affections concur, as Compas- 
 sion, Indignation, Envy, Emulation, &.c. — It is not 
 enough to have a general knowledge of the Affections, 
 since every word may flow from a different emotion. 
 
 2. In the consideration of the sacred Text, a dis- 
 tinction is to be made between the Affections of the 
 writer, those of the person addressed, the Affections 
 of the Subject of discourse, and those which are at- 
 tributed to the blessed God. Hence, it is evidently 
 necessary not only to ascertain the Affection, bi 
 determine the subject. This will have a tendency to 
 cause the thing itself to be more accurately, distinctly. 
 
TREATISE ON THE AFFECTIONS. U S 
 
 and duly weighed; and the delightful harmony that sub- 
 sists between the Affections of the different subjects, 
 will be likewise more fully unfolded. It will also as- 
 sist us to discern the principles of holy wisdom, ac- 
 cording to which Affections may be regulated by Af- 
 fections. This is certainly of high importance ; though, 
 as a help, it has hitherto been seldom noticed or 
 improved. 
 
 3. In examining the Affections, those are to be 
 considered first, which are expressly named; and, af- 
 terwards, those which are not immediately declared. 
 Thus, by proceeding from easier to more difficult 
 points, we shall gradually enter into the Affections 
 even in those passages that afford no direct indications 
 of them. 
 
 4. When the Affections are not expressly named, 
 the Text should be examined according to the Cha- 
 racteristics. Every Characteristic is to be so applied, 
 both carnal and spiritual ; the former class to the Af- 
 fections of those persons who are the subjects of the 
 discourse, and to those of the Writer; and the latter, 
 oftentimes to different subjects, but specially to the 
 Sacred Penmen. Wherever we recognise a Cha- 
 racteristic, we must conclude there is a latent Affec- 
 tion; for dissimulation has no place in the Word of 
 God. 
 
 It is proper here, not only to have the general 
 ■ ^eristics of the Affections ascertained, but like- 
 
144 APPENDIX. 
 
 wise those which are special, and accommodated t6 
 individual Affections. The reader will thus easily at- 
 tain to a special, as well as general knowledge of holy 
 Affections. 
 
 The Characteristics maybe accommodated not only 
 to words, but likewise to actions, and entire details. 
 
 The several Characteristics should be separately 
 applied to the subjects, whenever an indiscriminate 
 application would be an infringement on the Spirit 
 speaking in the Scriptures. The reader (especially 
 if one of the Epistles be perused,) may be considered 
 as standing in a College, where, while he listens to 
 the person speaking, and hangs as it were upon his 
 lips; the Affections of those who are absent, and those 
 who are present, are successively brought before him; 
 and he learns from both, what to imitate, and what to 
 avoid. 
 
 It would be exceedingly useful, to have the several 
 Affections so practically developed, from carefully ex- 
 amining our own; that we might, without difficulty, 
 express their Characteristics in perspicuous and suit- 
 able words. To adopt the language of Franzius, 
 Ci when the mind is thus engaged, the Word will be- 
 tl come ineffably sweet,- and inconceivably precious. 7 ' 
 He who reposes in God with placid and calm Affec- 
 tion, may contemplate the turbulent passions of the 
 human heart, as well as the gracious emotions excited 
 in a sanctified soul by the Holy Spirit; and by tasting 
 
TREATISE ON THE AFFECTIONS. 14$ 
 
 of Divine wisdom, perceive its nature and appreciate 
 its worth. Here, indeed, an inscrutable abyss will 
 open to his view; and, as Luther hath remarked, 
 " meditation, when strengthened and supported by 
 " frequent exercise, will suggest more, much more, 
 " than all our commentaries united." May the reader 
 be encouraged to aspire after this most useful and 
 profitable help! 
 
 It may be added, that exercise will be cherished 
 into habit; and that the Characteristics can be so fa- 
 miliarized by patient practice and pious experience, 
 as to leave the student at liberty to draw them from 
 u the good treasure of his heart." 
 
 5. All the Circumstances which the Text supplies, 
 or which may be otherwise known, should be weighed 
 and examined, if we aim at forming a right judgment 
 of the latent Affection. Though only one circum- 
 stance remain unknown, a very different Affection 
 may be often ascribed to the speaker, of which we 
 have frequent examples, even in familiar conversation. 
 The Circumstances Who? What? Where? By what 
 means? Why? How? When? should be, as much as 
 possible, applied. 
 
 The Circumstance which may be more remarkable 
 in one place than in another, is to be chiefly urged; 
 though, in particular places, the major part contribute 
 to give weight to the Affections. 
 
 All Circumstances are not always necessary to be 
 
Apprxdi 
 
 accommodated to ail words. Some words have pe- 
 culiar reference to particular Circumstances, and, as 
 it were, point them out. It is, however, necessary 
 sometimes, to examine all the Circumstances accu- 
 rately; and, indeed, the more attentive the student is, 
 the more will he enter into the spirit of the Text, 
 and the mind of the Holy Penmen. 
 
 6. Love is justly considered as the Foundation, 
 or rather, Source of every Affection in the Inspired 
 Penmen. 
 
 The first fruit of the Spirit (Gal. v. 22.) is Love. 
 This Affection, however, sometimes receives different 
 designations, according to the Circumstances. Love 
 to God and man was the pre-eminent Affection ki the 
 Soul of St. Paul. Hence, when he addresses peni- 
 tent sinners (as in his second Epistle to the Corin- 
 thians,) we may plainly discover that his Desire, 
 Fear, Hope, Piety, Joy, in short, that all his Affec- 
 tions spring from Love. 
 
 7. Pronunciation, or the modulation of the voice 
 in uttering any text, is, by no means, to be neglected. 
 
 This ever follows the course of the Affections and 
 the dictates of nature; and, hence, a discourse deli- 
 vered viva voc£ y is much more easily apprehended than 
 one written. So, facts which the eye witnesses, are 
 far more convincing than those which are related to us. 
 
 The deficiency under which every student of Scrip- 
 tare, in this respect, labours, may be supplied by, first. 
 
l'BE&TISE ON TBB AFFECTIONS. 
 
 using every, method of eliciting the true meaning of 
 the Text; and, then, pronouncing it according to the 
 sense and Affection previously and carefully ascer- 
 tained. 
 
 It is presumed, however, that no person will raise 
 any interpretation of Scripture, on the foundation of 
 this, or any other help alone; but apply all rules of 
 Exposition in regular or3er. He who neglects this 
 injunction, will often deceive others, and be deceived 
 himself. 
 
 The punctuation and other distinctions which have, 
 in the course of time, been introduced into the Text, 
 materially affect the pronunciation, and will often lead 
 the reader to attribute Affections, which the passage, 
 when divested of its human appendages, would by no 
 means warrant. On this account, we should lose sight 
 of these arbitrary distinctions, until the Affection be 
 ascertained. Those ancient copies in which the Text 
 is |tet divided into verses, are, in this view, to be 
 preferred. 
 
 0. In examining the Affections, we profit chiefly 
 by an ardent and holy emulation of those sacred emo- 
 tions which we contemplate in the Inspired Writers. 
 
 The more we " put on" their Affections, the more 
 deeply shall we enter into their "Writings, and meditate 
 on the truths which they reveal. Whenever the Affec- 
 tions of the Sacred Penmen develope and unfold them- 
 selves, let us seek to possess the same amiable emo- 
 
1*8 APPENDIX*. 
 
 lions, and, if possible, the same degree of them, m 
 our own bosoms; and let as, by the grace of God, 
 strive to correct every irregularity of temper. The 
 meaning of Scripture, thus laid up in the heart, rather 
 than the head, will transform our souls u from glory 
 " into glory;" and we shall experience that "the 
 il word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than 
 " any tworedged sword; piercing even to the dividing 
 " asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and 
 11 marrow; and is a discerner of the thoughts and in- 
 dents of the heart." 
 
 * 
 
 i 
 
ANALVSiS O* EFHEbiANS. %& 
 
 A.V 
 
 ANALYSIS 
 
 OF 
 
 St PAUL'S EPISTLE to the EPHESMNSs 
 
 Xhe Epistle to the Ephesians consists of two parts] 
 of which, the one is comprehended in the first three 
 chapters; and the other, in the last three. The for- 
 mer may be termed Doctrinal; and the latter. Infer- 
 ential and Hortatory. 
 
 The Doctrinal Htsion contains one Principal Doc- 
 trine^ Special Doctrines there are, indeed, inter- 
 spersed in various places; but either they are adduced 
 to explain and enforce the Principal one ; or, they are 
 derived from it. 
 
 The Principal Doctrine is as follows: — " Although 
 iC a difference exists between Jewish and Gentile 
 46 converts, inasmuch as the former enjoyed a priority 
 " of time, in point of expecting and acknowledging 
 H Christ; and, through the grace of God, were a 
 u Church before the Gentiles: yet, now, the latter 
 IS 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 " are become partakers of the same grace with them; 
 u and, being admitted to this communion of grace, 
 " every real distinction is abolished; Jews and Gen- 
 u tiles together, forming the body of the Church, under 
 u one head, even Christ." 
 
 It was essentially necessary for the Ephesians, and 
 indeed for all Gentile converts, that this doctrine 
 should be asserted; because the contentious Jews, 
 vain of their national prerogative, would acknowledge 
 none to be brethren, who did not submit their necks 
 to the yoke of Judaism, observe the law, and trust 
 to that for justification. Hence, the apostle considers 
 the subject, not only in the present Epistle, but in 
 most others; namely, Romans, Chap. i. 16. Philippi • 
 ans, Chap. iii. 1 Tim. Chap. i. and in the Epistles 
 to the Colossians and Galatians. In his mode of 
 handling the doctrine, there is, hnwever, some diffe- 
 rence; accommodated to the pecinRr circumstances of 
 
 of il 
 
 and not of the law; because the false apostles main- 
 tained the contrary: at other times, he exhorts the 
 brethren to guard against such men, adding his rea- 
 sons for the admonition: sometimes, he onlj^ recalls 
 them from the tenets of these persons, to the true 
 faith, &c. In this Epistle, however, he aims at sub- 
 verting the very foundation of the opponents' doctrine 
 (though in what Chemnitius terms a catechetical man- 
 
 the several churches addressed. Sometimes, i^kthe 
 npostle's object to prove that justification is <^Taith 
 
ANALY9I 
 
 tier,) which rested on the boasted prerogative that the 
 Jews enjoyed over the Gentiles, in point of time. (a) 
 
 The apostle, in order to the more effectual accom- 
 plishment of this his object, propounds, in the first 
 place, the proper prerogative of the Jewish nation 
 (which he had likewise done Rom. iii. ;) lest, by pass- 
 ing in silence over those privileges, which might and 
 ought to be claimed in his countrymen's behalf, he 
 should do an injury to himself, who was a Jew; to his 
 own nation; and, which is of infinitely greater moment, 
 to the truth itself. Hence, (Chap. i. to verse 13.,) 
 after the usual salutations, he directs his attention 
 solely to demonstrate the proper privilege of the 
 Jews. At first sight, this position may appear doubt- 
 ful ; but the whole structure of the epistle will evidence 
 its validity, as soon as the mind has comprehended it; 
 and, until that be the case, no just opinion on the 
 point can possibly be formed. 
 
 The apostle's arguments have an immediate ten- 
 dency to this in Chap. i. — for, first, the evident dis- 
 tinction there observed in the application of the per- 
 sonal pronouns, can have no other meaning. After 
 using, as far as verse 12. the pronoun of the first 
 person, we, ws, &,c. he continually adopts the pronoun 
 of the second, in the following verses. Hence, he 
 thus connects the thirteenth verse — u In whom ye 
 also;" which plainly indicates a diversity in the sub- 
 ject?: and he continues to use this pronoun, until ho 
 
153 APPENDIX. 
 
 institutes a new comparison between the subjects 
 (Chap. i. ver. 9.,) when, speaking in reference to the 
 Jews, he says " to us." Compare Chap. ii. verse 
 
 I. where, with a view to the Gentiles, he uses the 
 phrase " to you." If we now collate Chap. ii. ver. 
 
 II, 12, 13, Sic. we shall find the different subjects, 
 hitherto represented by these different pronouns; ex- 
 pressly named — u the uncircumcision" (Gentiles;) 
 and a the circumcision" (Jews.) 
 
 It is another circumstance which evidences the 
 truth of this position, that, secondly, the predicate 
 restricts the former part of the chapter to the Jews: 
 thus they are called (ver. 12.) " those who first trust- 
 ed in Christ." The objection which lies against 
 u predestinate" (npoopi&ui) on the ground of its being 
 a general word, and indicative of a priority of time, 
 and not of a priority of subjects, cannot militate 
 against u to trust first" (vrpisXTngeiVj) because this 
 latter word must include both ; since the trusting here 
 mentioned is inevitably to be referred to man, and not 
 to God; as indeed the text itself refers it 
 
 Again, it is said, in the ninth and following verses? 
 that the mystery of the divine will was revealed to 
 them, in order that it might be dispensed (en; otxovo- 
 ftiav) in the fulness of time; and that all things (Gen- 
 tiles as well as Jews) might be reduced under one 
 head, even Christ. There had been therefore those, 
 to whom a revelation was made previously to the ge- 
 
ANALYSIS OF EPHESIAKS- 153 
 
 Eeral dispensation, &c; but, in the thirteenth and 
 subsequent verses, the apostle asserts, that the same 
 benefits which God had before conferred on the Jews, 
 were now become common to the Gentiles; priority 
 of time being excepted. His words are — " In whom 
 " ye (Gentiles) also trusted, after that ye heard the 
 u word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom 
 u also, after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that 
 " Holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of 
 " our (the Jews') inheritance; 5 ' that spiritual inherit- 
 ance mentioned in the preceding verses : " Wherefore 
 " I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, 
 *f and love unto all the saints, &,c." 
 
 It is the same subject (the Gentiles) which our 
 apostle pursues to verse 3. of chapter ii. ; and this we 
 shall easily discern, if we neglect the divisions into 
 chapters, and consider the whole structure of the text^ 
 harmonizing together in all its parts. — u That you 
 a may know what is the exceeding greatness of his 
 "power to us-ward, who believe according to the 
 " working of his mighty power, which he wrought in 
 " Christ, when he raised him from the dead (and set 
 " him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, far 
 c * above all principality, and power, and might, and 
 " dominion, and every name that is named, not only in 
 " this world, but in that which is to come: and hath 
 iC put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the 
 " head over all things to the church, which is his body, 
 13* 
 
APPENDIX 
 
 / 
 
 <c the fulness of him that filleth all in all.) And you 
 u who were dead in trespasses and sins, wherein, in 
 " times past, ye walked, &c." 
 
 No sooner, however, does the apostle descend to 
 the original state of the Gentiles, than he institutes a 
 comparison between it, and the primeval state of the 
 Jews: lest the latter people should take occasion to as- 
 sert some new prerogative. He now therefore proves by 
 the testimony of the consciences of each, that Jews, 
 as well as Gentiles, were, before Christ, under sin 
 (an argument which he had discussed under a different 
 form, Rom. Chap, iii.) and that both were saved and 
 brought to newness of life, by grace alone. Hence, 
 in the second and following verses, he declares the 
 whole matter in direct terms. 
 
 These verses, united with those subsequent, as far 
 as Chap. iii. comprehend the Principal Conclusion of 
 the whole epistle, which fully developes its Scope. 
 The Conclusion is — a Though the Gentiles were not 
 i: originally possessed of the covenants of promise, or 
 4i any foundation of hope, jet y in Christ, they, toge- 
 u ther with the Jews, were made partakers of every 
 u benefit; he having removed all things which opposed 
 " their uniting with the Jews into one body, and hav- 
 a ing, on the other hand, joined things the most op- 
 " posite (Jews and Gentiles,) by abolishing the law. 
 " Hence, the Gentiles were not now, (as the Jewish 
 "false apostles asserted,") strangers and aliens:, but 
 
ANALYSIS OF fcPHfiSIANS. 
 
 u being reconciled to Gcd by the blood of Christy 
 a they were become fellow-citizens* wi&f the saints,- 
 u and of the household of God." ** 9 
 
 These things are so obvious, that no doubts caa 
 remain with respect to the observations we made on 
 the diversity of the subjects. The Conclusion ex- 
 pressed above, is afterwards delivered by the apostle 
 in a fine similitude; a similitude sometimes adopted by 
 Christ himself, as well as the apostles and prophets. 
 He compares the Church to a building, and considers 
 Christ as the corner-stone; with which the Jews first, 
 but the Gentiles no less afterwards, were built up to- 
 gether as an habitation. Finally, as is the custom 
 with our apostle, he includes in this similitude, or al- 
 legory, the subject-matter of the prayers which he 
 offered up to God for the Gentiles (Chap. iii. ver. 1. 
 and 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, of which ver. 17, 18. are 
 best explained by the similitude,) and then closes the 
 whole with a doxology. 
 
 Our connecting ver. 1. of chap. iii. with ver. 14. is 
 a circumstance by no means singular, and was not done 
 without grounds; being, as we shall show, conforma- 
 ble to the intention of the apostle. If we examine 
 the first verse, we see that he names the Subject: — 
 u For this cause, I, Paul, the prisoner of Jesus 
 i: Christ for ycu Gentiles." He then forms the Pre- 
 dicate, and repeats the same words: — " For this cause 
 u (I say,) I hr>w my kne°* " On this atcoQgt* we 
 
156 APPENDIX. 
 
 insulate all the words that intervene between ver. 2. 
 and ver. 14; or, if such a mode be preferred, we may 
 consider them as a description of the Subject. 
 
 The extent of the parenthesis in question, is no 
 just argument against the truth of our position. A 
 diffuse style is the genius of Paul's writing, and arose 
 from his abundant and ardent love. Often, when we 
 might be led to think he had forgotten himself, he 
 suddenly returns to his subject, and pursues the thread 
 of his discourse. The Fathers were acquainted with 
 this peculiarity in his style ; and it is requisite that we 
 should observe it, because it frequently happens, that 
 we cannot else enter into the meaning of the apostle. 
 
 Instances of equally copious parentheses occur in 
 various parts of the writings of St. Paul. The first 
 epistle to Timothy furnishes us with one from verse 
 8. of chap. i. to verse 17. inclusive. There, taking 
 Occasion from the false teachers, Paul speaks ol the 
 true and proper use of the Law, according to the Gos- 
 pel committed to him; and having given vent to the 
 feelings of his heart, he returns ver 18. to the scope 
 he had in view in the third verse_, where he intimates, 
 by using the comparative particle as {%<l$uc) that the 
 completion of the sense was to be expected in the sub- 
 sequent verses. The whole of the discourse connects 
 thus: — " As I besought thee to charge some that they 
 " teach no other doctrine, but seek after godly edify- 
 a ing; aj)d that the end of the commandment was love, 
 
ANALYSIS OF EPHESIANS. Itf 
 
 " out of a pure neart, and of a good conscience, and 
 « of faith unfeigned, &c. — so now, I commit the same 
 " charge unto thee — that thou mayest hold faith and 
 " a good conscience, &c.*' 
 
 Another instance of it, we see in Phil. i. 27. to 
 Chap ii. 16. inclusive. The apostle in a peculiar pa* 
 renthesis discusses a subject, the proposition of which 
 is contained Chap. i. 27. and afterwards (Chap. ii. 17.) 
 he returns to what he was discoursing of in the pre- 
 ceding chapter. In conformity with this statement, 
 we find (Chap. i. 23.) that Paul says he is influenced 
 by two things, a desire both of life and death; but he 
 knows not which of these to choose. Death is most 
 desirable to himself, but the welfare of the Philip- 
 pians requires rather that he may be spared a little 
 longer: and, having this confidence, he is assured 
 that his life will be lengthened, and that he shall see 
 them again in person. Then, after the interruption 
 which his discourse had received, he proceeds (Chap, 
 ii. 17.) as follows: — <l Yea, and if I be offered upon 
 cc the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy and re- 
 "joice with you all." The intervening charge is 
 happily and judiciously introduced by the apostle, in 
 order that the Philippians might not remit their exer- 
 tions until his arrival, but contend for the faith of the 
 Gospel with unity and humility. This cannot but be 
 evident to those who examine the point with attention 
 ^.nd candour. 
 
158 APPENDIX. 
 
 It is, however, proper to observe, that the words 
 which are thus insulated are never superfluous; but 
 arise either from some pressing necessity, or from the 
 apostle's ardent love. In this epistle to the Ephe- 
 sians, for instance, how forcibly does the description 
 of the subject insulated by the parenthesis, elucidate 
 the point which Paul had to prove. For, if God had 
 committed to the Apostle a dispensation of grace for 
 the Gentiles, and the revealed mystery of Christ, that 
 the Gentiles were co-heirs, members of the same body, 
 and partakers together with the Jews, of the promise 
 in Christ; Paul undertook the ministry through the 
 gospel, and conformably with the gift of that grace 
 (which is all contained in Chap. iii. ;) and thence it 
 certainly follows, tbat the Gentiles were not to be ex- 
 cluded from communion with the Jews in Christ. 
 
 The other part of the Epistle is hortatory, and 
 flows from the doctrinal part, as a stream from its 
 fountain. It is, indeed, St. Paul's usual custom in 
 his epistles, to connect practicals and theoreticals; in 
 order that they may mutually illustrate and confirm 
 each other. With him, however, the injunctions of 
 Practice follow the positions of Theory, that the 
 reader, when he has inspected the fountain, may ad- 
 mit the streams into his bosom in all their sweetness 
 and rich abundance. The best example of this, is 
 contained in the epistle to the Colossians, one part of 
 which refers to faith, and the other to practice : and 
 
ANALYSIS OF EPHESIAN3. 159 
 
 indeed these two epistles, the Colossians aad Ephe- 
 sians, are well fitted to explain one another. 
 
 The main exhortation that arises from the princi- 
 pal Doctrine, is — concord and peace between Jew 
 and Gentile. This may not improperly be termed the 
 General Scope of the whole epistle, which is fully 
 enforced from Chap. iv. ver. 1. to ver. 16. inclusive. 
 St Paul's next object is to lay before Jew and C 
 tile, the difference between their present and (NS. 
 state, estimated from comparing their presen 
 their former manners. In order to this (1.) he p 
 out the difference, from ver. 17. to ver. 24; (2.* to 
 lays down some particular precepts, which are, hos^ 
 ever, universally binding — particular, in reference to 
 the precept given — universal, in reference to those on 
 whom it was enjoined, ver. 25. to chap. v. ver. 21. 
 inclusive; (3.) he delivers to all, according to their 
 different stations in life, divers and particular com- 
 mandments—to wives, ver. 22. to the end — to chil- 
 dren, chap. vi. ver. 1 — 3. — to parents, ver. 4.— to 
 servants, ver. 5 — 8. — to masters, ver. 9. Here Paul 
 adopts the same method, always placing inferiors be- 
 fore superiors; and the weaker before the stronger. 
 He likewise puts generals before specials throughout 
 the whole epistle, which is the best mode of arrange- 
 ment (see Col. iii. ver. 18. &c. and 1 Pet. chap. iii. 
 ver. 1 — 7, &,c.,) and draws all his arguments relative 
 to any particular scope, from the principal Doctrine 
 
iwb APPENDIX. 
 
 propounded in the foregoing part, as plainly appears 
 from chap. v. ver. 23. &c. (4.) He furnishes means 
 for the attainment of the things enjoined, and for de- 
 fending them " against the wiles of the devil," to 
 chap. vi. 20. inclusive. 
 
