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 THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY, 
 
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 A 
 
 GUIDE 
 
 TO THE 
 
 READING AND STUDY 
 
 OP THE 
 
 BY ■ VK "^p, 
 
 AUGUSTUS HERMAN FRANCE, A. M. 
 
 I,ATE pnOFESSOR OF DIVINITY, AND OF THE GREEK AND OniJENTAI, 
 LANGUAGES, IN THE UNIVERSITY OF HALLE. 
 
 Translated from the Latin, 
 
 "*■ AND AUGMENTED WITH 
 
 NOTES ; 
 
 Distinct Notations of som€ of the best Editions of the 
 
 GREEK AND HEBREW SCRIPTURES; 
 
 And a copious but select List of the 
 
 MOST VALUABLE COMMENTARIES ^ BIBLICAL WORKS. 
 
 EXHIBITING AtSO ON EACH BOOK 
 
 THE CRITICIS3IS OF ABI.E DIVINES : 
 By WILLIAM JAQUES, A.M. 
 
 " Franck's Guide deserves to be often read. It contains 
 the BEST Rules for studying the Scriptures that 1 ever remem- 
 ber to have seen.'i-<DR. Doddridge. ..Zecture^ on Preaching, 
 
 THIRD EDITION. 
 
 LONDON: 
 
 PRINTED BY D. JAQUES, CHELSEA ; 
 
 FOR J. HATCHARD, PICCADILLY J SIMPKIN AMD MARSHALL, STATJONERs' 
 
 court; and T. BLANSHARD, 66, paternoster ROW, AND CITY ROAD. 
 
 1819. 
 
THE CONTENTS. 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 The Translator's Preface iii 
 
 Introduction , ...*. 1 
 
 Of Reading as it respects the Letter of the 
 
 Scriptures ...• 3 
 
 Grammatical Reading «....r *••• ib. 
 
 Historical Reading 39 
 
 Analytical Reading 52 
 
 Of Reading as it respects the Spirit of the Word 68 
 
 Expository Reading ib. 
 
 Doctrinal Reading 99 
 
 Inferential Reading 106 
 
 Practical Reading 132 
 
 Of the Order of studying the Scriptures 141 
 
 Appendix 147 
 
 Treatise on the Affections 149 
 
 Analysis of the Epistle to the Ephesians 186 
 
 Analytical Introduction to the Epistle to the 
 
 Colossians 203 
 
 The Translator's Notes 229 
 
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 infiriitely pre-eminent Whatever 
 constitutes excellency in writing, whatever has dif- 
 fused a pa? iial beauty over the productions of men, 
 whatever conspires to expand the intellect or interest 
 the heart, shines forth in the sacred 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 practical study of this blessed Book, thou- 
 sands have found an exhaustless source of spiritual 
 and intellectual enjoyment ; and they have invariably 
 been compelled to acknowledge and admire, with an 
 eminent divine*, that " the fnost learned, acut^ 
 and diligent student, cannot, in the longest life, 
 obtain an entire knowledge of this one Volume; 
 
 * The Kev. Thomas Scott. 
 a 3 
 
VI THE TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE. 
 
 because, the more deeply he works the mine, the 
 richer and more abundant he Jinds the ore." — To 
 encourage and assist in the prosecution of this sub- 
 lime study, is the immediate object of the present 
 work. It is the last result of deep piety and pro- 
 found learning, united in a man who was peculiarly 
 called to the study of Holy Writ; anc? " it contains," 
 says Dr. Doddridge, (no common judge,) — " the 
 'BEST rules for studying the Scriptures, that I ever 
 remejjiber to have seen/' 
 
 The publication of a treatise so highly and yet so 
 ivorthily 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 immediate 
 object is to excite and assist learners, to study the 
 sacred text for themselves. Whether 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 
 determine for himself : but none surely ivitl contend, 
 that such a practice is not a solecism in divinity ; 
 and none who reflect, ivith 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 consents 
 
THE TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE. Vll 
 
 itself loith improper ways of search;'' will hesitate 
 to admit, as a consequence, that the young divine is 
 eminently exposed to commit this error ; and that 
 our author's wsork, independently of its internal 
 claims, makes a valid appeal to the reader's atten- 
 tion, as a seasonable production,* 
 
 The importance of cultivating an acquaintance 
 with the sacred languages, will doubtless render the 
 Chapter on Grammatical Heading peculiarly useful 
 and acceptable ; as it furnishes a complete series of 
 excellent rules for the attainment of the Greek, 
 Hebrew, and Chaldee : and it is hoped that, by the 
 perusal of it, many ivill be iyicited to study the 
 Original Scriptures. The mode of teaching which our 
 author so justly censures as discouraging and tedious, 
 and which enjoins a considerable knowledge of the 
 grammar, before the language itself can be at- 
 tempted, has given to the study, a most forbidding 
 aspect : but, if the tmlearned reader inspect the 
 Professor's plan, he icill find little to deter, and 
 much to encourage him. Should therefore any who 
 have acquired their skill in languages by different 
 methods, consider this too easy to be true, and advise 
 the unwary student " to turn out of his icay in a well- 
 beaten track ;" it will be fair to remember that our 
 author's rules are not only the Tprofes&ed fruit of 
 
 * See the latter part of a Review of the First Edition of 
 this Work, in the Christian Observer for Dec. 181-i, where the 
 above observation is strongly confirmed. 
 