 These things being explained, and Tychicus, the 
 bearer of the epistle, being directed to give the Ephe- 
 
 <&Bh£ fuller information concerning St. Paul, (ver. 21, 
 
 the Ge e concludes with saluting them, and invoking 
 
 the Geivine blessing, 
 
 and pr 
 
 in CI 
 
 gosr 
 
AS AtA SIS OF COLOSSIAXS. l6i 
 
 AN 
 
 ANALYTICAL INTRODUCTION 
 
 TO 
 
 St PAUL'S EPISTLE to the COLOSSMJYS. 
 
 x he Occasion of the apostle's penning the epistle to 
 the Colossians, may be safely collected from the lnV 
 toxical circumstances, which are partly expressed and 
 partly implied, (a) 
 
 For, first, the apostle expressly mentions (ver. 
 3 — 8.) the conversion of the Colossians, effected un- 
 der the ministry of Epaphras; and the accounts which 
 had been given him by that servant of God, concern- 
 ing the present state of their church. 
 
 Secondly, Paul declares in express terms (chap, 
 ii. ver. 1.) that he endured a great conflict for those 
 churches which he had not seen in the flesh, and ; 
 amongst the rest, for this church. No means there- 
 fore could have been adopted, better calculated to 
 strengthen the Colossians, than letters from himself 
 who was now absent and a prisoner. 
 
 Thirdly^ He intimates (chap, ii, ver. 7 ; 8.) that 
 14 
 
1G2 APPENDIX. 
 
 the church was, at that time, troubled with ci enticing 
 " words, philosophy, and vain deceit, after the rudi- 
 u ments of the world." He also shows, by borrow- 
 ing arguments from evangelical doctrines, in order to 
 combat legal teachers, and by the inferences which 
 be draws from those arguments, that certain Judai- 
 zino- Christians burthened the consciences of the Co- 
 
 o 
 
 lossian converts, by enjoining on them the observance 
 of the ceremonial law: the necessity of circumcision 
 (ver. 11;) of keeping particular days (ver. 16.;) and 
 of abstaining from divers kinds of meats (ver. 16, and 
 21.;) from which, as an intolerable yoke, the Fathers 
 had deemed it necessary to deliver the Gentile church. 
 Collate Acts xxv. wjth Gal. v. 3, 4, &c. 
 
 Fourthly, If we rightly consider what is said 
 concerning Epaphras, at the commencement and 
 conclusion of the epistle, we shall probably infer, that, 
 while he was earnestly commending to Paul the faith 
 and love of the new converts, and while glowing with 
 holy zeal for their welfare; he moved the apostle by 
 his entreaties, to dispatch this letter to Colosse and 
 Laodicea: (chap. i. ver. 8. and chap. iv. ver. 12. and 
 13.) The joy consequent on sending the epistle, was 
 doubtless shared by Tychicus (Acts xx. ver. 4. ;) by 
 Onesimus, himself a Colossian; (b) by Aristarchus 
 (Acts, chap. xix. ver. 29. and chap. xx. ver. 4. ;) by 
 Mark (Acts, chap. xii. ver. 12. and chap. xv. ver. 37. 
 38.;) by Jesus surnamed Justus, by Epaphras, D?- 
 
AN ALA STB Oi COLOSSI A a S. 163 
 
 mas, and Luke (Acts xxvii. ver. l.j) names dear to 
 the Colossians, and with which they were well ac- 
 quainted (Col. iv. ver. 7.) &c. 
 
 Here we may remark, that the Acts of the Apos- 
 tles, and especially the fifteenth chapter of them, are 
 frequently adduced to explain the Occasion of writing 
 this epistle. The historical books, and in particular 
 that just mentioned, throw light on all the other books 
 of the New Testament; the historical books of the 
 Old Testament perform the same service for the Pro- 
 phets; and the books of Moses elucidate the writings 
 of both Testaments. But Chap. xv. of the Acts, is 
 of special assistance in attaining to a right understand- 
 ing of the epistles of St. Paul. 
 
 The Apostle's Scope. These points being premi- 
 sed, we may easily ascertain the Scope of the whole 
 epistle. This was, that Paul, in obedience to his 
 duty as an apostle, might confirm the Colossian con- 
 verts in the doctrines of faith, and in seeking after 
 that holiness which flows from them. Collate chap, 
 ii. ver. 1 — 7, with chap i. ver. 9 — 12. It was also, 
 that he might seasonably heal the breaches made by 
 Jewish errors, which had spread, and were perhaps 
 still prevailing; and that he might deliver the church 
 from the evils which these errors had induced; as 
 well as avert from it, those which he foresaw would 
 be consequent on this " vain deceit." 
 
 It very evidently appears from the whole structure 
 
JGi APPENDIX. 
 
 of the epistle, that the sole reason the apostle had for 
 so carefully confirming the Colossians in the purer 
 doctrines of faith, was a fear lest they should be in- 
 jured by the pernicious opinions of heretical men. 
 Hence, this, like many of St. Paul's epistles, may 
 and ought to be termed polemical; and the apostle 
 himself makes all the doctrines stated have a reference 
 to it, when he says — " This I say (txtc h Aeyo>) lest 
 u any man should beguile you with enticing words;'' 
 chap. ii. ver. 4. The declaration contained in these 
 words should be well considered, as we recognize in 
 it the true and genuine Scope of the whole epistle, 
 expressed in Paul's own words; and thence we may 
 likewise safely conclude it to be of the polemical kind. 
 That this mode of announcing the Scope of a whole 
 book is usual in Scripture, we may learn from 1 Tim. 
 chap. iii. ver. 14. John chap. xx. ver. 31. 1 John 
 chap. ii. ver. 26. 2 Peter chap. iii. ver. 1. &c. 
 
 The Method. The method of managing a contro- 
 versy which our apostle adopts, is not to enter the 
 lists with his antagonists, and thus gratify their de- 
 sires to contend (a practice from which he testifies 
 that his mind was most abhorrent, 1 Cor. chap. xi. 
 ver. 16.;) but his plan was, to address an epistle to 
 those churches that were infested with false teachers, 
 and by confirming them in the principles of genuine 
 doctrine, to foil the attempts of the adversaries of tha 
 truth. 
 
A^vlASISoJ/ [AN8L 165 
 
 The controversy which he holds in the epistle be- 
 fore us, was the principal one of that age, and engaged 
 the special attention of the apostle of the Gentiles, 
 His discussion of it has proved a considerable blessing 
 to posterity, because the mode of obtaining salvation 
 depended so much on the present controversy, as to 
 involve in its own, the decision of almost every other 
 question. Hence, if we weigh the apostle's Scope, 
 and examine his method of treating it, we must ne- 
 cessarily set a high value on this epistle, and consider 
 it as fundamental; as one that embraces the Order, 
 Structure, and Harmony of the Christian system with 
 so peculiar a propriety, that not only the young con- 
 vert cannot desire a more excellent confirmation of the 
 doctrines he has espoused; but even the more esta- 
 blished, those who have groaned under many and va- 
 rious temptations, may revert to these first principles 
 with avidity and delight, and find the repose which 
 they had vainly sought elsewhere. 
 
 Historical Recapitulation of the Scope. The 
 Scope of the apostle may be briefly stated thus. 
 Epaphras had brought to Paul, the glad, tidings of 
 the conversion of the Colossians, and faithfully set 
 forth the dangers with which they were threatened; 
 and as the apostle felt especially concerned for the 
 welfare of those churches to whom he had not himself 
 preached the gospel, and consequently for that at Co- 
 losse; as he was anxious they should preserve theiF 
 14* 
 
166 APPENDIX, 
 
 purity of faith, and that integrity of life which is the 
 fruit of it; he wrote this epistle to them, by virtue of his 
 Office, under the influences of the Spirit, and perhaps 
 actuated by the intreaties of faithful Epaphras. In 
 it, he fully explains the proper foundations of the 
 Christian doctrine, in order that the Colossians might 
 be assured, that the way into which they were guided 
 by the ministry of Epaphras, was the saving and right 
 way. He also wisely and providently endeavours 
 to avert from them all heterodox opinions, and all dan- 
 ger of corruption either in doctrine or practice. 
 
 TJie Division. With respect to the Division of 
 the epistle, it is so plain and natural as easily to be 
 distinguished by the attentive reader. After the In- 
 scription (chap. i. ver. 1,2.) the epistle may be said 
 to comprehend an Exordium, chap. i. ver. 3 — 8; a 
 Proposition, ver. 9 — 12; a Confirmation, chap. i. ver. 
 13, to chap. iv. ver. 7; and a Conclusion. 
 
 The Exordium. The Exordium evidently unfolds 
 the Occasion of writing, and therefore does not re- 
 quire a regular analysis. But it is worthy of particu- 
 lar remark, that the apostle has placed that first, 
 which, following the natural order, we should have 
 placed last. The Exordium would then have run 
 thus:' — "Epaphras has declared to me your love 
 " in the Spirit, and that God by his ministry, has 
 Cl made you partakers of the Gospel and its blessed 
 "fruits. Understanding therefore, your faith and 
 
ANALYSIS OF COLOSSI ANS. i 67 
 
 u love, which you have derived from the promise of 
 *" everlasting life, we have thankfully adored the rich- 
 <c es of divine grace, and recommended you to God in 
 ft ceaseless prayers. "—The apostle, however, leaves 
 the natural and obvious order; and, after mentioning 
 his thanksgivings and his prayers, proceeds to speak 
 of that which lay nearest his heart: to glorify the 
 Lord for the mercy he had shown the Colossians, and 
 invoke his continued blessing on their church. If 
 this remark be applied elsewhere, the Analysis will in 
 many instances become easier, and Paul's inward af- 
 fections be better conceived. 
 
 The Proposition, The Proposition (ver. 9 — 12.,) 
 flowing from the apostle's abundant love, assumes the 
 form of a prayer; and is couched in exquisite and en- 
 ergetic language, indicative of that tender concern for 
 the Corinthians, by which he was actuated. Had he 
 been uninfluenced by this Affection, he would pro- 
 bably have expressed himself thus: — u I write in or- 
 u der that you, who are now so much endangered by 
 c: the errors of heresy, may, through God's grace, ob- 
 " tain an increasing acquaintance with saving doctrine 
 f l and spiritual wisdom; and that you may abound in 
 " desires after holiness, although now entangled in so 
 " many fleshly and worldly deceits." But the apos- 
 tle, agreeably to the feelings we have recognized in 
 him, sweetly explains, declares, and, as it were, insi- 
 nuates into the hearts of the Colossians, this the scope 
 
16S APPENDIX. 
 
 of his mind. Hence it happens, that he introduces 
 the subject which forms the principal Proposition, not 
 so much as the scope of his present epistle, as the 
 constant theme of his prayers. He likewise promises 
 them, a most abundant measure and increase of divine 
 grace — by praying for it with the most affecting ear- 
 nestness (ver. 11.;) and himself, the joy of acknow- 
 ledging the infinite mercy of God in respect to them 
 (ver. 12.) The remark made concerning the Exor- 
 dium, may be very properly repeated here : namely, 
 that the apostle opens with that which most engaged 
 . his affections; and thus the Proposition varies a little 
 from the natural and accustomed order. 
 
 The Confirmation. This may be divided into two 
 parts; first, a Confirmation in the genuine foundation 
 of faith, opposed to the prevailing errors of the here- 
 tics; secondly, an Exhortation to seek, with earnest 
 care, after holiness of life. The first part is Doctri- 
 nal (chap. i. ver. 13. to chap. ii. ver. 3.:) and Elen- 
 chtical (chap. ii. ver. 4. to chap iii. ver. 4.) 
 
 In the Doctrinal part, he lays down (1.) the Pro- 
 position, which is couched in clear and weighty lan- 
 guage (chap. i. ver. 3.;) (2 ) the Exposition of the 
 Proposition — from the dignity of the Person (ver. 
 15— 19.— and Office of Christ (ver. 2Q.;) aad (3.) 
 the Doctrinal Application of the Proposition. He 
 shows that the Colossians had happily become par- 
 takers of this saving doctrine (ver. 21, 22.;) whirh 
 
ANALYSIS OF COLQSSIANS: 109 
 
 doctrine then forms the ground of an Application re- 
 plete with instruction and sweetness, and very conform- 
 able to the Scope (ver. 23.) The words are likewise 
 well adapted to it, and in themselves most emphatic. 
 
 The perversions of the legal teachers who opposed 
 the Gospel, were in no small degree dangerous; so 
 that Paul might justly fear, lest, yielding to the de- 
 ceitful arguments of those sophists, they should de- 
 sert the simple truth which they had before espoused. 
 Hence, as we observed, the words " from the hope o! 
 Ci the Gospel which you have heard," are efcphatic; 
 and hence the argument " which was preached to eve- 
 u ry creature under heaven," wherewith he confirms 
 his instructions, is so likewise : for the apostle espe- 
 cially wished to inculcate on their minds, that the gos- 
 pel which they had heard from Epaphras, was the 
 same gospel that was preached " to every creature 
 " under heaven." 
 
 The second Doctrinal Application is therefore very 
 aptly connected (ver. 23.) — " whereof I, Paul, am 
 a made a minister," &c. For he shows, that the very 
 Truth which he propounded, was the express and ge- 
 nuine Object of his Apostleship, for the sake of which 
 he had become a partaker of the sufferings of Christ. 
 Since too, it was especially necessary to the Colossian 
 church, that this Object should be fully understood 
 and explored, he commences with passing on it a me~ 
 rited euloginm (ver. 25 — 27. :) speaking of it as a 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 mystery of Christ's manifestation to the Gentiles,which 
 he had been sent into the world to announce; and 
 thence he makes a very apt transition to the third 
 Doctrinal Application. Here, he points out the way 
 in which he was to discharge the office committed to 
 him, as well towards men in general (ver. 28, 29.;) 
 as towards the Colossians and Laodiceans in particu- 
 lar, and all those who had not seen his face in the flesh: 
 (chap. ii. ver. 1, 2, 3.) 
 
 If this threefold Doctrinal Application be well con- 
 sidered, we shall conclude that nothing could have 
 been said, more apposite to the state of the Colossian 
 church. What indeed would so effectually confirm 
 them in the doctrine they had embraced under Epaph- 
 ras, as St. Paul's assurance that it was genuine; that 
 it was the very Truth which he deemed it the object 
 of his mission to publish to the world; and that they had 
 become the subjects of his rejoicing and the objects of 
 his care, because they espoused it. It was likewise very 
 essential, that he should deeply impress their minds 
 with a conviction of his apostolic authority, and en- 
 force that conviction by pointing out the fruits of the 
 gospel, and the sufferings he underwent on account of 
 it; in order that he, might not only confound the pre- 
 suming arrogance of the false teachers, but give addi- 
 tional energy to the arguments with which he was 
 about to oppose their opinions. 
 
 The attentive reader will now without difficulty 
 
ANALYSIS OF COLOSSI ANS. 11 
 
 perceive, that the apostle's language is strongly em- 
 phatic and excellently adapted to his Scope. For in- 
 stance (chap. ii. ver 2.,) he says, " unto all riches 
 " of the full assurance of understanding:" because 
 there was reason to fear, lest the new converts should 
 be hindered and shaken, by the numerous doubts 
 which their adversaries raised. u In whom," says 
 the apostle (ver. 3.,) u are hid all the treasures of 
 "wisdom and knowledge;"* because those adversa- 
 ries, " vainly puffed up by their fleshly mind" (ver. 
 18.,) promised the Colossians greater degrees of 
 wisdom. 
 
 In the Elenchtical part (^05 £tey%ov) of Confir- 
 mation, which is included chap. ii. ver. 4. to chap. iii. 
 ver. 4, the apostle adopts the following order. 1 . 
 He connects this part with the preceding: — " This I 
 say," and adds a general proposition — " lest any man 
 " should beguile you with enticing words" (ver. 4.) 
 2. He prevents an Objection; remarking that, al- 
 though he was absent, he felt concerned for their 
 welfare (ver. 5.) and here we may observe with de- 
 light Paul's paternal affection for the Colossians, as 
 well as his ardent zeal for the enlargement of the 
 church and the establishment of order. 3. This is 
 followed by the general conclusion of the whole con- 
 troversy, which is also practical, and placed first, 
 where it is more easy to be understood than if placed 
 last; because the Scope and ultimate end of the wri~ 
 
iH APPEMDIl. 
 
 fer are thus obvious to the reader, at once; and be- 
 cause the arguments which follow, impress themselves" 
 on the mind with more energy. 4. He lays down 
 the Opposite Proposition which he nevertheless ex- 
 presses generally, because the Colossians would rea- 
 dily know to what he alluded (ver. 8.) It is, however, 
 evident, from collating the eighth with the preceding 
 and subsequent verses, that the Opposite Proposition 
 and true state of the controversy may be formed as 
 follows. The apostle's Proposition was: — " God hath 
 " delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath 
 66 translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son; in 
 u whom we have redemption, through his blood, even 
 tc the forgiveness of sins" (chap. i. ver. 13, 14.) 
 The Judaizing teachers contradicted this: saying, that 
 " it was necessary for Christians to be circumcised, 
 " and to keep the law of Moses," Acts xv. ver. 5. 
 The Opposition becomes therefore evident. Propo- 
 sition. " We are kept simply through faith in Christ 
 u Jesus, by which (faith,) we have received the for- 
 " giveness of all our sins, and eternal life." Oppo- 
 site Proposition. " We are not kept simply through 
 €t faith in Christ Jesus, but if we desire to be saved, 
 u we must be circumcised, and keep the law of Mo- 
 " ses, and the traditions of men, in meat and drink, in 
 " respect of a holyday, the new moon, the sabbath, 
 " and worshipping of angels." Hence the language of 
 the Judaizing teachers was, a Touch not; taste not; 
 c< handle not;" ver. 2L 
 
ANALYSIS OF CUL0SSIANS. 
 
 Now in this Opposite Proposition, the doctrines of 
 Redemption and Christ's Satisfaction, of Justification 
 and Sanctification, were greatly corrupted; and there- 
 by, consciences which had been recovered into liberty 
 by Jesus, were again subjected to human powers, 
 and to a heavy yoke of traditions. Hence the Op- 
 posite Proposition is followed by arguments refuting 
 it. — 1 . In Christ dwelleth all the fulness of the God- 
 head bodily (ver. 9.) 2. Ye are complete in Christ. 
 3. Christ is the head of all principalities and powers 
 (that tyrannize over the conscience.) 4. In Christ 
 ye are now circumcised, and therefore dead, in put- 
 ting off the body of sin (ver. 11.) 5. Buried with 
 him in baptism (ver. 12.) 6. Risen also with him 
 through faith (ver. 12.) 7. Raised with him from 
 the dead, through the forgiveness of sins (ver. 13.) 
 8. Whence the hand-writing is blotted out, taken 
 away, and nailed to his cross (ver. 14.) 9. And in 
 the cross of Christ (Christ being spoiled and crucifi- 
 ed;) were those principalities and powers which had 
 hitherto imposed a heavy yoke on the conscience, 
 spoiled, made an open show of, and led in triumph 
 (ver. 15.) From these arguments the proper Con- 
 clusion naturally flows (ver. 16,) which likewise aptly 
 touches on the substance of all the arguments (ver. 
 17.) 
 
 The Application follows, which consists of a De- 
 portation, a Reproof, and an Exhortation, Th* §r* 
 15 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 guments of the Dehortation are as follows. 1, The 
 adversaries beguile you of your reward. 2. They 
 boast of things which they have not seen. 3. They 
 are presumptuously and carnally puffed up (ver. 18.) 
 4. They do not hdld the Head, on which alone de- 
 pends the increase of the body and members. The 
 Reproof is given, because they had already inclined 
 to the erroneous opinions of the adversaries (ver. 20, 
 2 1 ,) which he administers in an argument drawn from 
 antecedents (ver. 20,) adding a new argument (ver, 
 22.:) and guarding it (ver. 23.) The Exhortation 
 (chap. iii. ver. 1, 2,) he confirms by argument (ver. 
 3 and 4;) and then makes a delightful and happy tran- 
 sition to the second part of Confirmation, namely, the 
 Exhortation. Vide page 214. 
 
 The Exhortation. This is perceptive, and con- 
 tains an Exhortation to seek after holiness with all 
 diligence. It includes the following things. 1. A 
 general persuasive to mortify the flesh (chap. iii. ver, 
 5.) 2. A twofold argument drawn from the justice 
 of God (ver. 6,) and from the difference between 
 their present and pristine state (ver. 7, 8.) 3. A 
 fuller explanation of the method by which sanctifiea- 
 tion is to be attained — by putting off the old man 
 (ver. 9;) and by putting on the new man (ver. 10.) 
 This he holds forth, in the same verse / in opposition 
 to the Judaizing teachers, from the final cause (" re« 
 " newed in knowledge";) the formal cause (" after 
 
ANALYSIS OF COLOSSIANS. J7S 
 
 ** the image";) the inefficient cause (" of him that 
 a created him";) and from the universality of the 
 Subject (ver. 11.) He then proceeds to descant on 
 the cultivation of Christian graces (ver. 12, 13, 14;) 
 of heavenly and inward peace (ver. 15;) of the divine 
 word, with spiritual joy and gladness (ver. 16;) and 
 with thanksgiving in word and deed (ver. 17.) 4. He 
 descends to the particular duties of wives (ver. 18, 
 19;) of children (ver. 20;) of parents (ver. 21;) of 
 servants (ver. 22 — 25;) and of masters (chap. iv. 
 ver. 1.) 5. He finally commends to the attention of 
 all, two very important precepts: namely, incessant 
 Prayer not only for the private success, but for the 
 general spread of the Gospel (ver. 2 — 4;) and Wis- 
 dom in conversation, especially to them that are with- 
 out (ver. 5 and 6.) 
 
 However long this Exhortation seem, it evidently 
 flows from the preceding subject. Precept answers 
 to doctrine, as a stream to its fountain; and, .thus, the 
 Apostle admirably points out the proper source of 
 sanctification, and the method of teaching the gospel, 
 which is most agreeable to the mind of the Holy 
 Ghost Let these things be duly observed, and it 
 will become of little or no consequence, whether any 
 divisions be made in the Confirmation; since any one 
 may refer all to Refutation and term the rest the Ap- 
 plication ; whether they be distributed into three parts 
 —doctrinal, elenchtical, and preceptive; or whethoi 
 
|7« APPENDIX. 
 
 divided into two, as we ourselves have done, deeming 
 it more conformable to the Proposition, and the just 
 mode of treating it. 
 
 In the Conclusion, he speaks of the mutual com- 
 munications of their several states (ver. 7 — 9 ;) the 
 salutations of others (ver. 10 — 14;) the salutations of 
 the brethren (ver. 15;) gives special directions (ver. 
 16, 17;) and a remembrance of himself, together with 
 a prayer for their welfare (ver. 18.) 
 
 The Argument of the epistle may be paraphrased 
 in the following manner. — " I have thanked, and I 
 a continue to thank my God, for your conversion, ef- 
 H fected under the ministry of Epaphras; an account 
 a of which he has communicated to me. It is my in- 
 " cessant prayer that you, being strengthened of God, 
 u may increase in knowledge and holiness; and re- 
 <6 membering the mighty mercy, how that He fully 
 u redeemed you through Christ the Lord, the Sa- 
 cc viour of you and of all; who, if you abide in the 
 " faith, is also your eternal joy in the Gospel (which 
 " is preached in the world,) and committed to me, 
 u together with fellowship in the sufferings of Christ,) 
 i: even as he is become to the Gentiles, the hope of 
 u glory. Wherefore I labour, that all may be fully 
 " formed in Christ; but especially that you, the Laodi- 
 (i ceans,and all the churches that do not personally know 
 u me, may persevere in integrity of faith and practice. 
 ci Though absent, I write as if I were really present. 
 
ANALYSIS OF COLOSSI AXs. i J ; 
 
 Ci lest, influenced by vain persuasions, you should leave 
 a Christ whom you have received, and side with Ju- 
 a daizing Christians; when Jesus, in his passion, 
 €t death, and resurrection is made to you All in All, 
 H and bears the same relation to the law, as a sub- 
 u stance to its shadow. Let it then be your care, 
 u that you be not beguiled of your reward by them 
 11 who know not what they affirm; and who leave 
 u Christ, the Head, whence is derived every increase^ 
 " being vainly puffed up in their minds. Why do you, 
 " who are dead to the world, listen to worldly doc- 
 u trines concerning things obnoxious to corruption 
 ci and unworthy of the wisdom that dwells in the Sa- 
 a viour? Influenced by the consideration that ye 
 ■ iC were quickened together with Christ, and are about 
 " to enjoy with him immortal glory, elevate your souls 
 11 to things above ; and, being invested with this high 
 " dignity, persist in mortifying the old man; put on 
 a the new man, with righteousness, peace, and joy in 
 li the Holy Ghost; honour Christ; do all in his name 
 u with thanksgiving; continuing, every one according 
 " to his calling, in prayer, especially for me; and act- 
 " ing with wisdom your respective parts in the world. 
 " Tychicus and Onesimus will give you further in* 
 il formation respecting my state, &c.' ; 
 
 15* 
 
NOTES 
 THE TRANSLATOR. 
 
 " It is a great happiness to have pointed out to us, the best 
 u books -written on any science, or any special part of it, 
 €i For want of this advantage, many a man has -wasted 
 u his time in reading over perhaps some whole volumes, 
 m and learned, little more by it, than to know that those 
 u volumes were not worth his reading. 97 
 
 Dr. Watts. 
 
" The Notes by the Translator contain a valuable fund oi 
 u bibliographical knowledge, collected and digested from va- 
 a rious approved sources, on all the topics discussed by Pro» 
 * c fessor France; ; from which the student of the Sacred 
 f< Writings may derive important direction and assistance." 
 Christian Observer, December, 1814. 
 
NOTES 
 
 BY 
 
 THE TRANSLATOR. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Grammatical Reading. 
 
 (a) 1. Vf ith respect to a Version of the Holy Scriptures, 
 none has such claims on the student's attention as the autho- 
 rized English Translation. M Those who have compared most 
 of the European Translations with the Original, have not 
 scrupled to say, that the English Translation of the Bible, 
 made under the direction of King James the First, is the most 
 accurate and faithful of the whole. Nor," adds Dr. Adam 
 Clarke, M is this its only praise ; the Translators have seized 
 the very spirit and soul of the Original, and expressed this, 
 almost every where, with pathos and energy." 
 
 The best Latin Version of the New Testament, according 
 to Dr. Doddridge, is Beza. " Erasmus is not equally accurate 
 with him ; and Castalio," add3 the Doctor, •' is often false, and 
 
1*2 NO! E9 w i HE TRANSLATOR 
 
 in several places, full of affectation." Pagninus improved by 
 Montanus is a very liberal version ; and is printed in Leus- 
 den's Greek Testament, 12mo. Berol. 1761 ; and in Monta- 
 nus' edition of the Greek Test, printed with his Bible men- 
 tioned note.(^) 
 
 2. A good edition of the Greek Testament, is, of coarse, a 
 main desideratum with the Biblical student. Griesbach's Tes- 
 tament printed at Hall6, or Wetstein's 2 vol. fol. Amst. 
 1751-2, are the best we have ; and, when the student is com- 
 petent to critical inquiry, he should certainly procure a copy 
 of one of them. Bengelii Novum Testamentum Grxcum, is 
 much esteemed, 8vo. Stutgard 1734 ; ibid. 17 ^9 ; ibid. 1753 ; 
 Tubing. 1762; ibid. 1776; and Lips, curante Buttigio, 1737.— 
 Another excellent edition, is Wetstein's Novum Testamen- 
 tum post priores Steph. Curcellaei, &c. Amst. 1735. "This 
 is the second edition of that in 1711, and is much more accu- 
 rate, and, in almost every respect, more valuable." For an 
 account of these, and other editions of the Greek Testament, 
 the reader is referred to the Bibliotheca Sacra of Le Long, 
 and to the Bibliographical Diet, of T\r. A. Clarke. 
 
 (b) Instead of Pasoris Lexicon Nov. Test. (Lips. 1774,) 
 Parkhurst's and Ewing's Greek and English Lexicons may be 
 safely recommended. The former, however, gives the verbs 
 only in the first person singular of the present tense ; and, on 
 that account, the latter work may merit the preference or 
 those who are learning the language^ because it makes the 
 path more easy and more certain. Both have prefixed Greek 
 Grammars to their Lexicons, which are esteemed. 
 
 Those who understand the Latin language, and who have 
 made a progress in the study of the Greek, need scarcely be 
 referred to Schleusner's Novum Lexicon Grseco-Latinum in 
 Novum Testamentum, 4 vol. 8vo. Lips. 1801. " This work," 
 says Dr. Herbert Marsh, " contains a treasure of knowledge, 
 with which no student in theology can dispense. The different 
 
NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. l&y 
 
 senses of the words are investigated with the utmost philologi- 
 cal precision ; they are illustrated by the principal passages of 
 the Greek Testament; and the whole is arranged in the most 
 perspicuous manner." 
 
 (c) "Novum Testamentum Grsecum, Amst. form. min. 
 Blaeu. 1663. A beautiful and correct edition; the paper and 
 type remarkably good, and the press work well executed. It 
 consists of 460 pages ; is a little more than four inches in 
 length, about two and a quarter in breadth, and half an inch 
 in thickness. A treasure to these who wish to make the 
 Greek Testament their constant companion. Reprinted ibid. 
 8vo, 1648. — Nov. Test, cum notis Scaligeri, Stephani, et Ca- 
 sauboni, Gr. 8vo. Lond. 1633. A good edition, very thin and 
 convenient for the pocket. — The most convenient and accu- 
 rate for common use, is that of Gerhard of Maestrich, Wet- 
 stein, Amst, 1735, 12mo. with various readings, parallel texts, 
 and some useful maps. That by Bengel, Stutgard, 1734, 12mo, 
 is a very accurate and excellent edition." Dr. A. Clarke. 
 
 " Elzevir's editions in 12mo. are in great repute, especially 
 that of 1624. Smytegelt's edition, 1675, is beautiful, and small 
 for the pocket." Dr. E. Williams. 
 
 It may be proper to observe, that one of these editions may 
 prove sufficient for persons who are merely learning the Greek 
 language, without the editions mentioned under note (#,) 
 which are chiefly valuabln for critical purposes. 
 
 (d) 1. J. Leusdeni Compendium Grsecum Nov. Test. 12mo. 
 Lond. 1688. 
 
 2. Nov. Test, in quo turn selecti versiculi 1900, qui- 
 bus omnes N. Test, voces continentur, asteriscis notantur ; 
 turn omnes et singula voces, semel vel saepius occurrentes pe° 
 culiari nota distinguuntur ; auctore Joan. Leusden. l6mo. 
 Amst. Wetstein, 1688; 18mo, Lond. Smith, 1698; 16mo, 
 Amst. Wetstein, 1701 ; 16mo. ibid. 1740; 8vo. Amst. Wetst, 
 16&8. Vide Dr. Clarke's Bib. J)ht 
 
184 NOTE* BY THE TRANSLATOR. 
 
 (e) The best edition of St. Clement^ Epistles is that by 
 Wotton, Gr. and Lat 8vo. Cantab. 1718. 
 
 The most correct edition of the epistle ascribed to St. Bar= 
 nabas, is 8vo. Lond. 1710. 
 
 S. Ignatii Epistolce, juxta exemplar Mediceuro, una cum 
 veteri Latina versione a Pearson et Smith ; Gr. et Lat. 4to. 
 Oxon. 1709. For the best translations of the epistles ascribed 
 to Clement, Barnabas, and Ignatius, see Abp. Wake's Genu- 
 ine Epistles. 
 
 S. Justini Martyris opera ab Oberthur, 8vo. Gr. et Lat. 
 Wirceb. 1777, 2 vol. "A very good, neat, and portable edi- 
 tion." 
 
 Athenagoras. The following is an excellent edition of his 
 ■works: Legatio— et de Resurrectione, &c. Gr. et Lat. cura 
 Edvardi Decbair, 8vo. Lond. 1706. For a translation, see the 
 Apologetics of Athenagoras by David Humphreys, Svo. Lond. 
 1714. 
 
 S. Macarii llomilise, Gr. et Lat. 8vo. Lips. 2 vol. 1698 am! 
 1699. '• A very neat edition." 
 
 The reader is referred to Dr. A. Clarke's Concise View of 
 Sacred Literature, for a complete account of the Works at- 
 tributed to the Fathers. It contains likev ise notations of the 
 first editions, the best editions, and the best English transla- 
 tions ; besides other valuable matter. 
 
 (/) 1. The best edition of the Segjtuagint fs that prepared 
 by the late Dr. Holmes, which is now publishing. The firs" 
 Volume appeared in 1798, since which period, several Parts 
 have been published under the inspection of Mr. Parsons. 
 
 Breitinger's edition of Grabe's Septuagint, 4 vol. 4to. Ti- 
 guri. Helvet- 1730, ranks very high in the republic of letters. 
 See Dr. A. Clarke's Bib. Diet. 
 
 For learning the language and for common use, the follow- 
 ing may be safely recommended, as substitutes. 
 
 Septuaginta, 12mo. Cantab. 1665. " This Edition is well 
 executed, mid has a learned preface by Bisl 
 
NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 18J 
 
 Septuaginta Milli, 12mo. 2 vol. Amstel. 1725. " A very cor* 
 rect edition." 
 
 2. Eusebii Historia Evangelica, a Guil. Reading, Gr. et Lat, 
 fol. Cantab, 1720. " Best edition,— The best English transla- 
 tion is the second edition of that published Lond. 1696, under 
 the title of the History of the Church from our Lord's incar» 
 nation, to the twelfth year of the Emperor Mauricius Tibe- 
 ,rius, or the year of Christ, 594. &c. &c." 
 
 3 Chrysostomi Opera, Edit. Benedictin. Montfaucon. IS 
 vol. Gr. et Lat. fol. Paris, 1718, 1738." « The best edition." 
 
 4. S. Basilii Opera, Gr. et Lat. a Garnier Monacho Bene- 
 dictino, 3 vol. fol. Paris, 1721. " Best edition." 
 
 5. Michael Neander was a Protestant Divine, and born in 
 Silesia, 1513. He was a rector of the university of Ilfeldt, and 
 afterwards of that at Pforzheim. He wrote a Hebrew Gram- 
 mar ; Pindarica Aristologia ; and other works ; but of those 
 mentioned here, I have met with no notice, — See JWelch, 
 Adam vit. Germ. Theol. 
 
 6. Spicilegium Sanctorum Patrum, ut et Hsereticorum See- 
 culi I. II. IU.— a Jo. Ernest. Grabe, Gr. et Lat. 8vo. Oxon. 
 1700, 3 vol. et 8vo. Lond. 1714, 3 vol. For further informa- 
 tion, see Dr. A. Clarke's Bib. Diet. Miscel. and Concise View, 
 
 (g) Riveti Critica Sacra, cum Tractatu de Patrum Aucto- 
 ritate, 1690, 8vo. 
 
 itoberti Coci, Censura quorumdam Scriptorum, qui sub 
 nomnibus Patrum antiquorum a Pontificiis citari solent, Lond. 
 1523, 4to. 
 
 Pearsonii Vindiciae Epistolarum S. Ignatii, 4to. Cantab» 
 1672. Boyle calls this " an incomparable work ;" and " one 
 of the first books in the world for criticism." 
 
 (/*) 1. The best version of the Bible is undoubtedly our own 
 authorized translation. 
 Biblia Sacra Scholiis illustrate a J, Tremcllio et F. Junior 
 
 16 
 
Uo NOTES Bl 1HL TKANSLATOlt. 
 
 fol. Lond. 1581.— "The version of Junias and Tremellius,' 7 
 says Dr. A. Clarke, " has much of the true natural simplicity ; 
 the chief Hebraisms are preserved and the whole exactly con- 
 formable to the Hebrew text, without obscurity or barbarity." 
 
 Opitii Atrium Linguae Sanctse, Lips. 1710. 
 
 Biblia Sacra, per Xantem Pagninura, Lugd. 1527, 4to. Arias 
 Montanus, who employed himself in improving Pagnini's ver- 
 sion, says, " Ejus interpretatio, veluti omnium tutissima, He- 
 braico textui adnecteretur." 
 
 2. With respect to Hebrew Bibles, Van der Hooght's 8vo. 
 2 vol. Arast. 1705, " for elegance and accuracy has no equal." 
 Of this work, Mr* Frey has published a new and very correct 
 edition. 
 
 u The most elegant and correct of the Anti-Masoretic Bi- 
 bles, is Biblia Heb. Forsteri, 4to. 2 vol. Oxon. 1750.— Mr. 
 Boothroyd has published an edition of the Hebrew Bible in 
 quarto, without points, but with various readings and critical 
 notes. 
 
 For those who are studying the language, the following will 
 be more useful. 
 
 Hutter's Hebrew Bible, Hamburg, 1587, and again in 1607. 
 " This work is so printed, as that the student ascertains the 
 roots at once, for which he is to search his Lexicon. A useful 
 part of it, which Hutter calls Cubus Alphabeticus sanctae He- 
 braeae Linguae is wanting in some copies; and of this purcha- 
 sers should be aware." 
 
 " But the most useful Hebrew Bible, for any learner who 
 is even moderately acquainted with the Latin is that of Mon- 
 tanus, with an interlineary Latin translation. The Latin word is 
 put exactly above the Hebrew word to which it belongs, so 
 that the student is sure to know the right sense of any word 
 in the text. The best edition was printed at Antwerp, by C. 
 Plantin, 1572, folio ; but there is a second and excellent edi- 
 tion, ibid. 1584, folio. The latter folio editions, and especially 
 the edition in 8yo. are miserably executed»" Dr. A. Clarke, 
 
NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. W 
 
 [i) The best Hebrew Grammar on the Masoretic plan, is 
 perhaps that by Mr. Israel Lyons, published by Lunn. Of 
 Parkhurst's Grammar, prefixed to his Lexicon, the Editor of 
 the British Critic has remarked, that "the experience of 
 thirty years, has evinced it to be, beyond comparison, the best 
 introduction to the Hebrew Language which ever made its ap- 
 pearance." The reader should observe, that this is an Anti- 
 Masoretic Grammar. Prey's Hebrew Grammar may be re- 
 commended to the student as a very useful one in acquiring 
 the language. 
 
 (k) Opitius' Atrium Linguae Sanctae, Lips. 1710 ; Bythner's 
 Lyra Prophetica, 4to Lond. 1664 ; and Leusden's Clavis Veteris 
 Testamenti, Ultraj. 4to. 1683 ; are become extremely scarce. 
 Opitius* Hebrew Lexicon, and Baldovius' Grammar are works, 
 of which, notices have been sought in vain. There is another 
 piece on a similar plan, Robertson's Clavis Pentateuchi, 1 vol. 
 8vo. Edinburgi, 1770, but it must likewise be numbered among 
 scarce works. These volumes, independently of their rarity, 
 are calculated for those only who are acquainted with the 
 Latin. 
 
 (I) Opitius' Lexicon is become completely scarce, and I know 
 of no Hebrew Lexicon on the same plan. When the student 
 is advanced^ Parkhurst's Hebrew and English Lexicon, Lond. 
 4to. 1792, and royal 8vo. 1800, may be safely recommended. 
 Stockii Clavis Lingua? sanctse veteris Testamenti, 8vo. Lips, 
 1753, " is," says Dr. E. Williams, " a work of uncommon 
 merit, in consulting which, the serious biblical student is sel» 
 dom disappointed." 
 
 Buxtorfii Lexicon Hebraic, et Chald. Bas. 1735, 8vo. is 
 much esteemed. But Frey's Hebrew Dictionary, in which 
 the words are ranged alphabetically, and not according to th© 
 roots is beyond all comparison the best for the Hebrew stu* 
 dent 
 
188 M 8TEB BY THE TRANSLATOR- 
 
 (m) Johannis Leusdeni Compendium Biblicum, 8vo. Ultraj. 
 1668. 
 
 (n) Those, however, who have not the advantage of a Tu- 
 tor's assistance must not despond. " Nobody," says Mr. 
 Locke, " knows what strength of parts he himself has, until 
 he has tried them ; and of the understanding, one may most 
 truly say, that its force is greater generally than it thinks, 
 until it is put to it, ' Vires acquirit eundo.' The proper 
 remedy here is, but to set the mind to work, and apply the 
 thoughts vigorously to the business ; for it holds in the strug- 
 gles of the mind, as in those of war, ' dum putant se vin- 
 cere, vic£re ;" a persuasion that we shall overcome any dif- 
 ficulties that we meet with in the sciences, seldom fails to 
 carry us through them. Nobody knows the strength of his 
 own mind, and the force of steady and regular application, 
 until he has tried." 
 
 (o) Biblia sine Punctis, 8vo. Lugd. Bat. Men. ben. Israel, 
 about 1680. As a portable Bible, the following is recom- 
 mended. — Biblia Hebraica sine Punctis ; versibus, capitibus, et 
 sectionibus interstincta, notisque Masoretarum quas Kri et 
 Ktif appellant instructa, ad Leusdenianam Editionem adorna- 
 ta. Amstel. 1701, 18 mo. " This is a very small pocket size, 
 and a beautiful little book. The Wetsteins of Amsterdam 
 printed Leusden's Greek Testament on paper of exactly the 
 same size, to- bind up with the Bible. The best edition of the 
 Testament for this purpose, appears to be that of 1740, Amst. 
 by Wetstein and Smith. ,, Dr. A. Clarke, 
 
 (p) The ancient Jews divided the Bible into three parts ; 
 the Law, the Prophets, and the Hagiographa ; for a detailed 
 account of which the reader is referred to Buck's Theological 
 Dictionary, vol. 1, p. 76 ; or the Encyclopaedia Perthensis, vol, 
 3, p. 614. It is sufficient to notice here, that the Hasriogranbc 
 
IN OTES BY THE TRANSLATOR, 1*9 
 
 comprehends the Psalms ; Proverbs ; Ecclesiastes ; Canticles ; 
 Job; Rath; the Lamentations; Esther; Daniel; Ezra (inclu- 
 ding Nehemiah ; ) and the Chronicles. Of these, a part of* 
 Daniel and Ezra is in the Chaldee dialect. 
 
 (q) John Conrad Danhawer, a German Divine of the Lu- 
 theran Church, born at Brisgaw, in 1603. He was Professor 
 of Eloquence at Strasburgh, where he died in 1666. (Morcri.) 
 His works I have never seen. 
 
 (r) 1. Black wall's Sacred Classics, Q vols. 8vo. London, 
 1727 — 1737, &c. "is a work that gives many well chosen in- 
 stances of passages in the classics which may justify many of 
 those in Scripture that have been accounted solecisms." — Dr. 
 Doddridge. It was indeed written, to prove that the Greek 
 of the New Testament was classically just ; but it is generally 
 allowed that the learned author failed in his main object; nor 
 did the cause of truth require that he should succeed. It is, 
 however, a most valuable production. The Latin scholar is 
 referred to the following translation of it, which, says Dr A. 
 Clarke, "is much more valaable than the English Original, 
 being enriched with many critical observations, by the learned 
 editor." — Blackwalli Sacri Classici a Wollio, 4to. Lips. 1736. 
 
 2. Pfeifferi Opera Omnia, 1 vol. Ultraj. 1704. 
 
 (.?) Glassi Salomonis Philologia Sacra, 4to. Lips 1725 ; and 
 2 vols. 8vo. Lips. 1776. Dr. E. Williams notices editions 4to. 
 1743, 1776, a Dathio. This " immortal Work," as Mosheim 
 atyles it, requires no testimony in its favour. 
 
 (t) 1. Clavis Scripturce Select®, seu de Sermone sacrarum 
 Literarum ; auctore Matt. Flacco (often written Flaxio) Illy- 
 rico. Basil. Oporinus, 1367, fol. 
 
 Cu) Bnxtorfii Thesaurus Grammatics, Bt*s"u\ 1609* 
 
lyi) NOTES BY T HE TRANSLATOR. 
 
 (v) 1. Antonius Schorus, de Ratione discendse docendacque 
 Lingua Gracse et Latin», Argent. 1549, 8vo. et Argent. 
 1571, 8vo. 
 
 2. Antonii Schori Pleases Lingu» Latin» e Cicerone col- 
 lect* Basil. 1550, 8vo. 
 
 (w) The commentaries of Drusius, Grotius, &c are in the 
 Critici Sacri, Lond. fol. 1660. 
 
 (x) Philippi Herwarti Compendium, &c. of which an edi- 
 tion was edited about the year 1670, by Frischmuth, a learned 
 German. 
 
 (y) 1. The Chaldee parts of Holy Writ are, of course» 
 printed in all editions of the Hebrew Bible ; and the transla- 
 tion, in our own authorized version. The Chaldee much re- 
 sembles the Hebrew. 
 
 2. " The Targum" is the designation given to the Chaldee 
 paraphrases of the books of the Old Testament, of which there 
 are no less than nine. Seven of them are written in the cor- 
 rupt Jerusalem dialect of the Chaldee language ; but the Chal- 
 dee of Onkelos and Jonathan is classical and pure." The two 
 latter, have been printed by Jo. Buxtorf, in his great Hebrew 
 Bible, 4 torn. fol. Basilia, 1620; and all of them, except the 
 Targum of Rabbi Joseph the Blind, on the two books of Chro- 
 nicles (the M. S." of which was not then discovered,) are 
 printed in the London Polyglott. See also the second Edition 
 of the Great Bible, Venice, 4 torn. fol. Bomberg. 1548. 
 
 (z) *£))* V?3D (Michlal Iophi,) Perfectio Pulchritudinis, 
 seu Commentarius in loca selecta vocesque et res difficiliores 
 Sacrse Scripturse a R. Selemone Ben Meleeh; cum TMDW BpS 
 Spicilegio, seu rerum praeteritarum et intermissarum ; Authore. 
 R. Jacob. Abendana. Amst. 4to. Anno a Mundi condito 5421 
 This edition is in the Library of the London Society-. 
 