VI 11 THE TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE. 
 
 practical enquiry, but that they evinced their ivorth 
 by the success with which they were attended, wheri 
 he occupied the chair of Professor of Languages in 
 the University of HalU. 
 
 When it is considered with what facility this in- 
 estimable attainment may be made, and the happy 
 consequences which, in every view, must result from 
 it, one cannot but impute it to ignorance or to cul- 
 pable indifference, that it does not more generally 
 constitute an object of attention in the education of 
 youth. The period usually allotted to the acquisition 
 of knowledge, would afford ample opportunities for 
 this study, icithout interfering with other duties. 
 That those indeed with ivhom matchless excellencies 
 cannot atone for evangelical truth, should treat the 
 Word of God with neglect, is a fact at which we 
 have long ceased to wonder; but the Christian pa- 
 rent 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 ren- 
 der them even tolerable proficients, he should conse- 
 crate at least a part, to the easier and more impor- 
 tant study of the Original Scriptures.* 
 
 * ** 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 
 suffiaient for their instruction in the Hebrew of the Old, and in 
 the Greek of the New Testament : and might enable theiu to 
 
THE TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE. IX 
 
 It is possible that the superficial reader, taking 
 his estimate of thefolloiving treatise in the ahstract, 
 and not in its practical application, may deem it 
 deficient in that spirituality 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 hesitate, 
 every judicious person must be satisfied that the 
 contrary is the fact. It is sufficient to say with 
 respect to Part 1. which treats of the Letter of 
 Scripture, that this is always considered in subor- 
 dination to the Spirit of the Word ; and that the 
 student is continually admonished to devote to it no 
 more of his time than it absolutely requires : and a 
 reference to the concluding chapter of the work — 
 *' On the order of studying the Holy Scriptures"-^ 
 will shew that an attention to the Letter (which na» 
 turally comes first to be noticed) is, at no time, to 
 preclude the study of the Sacred Volume in a spiritual 
 way. The Second Part certainly is replete ivith 
 spirituality. They however who expect that a series 
 of Rules will, in themselves, be fraught with unction, 
 do not think correctly. We might, with more ap- 
 pearance of reason, object to an excellent book of 
 Logic, which aids us in our inquiries after truth, 
 
 read in their original purity , those Divine Writings, on which 
 their profession as Protestants, and what is yet of greater mo- 
 ment, t\\e\\' faith and /lope as Christians, are founded."—' 
 Parkhurst. 
 
X THE TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE. 
 
 that its abstract rules are meagre and jejttne ; 
 than condemn the present work (which would had 
 our minds to the beatific vision of truths divine,) on 
 the grounds in question. 
 
 It now remains i to offer a few remarks in refe' 
 rence to those points for ivhich the Editor is more 
 immediately responsible. In giving a Translation 
 of the work, it has, of course, been his object to appre- 
 hend fully his author s ideas, and deliver them in 
 perspicuous, appropriate 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 advan- 
 tages of methodical arrungemement ; and in simpli- 
 fying, as much as possible, the technical phrases which 
 abound in the original work. 
 
 The most material part of his labour, however, 
 will be found in the Notes. It was immediately 
 obvious, that these were highly necessary, because 
 the works which our Author has recommended, have, 
 in many instances, become scarce, and, in others, 
 are superseded. Besides, it " is of vast advantage/' 
 says Dr. Watts, *' for the improvement of know- 
 ledge and saving time, for a young man to have the 
 most proper books for his reading recommended ;" 
 nor is it a matter of inferior consequence to theolo- 
 gical students, to have correct Editions of works 
 generally, and of the Original Scriptaires in parti- 
 
THE TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE. XI 
 
 eular, ascertained, — To afford information on tJ^esc 
 important points is the chief scope of the Trans- 
 lator's Notes ; and in order to render the student's 
 path certain as well as easy, almost every hook 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 con* 
 suited on ^he occasion, must be unnecessary ; the reader 
 ivill however see that to Dr. Doddridge's Preaching 
 Lectures, Dr. Williams's Appendix to the Christian 
 Preacher, and to Dr. A. Clarke's Preface to his 
 Bible, his Bibliographical Dictionary, and Concise 
 View, the Notes are much indebted. 
 