.NOiES BV THE TKANSI.ATOK. lyi 
 
 Biblia sacra Hebraica et Chaldaica, cum Masora, Sec. edente 
 Jo. Buxtorfio, Basilise, 1620, 4 torn. fol. This is Buxtorf's 
 Bible, mentioned in the last note. 
 
 For a complete account of the writings of the Rabbins, the 
 reader is referred to Bartolocci Julii Bibliotheca magna Rab- 
 binica, de Scriptoribus et Scriptis Hebraicis, Romse, 1675, 4 
 vol. fol. and to Imbonati Bibliotheca Latino -Hebraica, &c. Ro- 
 mas, 1694, fol. 
 
192 NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR, 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 Historical Reading. 
 
 (a) Our author's term historicus (historical,) is not, per- 
 haps, very happily applied, and yet it does not seem easy to 
 substitute a better. The reader will see, in the course of the 
 chapter, that it is here taken in a wider sense than it usually 
 conveys. 
 
 (&) " The Sum and Substance of the Scriptures" is a de- 
 signation frequently applied to some main doctrine of the Bi- 
 ble i and thus Christ sometimes receives this character. In 
 the instance before the Reader, it means a brief, but complete 
 summary of the subjects, &c. recorded in the Scriptures. 
 Such a synopsis is given by almost all commentators, as well 
 as by Luther. 
 
 Lutheri Opera omnia, 7 vol. fol. Witteburg. 1554, et ani>. 
 
 (c) Heideggeri Enchiridion Biblicum, Lips. 1703. Tig. 1681, 
 and Amst. 1688. 
 
 (d) Wolffgangi Franzii Tractatus de Interpretatione Scrip- 
 ture» Sacras, 1634, 4to. Vide page 294. 
 
 The division of the sacred text into chapters and verses is 
 of modern date. Hugo de Sancto Caro, who flourished in the 
 thirteenth century, projected the first Concordance to the 
 Scriptures, and found it necessary to ditide the booics into 
 
NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR: 193 
 
 sections, and the sections into subdivisions, in order to find out 
 with the more ease any word or passage of Scripture. These 
 sections are the same as our chapters, but the subdivisions do 
 not correspond with our verses. This was the invention of 
 Rabbi Mordecai Nathan, about 1445, who, in imitation of Hu- 
 go, drew up a concordance to the Hebrew Bible for the use 
 of the Jews. See the Ency. Perth. Art. Bible. — "Black- 
 wall's Sacred Classics," says Dr. Doddridge, " contains good 
 observations on the divisions of chapters and verses, by which 
 the sense is often obscured." 
 
 (e) Chemnitii Loci Theologici, Francof. et Wirtemb. 
 1690. 
 
 (/) 1. The student may find it useful to consult Locke's 
 Common-Place Book to the Bible by Dodd, 4to. Lond. and 
 Talbot's Complete Analysis and New Arrangement of the 
 Bible, 4to. Leeds, " including the whole Scripture verbatim, 
 scientifically arranged." Warden's System of Revealed Re- 
 ligion, 4to. Lond. 1769, has its subjects " digested under pro- 
 per heads, and is compiled in the express words of Scrip- 
 ture." 
 
 2. Tossani Concordantia Bib. Lat. Junii et Tremellu, et 
 Theod. Bez«, fol. 1639- 
 
 (g ) The Works enumerated in this and the following Note, 
 on the subject of External Circumstances, are in high re. 
 pute ; and as they are within the compass of English Readers, 
 and are equally as valuable as those scarce pieces which the 
 Professor has introduced, no apology can be requisite for no- 
 ticing them here. 
 
 Waltheri Officina Biblica, 4to. 1668- 
 
 Kortholtus (Christianus) de variis Scriptur» Sacrae Edition • 
 ibus, Kilon. 1684, 4to. 
 
 Father Richard Simon's Critical History of the Old and 
 
104 NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 
 
 New Testaments, 2 vols. 8vo. " is a work of long established 
 reputation. It was first published in French, in 1768" Dr. 
 E. William's Christian Preacher, p. 416. 
 
 Jo. Hen. Maii Examen Historise Critic» Novi Testamenti, 
 Rich. Simon. Franco!'. 1690 ; and Gies. Has. 1694. 
 
 Dr. Walton's Prolegomena treat on philological, chronologi- 
 cal, geographical, and other points, in a very full and learned 
 manner. See the Biblia Sacra Polyglotta, 6 vol. fol. Lond, 
 1657. 
 
 "Campbell's Preliminary Dissertations to his new transla- 
 tions of the Gospels, possess various excellencies, and rectify 
 some considerable mistakes in Father Simon's Critical History, 
 4 vols. 8vo. or (an inferior edition,) 2 vols, large 8vo. 1807." 
 Vide Dr. E. Williams' Christian Preacher, p. 416 ; Forbes 5 
 Life of Beattie, vol. 2, p. 112 ; Crit. Rev. vol. 67, p. 179, and 
 vol. 68 p. 276. 
 
 Dr. Gerard's Institutes of Biblical Criticism, 8vo. 1808.— 
 For a high character of this work which lays down the Laws 
 of Sacred Criticism, see the Annual Review, vol. 7, p. SOS, 
 and the British Critic, vol. 32, p. 340. 
 
 Professor Michaelis' Introduction to the New Testament^ 
 translated and considerably augmented with Notes, and a 
 Dissertation on the origin and composition of the first three 
 Gospels by Dr. Herbert Marsh, 6 vols, large 8vo.-^' Mi- 
 chaelis treats of the genuine antiquity, the language, readings, 
 M. S. S. and principal editions of the New Testament ; also, 
 of the marks of distinction, aspirations, and accents, the ancient 
 versions, and the divine inspiration of the books." Dr. E. Wil- 
 liams' Christian Preacher, p 416 ; Monthly Rev. vol. 17, p. 296, 
 and vol. 18, p. 86 ; Brit. Crit. vol. 4. p. 54, and vol. 20, p. 667. 
 
 Beausobre and L'Enfant's Introduction to the reading of the 
 Holy Scriptures, intended chiefly for young students in divinity 3 
 4to. Lond. 1784. Bishop Watson republished this piece in his 
 collection of Theological Tracts, 6 vols. 8vo. Cantab. 1785 j 
 and observes respecting it, that it fe '• a work of sreat merit j 
 
BOTE'S TO THK TRANSLATOR, lite 
 
 the authors have not left any topic untouched, on which the 
 young student in divinity may be supposed to want information.* 
 
 (/i) Bocharti Opera omnia, curis Joannis Leusden. et Petri 
 Villemandy, Lugd. Bat. 1712, 3 vols. fol. " This," says D.r. 
 A. Clarke, u is the best collection of his works." Besides the 
 Hierozoicon mentioned by our aathor, "he wrote a very 
 learned and accurate work on the geography of the Sacred 
 Writings, entitled Phaleg and Canaan. Both these pieces, as 
 well as several valuable dissertations in his works, throw 
 much light on many obscure places in the Sacred Writings." 
 "Dr. I. James Scheuchzer, is author of a very elaborate 
 work, entitled Physica Sacra, which has been printed in Latin, 
 German, and French, and forms a regular comment on all the 
 books of the Bible, where any subject of natural history occurs. 
 The learned author has availed himself of all the researches 
 of his predecessors on the same subject, and has illustrated his 
 works with 750 engravings of the different subjects in the ani- 
 mal, vegetable, and mineral kingdoms, to which there is any 
 reference in the Scriptures. The German edition was pub- 
 lished in 1731, in 15 vols, folio ; the Latin edition in 1731 ; and 
 the French in 1732, 8 vols, folio, often bound in 4. The work 
 is as rare, as it is useful and elegant." Dr. A. Clarke. 
 
 Wolffgangi Franzii Animalium Historia Sacra, Amstel. 
 1643, 12nio. and 4 torn. Franc. 
 
 Calmet's Dictionary of the Holy Bible, explaining the names, 
 histories, &c. of persons, places, and natural productions, 
 mentioned in Scripture ; the antiquities, buildings, coins, 
 habits, laws, customs, and peculiarities of the Jews and other 
 Eastern nations ; with chronological tables, calenders, &c. &c 
 To which are added, entirely new illustrations of Scripture 
 incidents and expressions, selected from the accounts of the 
 most authentic historians, travellers, &c. Illustrated by nu- 
 merous Plates of views, plans, habits, &c. — Also, the Supple- 
 ment to Calmet's Dictionary of the Holy Bible, containiri£ 
 
190 NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 
 
 words omitted in the Dictionary, and further remarks, &c. in 
 continuation of the fragments, 4to. See Dr. E. Williams' 
 Christian Preacher, 2d edit. p. 423, Mon. Rev. 1797, p. 392 ; 
 Crit. Rev. 1788. p. 462. 
 
 Scripture Illustrated, by Engravings referring to Natural 
 Science, Customs, Manners?&c. By the Editors of Calmet'3 
 Dictionary, 4to. See the Monthly Rev. May, 1803; and 
 Evangelical Mag. vol. 11. p. 347 — 9. 
 
 A Companion to the Holy Bible ; the subject, Sacred Geo» 
 graphy : being a geographical and historical account of places 
 mentioned in the Holy Scriptures; originally composed by 
 Edward Wells, D. D. Now revised, and corrected, and aug- 
 mented by a series of geographical excursions, in which the 
 geography of Scripture is confirmed by evidence entirely new 
 jn its application, &c. By the Editor of Calmet's Dictionary ; 
 with (forty four) maps and|plates*< — Lit. Panorama, vol. 5, p. 858, 
 ~-The original work is in the Bishop of Chester's List of 
 Books. 
 
 Brown's (of Haddington) Dictionary of the Bible ; contain- 
 ing an historical account of the persons; a geographical and 
 historical account of the places ; a literal, critical, and syste- 
 matical description of other objects, whether natural, artifi- 
 cial, civil, religious, or military ; and the explication of the 
 appellative terms mentioned in the writings of the Old and 
 New Testaments. 5th Edition, 2 vols. 8vo. — I*or a high cha- 
 racter of this work, see the Gospel Mag. 1778, p. 424 ; and the 
 Evan. Mag. Nov. 1799. 
 
 Prittii Introductio ad lectionem Novi Testament!, in qua 
 quserem criticam historiam, chronologiam, et geographiam per- 
 tinent breviter et perspicue exponuntur, 8vo. Lipsise 1704, and 
 a fourth edition in 1737. " I have never," says Bishop Wat 
 son,/' met with any book superior to this, as an introduction 
 to the New Testament." 
 
 Harraer's Observations on various parts of Scripture, revised, 
 corrected; aad enlarged frora modern writers^ witl 
 
NOTES by THE TRANSLATOR. 197 
 
 Clarke, L. L. D, and F. A. S. 4 vols. large Svo. 1808. This 
 work, " casts much light on many difficult Texts, that relate to 
 the customs and manners, civil, and religious, of the Asiatic 
 nations, by quotations from the works of ancient and modern 
 travellers into different parts of the East, who have described 
 those customs, &c. as still subsisting." See Dr. Williams 3 
 Christian Preacher, p. 418, and Eclec. Rev. vol. 5, p. 1115. 
 
 S. Burder's Oriential Customs ; or, an Illustration of the 
 Sacred Scriptures, by an explanatory application of the cus- 
 toms and manners of the Eastern nations, 2 vols. Svo. This 
 work is on the plan of the preceding, and contains much new 
 matter. See the Monthly Rev. June, 1802 ; Brit. Crit. Feb. 
 1804, and July 1807; Evan. Mag. March, 1802, and March 9 
 1807. 
 
 " Fleury's Manners, Customs, Laws, Polity, and Religion 
 of the Israelites," observes Dr. E. Williams, " is a pleasing 
 and instructive little volume. Bishop Home says of it, "It is 
 an excellent introduction to the reading of the Old Testament, 
 and should be put into the hands of every young person." An 
 improved edition of it has been published by Dr. Adam 
 Clarke, 1802." 
 
 Dr. Jennings' Jewish Antiquities ; a course of Lectures on 
 Godwin's Moses and Aaron, 2 vols. 8vo. This work is in the 
 Bishop of Chester's, and in Dr. E. Williams' Lists» See also' 
 the Monthly Rev. vol. 35, p. 124. 
 
 Godwin's Moses and Aaron, &c. 4to. 1C85, &c. See Chris- 
 tian Preacher, p. 4SI. 
 
 Buxtorni (Patri9) Synagoga Judaica, Basil, 12mo. 1661, and 
 3vo. 1712. " It treats of the sects, rites, &c. of the Jews, in 
 fifty chanters." 
 
 Bryant's Observations upon the plagues inflicted upon the 
 Egyptians, &c. 8vo. 1810. See Brit. Crit- vol. 4, p. 35. 
 
 Leusden's Philologus Hebrseus, Philologus Hebrseo-Grsecus 
 generalis, et Philologus Hebrajo-mixtus, una cum Spicilegio 
 Pbilolo^ico, 4to, Basil 17.59, " This," says Dr. E, Williams, 
 
m NOTES h\ THE TRANSLATOR 
 
 u is a work full of curious and useful information on biblical 
 subjects." 
 
 •' Lowman's Rationale of the Hebrew Ritual, 8vo. Lond. is 
 much esteemed*" Christian Preacher, p. 416. 
 
 Spencer de Legibus Hebraeorum Ritualibus, &c. 2 vol. foL 
 Cantab. 1727. 
 
 Wilson's Archaeological Dictionary; or classical Antiquities 
 of the Jews, Greeks, and Romans. 
 
 Lewis' Origines Hebncse, 4 vol. 8vo. 
 
 lladriani Relandi Autiquitates Sacra; Yeterum llebneomin 
 breviter delineate, l2mo. Traj. Bat. 1712 and 1717. 
 
 Gulielmi Outrami de Sacrificiis libri duo, 4to. Lond. 1667. 
 <c A work, observes Dr. A. Clarke, ** of considerable worth." 
 
 Maurice's Dissertation on the Oriental Trinities (from the 
 4th and 5th vols, of his Indian Antiquities ;) with all the plates 
 illustrative of the subject, Svo. 1800. Brit. Crit. vol. 17, p. 
 60S. 
 
 Bingham's Antiquities of the Christian Church ; 2 vol.fol. 
 Lond» 1726. — The last ten works are in Dr. E. Williams' List. 
 
 Dr. Hale's New Analysis of Chronology, 2 vol 4to. 1809-10» 
 Dr. A. Clarke calls this "An elaborate and useful work." 
 
 Archbishop Usher's Annals of the Old and Xew Testament, 
 with the Synchronisms of heathen story to the destruction of 
 Jerusalem, fol. Lond. 1658. 
 
 Blair's Chronology and History o£ the World, from the 
 creation to the j ear of Christ, 1768, illustrated in sixty -six 
 Tables « of which four are introductory, and, include the 
 centuries prior to the first Olympiad ; and each of the remain- 
 ing fifty -two contains, in one expanded view, half a century ; 
 with excellent maps. Lond. 1768. 
 
 Playfair's System of Chronology ; containing an explana- 
 tion of the principles of the science ; chronological history, 
 lists, tables, and charts ; biographical index, &c. fol. Edinb, 
 I7S4— " Both these works are admirable," says Dr. E. Wi\ 
 
nSS BY THE TRANSLATOR. 1$ 
 
 liiams ; " and may well supersede Bedford, Tallents, ScaUger, 
 Strauohins, &c. 
 
 Dr. Robert Gray's Key to the Old Testament, and the 
 Apocrypha : or an Account of their several books ; their con- 
 tents and authors ; and of the times in which they were res- 
 pectively written, 8vo. 1790. This work is in the Bishop of 
 Chester's List 3 p. 9, and in Dr. E. Williams' Appendix to the 
 Christian Preacher, p. 415. See also Dr. Herbert Marsh's 
 Divinity Lectures, p. 49. 
 
 Bishop Percy's Key to the New Testament, giving an ac- 
 count of the several books, their contents, their authors, and 
 of the times, places, and occasions on which they were writ- 
 ten, 12mo. — "From Michaelis' Introduction, Lardner's His- 
 tory, and Dr. Owen's Observations, Dr. Percy compiled that 
 very useful manual called, A Key to the New Testament, 
 which has gone through many editions, and is very properly 
 purchased by most candidates for holy orders. Dr. Marsh's 
 Lectures, p. 48. 
 
 Collyer's Sacred Interpreter, or a practical introduction to 
 a beneficial reading and a thorough understanding of the Holy 
 Bible. "It treats," says Dr. E. Williams, «of the chief his- 
 torical events of the four great monarchies of the Jewish 
 Church, to the taking of Jerusalem : and the Design of each 
 book of the Pentateuch, prophets, Gospels, &c." Dr. Her- 
 bert Marsh styles it u a good popular preparation for the 
 study of the Holy Scriptures." See Theol. Lectures, p. 4$. 
 
 Father Lamy's Apparatus Biblicus ; or an Introduction to 
 the Holy Scriptures, with Notes and Additions. Illustrated 
 with Plates, 2 vol. 8vo. Lond. 1728. " This has often been 
 republished In Latin, French, and English ; and is a work ol" 
 ^reat merit." Dr. A. Clarke, 
 
 Jones' (Jeremiah) new and full method of settling the ca- 
 nonical authority of the New Testament, 3 vol. 8vo. Lond. 
 %7$6. This work " stands in high repute." Dr. E. Williams. 
 
 T o^<?' Le^ttTres on the figurative Language of th'e Httfy 
 
200 NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 
 
 Scriptures. To which are added, Lectures on the old and 
 New Testaments, &c« 8vo. 1808, " These Lectures constitute 
 in our opinion, one of the most ingenious and valuable works 
 of their author. They are at once calculated to illustrate and 
 enforce scriptural truths, to throw new light upon some doubt- 
 ful passages, to enlarge the understanding, to affect the heart, 
 and conscience, and stimulate to upright and holy- conduct." 
 Eclectic Rev. Aug. 1809. 
 
 Erown's (of Haddington) brief view of the figures, and ex- 
 plication of the metaphors, contained in Scripture, 12ma, 
 1803. 
 
 Paley's Horse Paulime ; or the Truth of the Scripture His- 
 tory of St. Paul, evinced by a comparison of the Epistles 
 which bear his name, with the Acts of the Apostles, and with 
 one another. 5th Ed. 8vo. "If the Epistles attributed to St. 
 Paul, and the l^story of this Apostle, supposed to be written 
 by St. Luke, were forgeries, it might be expected that, in some 
 instances, they would contradict each other. The coinci- 
 dence, on the other hand, might be glaring, and ostentatiously 
 brought forward ; or the epistles might consist of general doc- 
 trines, without alluding to any particular transactions of the 
 history, styled in our translation, the acts of the Apostles, 
 Either peculiarity might subject them to suspicion — On the 
 contrary, though there are not many personal or secular re- 
 marks in these epistles, they sometimes occur, apparently 
 without design ; and these, when traced in other epistles, or 
 the history of St. Paul; are consistent, and support each other. 
 
 The obscure and unexpected coincidences it is Dr. P's. ob- 
 ject to point out." Crit. Rev. vol. 70, p. 595.— This piece may 
 be useful to those who study St. Paul's epistles ; vide p. 205 
 of this work. 
 
 Dr. Lardner's works, 11 vol. 8vo. Lond. 1788. The first 
 six volumes contain the Credibility ; and the seventh, eighth, 
 and ninth, the Jewish and Heathen Testimonies, and the His 
 
.VOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR, *0,l 
 
 \ory of Heretics. The reader is referred to Dr. A. Clarke's 
 List of Critical works on the New Testament, for a high cha* 
 racter of these volumes. 
 
 Bp. Lowth's Lectures on the Sacred poetry of the He- 
 brews, 2 vol. 8vo. 1787, translated from the Latin by Dr. 
 George Gregory, and enriched with the principal notes of 
 Professor Michaelis and others. "In this admired work," 
 Says Bishop Porteus, " Dr. Lowth has described and illustra- 
 ted the properties and excellencies of each particular species of 
 that poetry with such admirable taste and skill, with such exu- 
 berant richness of imagery, such variety, copiousness, elegance, 
 and rotundity of style, as few writers have yet equalled in a 
 language not their own." — The title of the original work, 
 which every Latin scholar must prefer, is De Sacra PoesiHe- 
 braeorum. a Rob. Lowth. Oxon. 1775, 2 vols. 8vo. See also Dr. 
 &. Williams' and Bishop Watson's Lists, and Dr. A. Clarke's 
 Bib. Diet. 
 
 Shuckford's Connexion of Sacred and Profane History, 
 from the creation of the world to the dissolution of the Assy- 
 rian empire, 4 vol. 8vo. Lond. edited by Dr. A. Clarke. 
 
 Prideaux's Connexion of the Old and New Testament, in 
 the history of the Jews and neighbouring nations, from the de- 
 clension of the kingdom of Israel and Judah, to the time of 
 Christ, 4 vol, 8vo. Lond. 1749, &c 
 
 Josepki opera Gr. et Lat. excus. ad Edit. Lugd. Bat. Sieg, 
 Havercampii, cum Oxon. Hudsonii Collatura curu Oberthur* 
 3 vol. Svo. maj. Lips. 1782-85. " A valuable edition by a very 
 learned man. The best and most accurate Translation is by 
 Whiston, fol. Lond. 1737. On the later ones in general, no 
 dependence can be placed." Dr. A. Clarke. 
 
 Glassii Philologia Sacra, qua totius sacro-sanctcs Vet. et 
 Nov. Test. Scripture, turn stylus et literatura, turn sensus et 
 genuinse interpretationis ratio expenditur. See note (s) m the 
 preceding chapter. 
 
 ir* 
 
38 wp tfuTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 
 
 Blackwall's Sacred classics, &c. See note (r) ibid. 
 "Elsneri Observationes Sacrein Novi Foederis libros, 2 vol. 
 Svo. Trajecti ad Rhenum, 1720, and 
 
 " Alberti Observationes Philologicae in Sacros Novi Foederis 
 libros, Svo. Ludg. Bat. 1725, stand high as critical books." 
 Dr. E. Williams. 
 Nic. de Mortier Etymologise Sacre, fol. Rom. 1705. 
 J. Alb. Bengelii, Ordo temporum a principiis per periodcs 
 osconomiee divine, &c. 8vo. Stutgard. 1770. 
 
 J. Alb. Bengelii Apparatus Criticus Novi Testament!, a 
 Burch, Tubing. Cotta, 1763. — " Whatever Bengel has done on 
 the Scriptures," says Dr. A. Clarke, "is of great importance 
 to saored criticism. Such solid judgment, profound learning, 
 and deep piety, rarely ever meet in the same person," 
 Griesbaehii Cure in historiam Textus, Sec. 4to. Jens, 1777. 
 -—— — — - Synopsis Evangeliorum, 8vo. liaise 1776. 
 
 __ Symbol ce Criticre, Pars 1. 8vo. Halse 1785 ; Pars 
 
 II. Halas, 1793. — " All the works of this critic are highly and 
 deservedly esteemed." Dr. A. Clarke's Bib. Diet. 
 Matth. Martini Cadmus Greco-Phoenix, 8vo. 16S1. 
 Eilhardi Lubini Clavis Nov. Test. 4to. Rostoch, 1614. 
 Geor. Crauscri Phosphorus,Grecarum Vocum ct Phrasium 
 N. Test. &c. 4to. Francof. et Lips. 1676, 
 J. C. Dicterici Antiquitates N. Test, fob Franc. 1671. 
 A Cocquii Observationes Criticb-sacrse in N. Test. — de Phi- 
 losophic et Doctrina morum, &c. 4to. L. Bat. 1678. 
 