 In conclusion, the Translator would observe, that 
 he has laboured to make the Work as complete and 
 useful as possible; though he does not presume to 
 hope, hut that, in several respects, he may appear 
 deficient. " Whoever has edited a ivork, well knows 
 hoiv many causes of error may operate, not only inde- 
 pently of himself, but in spite of all his exertions.'' 
 
 Loudon, 
 May, 1815. 
 
GUIDE 
 
 XO THB 
 
 READING AND STUDY 
 
 HOLY SCRIPTURES* 
 
 Lhe methods which those who read the 
 Scriptures prescribe to themselves, 
 and the motives by which they are in- 
 fluenced, are equally various ; hence, as 
 they do not adopt the same measures, so 
 thev derive not from their labours the 
 same advantages. All Reading*, however, 
 respects either the letter or the 
 SPIRIT of the Inspired Writings. Se- 
 parate from the latter, the former is 
 A 
 
2 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 empty and inconsistent; but when both 
 are united, the study of Divinity is ren- 
 dered complete. 
 
 Reading, as it respects the letter 
 of Scripture, divides itself into three 
 branches: Grammatical, Histori- 
 cal, and Analytical. As it respects 
 the SPIRIT of the Word, it comprehends 
 four : Expository, Doctrinal, In- 
 ferential, and Practical. 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 or READING, AS IT RESPECTS THE 
 LETTER OF THE SCRIPTURES. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 OF GRA3IMATICAIi READING. 
 
 Grammatical Reading relates to the Greek 
 of the New, and the Hebrew and Chaldee of 
 the Old Testament ; and requires that their 
 Etymology, Signification,- Syntax, and Idiom, 
 be fully understood : lest the false senses which 
 are consequent on translations, and on an im- 
 perfect acquaintance with these languages, 
 should be incautiously attributed to the In- 
 spired Penmen. 
 
 A 2 
 
4 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 This branch of Scripture Reading embraces 
 four things. 
 
 I. The Analysis and Grammatical Inter" 
 pretation of Greek and Hebrew Words : con- 
 nected with which are Etymology, Signifi- 
 cation, and in part, Syntax. 
 
 II. An accurate Examination oj* Idiom, 
 
 III. A Knowledge of the Chaldee Tongue. 
 
 IV. An Acquaintance with the Hahbinical 
 Writings ; which are considered to follow more 
 immediately the Grammatical Reading of the 
 Scriptures. 
 
 1. Of Analysis and Interpretation. 
 
 In treating of the Analysis and Grammati- 
 cal Interpretation of words, it will be requisite 
 to notice distinctly the Greek and Hebrew 
 tonguc!j. 
 
STtJDY OF TliE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 5 
 
 The Greek language, with us, is not to be 
 studied as it would be by the professed Gram- 
 marian ; but simply with a \iew to Divinity 
 and the New Testament : though, certainly, 
 a student may profitably cultivate a larger ac- 
 quaintance with it afterwards, provided the 
 Hebrew and other necessary studies be not 
 neglected. So much of it, however, as is really 
 essential, may be easily acquired by attending 
 to the following observations. 
 
 The first seven chapters of St. Matthew's 
 gospel should be read with an accurate, col- 
 lated 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 
 however, in this, his Jlrst attempt, to be 
 anxious to comprehend all the principles of 
 grammatical construction ; nor, on account of 
 partial ignorance in this particular, should he 
 forego the improvement which must ever attend 
 A frequent translating of the text. Yet, in 
 A 3 
 
6 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND - 
 
 order that no delay may be occasioned through 
 a want of some acquaintance with the gram- 
 mar, it will be proper to read and review 
 frequently, the paradigms of the declensions 
 and conjugations, with other grammatical ru- 
 diments ; 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, notwithstanding, 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 substitute 
 for theory ; but theory can avail nothing with- 
 out practice. 
 
 When the seven chapters in question have 
 been thoroughly studied, and the requisite pa- 
 radigms are familiarized, the New Testament 
 should be read through in its natural order, 
 with a collated and accurate version : and the 
 signification and grammatical nature of words, 
 may be sought in Pasor's larger Lexicon, {h) 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 7 
 
 The student should impress the significations 
 of words on his memory, by writing them, or 
 by repeatedly reading the chapters ; accord- 
 ingly as he may deem either method better 
 adapted to his genius. I have, however, uni- 
 formly observed, that to write the significations 
 of words, is the more successful practice. 
 