 P. S. Papenii Lexicou Onomato-Phraseologicum in Cod. Sac. 
 Nov* Test. 4to. Lips- 17'2S. The last thirteen works are in 
 Dr. A. Clarke's List of Critical Works on the New Test. 
 
 "Jo. Tobise Krebsii Observationes in Nov. Testam. e Flav. 
 Joseph o, 8vo. Lips. 1754. — Geo. Dav. Kypke Observationes in 
 Novi Foederis Libros, ex auctoribus, potissimum Grecis, &c. 
 2 vol. 8vo. Vratislavise, 1755. — Georgii Rapheiii Annotationes 
 in Sacram Scripturam, &c. Lugd. 1747, 2 vol. 8vo. — Kvebs 
 throws much light on different facts and form? of sne^ch in iha 
 
^OTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 2QS 
 
 New Testament, by his quotations from Josephus; Kypke 
 does the same, by an appeal to the Greek Writers ; and Ra- 
 pheliu8 gives historical elucidation of the Old, and philological 
 observations on the New Testament, drawn particularly from 
 Xenophon, Polybius, Arrian, and Herodotus." Dr. A. Clarke. 
 
 Sharpe's (Granville) Three Tracts on the Syntax and Pro- 
 nunciation of the Hebrew tongue ; &c. 12mo 1804« Evan. 
 Mag. 1S05, p. 82. See also the Christian Observer, 1804, p. 
 417. 
 
 Sharpe's (Granville) Remarks on the uses of the Definitive 
 Article, in the Greek Text of the New, Testament. For a 
 high character of this work, see Bishop Burgess* Letter to Mr. 
 Sharpe, prefixed to the second edition. Also Wordsworth's 
 Six Letters, and Middleton's Doctrine of the Greek Ar- 
 ticle. 
 
 Capelli (Ludovici) Arcanum punctationis revelatum. Lugd. 
 1624, 4to. This work, by questioning the antiquity of the 
 vowel-points, gave rise to a controversy, which has never yet 
 been decided. " The best defence of them," according to Dr. 
 A. Clarke, "is that by Mr. Peter Whitfield, Liverpool, 
 1748, 4to. 
 
 Bos Lamberti Observationes in Nov. Test. Francq.1713, 8vo. 
 
 Bos Lamberti Ellipses Grsecse, cum notis variorum ; ex re- 
 censione Nic. Sshwebellii. Norimb. 1763, 8vo.— Cura Mi- 
 ehaelis, Halse, 1765, 8vo. «Bos," says Dr. \. Clarke, "was 
 a profound scholar, and his writings are all deservedly es- 
 teemed. 
 
 The works enumerated in this and the preceding Note, 
 with some that are mentioned in other parts of the volume, 
 constitute a list of the more valuable pieces on biblical criti- 
 cism and external circumstances ; and, as they are immediately 
 connected with the study of the Scriptures, they form a requi- 
 site, and, it is hoped, valuable appendage to the present trea- 
 tise. The Translator has bestowed some pains to make the 
 selection as accurate and comnW*» as possible, though it ta 
 
<3Gi NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 
 
 natural to expect, that not a few standard works may have es* 
 caped his notice.— With reBpect to the mode in which they 
 are arranged, other writers have not confined themselves to 
 any particular order ; and, unless it be that in which these 
 volumes should be studied, none seems strictly necessary* On 
 this point the reader is left to make his own election» Some 
 pieces, it is evident, are preparatory to the study of the sacred 
 text ; while others should be read consecutively ; but all should 
 be perused in a direct subordination to a spiritual acquaintance 
 with the livelv Oracles. 
 
NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR» 807 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Analytical Reading. 
 
 (a) " The first work of the mind," observes Dr. Watts, 
 *' is perception, whereby our ideas are framed ; and the se- 
 cond is judgment, which joins or disjoins our ideas, and forms 
 a proposition ; so, the third is reasoning, which joins seve- 
 ral propositions together, and makes a syllogism. ; that is, an 
 argument -whereby ive are wont to infer something that is less 
 known, from truths which are more evident. Thus, 
 
 Our Creator must be worshipped. 
 
 God is our Creator. 
 
 Therefore, God must be worshipped. 
 This is an example of a syllogism ; of which, u the matter 
 is always made up of three propositions s and these proposi- 
 tions are made up of three ideas or terms. The three terms 
 are the major, the minor, and the middle. The middle term 
 is the third idea, invented and disposed in two propositions, in 
 suoh a manner as to show the connexion between the major 
 and minor term in the conclusion." Dr. Watts' Logic, Part 
 3. Chap. I. &o. 
 
 (b) The reader may refer to our author's Analyses of the 
 epistles to the Colossians and Ephesians, appended to the body 
 of this work. 
 
 (f) See Dr. Watts' IiOgic, Prirt 3. 
 
2u0 NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 
 
 (d) " The subject of a proposition is that, concerning which 
 any thing is affirmed or denied ; and the predicate is that 
 which is affirmed or denied of the subject. Thus, * Plato was 
 a Philosopher,' is a proposition ; in which, Plato is the sub- 
 ject, and philosopher the predicate" Dr. Watts. 
 
 (e) " The art of reasoning' or inferring one thing from ano- 
 ther, is generally expressed and known by the particle there- 
 fore, when the argument is formed according to the rules of 
 
 art ; though in common discourse and writing, such casual 
 particles SLsfor, because, manifest the act of reasoning, as well 
 as the illative particles, then and therefore ; and wheresoever 
 any of these words are used, there is a perfect syllogism ex- 
 pressed or implied ; though perhaps the three propositions do 
 not appear, or are not placed in regular form." Watts. 
 
hO f ES BY THE TRANSLATOR. P? 
 
 PART II. 
 
 CHAPTER f, 
 
 Expository Reading, 
 
 (a) 1. II. Stephani Concordantiae Grxco-Latinae, Geneva^ 
 1624, and Schmidii Concordantiae Graecae, Novi Testament^ 
 fol. Lips. 1717. The latter "is," says Dr. A. Clarke, "a 
 most useful and excellent work, and far superior to the 
 former." 
 
 2. Buxtorfii Concordantiae Bibliorum Hebraicae at Chalda- 
 ica?, Basil. 1632 fol. ««This is a work of great labour. Dr. 
 Taylor of Norwich translated and greatly improved it in a 
 work entitled tlie Hebrew Concordance adapted to the Eng- 
 lish Bible, disposed after the manner of Buxtorf, 2 vol. fol. 
 Lond. 1754. This latter is an invaluable work ; and will con- 
 tinue in high repute, while the Hebrew Scriptures are held in 
 the estimation they deserve." Dr. A. Clarke. 
 
 Christian! Noldii Concordantise Particularum Ebraeo-Chal- 
 daicarum in quibus partium indeclinabilium quae occurrunt in 
 Fontibus, et hactenus non expositae sunt in Lexicis aut Con- 
 cordantiis, natura et sensuum varietas ostenditur. Digerun- 
 tur ea methodi ut Lexici et Concordantiarum loco simul esse 
 possint. Accommodantur hue etiam particular Graecae, &c, 
 &c. 4to. Jen», 1734. ««So complete is this Concordance, that 
 it has scarcely left any thing on the subject unfinished ; and it 
 
NOTES BY THE i , 
 
 is of the greatest importance to every biblical student and cri- 
 tic." Dr. A.Clarke. 
 
 Abrabami Trommii Concordantise GrEecae Versionis vnlgo 
 diet» LXX Interpretum, cujus voces secundum ordinem ele- 
 mentorum sermonis Graeci digest» recensentur, kc. Legun- 
 tur hie praeterea voces Graec» pro Hebraicis redditse ab anti- 
 quis omnibus Veteris Test. Interpretibus, quorum non nisi 
 fragmenta extant, Aquila, Symmacho, Theodotione, et aliis. 
 Amstel- et Traject, ad Rhen. 1718, 2 vol. fol. "This," re- 
 marks Dr. A. Clarke, M is an elaborate and useful work." 
 
 (&) Cruden's Complete Concordance, 4to. Lond. and 4ta 
 Edinb. Of this work Dr, E. Williams observes, that it is "so 
 complete, that nothing remains materially deficient." 
 
 Crutwell's Concordance of Parallel Passages of Scripture, 
 collected from Bibles and Commentaries which have been 
 published in Hebrew, Latin, French, Italian, Spanish, English, 
 &c. 4to. 1790. " This work," says Dr. E. Williams, « sells 
 high, but the biblical student may expect good interest»" It 
 is in the Bishop of Lincoln's list. 
 
 The best Bible on the plan of Canne's appears to be Scott's, 
 a new edition of which has been lately published by the author 
 himself. Mr. S. has availed himself of the pious labours of his 
 predecessors in selecting Marginal References, especially of 
 the latter Editions of the Oxford Bible in quarto, of Mr. 
 Brown's Bible, and Mr. Canne's." To collect these, " ex- 
 clusively employed the author full four years as his unremit- 
 ting labour." 
 
 (c) u Analogy of faith is the proportion that the doctrines of 
 the gospel bear to each other ; or, the close connexion be- 
 tween the truths of revealed religion : Rom. xii. 6. It is evi- 
 dent that the Almighty doth not act without a design in the 
 system of Christianity, any more than he does in the works of 
 Nature. Now this design must bo uniform ; for as, in the sys- 
 
XGTBS BY TlifVi IRA.XSLA1 309 
 
 tem of the nniverse, every part is proportioned to the "whole;, 
 and made subservient to it; so, in the system of the gospel, all 
 the various truths, doctrines, declarations, precepts, and pro- 
 mises, must correspond with, and tend to the end designed. 
 For instance, supposing the gloiy of God in the salvation of 
 man by free grace, be the grand design ; then, whatever doc- 
 trine, assertion, or hypothesis agrees not with this, it is to he 
 considered a9 false." Buck's Theol. Diet. sub. Art. 
 
 (J) The following Rules are proposed by that able exposi* 
 tor, Dr. Campbell, and will, I doubt net, be acceptable to the 
 reader. 
 
 1. Get acquainted with each writer's style. 
 
 2. Inquire carefully into the character, the situation, and the 
 office of the writer ; the time, the place, the occasion, of his 
 writing ; and the people for whose immediate use he'origmaiiy 
 intended his work. 
 
 5. Consider the principal scope of the hook, and the parti- 
 culars chiefly observable in the method by which the writer 
 has purposed to execute his design. 
 
 4. Where the phrase is obscure, the context must be con- 
 sulted. This, however, will not always answer. 
 
 5. If it do not, consider whether the phrase be any of the 
 writer's peculiarities ; if so, it must be inquired what is the 
 acceptation in which he employs it in other places. 
 
 6. If this be not sufficient, recourse should be had to the 
 parallel passages, if there be an}' such in the other sacred 
 writer?. 
 
 7. If this throw no light, consult the N$w Testament and 
 the Septuagint, where the word may be used. 
 
 S. If the term be on'y once used in Scripture, then recur to 
 the ordinary acceptation of the term in classical authors. 
 
 0. Sometimes reference may be had to the Fathers. 
 
 10. The ancient versions, as well as modern scholiasts, an» 
 MitorSj and transl be consulted. 
 
m -NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 
 
 11. The analogy of faith, and the etymology of the word, 
 must be used with caution. 
 
 (e) Martin Gejer, a German Divine, born at Leipsic, in 
 1614. His Commentaries on the Old Testament were printed 
 in 2 vols. fol. Moreri. 
 
 (/) Vide the preceding notes (^) and (h) in Part I . 
 Chap. II. 
 
 (g) The following list of Commentaries, which as Externa": 
 Helps ought to be noticed here, includes those which are highly 
 esteemed and well recommended. 
 
 COMMENTATORS ON THE WHOLE 
 SCRIPTURES. 
 
 u Brennius.- — His notes are exceedingly short, but very im- 
 portant. And there was reason to say of him, Ubi bene, 7iemcy 
 melius, &c". Dr. Doddridge. 
 
 "Brown's Self-Interpreting Bible is an admirable book ei- 
 ther for ministers or families. Its chief excellencies are the 
 marginal references, which are exceedingly useful to preach- 
 ers ; and the close, plain, and practical improvement to each 
 chapter. " (Buck.) 2 vols. 4to. 1808. 
 
 Calmet's Biblia Sacra Latina et Gallice, cum Comment, 
 Literal et Critic, fol. 8 vol. in 9, Paris, 1724.— M This is the 
 best edition ; but that done since in 26 vol. fol. has the author's 
 dissertations. Besides this, there is an edition in 9 vol. fol. 
 Paris, Emery, Saugrain and Martin, 1719 — 17-26. It has a 
 vast apparatus of Prefaces and Dissertations, in which immense 
 learning, good sense, sound judgment, and deep piety, are in- 
 variably displayed. Though the Vulgate is his text, yet he 
 notices all its variations from the Hebrew and Greek originals, 
 and generally builds his criticisms on these. He quotes all the 
 ancient Commentators, and most of the modern, whether Ca= 
 tholic or Protestant. His Illustrations of many difficult Texts, 
 
SOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 211 
 
 referring to Idolatrous Customs, Rites, Ceremonies, &c, from 
 the Greek and Roman Classics are abundant, appropriate, and 
 successful. His Tables, Maps, Plans, &c. are very judiciously 
 constructed, and, consequently, very useful. This is, without 
 exception, the best Comment ever published on the Sacred 
 Writings, either by Catholics or Protestants." Dr. A. Clarke. 
 
 Clarke's (Samuel) Annotations, 1 vol. fol. " The notes are 
 very short, and many of them but a word or two. They are 
 placed under the several verses with marks of reference, 
 Frequently a sentence or expression is explained merely by 
 referring to some other passage. Dr. Doddridge made this 
 his common place book, in the margin of which, he inserted 
 notes and references in short hand, and used to recommend 
 it to his pupils (as preferable to all others for this purpose.") 
 Palmer's Noncon. Mem. 
 
 " Coke (the Rev. Dr. ) has lately published a Commentary 
 on the Old and New Testaments, in 6 vol. 4to. This is, in 
 the main, a reprint of the work of Dr. Dodd, with several re- 
 trenchments and some additional reflections ; but all the mar* 
 ginal readings and parallel texts are entirely omitted." Br, 
 A. Clarke. 
 
 "Cradock's three volumes are very valuable; though I 
 think (contrary to most others,) that the last two on the New 
 Testament are much better than the first on the Old. His 
 extracts in the margin from Hammond, Lightfoot, and Grc- 
 tius are very judicious ; and 1 think, on the whole, I never 
 read any one author, that assisted me more in what relates to 
 the New Testament. His schemes of the Epistles are gene- 
 rally more just than those of the ingenious writers mentioned 
 above ; because he takes the design of the apostles to be, as it 
 certainly was, more general than they suppose." Dr. Dod° 
 dridge, 
 
 " Dodd (the late Dr. Wm.) published a Commentary on the 
 Old and New Testaments, 3 vols. fol. Lond. 1770. Much of 
 it h taken from the Comment of Father Calmet, already de* 
 
Stf rE$ BY THE TRANSLATOR. 
 
 scribed ; but he has enriched his work by many valuable notes, 
 which he extracted from the inedited papers of Lord Claren- 
 don, Dr. Waterland, and Mr. Locke. He has also borrowed 
 many important notes from Father Houbigant. This work, 
 as giving in general the true sense of the Scriptures, is by far 
 the best comment that has yet appeared in the English lan- 
 guage." Dr. A. Clarke. 
 
 * Gill's Exposition abounds with rabbinical and theological 
 information; but, though upon the whole a very valuable 
 work, it is often prolix and tautological, and sometimes injudi- 
 cious." (Dr. E. Williams.) «'He was a very learned and 
 good man ; but has often lost sight of his better judgment in 
 spiritualizing his text." (Dr. A. Clarke.) Of this work, Dr. 
 Rippon has recently published a new edition, in 9 vols. 4to. 
 
 " A work entitled An Illustration of the Sacred Writings, 
 was published by Mr. Goadby, at Sherborne. It contains many 
 judicious notes ; has gone through several editions ; and, while 
 it seems to be orthodox, is written entirely on the Arian hy- 
 pothesis." Dr. A. Clarke. 
 
 Grotii Opera Theologica. fol. 4 vol. " The best edition is 
 that of London, 1697." — " Grotius has done more to illustrate 
 the Scriptures by what is called profane learning» than per- 
 haps almost all the other Commentators put together."— 
 * To give the literal and genuine sense of the Sacred Writings 
 is always the laudable study of this great man." — " Neverthe- 
 less, he too often gives up prophecies which, in their original 
 sense, relate to the Messiah." Dr. Doddridge, and Dr. A. 
 Clarke. 
 
 <( Henry is perhaps the only commentator so large, that de- 
 serves to be entirely and attentively read through. The re* 
 markable passages, I think, should be marked. There is 
 much to be learned in this work in a speculative, and still 
 more in a practical way. The last volume is not, on the whole, 
 equal to the rest ; though the Exposition of the Romans, be- 
 gun bv H.enrv frod finished bv Dr. Evans, is th*» brst I eve? 
 
NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 213 
 
 saw." (Or. Doddridge.) It is to be observed that Mr. Henry 
 did not live ro complete this work ; part of the Romans, as 
 Dr. Doddridge remarks, and all the subsequent books, were 
 done by other hands. A new and correct edition has been 
 lately published by Messrs. Hughes and Burder, in 6 vols. 4to. 
 " Jerome is one of the most useful of the Fathers, whether 
 Greek or Latin. His Translation of the Scriptures, commonly 
 called the Vulgate, is an invaluable work, of great authority 
 in biblical criticism, and justly ranked with the original texts." 
 • — u He is author of a very valuable comment on all the Bible." 
 — - " His commentaries on the Prophets, Ecclesiastes, Matthew, 
 the Epistles to the Galatians, Ephesians, Titus, and Philemon, 
 are very valuable." Hieronyrai opera a Dominico Vallarsio, 
 fol. Veronse, 1734-42, 11 vols. "This is called the best edi- 
 tion." Dr. A. Clarke. 
 
 " Martin (David of Utrecht,) not only translated the whole 
 of the Old and New Testaments into French, but also wrote 
 short notes on both, which contain much good sense, learning, 
 and piety. Amsterdam, 1707, 2 vols, fol." Dr. A. Clarke. 
 
 Poole's Annotations, 2 vols. fol. Lond. 1688, and a late edi- 
 tion, 4 vols. 4to. Edinb. Of the first volume, Dr. Doddridge 
 says, it is " incomparably good ;" and Dr. A. Clarke, in refe- 
 rence to the whole, observes that " the notes are short, but 
 abound with good sense and seund judgment." 
 
 " Priestley (the late Dr.) compiled a body of notes on the 
 Old and New Testaments, in 3 vols. 8vo. published at North- 
 umberland in America, 1804. Though the Doctor keeps his 
 own creed (Unitarianism,) continually in view, especially 
 when considering those Texts which other religious people 
 adduce in favour of theirs, yet his work contains many valua- 
 ble Notes and observations, especially on the philosophy, na- 
 tural history, geography, and chronology of the Scriptures ; 
 and to these subjects, few men in Europe were better qualified 
 f.o do justice." Dj\ A. Clarke. 
 
 is* 
 
NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 
 
 " Robertson is in rather too pedantic a form ; but, upon the 
 whole, the analysis is very good ; and, perhaps, those who 
 have studied their Bibles most closely, and know where diffi- 
 culties in the connexion lie, will approve it most ; especially 
 on the Old Testament, which far exceeds the New." Dr. 
 Doddridge. 
 
 Scott's Bible, a new edition of which has been lately pub- 
 lished, under the care of the author himself. " The author's 
 aim seems to be, to speak plain truth to plain men ; and, for 
 this purpose, he has interspersed a multitude of practical ob- 
 servations all through the text, which cannot fail, from tbe 
 spirit of sound piety which they breathe, of being very useful." 
 (Dr. A. Clarke.) The recommendation of the edition now 
 publishing at New York, which is signed by some of the first 
 divines in the United States, gives the following appropriate 
 character of the work. — u Scott's Family Bible is a work of 
 the greatest merit and usefulness. The author has examined 
 the Sacred Text with uncommon care, and given an exposi* 
 tion of it, at once judicious, evangelical, and interesting. We 
 consider it peculiarly adapted for the instruction, consolation, 
 and establishment of the great body of Christians." 
 
 Walafridi Strabunis Glosss Ordinaria?, " is properly a Ca- 
 tena or collection of all Comments of the Greek and Latin Fa* 
 thers prior to his time. The best edition of this valuable work 
 was printed at Antwerp in 1634." Dr. A. Clarke. 
 
 " Wells' book is more despised than it ought to be. The 
 character of the author was deservedly low, and his style 
 sometimes is intolerably bad ; but his method of division is 
 very clear. He has plundered a great many excellent writers; 
 brought together their spoils in a little room ; added, here and 
 there, some very good notes of his own ; and he has well cor- 
 rected the common version." Dr. Doddridge. 
 
 Wesley's Notes on the Old and New Testaments, 4 vols. 
 4to. Bristol, 1765. "The notes on the Old Testament, arc 
 allowed, on all hands, to be mcajrre awl unsatisfactory (which 
 
XQTES BY THE TBASSLATOR, $* 
 
 happened, in consequence of the author's retrenching' them in 
 order to get the work within the prescribed limits of four vo~ 
 fames.) The notes on the New Testament, which have gone 
 through several editions, are of a widely different description ; 
 though short, they are always judicious, accurate, spiritual, 
 terse, an d impressive, and possess the happy and rare quality 
 of leading the reader immediately to God and his own heart." 
 Dr. A. Clarke. 
 
 S. Burder's Scripture Expositor, 4to. <c A principal object 
 of this work, is to illustrate the Scripture, by references to the 
 customs and literature of the East. To this particular study, 
 the author has been long accustomed, and the fruits of his la- 
 bours are already before the public, in his Oriental Customs, 
 &c" — " The practical observations are concise but good ; and 
 the principles of the v/ork purely evangelical." Evan. Mag. 
 1809. 
 
 Besides the above works, there are several others in the 
 course of publication which merit notice. 
 
 Benson's (the Rev. Joseph) Bible, fol. and 4to. with Notes, 
 critical, explanatory, and practical. Dr, A. Clarke observes, 
 that "from the author's learning, piety, and theological 
 knowledge, much may be expected, if the confined limits of 
 his plan (one vol. fol.,) do not prevent him from enriching 
 the work with his own valuable criticisms and observations." 
 I am happy to add, that it has been found necessary to extend 
 the work beyond the limits proposed. 
 
 Dr Adam Clarke's Commentary and Critical Notes. "In 
 this edition of the Bible, the whole of the Text has been col- 
 lated with the most correct copies of the present authorized 
 version : — the most difficult words in the Hebrew and Greek 
 Originals analyzed and explained : — the most important Read» 
 £ngs in the Collations of Kennicott and De Rossi, on the Old 
 Testament, and in those of Mill, Griesbach, and Wetstein, 
 on the New, noticed :— the Date of every Transaction, as far 
 Bca k Vr - &$en ascertained by the best Ckntoologets marked; 
 
2U NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 
 
 ■—the peculiar customs of the Jews and neighbouring Nations, 
 so frequently alluded to by the Prophets, Evangelists, and 
 Apostles, explained from the best Asiatic Authorities : the 
 great Doctrines of the Law and Gospel of God, defined, illus- 
 trated, and defended : and the whole applied to the impor- 
 tant purposes of Practical Christianity." How eminently cal- 
 culated Dr. A Clarke is for this learned and honourable la- 
 bour, and how ably the whole has hitherto been executed, it 
 is unnecessary to inform the reader. 
 
 ON the old testament. 
 
 " Pyle's Paraphrase upon the Old Testament, in 4 vols. 
 8vo. 16 an elegant and judicious contraction of Bishop Patrick's 
 Comment, and vastly to be preferred to his Paraphrase on the 
 Epistles." Dr. Doddridge. 
 
 « c Orton's Exposition of the Old Testament, 6 vols. 8vo. 
 Shrewsbury, 1787, has many good hints ; but is chiefly valua- 
 ble for the reflections at the close of each chapter." Dr. E. 
 Williams. 
 
 ON THE NEW TESTAMENT. 
 
 Baxter's New Testament with Notes, 8vo. 1695. " The 
 Notes are interspersed with the text, and are very short ; but 
 they contain much sound sense and piety" Dr. A. Clarke. 
 
 J. Bengelii Gnomon Novi Testament! in quo ex nativa Ver- 
 borum vi, Simplicitas, Profunditas, Concinnitas, Salubritas Sen- 
 suum Celestium indicatur, 4to. Ulmce, Gaum, 1763. " An 
 excellent edition." Republished 4to. Tubing. Cotta, 1773. 
 This work "contains an instructive preface, a perspicuous 
 analysis of each book, with short notes ; in the true taste of 
 judicious criticism. His plan is a perfect contrast of that of 
 Wolfius : — • Simplicem fere veritatem, sine sylva multarum 
 opinionum, propono.' " In the course of this work, the reader 
 must have remarked the great stress which our author has laid 
 on reading the Scriptures by complete subjects, and not ac. 
 
NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR, <&! 
 
 cording to the arbitrary division of chapters ; " by wh* With 
 Dr. Doddridge remarks, " the sense of Scripture is ofteny ew 
 scured." I am happy to add, on the authority of Dr. f 
 Clarke, that " Bengel is author of an edition of the New Tes- 
 tament, with such a judicious division of it into paragraphs, 
 as has never been equalled y and perhaps never can be ex* 
 celled. See note (a) Chap. I. Part I. 
 
 Bezae Annotationes, in quibus ratio interpretationis reddi- 
 tur ; accessit etiam J. Camerarii in Novum Fosdus Commen- 
 tarius, fol. Cantab. 1642. "The best edition."—-" Beza is 
 undoubtedly the best critic on the Greek language of any com- 
 mentator we have. There is no translation, that I know ofj 
 equal to his ; and his remarks on Erasmus and the vulgar La» 
 tin, are wrought up to the utmost degree of exactness. On 
 the whole it is an invaluable treasure, and deserves to be read 
 with the utmost attention." (Dr. Doddridge.) "It contains, 
 besides the old Latin version, Beza's own version ; and in tho 
 side margin is given a summary of the passage, and, in the ar- 
 gumentative parts, the connexion. The Annotations are chiefly 
 verbal criticisms, tending to justify his version." Dr. E. Wil- 
 liams. 
 
 Burkitt's Commentary, 4to. "has but few valuable criti- 
 cisms ; but he has many schemes of old sermons. His senti- 
 ments vary in different parts of his work, as the authors whence 
 he took his materials, were orthodox or not." (Dr. Doddridge.) 
 "Burkitt contains many ingenious observations, fine turns, 
 natural plans, and pungent addresses to the conscience. 
 (Buck.) Dr. A. Clarke considers it "both pious and prac- 
 tical ; but not distinguished either by depth of learning or 
 judgment." 
 
 Doddridge's Family Expositor, or a Paraphrase and Ver- 
 sion of the New Testament, with critical notes and a practi- 
 cal improvement of each Section, 4 vol, 4to. Dr. Doddridge 
 is "a masterly expositor, and has illustrated the gospels in the 
 most elegant taste of criticism ; with the most amiable spirit 
 
jtes by hie translator, 
 
 .ion ; and without any mixture of, the malignant leaven 
 —the per w singularities of party." (Hervey ) «'The Family 
 so freq» i >os, t° r ( w *th the exception of the Paraphrase) is a very 
 Apo^ a ^ lCIOUS w0l *k- It has been long highly esteemed and is wor- 
 pr thy of all the credit it has among religious people." Dr. A. 
 Clarke. 
 
 " Erasmus is well known, not only as an able Editor of the 
 Greek Testament, but as an excellent Commentator upon it. 
 For many years, the Notes of Erasmus served for the founda- 
 tion of all the Comments that were written on the New Tes- 
 tament ; and his Latin version itself was deemed an excellent 
 Comment on the Text, because of its faithfulness and simpli- 
 city." (Dr. A. Clarke.) " Erasmus is not equally accurate 
 with Beza ; but his Latin is fine, and he has written in a plea- 
 sant style. There are many good remarks on the vulgar trans- 
 lation, some early various readings, and some pretty large cri- 
 tical dissertations ; but it is by no means of a piece, and has 
 many marks of haste and inaccuracy." (Dr. Doddridge.) " The 
 best edition of his works is, 11 vols. fol. Lugd. Bat. 1703. cura 
 Clerici." — Bib. Dictionary, 
 
 Gillies' New Testament, with Devotional Reflections, 2 
 vols. 8vo. 1810. '* What Dr. Erskine says of this author's 
 works in general, applies peculiarly to his Devotional Reflec- 
 tions. ' They are beautiful and striking, though undesigned 
 pictures of his pious and benevolent heart.' They are the de- 
 vout aspirations of a soul breathing after God and heaven, and 
 the salvation of mankind — We beg leave to add, that we con- 
 sider it as a most valuable book for those who lead family de- 
 votion ; every important fact, doctrine, or precept, being made 
 the ground and matter of prayer ; and that in such a style, as 
 to be an excellent model of devotion, either to ministers or 
 private Christians." Evan. Mag. vol. 19. p. 269. 
 
 " Guyse's Practical Expositor, or an Exposition of the New 
 Testament, in the form of a Paraphrase with occasional Notes, 
 smd serious Reflections at the end of each chapter, 3 vols, 4to, 
 
KOTSS BY THE TRANSLATOR. su 
 
 and 6 vols. 8vo. Dr. Guvse has shown his solid j ,^ e \ VVith 
 learning; and without any affectation and needlt \ l0 \ e New 
 criticism, has given the reader as full a view of th coun ^ f 
 the best interpreters, and as comprehensive an insight rf . n0 * 
 scope and meaning of the New Testament, as is likel) . 
 haps, to be met with in the same compass of words." ( , ^ 
 mus Middleton's Biograph. Evan.) " Guyse's Paraphrase 
 is deservedly held in high estimation, for sound doctrine, fair 
 explication, and just sentiment." (Buck's Theol Diet.) " If 
 this work," says Dr. E. Williams, " has not an air of elegant 
 criticism and modern refinement, like Doddridge's Family 
 Expositor, it is very sound and judicious ; expressed in a 3tyle 
 significant, perspicuous, and correct, though not ornamented." 
 
 Hardy's Greek Testament, " With a great variety of useful 
 Notes, chiefly extracted from Poole's Synopsis. The work is 
 in 2 vols. 8vo. Lond. 1768 ; and is a very useful companion to 
 every biblical student. It has gone through two editions, the 
 first of which is the best ; but it must be acknowledged, that 
 the Greek Text in both is inexcusably incorrect." Dr. A. 
 Clarke. 
 
 "Dr. Henry Hammond is celebrated orer Europe, as a 
 very learned and judicious divine. He wrote an extensive 
 Comment on the Psalms, first published in 1659, and on the 
 whole of th^g J\*ew Testament, in 1653. In this latter Work, 
 he imagjpes he sees the Gnostics every where pointed at ; and 
 be uses them as a universal menstruum to dissolve all the diffi- 
 culties in the Text." (Dr. A. Clarke.) "Hammond is in 
 great and growing reputation ; there are indeed many good 
 criticisms» but many that are much mistaken. He finds the 
 Gnostics every where, which is his principal fault. Many of 
 he Clerc's animadversions upon those places are very good ; 
 and his edition of this book in Latin, I think much preferable 
 t o the original." (Dr. Doddridge.) " Hammond," says Dr. 
 E. Williams, " excels in learned criticism (to be read cum 
 grano satis") 
 
Oi\LS BY Hit, TRANSLATOR 
 
 ion • f^ ic ^ ew Testament is a collection orNotes chiefiy 
 — the r w s \ n rrh which the author gathered in the course of his 
 so fre 30sitor they are not very judiciously chosen, but there are 
 Ap r »• • .rticulars in them which are to be met with no where 
 > i. of T at least in authors we shall never consult : and there- 
 p, .ire worth the little money they cost." Dr. Doddridge. 
 
 "In 1693-4, Father Quesnel, published in French at Bras-* 
 sels, «Moral Reflections on the New Testament, in 8 vols 12mo> 
 The Author was a man of deep piety ; and were it not for the 
 rigid Jansenian predestinarianism which it contains, it would, 
 as a Spiritual Comment, be invaluable. The work was trans- 
 lated into English by the Rev. E. Russel, and published in 4, 
 vol. 8vo Lond. 1719, &c. In this work the reader must not 
 expect any elucidation of the difficulties, or indeed of the text 
 of the New Testament ; the design of Father Quesnel is to 
 draw spiritual uses from his text and apply them to moral pur- 
 poses." Dr. A. Clarke. 
 
 " Wells (Dr. Edward,) published a very useful Testament 
 in Greek and English, in several parcels, with Notes, from 
 1709 to 1719 ; in which, 1. The Greek Text is amended, ac- 
 cording to the best and most ancient Readings. 2. The com- 
 mon English Translation rendered more agreeable to the Ori- 
 ginal. 3. A Paraphrase explaining the difficult expressions, 
 design of the Sacred Writer, &c, 4. Short Annotations. Thi3 
 is a judicious useful work." Dr. A. Clarke. 
 
 '• Of merely critical Comments on the Greek Testament^ 
 the most valuable is that of J. James Wetstein. 2 vol. fol. 
 Amst. 1751-2. Almost every peculiar form of speech in the 
 Sacred Text, he has illustrated by quotations from Jewish, 
 Greek and Roman writers." Dr. A. Clarke. 
 
 Whitby's Paraphrase and Commentary, 2 vol, 4to. 10th 
 edition, is usually connected with Patrick and Lowth, to 
 form a complete exposition of the whole Scriptares. " Whitby 
 is learned, argumentative, and thoroughly orthodox.~~T)\z 
 best Comment on the New Test! 
 
NOiilb iil THE TRANSLATOR. 
 
 view is certainly that of Whiiby." (Dr. A, Clarke.) With 
 this judgment Dr. Doddridge coincides—** On the whole New- 
 Testament, Whitby is preferable to any other, on account of 
 his learning and judicious notes on those texts which are not 
 concerned in controversy with the Arminians ; for to them he 
 is evidently partial and sometimes carries matters almost to ri- 
 diculous extremes." 
 
 Wolfii curae Philologies et Critiese, in Nov. Test. 4 vols. 
 4to. Hamb. 1733-34; and 5 vols. Basil. 1741, "The latter is 
 the best edition."— " This," says Dr. E. Williams, **is in a 
 great measure a compilation, after the manner of Poole's Sy- 
 nopsis ; but Wolfius does not simply relate the sentiments of 
 others, but frequently animadverts on them with great critical 
 discernment." 
 
 OA~ THE SELECT PARTS OF THE OLD AJYD 
 J\EW TESTAMENTS. 
 
 S. Augustini Opera, Benedictin. 11 vols. fol. Paris, 1679 to 
 1700. To this laborious and voluminous writer, we are in- 
 debted for muoh valuable information on the Sacred Writings." 
 Dr. A. Clarke. 
 
 Calvini Opera omnia Theologica, Amstel. 1671 et ann. seqq, 
 9 vols, fol* — ** Calvin has a multitude of judicious thoughts ; 
 but they are generally intermingled with a great many that 
 are little to the purpose. His worst volume, which is that on 
 Job, is most scarce. His two best are, I think, that on the 
 Pentateuch, and on the harmony of the Evangelists." (Dr, 
 Doddridge.) **He is, in general, a very able judicious expo- 
 sitor ; his method, perspicuous ; his manner, popular ; with a 
 style pure and pleasing." Dr. E. Williams. 
 
 Chry80stomi Opera, Edit. Benedictin. Montfaucon, 13 vols, 
 Gr. et. Lat. fol. Paris, 1718, 1738. "The best edition."— 
 "Chrysostom is well known and justly celebrated for his 
 learning, skill, and eloquence, in his Homilies on the Sacred 
 Writings, particular^ the psalms," fDr A. Clarke.) •? AH 
 1? 
 
NOILS l\\ THE TRANSLATOR* 
 
 his discourse tends to persuasion; he placed every thing in 
 judgment ; and was well acquainted with the Holy Scriptures 
 and the manners of men. He entered into their hearts, and 
 rendered things familiarly sensible to them. He had sublime 
 and solid notions, and is sometimes very affecting." Archbishop 
 Fenelon. 
 
 De Dieu Critica Sacra, sive Animadversiones in loca quae- 
 dam difficiliora Vet. et Nov. Test. — Suffixa est Apocalypsis 
 Syriaca quam ante aliquot annos ex M. S. Josephi Scaligeri 
 auctor primus edidit, versione Latina Notisque illustravit. 
 Amstel. 1693, fol. "De Dieu wrote Animadversions on the 
 Old and New Testament, in which are many valuable things**» 
 — C4 Perhaps no man possessed a more consummate knowledge 
 of the Oriental languages, nor employed his knowledge to more 
 useful purposes." Dr. A. Clatke. 
 
 Drusius (John) was an able Commentator; he penetrated 
 the literal sense of Scripture : and in his animadversions, 
 Hebrew Questions, Explanations of Proverbs, and Observa- 
 tions on the Rites and Customs of the Jew9, he has cast much 
 light on many parts of the Sacred Writings." (Dr A. Clarke.) 
 The Comments of Drusius are in the Critici Sacri, which will 
 presently come under our notice. 
 
 Lightfoot's Works, 2 large vols. foi. 1684. They "contain" a 
 chronicle of the times, and the order of the text of the Old 
 Testament; the harmony, chronicle, and order of the New ; 
 the harmony of the four Evangelists among themselves ; a 
 commentary on the Acts ; Horse Hebraic», &c. on the four 
 Evangelists, the Acts, and the first epistle to the Corinthians. 
 Most of this author's remarks are deeply critical and curious." 
 (Dr. E. Williams.) u He was a profound scholar, a sound di- 
 vine, and a pious man. He brought all his immense learning 
 to bear on the Sacred Volumes, and diffused light wherever 
 he went. His Historical, Chronological, and Topographical 
 Remarks on the Old Testament, and his Talmudical Exerci- 
 tstions on the New*; are invaluable*" (Dr. A. Clarke.) " He 
 
NOTES IA THE TRANSLATOR. 
 
 has collected a multitude of Useful and excellent illustrations 
 of Scriptures from the Talmud and other Jewish -writings. 
 He has also shown the force of many others, especially in his 
 Harmony. But he rather illustrates particular texts well, 
 than gives a good account of the series of a discourse. And he 
 seems tome very often mistaken in his dates, and in whathe says 
 on the occasion particularly in many of the Psalms." Dr. 
 Doddridge. 
 
 " On the Plan of Lightfoot*s Horse Hebraic»;, a work was 
 undertaken by Christian Schoettgenius with the title, Horie 
 Hebraic» et Talmudicse in universum Novum Testamentum, 
 quibus horse Jo. Lightfooti in Libris Historicis supplentur Epis- 
 tolae et Apocalypsis eodem modo illustrantur, &c. Dresdse, 
 1733, 2 vols. 4to. The Horre Hebraic» of Lightfoot extend no 
 farther than the First Epistle to the Corinthians : the work of 
 Schoettgen passes over the same ground as a Supplement, 
 without touching the things already produced in the English 
 work ; and then continues the work on the same plan to the 
 end of the New Testament. It is both scarce and dear." Dr. 
 A. Clarke. 
 
 "Newton (Bishop) on the Prophecies, 2 vols. Svo. 1793, 
 treats on many prophetic parts of the Old and New Testa- 
 ment, with great labour, perspicuity, and judgment; but 
 without many original thoughts." Dr. E. Williams. 
 
 S. Origenis Commentaria, a P. Dan. Huetio, Gr. et Lat. fol. 
 Roth. 1668. M A good edition of what remains of the Com- 
 mentaries of Origen ; rendered still more valuable by the 
 learned Preface of Huet. — Origen occupies a distinguished 
 place among the Primitive Fathers and Doctors. He wrote 
 much on the Scriptures :. his principal works are unfortunately 
 lost ; many of his Homilies still remain, but they are so replete 
 with metaphorical and fanciful interpretations of the Sacred 
 Text, that there is much reason to believe they have been 
 corrupted since his time. (Dr. A. Clarke.) 
 Of this writer there are extant in Greek, parts of Comment 
 
£'24 NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 
 
 taries on Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Joshua, 1 Samuel, Psalms, 
 Canticles, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Hosea, in the Old Testament 5 
 and on Matthew. John, Acts, Romans, and Hebrews, in the 
 New. In Latin, besides his Homilies on different parts of 
 Scripture, we have three Books of Commentaries, and Scholia 
 on the Book of Job. 
 
 OJY SELECT PARTS OF THE OLD TESTA- 
 MENT. 
 
 *.' Perhaps the most ancient Comments containing merely- 
 verbal glosses, were the Chaldee Paraphrases or Targums, 
 particularly those of Onkelos on the Law, and Jonathan on the 
 Prophets." See Note (?/) Chap. I. Part. I. 
 
 •«The Commentaries of Aben Ezra, a justly celebrated 
 Spanish Rabbin» are deservedly esteemed both by Jews and 
 Gentiles." u Rabbi Maimonides also ranks high among the 
 Jewish Commentators : his work entitled Moreh Nebochim is 
 a very excellent illustration of some of the most difficult words 
 and things in the Sacred Writings. — Rabbi Kirachi wrote a 
 very useful Comment on most books of the Old Testament: 
 his Comment on Isaiah is peculiarly excellent. — Rabbi Levi 
 ben Gershom wrote some esteemed Comments on different 
 parts of Scripture. These with some others are printed in 
 the second edition of Bomberg*s Great Bible, Venice, 1547, 
 &e. 2 vols. fol. the most useful, and the most valuable Hebrew 
 Bible ever published." Dr. A. Clarke. 
 
 The Oral Law of the Jews, called the Mischnah, "is a pre- 
 tended Comment on the five books of Moses."— Mischna» 
 sive totius Hebrseorum Juris, Rituum, Antiquitatum, ac Legum 
 Oralium Systema, Heb. et Lat. cum Commentariis Maimoni- 
 dis, Bartenorse, et aliorum. Interprete, Editore, et Notatore, 
 Guil. Surenhusio, Amst. 1698, 6 vols. fol. "This is a very 
 beautiful, correct, and well-edited work, necessary to the li- 
 brary of every biblical critic and divine. He who has it, need 
 
NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR $25 
 
 be solicitious for nothing more on this subject." Dr. A. 
 Clarke. 
 
 The Talmud, is a Comment on the Mischnah, as the 
 Mischnah is upon the Law. Of these, there are two, the Je- 
 rusalem and the Babylonish Talmud : the former was printed 
 fol. Ven. Dan, Romberg, sine anno, sed circa 1523 ; and the 
 latter, with Comments by Jarchi, &c. Ven. D. Bomberg. fol. 
 1520, 12 vols. 
 
 *■ Ainsworth on the Pentateuch, Psalms, and Solomon's 
 Songs (fol. 1639.) is a good book, full of very valuable Jewish 
 learning ; and his translation is, in many places, to be pre- 
 ferred to our own ; especially on the Psalms." (Dr. Dod- 
 dridge.) " He was an excellent Hebrew Scholar, and made a 
 very judicious use of his Rabinical learning in his comment, 
 especially on the five books of Moses." Dr. A. Clarke, 
 
 Amesii Lectiones in omnes Psalmos Davidis, 8vo. Amstel. 
 1636, is valuable " for its conciseness, accurate method, and 
 very judicious observations ; ' opus omnibus, qui pietatem co- 
 lunt, ac imprimis verbi ministris, perutile.' " Dr. E. Wil- 
 liams. 
 
 Blayney's (Dr. Benj.) Translation of Jeremiah and Lamen- 
 tions, with Notes critical, philological, and explanatory, 4to. 
 1804, and 8vo. Edinb. 1810. Dr. E. Williams, speaking of 
 this, and the similar works of Lowth and Newcome, says, 
 " they are of the same nature, and may be consulted with 
 considerable advantage, as they include a new translation, and 
 critical notes." — " The present author follows the plan of the 
 great Prelate (Bishop Lowth,) and though not with equal 
 success, yet with much credit both as a translator and a critic. 
 The translation is in general very exact, and preserves the 
 tone and majesty of sacred writing. The various readings are 
 noticed with the most scrupulous exactness : critical emenda- 
 tion is sometimes hazarded, but not rashly or injudiciously. 
 The preliminary discourse bespeaks the indulgence of the 
 candid reader, in such a manner as would not fail procuring 
 
 to*- 
 
NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 
 
 it, even though the work for which it is solicited were less en« 
 titled to it than it is," Month. Rev vol. 71. p. 162. 
 
 Blayney's (Dr. Benj.) Translation of Zechariah, with Notes 
 critical, philological, and explanatory, 4to. 1797, " We think 
 it our duty to say, that Dr. Blayney has produced a valuable 
 illustration of Zechariah, and afforded great assistance to the 
 Biblical student." Brit. Crit. vol. 13. p. 655. 
 
 "Burkius (Phil. David) published a Commentary on the 
 same plan as Bengel's Gnomon Nov. Test, and with precisely 
 the same title, on the twelve minor Prophets, 4to. Heilbron- 
 nae, 1753, which was followed by his Gnomon Psalmomm, 2 
 vol. 4to. Stutgardiae, 1760. These are, in many respects, 
 valuable works, written in a pure strain of piety, but rather 
 too much in a technical form." Dr. A. Clarke. 
 
 " Burroughs on Hosea, 4to. Lond. 1652, is a pleasing speci- 
 men, to show how the popular preachers of his time applied 
 the Scriptures to the various cases of their hearers, in their 
 expository exercises." Dr. E. Wiliiams. 
 
 " Caryl's Exposition, with practical observations upon the 
 book of Job, 2 vols. fol. Lond. 1776, is a most elaborate, 
 learned, judicious, and pious work ; containing a rich fund of 
 critical and practical divinity." (Dr. E. Williams.) Caryl's 
 Exposition of the book of Job, another by Scbultens, and a 
 third by Chapelowe, on the same book, contain a vast deal of 
 important matter delivered in general, by the two latter, in 
 the dullest and most uninteresting form." Dr. A. Clarke. 
 
 Dickson's brief Explication of the Psalms, 12mo. 1653, is 
 distinguished "for the justness and fertility of its observations." 
 Dr. E. Williams. 
 
 Franks' (cf Halifax) Sacred Literature, or Remarks on the 
 look of Genesis; &c. Svo. 1302. " We think that Mr. F. by 
 his selections, has added considerably to the helps for explain- 
 ing the Sacred Writings, and that his book may be very ser- 
 viceable to those whose office it is to inculcate the knowledge 
 P f fi.o Scriptures, ^of only <*s it may assist them t o snrmoturt 
 
a O i E3 BY THE THAN SLA 1 OR, 2*7 
 
 some difficulties, but likewise as it may serve to point out to 
 them, some useful topics of instruction to be drawn from dif- 
 ferent texts." Christian Observer. 
 
 Fuller's (And.) Expository Discourses, interspersed with 
 Practical reflections, 2 vols. 8vo. 180G. " The author selects 
 a paragraph of convenient length, and furnishes a concise ex- 
 position of its leading circumstances, accompanied with a few 
 practical reflections, and occasionally with a useful criticism.— 
 Much originality of critical remarks must not be expected ; but 
 we will venture to promise, much more frequently, a manly, 
 judicious, and useful train of observations, expressed in simple 
 and vigorous language." (Eel. Rev. vol. ii. p. 896.) " There 
 is a remarkable unity of design and perspicuity of style, which 
 pervade the whole.— Many of the suggestions are new, yet 
 they are so natural and obvious, that the reader wonders they 
 have not occurred to him before. Mr. Fuller has often the 
 happy talent of elucidating a passage by a single hint. We think 
 also he excels in delineating characters, and dissecting the 
 human heart ; particular instances of which occur in his expo- 
 sition of the history of Joseph and his brethren." Evan. Mag 
 June, 1806. 
 
 Goode's (John Mason) Translation of the Song of Songs, 
 with notes critical and explanatory. 8vo. 1 803, " Were we 
 insensible to the merits of this truly elegant and classical pro- 
 duction, we should lie open to an impeachment of our taste." 
 (Month. Rev.) " The arrangement is new and ingenious — 
 the translation faithful and elegant — the poetical version is for 
 the most part, correct and beautiful — the notes are full of 
 learning and good taste." Ann. Rev. vol. 2, p. 120. 
 
 "Greenham on Psalm 119, in his works fol. Lond. 1681, is 
 admirable, for the time in which it was written, both for mo» 
 thod and style ; and, like all the productions of this author, is 
 foil of spiritual unction." Dr. E. Williams. 
 
 Gill's, (l)r, John) Exposition of the Canticles $ wherein, the 
 
228 NOTES BY THE I RA.NSLAT OK. 
 
 authority of it is established ; several versions are compared 
 with the original text ; the different senses both of Jewish and 
 Christian interpreters considered ; and the whole opened and 
 explained." 4th edit. 2 vols. 8vo. 1805. " This work, and 
 Harmer's Oatlines of a new Commentary on Solomon's Song, 
 8vo. Lond. 1768, are a perfect contrast in their design and 
 execution. The former is a minute detail on the allegorical 
 sense, and a spiritual improvement ; the latter consists of re- 
 marks, observations, and queries, with a view to ascertain the 
 literal meaning." Dr. E. Williams. 
 
 " Hammond's Paraphrase and Annotations on the Psalms, 
 fol. Lond. 1659, is of use chiefly for its critical hints." Dr. E. 
 Williams. 
 
 Hildersbam's 152 Lectures on Fsalm 51, fol. Lond. 1635, 
 are a rich mine of experimental and practical divinity." 
 
 Hopkins' (Wm.) Exodus : a corrected Translation, with 
 Notes critical and explanatory ; 4to. 1784. " The translator 
 hath in general executed his task with fidelity, and, where it 
 could be done with propriety (or where the reading of the 
 Samaritan • copy would permit it,) he 'hath adopted (he 
 says) the English vulgar translation, in order to prevent any 
 prejudices that might he infused into the minds of the com- 
 mon people by uncharitable bigots.' " Month. Rev. vol. 72. 
 p. 412. 
 
 Horseley's (Bp.) Translation of Hosea ; with Notes expla- 
 natory and critical. ({ This translation, with its notes, forms 
 a most valuable accession to sacred learning ; and evinces at 
 once the best qualities of the scholar and the divine, supported 
 by sagacity and a powerful judgment." Brit. Crit vol. ID, 
 p. 78. 
 
 Hodgson's (Dr. Bernard) Translation of Solomon's Song, 
 4to. 1785. " Dr. Hodgson enters into no disputes concerning 
 the mystical sense in which the poem has been interpreted ; he 
 X>urposely avoids them. Dr. K. has translated the poem with 
 correctness and propriety. The simplicity of the ancient man- 
 
NOTES BY Tftfi TRAIN SLATO». 229 
 
 Eiers is preserved, while in many passages the sense is eluci- 
 dated, and the connexion pointed out hy recurring to the ori- 
 ginal. In the notes, the translator has explained the reasons 
 of his variations from the common translations ; he has ad- 
 duced also parallel passages from ancient authors." Crit. Rev. 
 vol. 62. p. 424. 
 
 Hodgson's (Dr. Bernard) Translation of the Proverbs of 
 Solomon, with Notes, 4to. Oxon. 1788. 
 
 Hodgson's (Dr. B.) Translation of Ecclesiastes. 1790. 
 
 Home's Commentary on the Book of Psalms, 2 vols. Svo.2 
 vols. 4to. Oxon. 1776, and 3 vols. 12mo. " The notes," says 
 Br. A. Clarke, " breathe a spirit of the purest and most ex- 
 alted piety." 
 
 •■ Houbigantii Biblia Hebraic», cum Notis criticis, et Ver- 
 sione Latina ad Notas criticas facta ; accedunt libri Grseci qui 
 vocantur Deutero-Canonici. Lut. Parisiorum, 1753, 4 torn, 
 fol. " This is a work of great importance to the biblical critic, 
 Father Houbigant has corrected and reformed the present He* 
 brew text, according to the Sarmaritan, Syriac, Chaldee, Sep- 
 tuagint, ancient editions of the Hebrew Bible, and ancient 
 Hebrew M. S. S. His Latin version is allowed to be clear, 
 elegant, and energetic. Each book is preceded by a learned 
 and judicious preface, and the critical notes are both judicious 
 and concise. — M He was a consummate Hebraician and an ac- 
 curate critic : even his conjectural emendations of the Text 
 cast much light on many obscure passages ; and not a few of 
 them have been confirmed by the M. S. collections of Ken- 
 nioott and De Rossi." " Some have indeed supposed, that he 
 lias indulged himself in conjectural criticism too far, white 
 others think he has restrained himself within due bounds; but, 
 on all hands, his labours are allowed to be invaluable." Dr. 
 A. Clarke. ' 
 
 " Hutcheson's Brief Exposition on the Smaller Prophets. 
 i2mo. Lond. 1655, deserves the same character as the author's 
 other work on Job." Dr. E. Williams. 
 
 u Hutchinson's F.vposition of the hook of Job. fol. T<ono\ 
 
230 NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 
 
 1669, "is the sum of above 300 expository lectures, preached 
 at Edinburgh, and a work of considerable merit. His method 
 is perspicuous, and his observations founded on the text are ju- 
 dicious and profitable." Dr. E. Williams. 
 
 Lawson's Discourses on the book of Esther, &c. 12mo. 2d 
 Edit. 1809. "Dr. L.'s great excellence consists in the abun- 
 dance, variety, and justness of his sentiment ; in the unex- 
 pected manner in which that sentiment is frequently intro- 
 duced ; and in the conciseness of his illustrations, remarkable 
 artlessness of manner, unaffected earnestness, piety, and 
 benevolence, which appear in every page, &c." Eel. Rcv> 
 vol. 1. p. 684. 
 
 Lawson's Lectures on the book of Ruth, &c. 12mo. 1805. 
 (t This volume presents the same marked peculiarities with 
 the Discourses of Esther, and confirms the author's title to the 
 commendation we bestowed. A large fund of sentiment» 
 naturally drawn from the subject and happily applied ; 
 language perfectly unadorned, but sufficiently expressive ; 
 earnestness to produce the best impressions, and to turn every 
 thing to a practical use, appear in every page. Dr. L. enters 
 fully into the spirit of the subject which he discusses, and ap- 
 pears susceptible of all that tenderness and unaffected benevo- 
 lence which this beautiful portion of history so admirably de- 
 scribes." Eel. Rev. vol. 3, p. 479. 
 
 Lowth's (Bp.) Isaiah ; with a preliminary Dissertation ; and 
 Notes critical, philological and explanatory. 2 vols. 8vo. 1807. 
 "The preliminary Dissertation contains a fund of rare and 
 judicious criticism. The translation formed by the assistance 
 of the ancient Versions, collated with the best M. S. S. of the 
 Hebrew Text, is clear, simple, and yet dignified. The con- 
 cluding Notes, which always show a profound knowledge of He° 
 brew criticism, are always judicious, and generally useful." 
 Dr. A. Clarke. 
 
 Macculloch's Lectures on the prophecies of Isaiah, 4 vol. 
 8vo. "The author has stated with plainness what has ap^ 
 peared to him the precise mea'ninpr of hfe text, and, in genera^ 
 
'NOTES BV THE TRANSLATOR. 231 
 
 his judgments concerning it seems to be correct." Religious 
 Monitor, 1805. 
 
 Macgowan's Discourses on Ruth, §vo. Lond. 1781. — Dr. E* 
 Williams' List. 
 
 " Manton on Psalm 119, is voluminous, in general judicious, 
 plain, not very interesting in his manner, yet unaffected." Dr. 
 E. Williams. 
 
 " Mollerl Enarrationes Psalmorum Davidis, fol. Genevse, 
 1619, form a judicious explication ; but the work is rather de- 
 ficient in practical improvements." Dr. E. Williams. 
 
 Newcomer's (Bishop) Translation of Ezekiel, 4to. ; and of 
 the Minor Prophets, 8vo. 1809. " Newcome's translation 
 ha3 learned Notes : it is a good work, but creeps slowly after 
 its great predecessor, (Bp. Lowth's Isaiah.") Dr. A. Clarke. 
 
 " Newton's (Sir Isaac) Observations upon the Prophecies 
 of Daniel, 4to. Lond. 1733, contain some very valuable hints." 
 Dr. E. Williams. 
 
 "Owen's Practical Exposition on Psalm 130, 4to. Lond. 
 1G80, and since in 8vo. is a most excellent work on repentance 
 and forgiveness, and enters deeply into several parts of expe- 
 rimental religion." (Dr. E. Williams.) " Owen's Exposition 
 of the 130th Psalm is most excellent." Dr. Doddridge. 
 
 Patrick's Comment, from Genesis to Canticles, 3 vols, 
 u He has made use of many former writers, some Jewish and 
 others Christian." (Dr. Doddridge.) Dr. W. Lowth's Com- 
 mentary on all the Prophets, is usually added to this work to 
 complete it; and Dr. A. Clarke, speaking of both these wri- 
 ters, remarks, that they are always judicious and solid." 
 " Lowth," says Dr. Doddridge, *' has compiled a judicious 
 Commentary on the Prophets, from Isaiah to Malachi ; in 
 which there are some good critical notes, and a fine collection 
 of parallels." 
 
 Percy's (Bp,) Translation of the Song of Solomon, with a 
 Commentary and Annotations, 8vo. 1764, 
 
 Scott's (the Dissenting Minister) book of Job, in English 
 ferae ; translated from the original Hebrew ; with Remarks., 
 
232 2*0TK.S BY THE TRANSLATOR. 
 
 historical, critical, and explanatory. 8vo. 2d edit. 1773. "Tins 
 performance recommends itself to the public in a double ca- 
 pacity ; as a translation of the book of Job, and as a learned 
 and elaborate commentary on that valuable but difficult part 
 of the Old Testament. The happiest translators of the poeti- 
 cal parts of Scripture have not succeeded entirely to their 
 wishes, so as to come up to the spirit and dignity of the origi- 
 nal ; and therefore it is not a matter of surprise that this 
 should be, in some measure, the case with Mr. Scott; more 
 particularly as he has confined himself in general to a close 
 and exact version of the book of Job. We do not mean here- 
 by to derogate from Mr. Scott's merit, which is considerable 
 He hath undoubtedly taken great pains to do justice to his au- 
 thor. — The second view in which the work before us is to be 
 considered, is as a Commentary ; and here it appears to no 
 small advantage. Mr. Scott is well qualified for this part of 
 the undertaking, by his great knowledge of the Oriental Lan- 
 guages, his diligent study of the original, and his complete 
 acquaintance with the best critics." Month. Rev. vol. 66, 
 p. 555. 
 
 Smith's (Miss Elizabeth) Translation of the Book of Job: 
 with a Preface and Annotations by Dr. F. Randolph, 8vo 
 1810. The learned Dr. Magee considers this work as " con- 
 veying more of the true character and meaning of the He- 
 brew, with fewer departures from the Idiom of the English^ 
 than any other translation whatever that we possess."'— 4 ' Sc 
 far," sajs Dr. Randolph, "as a diligent and accurate compa- 
 rison of this translation, partially or wholly, with almost every 
 other extant, at least with all I could procure or read,) may 
 entitle me to make the assertion, 1 scruple not to pronounce 
 it to be, upon the whole, more clear and satisfactory, more 
 grammatically accurate, more closely expressive of the literal 
 meaning, and (though preserving a native lustre of its own) 
 more distinctly reflecting the brightness of its glorious original, 
 than any which have fallen under my observation. 
 
 Smith's (Dr, J.) Summary View and Explanation of the 
 
NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 
 
 Writings of the Prophets. It contains, 1st, Preliminary Ob» 
 servations and General Rules for understanding the Prophetic 
 Style : 2d. A particular account of each Book and Chapter, 
 as they lie in Order ; in which the style of each Prophet is 
 characterized ; the beauty and sublimity of particular passages 
 remarked ; the change of persons or speakers, the transition 
 from one part of a subject to another, and the connexion and 
 scope of the whole pointed out ; improvements on the transla- 
 tion, where they seem to be of most consequence, taken no- 
 tice of; with illustrations of the customs, manners, and cir- 
 cumstances to which the Sacred Writers occasionally allude, 
 and the application of their prophecies to those events to which 
 they are supposed to refer."-— " Such is the author's account 
 of his own work, which was originally compiled to accompany 
 a Gaelic translation of the Prophetic Writings, and was after- 
 wards translated into English by the author himself; in which 
 we conceive he has rendered an essential service to those who 
 cannot purchase, or perhaps fully understand, the learned and 
 expensive volumes of Bishops Lowth, Blayney, Newcome, 
 Newton, Dr. Kennicott, and others, to which he freely ac- 
 knowledges his obligations, and of which the small volume be- 
 fore us may be considered as a judicious and valuable compen- 
 dium. Evan. Mag vol. 13. p. 319. 
 
 " Stock's Commentary and Torshell's Exercitation on Ma- 
 lachi, fol. Lond. 1641, is a work recommended by Bishop Wil- 
 kins as the best ; but the matter is much better than the man- 
 ner." Dr. E. Williams. 
 
 Venema (Herman) is known only to me by a Comment on 
 Malachi — and a most excellent and extensive Commentary on 
 the Psalms, in C vols. 4to. Leovardiae, 1762-7. Through its 
 great scarcity, the work is little known in great Britain. What 
 was said by David of Goliah's sword, has been said of Vene- 
 ma's Commentary on the Book of Psalms ; "There is none 
 like it." Dr. A.Clarke. 
 
 20 
 
S3* i\(JTES BY THE TKANiiLATOK. 
 
 Vitringx Commentarius in librum prophetiarum Iesaise, 
 2 vols. fol. « The best edition of which was printed in 1724. 
 " A learned and most excellent Commentary." Dr. A. Clarke. 
 
 Williams' Translation of Solomon's Song, with a Commeiv 
 tary, Notes, and Dissertations, 8vo, 1801. " Of the translation, 
 the author will only say, that it has been written several years, 
 and repeatedly revised, with every assistance that conld be 
 derived from books or literary friends. The critical Note? 
 are selected from Ainsworth, Bochart, Durell, Doderlein, Gill, 
 Gray, Karmer, Hodgson, Lowth, Michaelis, Parkhurst, Pat- 
 rick, Percy, Poole, and others, with some originals ; and are 
 intended with as much brevity as possible to justify the new 
 translation ; and to ascertain the literal sense and exact im- 
 port of the figurative language ; in order to which, particular 
 attention has been paid to the use of similar images in the 
 Eastern poets. The Commentary is on a new plan ; instead 
 of taking every verse, or distinct member of the verse, sepa- 
 rately, as has been usually done, the author takes it in con« 
 nected paragraphs, presents whole images, (not broken and 
 detached pieces) to the reader's view, and then endeavours 
 to improve them by a chaste and scriptural application of 
 the allegory to diviue and spiritual objects. — The Disserta- 
 tions have two principal objects : f. To trace, from the origin 
 of language itself, the use of metaphorical terms, and thence 
 the rise of poetry and allegory, which will introduce remarks 
 on the nature of the Hebrew language, poetry, and music. 2. 
 The object is to examine the nature and design of Solomon's 
 Song, and more particularly to vindicate its divine authority 
 and allegorical application, as well against the objections of 
 the learned, as of the illiterate." — f Mr T. Williams' work 
 is a great improvement on similar attempts." Dr. E. Wil- 
 liams. 
 
 " Willet's Hexapla on Daniel, fol. 1610, is a work of much 
 information, as it contains the opinions of many authors on 
 eaefc point of difficulty, Thb author has written comments 
 
.NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 
 
 on Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Samuel, Romans, Jude, and 
 some detached parts of books : but in none does he discover 
 more skill and judgment than in the present work." Dr. E. 
 Williams. 
 
 Wintle's Translation of the Book of Daniel ; with a preli- 
 minary Dissertation, and Notes critical, historical, and expla- 
 natory, 2d edit. 4to. 1807. 
 
 ON SELECT PARTS OF THE NEW 
 TESTAMENT. 
 
 n Anselmi Commentaria in Evangelia in omnes Pauli Epis- 
 tolas, &c. fol. 1560, (if you except some of his catholic notions, 
 and his allegorical and mystical paragraphs) will afford plea- 
 sure and improvement." Dr. E. Williams. 
 
 Blair's (Jas ) Discourses on Matt. v. — vii. u A man of 
 plain good sense. A beautiful simplicity and great seriousness 
 run through all his writings. A desire to spare all unneces- 
 sary words is very apparent. His Commentary on Matt, v.— 
 vii. is the best extant. He has some excellent and striking si- 
 milies which are chiefly taken from the affairs of the slaves, 
 planters, or foreign colonies. He suggests a multitude of ex- 
 cellent things which he does not prosecute at large. He has 
 an excellent way of bringing down criticisms to common ca- 
 pacities; and has discovered a vast knowledge of Scripture in 
 the suitable application of them.' 5 ' Dr. Doidridge. 
 
 Brewster's Lectures on the Acts of the Apostles ; illustra- 
 ted with Maps, 2 vols. 1807. "The facts and events are nar- 
 rated in a manner well suited to engage the attention of the 
 congregation, to whom he delivered them. — The reflections 
 which he liberally intersperses, arise naturally from the sub- 
 ject ; they might sometimes have been more explicit in point 
 of doctrine, but they are calculated to impress the history ef- 
 fectually on the mind, and to render that impression benefi- 
 cial. There is little criticism in the work. EcL Rev. vol. 3* 
 p. 408. 
 
260 NOTES P>\ THE TRANSLATOR. 
 
 "Burgess* Expository Sermons on John xvii. fol. Lond. 
 1056, are full of sound doctrine, methodically arranged, and 
 closely applied in very plain language." Dr. E. Williams. 
 
 "Burgess* Expository Comment on 2 Cor. i. fol. Loud. 
 1661, deserves the same character as bis woik on John xvii." 
 Dr. E. Williams. 
 
 " Byfield on the Epistle to the Colossians, fol. Lond. 1627, 
 is full of good sense and spiritual savour, and abounds with 
 pertinent citations of Scripture, without any pretensions to 
 oratorical dress." Dr. E. Williams. 
 
 Campbell's translation of the four Gospels, with prelimina- 
 ry Dissertations, and Notes critical and explanatory. " The 
 distinctions of chapters and verses are retained in the margin, 
 for the sake of references. The new division is into sections 
 and paragraphs ; each section is, on an average, equal to two 
 chapters, and each paragraph is determined by the sense. 
 The elliptical words supplied, are included in crotchets, and 
 the narrative is distinguished from the interlocutory parts by 
 Italics, for reasons which do not on the whole, we think, even 
 counterbalance the bad effects of its appearance. In the side 
 margin, besides the old division, into chapters and verses, the 
 parallel passages in Scripture are added : at the foot of the 
 pages are the short explanations, which do not require criti- 
 cism or argument, for notes of that kind are added at the end, 
 and they are either explanatory or philological Scholastic 
 disputes, and some peculiar delicate difficulties our author pur- 
 poses to avoid." (Crit. Rev.) " I have revised the first eigh- 
 teen chapters of Matthew, and am really astonished at the 
 learning and accuracy of the author" (Dr. Beattie.) u It 
 abounds in sound judgment, deep erudition, and a strong vein 
 of correct critical acumen." Dr. A. Clarke. 
 
 "Cradock's Apostolical History, fol. Lond. 1672, contains 
 the acts, labours, travels, sermons, &c. of the Apostles ; with 
 a brief analytical paraphrase of their epistles." Dr. E. Wil- 
 liams 
 
NOTES B Y THE TR \NSLATOR. *3f 
 
 u Davenant on Colossians, fol. Latin, is much esteemed." 
 Dr. E. Williams. 
 
 (i Daubuz's Perpetual Commentary on the Revelation, fol. 
 Lond. 1720, is a most elaborate work, abounding with learned 
 references and illustrath e quotations from the ample store of li- 
 terature. This great work has been new-mod^iied and abridged 
 by Mr. Lancaster, 4to. Lond. 1730." Dr. E. Williams. 
 
 Dick's Lectures on parts of the first fifteen chapters of the 
 Acts of the Apostles, 1805. f * Upon the whole, we cheerfully 
 recommend the present volume to the attention of the public." 
 Eel. Rev. vol. 2 p. 440. 
 
 Ellesly's Annotations on the four Gospels, compiled and 
 abridged for the use of students " \ltogether, we say, with- 
 out the smallest reserve, we never saw a book more admira- 
 bly adapted for the use of students, more creditable to an au- 
 thor's sagacity, diligence, and erudition, or more likely to 
 make the investigation of the New Testament easy and agree- 
 able." Brit. Orit. vol. 16. p. 236. 
 
 "Elton on Rom. vii — ix. fol Lond. 1653, is a work rich in 
 matter, dressed in the plain and somewhat popular language 
 of its day." Dr E. Williams. 
 
 ** Elton on the Colossians, fol. is nearly on the same plan as 
 his work on Rom vii.— ix and of similar character." Dr. E. 
 Williams 
 
 " Ferguson's Brief Expositions of the Epistle to the Gala- 
 tians and Ephesians, 12mo Lond. 1659, abound with pertinent 
 observations deduced from the text, considered in its proper 
 connexion ; and in a method almost peculiar to the Scotch di- 
 vines of the last century." Dr. E. Williams. 
 
 " Gualtheri Horailise in Acra Apostolorum, 8vo, Lugduni, 
 1562, contains 173 Homilies ; sound, methodical, and elegant." 
 Dr. E. Williams. 
 
 " Hall's Commentary on 2 Tim. fol. Lond 1658, is recom- 
 mended by Calamy, whose imprimatur it bears, as ' both ela- 
 borate and judicious.' He was minister of King's Norton, ia 
 
NDTES BY 1 HK TRANSLATOR 
 
 Worcestershire ; and Dr. Calamy adds, that this c Commenta- 
 ry is the sum of nigh 30 years' study." Dr. E. Williams. 
 
 " Hardy on 1 John, 4to. Lond. 1656, is an unequal work ; 
 but the author, in some places, discovers a superior degree of 
 penetration. The same character may be given to his Expo- 
 sition of the Epistle to Philemon." Dr. E. Williams. 
 
 Hawkins* (Thos.) Commentary on the Epistles of St. John, 
 8vo. 1808. "The author acknowledges he had no intention 
 of writing for scholars ; but seems to have engaged in this un- 
 dertaking with the very laudable design of promoting among 
 real Christians, a devout feeling of love to God, and a spirit of 
 mutual sympathy, forgiveness, and benevolence. His doc- 
 trinal views are Calvinistie ; but not chargeable with Antino- 
 mian perversion." Eel. Rev. vol. 5. p. 846. 
 
 Hildersham's Lectures on John iv. fol. Lond. 1632, discover 
 the author to be a sound divine, an admirable textuary, a pro- 
 foundly experienced Christian, and an excellent teacher," Dr, 
 B. Williams. 
 
 Johnstone's (Dr. Bryce) Commentary on the Revelation of 
 St. John, 2d edit. 2 vols. 8vo. 1807. " It is a work well cal- 
 culated for general use, being written with great perspicuity, 
 and in a popular, practical strain." Dr. E. Williams. 
 
 Leighton's Commentary on the first epistle of St. Peter, 
 with the Prelections. 2 vols. 8vo. 1 804. " These," says Dr. 
 E. Williams, M are productions of uncommon worth: all this 
 author's works are full of holy simplicity, humility, and bene- 
 volent zeal." — " As to Archbishop Leighton, besides his se- 
 lect works there are two octavo volumes published at Edin* 
 burgh, in 1748, and since reprinted at London. They contain 
 a valuable Commentary on St. Peter's First Epistle, and Lec- 
 tures on Isa, vi. Psal. xxxix., exxx., iv., and a part of Rom. 
 xii. He has wonderfully united the simplicity of the gospel, 
 with all the captivating beauties of style and language. Bishop 
 Burnet says, he was the greatest master of the Latin tongue 
 he ever knev, of which, together with his compass of learn» 
 
NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. £39 
 
 iiig, he has given proof in his Lectures : yet in his gayer dress^ 
 his eminent humility and spirituality appear to no less advan- 
 tage than when clad in plain English. I think his Preelections 
 may be said to be a diamond set in gold. I could wish them 
 translated, if it were possible, (which I should almost ques- 
 tion,) to preserve the beauty and spirit of the original." New- 
 ton's Cardiphonia, vol. 2. p. 114. — " His works ought to be reck- 
 oned among the greatest treasures of the English tongue: 
 they continually overflow with love to God, and breathe a 
 heart entirely transformed by the gospel above the views of 
 every thing but pleasing God. There is a vast deal of spirit 
 and charming imagination, multitudes of the most beautiful 
 figures, and Scriptures applied with happiest allusions ; upon 
 the whole they are such as none but a very ingenious, learned, 
 religious man could write, and yet even by such a one must 
 have been written with great care ; — not the effect of any la- 
 borious efforts for particular discourses, but the guarded over- 
 flowing of a copious fountain." Dr. Doddridge. 
 
 Lowman's Paraphrase and Notes on the Revelation of St, 
 John, 4th edit. 8vo. 1307. "Bishops Hurd, Halifax, Clayton, 
 and others, have written with ability upon these abstruse parts 
 of sacred Writ. Dr. Arpthorp, Maclaurin, and Brown, have 
 thrown pretty much light upon them. But of all who have 
 treated upon the book of Revelation, none seem to me to have 
 excelled Lowman." (Simpson's Plea.) (i I can with plea- 
 sure refer my reader to the learned commentary on this book, 
 lately published by the Rev. Mr. Lowman, from which I have 
 received more satisfaction, with respect to many of its difficul- 
 ties, than ever I found elsewhere, or expected to have found 
 at all." Dr. Doddridge. 
 
 Luther's Commentary on St. Paul's Epistle to the Galatian3 ? 
 with life, 1 vol. 8vo. and 2 vols. 12mo. "Luther's Commen- 
 tary on the Epistle to the Galatians was his favourite work. " 
 (Jortin.) " It is a strong antidote against the popish notion 
 of justifi c at ion by vorks" Dr, William?. 
 
240 NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 
 
 Macknight's Harmony of the four Gospels, in which the 
 order of each is preserved ; with a Paraphrase and Notes, 2 
 toIs. 8vo. 1804. This and the following work are in the Bi- 
 shop of Lincoln's list. " It has long been a standard book 
 among Divines." Rrit. Crit. 
 
 Macknight's literal Translation of all the Apostolical Epis- 
 tles ; with a Commentary and Notes, philological, critical, ex- 
 planatory, and practical, " Dr. Macknight's luminous and 
 valuable Commentary on the Apostolical Epistles is a work 
 highly meriting a place in the library of every Chistian Di- 
 vine." (Parkhurst.) Speaking of this in union with Dr. 
 Campbell's Translation of the Gospels, Dr. A. Clarke says, 
 — " They abound in sound judgment, deep erudition, and a 
 strong vein of correct critical acumen." 
 
 " Manton on John xvii. fol. is a sound and elaborate work ; 
 and, to those who can improve excellent thoughts abstracted 
 from modern modes of composition, a rich treasure." (Dr. 
 E. Williams.) " Manton is plain, easy, and unaffected. His 
 thoughts are generally well digested, but there is seldom any 
 thing extraordinary. He has many judicious remarks on Scrip- 
 ture. His chief work is on the 119th Psalm." Dr. Doddridge. 
 
 " Manton's Exposition of James, 4to. Lond. is plain, solid, 
 and practical." Dr. E. Williams. 
 
 Markii Sylloge Dissertationum Philologico-Theologicaruro, 
 ad Selectos quosdam textus Novi Testamenti, 4to. Rotter. 
 1721, contains twenty-five learned Dissertations on select pas- 
 sages, the most important, difficult, and controverted." Dr. 
 E. Williams. 
 
 " Mede's Clavis Apocalyptica, with his Comraentarius ad 
 amussim Clavis Apocalypticse, included in his works, fol. 
 Lond. 1672, 3d edit, has ever been considered as a rich mine, 
 of which all subsequent learned commentators have made free 
 and good use." (Dr. E. Williams.) " Mede has a good many 
 original thoughts, not to be found any where else. His writings 
 on the Revelations are peculiarly famous, but his Diatribe will 
 
NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 24i 
 
 best reward a diligent perusal ; yet here many mistakes will 
 be found." Dr. Doddridge. 
 
 cs Mitchell's New Exposition of the Revelation of St. John, 
 gives a new translation from the original Greek, and professes 
 to apply the events that have occurred to the letter and con- 
 text of the prophecy', in a manner more satisfactory than has 
 been done by former commentators." Dr. E. Williams. 
 
 "Newton's (Sir Isaac) observations on the Apocalypse, 4to. 
 Lond. 1735, being the second part of his Observations on Pro- 
 phecies, is not an exposition so much as hints. * If I have 
 done any thing which may be useful to following writers,' ob- 
 serves this great man, 'I have my design. The folly of in- 
 terpreters bus been to fortel times and things by this Prophe- 
 cy, as if God designed to make them prophets. By this rash- 
 ness, they have not only exposed themselves, but brought tfiV 
 Prophecy also into contempt.' " Dr. E. Williams. 
 
 Owen's Exposition of the Epistle to the Hebrews, with the 
 Preliminary Exercitations. 4 vols. fol. " It is not easy to give 
 a full account of the value and usefulness of this work : it is 
 filled with a great variety of learning, particularly Rabbinical, 
 which he has made serviceable to give light into the subject 
 matter, chiefly treated of in this Epistle ; and withal he has 
 taken care to adapt his exposition to the faith and comfort of 
 Christians, and to recommend the practice of the substantial 
 duties of religiqn ; so that it is hard to say whether the scholar 
 or the divine shine the more brightly through this excellent 
 work. Besides the exposition, there are very learned and ac- 
 curate exercitations which serve to illustrate many difficult 
 parts of Scripture." Dr. Erasmus Middleton. 
 
 " Parr's Exposition of the Epistle to the Romans, fol. Lond. 
 1651, is equally remarkable for soundness of sentiment, fami- 
 liarity of illustration, and waut of taste in style and composi- 
 tion." Dr. E. Williams. 
 
 Pearce's (Bishop) Commentary and Notes on the Four 
 Gospels, the Acts, and the first Epistle to the Corinthians, S 
 21 
 
242 NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 
 
 vols. 4to. 1777. Dr. A. Clarke says— "The deep learning 
 and judgment displayed in these notes, are really beyond all 
 praise." — <c Locke, Pearce, and Benson make up a complete 
 commentary on the Epistles ; and are indeed all in the num- 
 ber of the most ingenious commentators I have ever read. 
 They plainly thought very closely, and attended much to con- 
 nexion, which they have often set in a most clear view. But 
 they all err in too great a fondness for new interpretations, 
 and in supposing the design of the apostle less general than it 
 seems to have been. It must be allowed that Benson illus- 
 trates the spirit of Paul sometimes in an admirable manner, 
 even beyond any former writer. See especially his epistle to 
 Philemon. His vast fondness for Lord Barrington's notions, 
 has often proved a snare to him, both here and in his work on 
 the Acts; which however is a very useful piece." (Dr. Dod- 
 dridge.) " Mr. Locke and Dr. Benson are well known in the 
 republic of letters : their respective works on different parts 
 of the New Testament, abound with judgment and learning." 
 Dr. A. Clarke. 
 
 c< Perkin's Commentary on the Epistle to the Galatians (in 
 his works) is equally sound as Luther on this Epistle, but 
 more methodical and comprehensive. Perkins has written 
 Commentaries also on Matt. v. — vii Heb. xi. the Epistle of 
 Jude; Rom. i. — Hi. all contained in his works, S vols. fol. Lond. 
 1635." Dr.E. Williams. 
 
 " Shepard's Exposition of Matt. xxv. i.— 13. The parable 
 of the ten virgins, fol. Lond. 1660, &c. is a rich fund of expe- 
 rimental and practical divinity ; the dress is coarse, but the 
 strain of thought is extemely animated and searching." Dr. 
 E. Williams. 
 
 Stailord on Rom. vii. 8vo. and 12mo. enters very minutely 
 into the Christian experience of sin and grace." Dr. E. Wil- 
 liams, 
 
 " Taylors (Dr. Thomas) Commentary on Titus, fol. Lond. 
 1058, is the production of a sound and sensible divine, and a 
 
NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 843 
 
 very useful preacher, one who had penetrating views of the 
 human heart and of the sacred oracles." Dr. E. Williams. 
 
 Theophilacti opera, a J. F. Bern de Rubeis, et Bonif. Fi- 
 nettio, Gr. et Lat. fol. Ven, 1754-63, 4 vols.— « Theophylact 
 has written a valuable Comment on the Gospels, Acts, and St. 
 Paul's Epistles." — * They are chiefly extracts from Chrysos- 
 tom, and are of considerable use, because of the Greek text of 
 the New Testament quoted in them ; from which several im- 
 portant various readings have been extracted." Dr. A. Clarke» 
 
 Whitaker's Commentary on the Revelation of St. John, ac- 
 companied with historical testimony of its accomplishment. 
 8vo. 1802. " Mr. W. is well knovvn to the public, and his wri- 
 tings will not be neglected." Brit. Crit. vol. xxiii. p. 251. 
 
 " Wilson's Commentary on Romans, fol. Lond. 1653, is in 
 the form of a Dialogue, and abounds with judicious distinctions 
 and practical uses." Dr. E. Williams. 
 
 Woodhouse's Translation of the Apocalypse, with Notes 
 critical and explanatory ; with a Dissertation on the divine 
 origin of the book, in answer to the objections of Professor 
 Michaelis, kc. 8vo. 180G. "Our author has placed the text 
 of the Apocalypse in three columns ; the Greek of Griesbach's 
 edition of the New Testament, a translation of his own from 
 it, and the common version. His translation is a very modest 
 one, and does not depart from the common version, but when 
 it appears necessary to the sense. The figurative language of 
 the Revelation, Mr. W. has studied with deep attention, and 
 expounded with accuracy and skill." (Eel. Rev. vol. 2. p. 922.) 
 ** This is the best book of the kind I have ever seen. It owes 
 its superiority to two things : 1st. The author's understanding 
 the apocalyptic symbols in a spiritual, not a literal sense. 
 2dly. To the care he has taken to fix the precise import of 
 those symbols, from the use made of them by the old prophe- 
 tical, and other writers of the Old and New Testament" 
 Bishop Hurd. 
 
0M NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 
 
 COMPILATIONS. 
 
 Critici Sacri sive annotata doctissimorum in Vetus et Novum 
 Testamentum, Londini, 1660, 9 vols. foi. and, with additions, 
 Amst. 1698, 12 vols. fol. With this are connected a supple- 
 ment, entitled, Thesaurus Theologo-Philologicus, sive Silloge 
 Dissertationum elegantiorum ad selectiora Veteris ac Novi 
 Testamenti loca, a Theologis Protestantibus conscripturum. 
 Amst. 1701, 2 vols. fol. and Lud. Capelli Critica Sacra, ubi ex 
 variarum lectionum observatione plurima Scripturse loca expli- 
 cantur. Par. 1650 fol. The best edition of the Critici Sacri, 
 according to the Bibliographical Dictionary, is 13 vols. Amst. 
 1698. — "This work was intended as a companion for the Po- 
 lyglott Bible published by Bishop Walton, in 1657. It con- 
 tains a vast variety of valuable materials for Critics, Chronolo- 
 gists, &c. 
 
 u The principal Critics on the Old Testament, contained in 
 the foreign Edition of this great Collection, which is by far 
 the most complete, are the following : — Sebastian Munster, 
 Paul Fagius, Francis Vatablus, Claudius Badwellus, Sebastian 
 Castalio, Isidore Clarius, Lucas Brugensis, Andrew Masius, 
 John Drusius, Sixtinus Amama, Simeon de Muis, Philip Co- 
 durcus, Rodolph Raynus, Francis Forrerius, Edward Lively, 
 David Hceschelius, Hugo Grotius, Christopher Cartwright, and 
 John Pricseus. 
 
 Besides the above, who are regular Commentators on the 
 Old Testament, there are various important Dissertations and 
 Tracts on the principal subjects in the Law and Prophets, by 
 the following critics : — Joseph Scaliger, Lewis CapelluB, Mar- 
 tin Helvicus, Alberic Gentilis, Moses bar Cepha, Christopher 
 Helvicus, John Buteo, Matthew Hostus, Francis Moncseus, 
 Peter Pithceus, George Rittershusius, Michael Rothardus, 
 Leo Allatius, Gasper Varrerius, William Schickardus, Au- 
 gustin Justinianus, Bened. Arias Montanus, Bon. Corn. Ber- 
 tramus, Peter Cunceus, Caspar Waser. and Edward Brere- 
 
NOTES BY THE TR ANSL ATOR. 240 
 
 On the New Testament the following Commentators are 
 included : — Sebastian Munster, Laurentius Valla, James Re- 
 vius, Desiderius Erasmus, Francis Vatablus, Sebastian Casta- 
 lio, Isidore Clarius, Andrew Masius, Nicolas Zegerus, Lucas 
 Brugensis, Henry Stephens, John Drusius, Joseph Scaliger, 
 Isaac Casaubon, John Camero, James Capellus, Lewis Cape- 
 lius, Otho Gaultperius, Abraham Schultetus, Hugo Grotius, 
 and John Pricceus. 
 
 Dissertations on the most important subjects in the New 
 Testament, inserted here, were written by Lewis Capellus, 
 Nicolas Faber, William Klebilius, Marquard Freherus, Arch- 
 bishop Usher, Matthew Hostus, I. A. Vander-Linden, Clau- 
 dius Salma9ius under the feigned name of Johannes Simplicius* 
 James Gothofridus, Philip Gordurcus, Abraham Schultetus, 
 William Ader, John Drusius, Jac. Lopez Stunica, Desider. 
 Erasmus, Angelus Caninius, Peter Pithceus, Nicephorus Pa- 
 riarch of Constantinople, Adriani Isagoge cum notis Dav. Hces- 
 chelii, B. C. Bertram, Anton. Nebrissensis, Nicholas Fuller, 
 Samuel Petit, John Gregory, Christ. Cartwright, John Clop» 
 penburg, and Peter Dan. Huet. The Thesaurus Dissertation- 
 urn Elegantiorum, published as a Supplement to this Work, 
 by Theod. Hasreus and Conrad Ikenius, in two volumes folio, 
 contains upwards of one hundred and fifty additional writers. 
 Such a constellation of learned men can scarcely be equalled 
 in any age or country." Dr. A. Clarke. 
 
 Poii Synopsis Criticorum aliorumque Sacrac Scripture In- 
 terpretum. Lond. 5 vols. fol. 1669-1674. " Mr. Matthew 
 Poole, conceiving that the Critici Sacri might be made more 
 useful, by being methodized ; with immense labour formed 
 the work well known among divines by the title of Synopsis 
 Criticorum, a general view of the Critics : viz. those in the 
 nine volumes of Critici Sacri. Here the Critics no longer oc- 
 cupy distinct places as they do in the Critici Sacri, but are all 
 consolidated, one general comment being made of the whole ; 
 fhe names of the writers being referred to by their initials in 
 2 „ -«.- 
 
9*g NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 
 
 the margin. To the Critics above-named, Mr. Poole has added 
 several others of equal note, and he refers also to the most 
 important Versions, both ancient and modern. In point of 
 size, the work of Mr. Poole has many advantages over the 
 Critici Sacri ; but no man who is acquainted with both works, 
 will ever prefer the Synopsis to the original." (Dr. A. Clarke.) 
 " Poole's Synopsis is very useful, especially on account of the 
 short view it gives of various translations, some of which are 
 very scarce. It in part supersedes the necessity of having, 
 what is yet desirable, a Polyglott Bible." Dr. Doddridge. 
 
 The Propriety of annexing a list of the most valuable Com- 
 mentaries to a volume professing to be a Guide to the Study 
 of the Scriptures, is immediately obvious. The Editor has 
 cited, as well in this as in preceding notes, the opinion of able 
 critics on the works pointed out ; except that, in a few in- 
 stances where other sources failed, he has had recourse to re- 
 spectable reviews. The reader will observe, that the larger 
 proportion of critical remarks are not merely recommenda- 
 tions (for which a few words had been sufficient) but were 
 added, after the example of Dr. Doddridge in his fourteenth 
 lecture, as calculated to form the mind to a more profitable 
 mode of studv. 
 
JiUTBS BV" THE TRANSLATOR. 34/ 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 (a) Augustini Opera, Benedictin. 11 vols. fol. Paris, 1679 to 
 1700. — " Best edition. There are, however, two editions of 
 this work under the same date. The first is preferred, and 
 distinguished by the preface at the beginning of the first vo- 
 lume. In the first edition, there are only Jive lines of the 
 Preface on the first page ; in the second edition, there are 
 more." Dr. A. Clarke. 
 
 (b) See our author's Treatise — " Christ the Sum and Sub- 
 stance of the Scriptures." 
 
 CHAPTER IV 
 
 (a) St It is not enough for the physician to inveigh against 
 the malignity or danger of a disease, but his chief care must 
 be to direct to the remedy and cure of it ; and for this, the pre-, 
 scription must be varied according to the several kinds of of- 
 fences. — It should be a special care, to apply lenitives and 
 cordials, where the condition of the patient requires it, as well 
 as corrosives and purgatives. 
 
 "The matter of this should be various, according to the 
 different states of men, whether their sufferings be Outward 
 or Inward. Outward, in respect of sickness of body, loss 
 cf friends, estate, credit, peace, and quiec, &c— IffWABDj ill 
 respect of doubts &*v a Bishop Wilkins. 
 
&tt NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 (a) Of Franzius' Work here alluded to^tlie celebrated 
 Glassius speaks in the following high terms, when treating of 
 the best method of interpreting the Scriptures. " Ego sane 
 nullum tempus felicius et fructuosius (prcesens quod negotum 
 spectat,) collocasse me palam pronteor, quam quod in diligenti 
 integri libri illius lectione et relectione, cam timore Domini, 
 insumi. Deus viro tanto, pro tarn salubri labore, hie et seter- 
 tum benedicat." 
 
 (b) Bernardi Opera, a Joan. Mabillonio, JVIon. S. Mauri, 
 fol, 1&90, 9 vols. «« Best edition." 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 (a) Bona? (Johannes Cardinalis) Opera Omni2. Paris, 1677, 
 S vols. 8vo. ex recognitione Reb. Sala, August. Taurin, e Ty- 
 pographia Regia, 1747, fol. 
 
 ANALYSIS OF THE EPISTLE TO TUB 
 EPHESIAJYS. 
 
 (a) " Paul has given us the substance of divine truth m » 
 thivefold wav x*- 
 
XOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 249 
 
 * 1. In a catechetical manner: that is, by the mere arti- 
 cles, without copious proofs and refutations ; as in the Epistle 
 to the Ephesians. 2. By a fuller exposition, with arguments, 
 refutations, &c added by way of explanation ; as in the Epis- 
 tle to the Galatians. 3. By a complete consideration and ex- 
 position of the several parts of doctrine, as in the Epistle to 
 the Romans. These points merit attention, because, even 
 subsequently to the days of the apostle, sometimes the shorter, 
 and sometimes the more elaborate Epistles have been cited, 
 accordingly as seasons and circumstances have required/' 
 Chemnitius. Author's Note. 
 
 ANALYTICAL INTRODUCTION TO THE 
 ^BEOLOSSLIjYS. 
 
 («) " It is probable that the apostle only dictated this Epis- 
 tle. So we find that Tertius wrote the Epistle addressed to 
 the Romans, Rom. xvi. 22. It appears that Paul himself only 
 added the last words." Author** Note. 
 
 (b) ** It was perhaps at this time that Onesimus carried 
 Paul's letter to his maste*- Philemon ; Phil. 12 — 15, and CoL 
 iv. 9 ; unless it be supposed that he was despatched to Phile- 
 mon first, and afterwards to the Colossian church." Ibid. 
 
 THE END.