 Students should remark, that this reading 
 is not to be prosecuted in an irregular and 
 inconstant manner. Other pursuits must sub- 
 mit to a temporary, or at least, partial cessa- 
 tion, lest they obliterate what has been learned ; 
 and lest a distaste for this should be acquired, 
 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 conti- 
 nually recurring under different forms and 
 various combinations, are, without much diffi- 
 culty, impressed on the mind. It is there- 
 fore a judicious distribution of time, to allot a 
 stated period to the study of a language, and 
 A 4 
 
8 A GUIDE TO THE READIKG AND 
 
 remit, during that terra, every other pursuit. 
 — It is proper to remark hepe, that every one 
 should take into consideration, his time, his 
 opportunities, his genius, &c. ; and not pre- 
 maturely draw conclusions unfavourable to 
 himself, from comparing his own method 
 and progress with those of others ; wliile 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 read- 
 ing. A student of Divinity could scarcely 
 be so dull as not to gain, in this way, a 
 grammatical acquaintance with the New Tcs> 
 tament, within three months. 
 
 In acquiring a knowledge of the Greek 
 Tongue, as well as preserving it when attained, 
 it will prove of considerable advantage, if the 
 learner accustom himself to carry a Pocket 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 9 
 
 Edition of the Greek Testament about with 
 him ; and, when any text is propounded 
 either in public or private, to search it out 
 immediately, and collate the orioinal with it. 
 By means oF this excellent practice, a habit is 
 likewise formed of accurately reading and ex- 
 amining the Original Scriptures, (c) 
 
 Provided the ends proposed be effectually 
 attained, it can be of little consequence, how- 
 ever, what plan is adopted. Hence, we are 
 not authorised to assert that the modes pur- 
 sued 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 
 chuse rather to select some easy Epistle, 
 A 5 
 
10 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 as John, Timothy, Titus, &c. and, then, pro- 
 ceed regularly through the Testament ; or 
 should he habituate himself to read the sa- 
 cred pages with more care than has been 
 enjoined, 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 inter-- 
 lineary version ; — in the adoption of any one 
 of these schemes, the learner might, very 
 possibly, be making a wise election. Again, 
 it is a measure which may, perhaps, be at- 
 tended with success, provided the student be 
 endued with a happy memory, to learn Leus- 
 den's Compendium of the New Testament ; 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 itself. Let not any learner, how- 
 ever, be guided by his own judgment, either 
 in adopting or rejecting a method; but ra- 
 ther submit to the decision of a judicious tutor 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 1 1 
 
 or friend. In conclusion, I would, never- 
 theless, 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 lan- 
 guage : and there are still extant, 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 men- 
 tioned Phil. iv. 3.), addressed to the Corin- 
 thian church, which breathe the wisdom of 
 primitive days : the Epistles of Barnabas, and 
 those of Ignatius ; which, considered gene- 
 rally, are not unworthy of the soundness and 
 gravity of the first ages of the church, Next 
 to these, we may notice the Apologies of 
 
12 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 Justin Martyr and Athenagoras ; and the Ho- 
 milies 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 stu- 
 dious ; especially those which were written 
 immediately after the earlier days of the Chris- 
 tian church. Such reading has a tendency to 
 impress on the mind, the image of pure and 
 undefiled Christianity, even though prose- 
 cuted with primary reference 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 con- 
 spicuous. Eusebius's Ecclesiastical History, 
 embracing a period of six hundred years, may 
 follow in order after those last noticed : and, 
 from this work, the transition to the best 
 Greek fathers, as Chrysostom, Basil, &c. will 
 be extremely easy. All these productions may 
 be so read as to afford lasting profit.— Michael 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 13 
 
 Neander has published several books, in pur- 
 suance of this plan : as " Patrum Sententiae ;" 
 " Apocrypha Novi Testamenti ;'' &c. The 
 " Spicilegium Patrum" of Grabe, will also 
 merit the reader's attention, {f) 
 
 I would here repeat an observation which 
 has already 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 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, outof the question. On this subject, 
 the reader may consult the " Critica Sacra'* of 
 
14 A GUIDE TO THE HEADING AND 
 
 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 eminently beneficial to students, 
 if they read these works ; on the same princi- 
 ples that it is useful to peruse the Apocrypha 
 appended to the Old Testament. ( g ) 
 
 The Hebrew language next claims our at- 
 tention. In studying this, it is not, in my opi- 
 nion, advisable to connect it with the Greek ; 
 for when a student has acquired the latter in 
 a short period, he will naturally engage in 
 learning the other with more ardour and satis- 
 faction. 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 ac- 
 count, it may, sometimes, be prudent, to unite 
 the Latin with the Greek, or the Greek with 
 the Hebrew ; and to divide the attention, so as 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 15 
 
 to appropriate the morning to the more difficult, 
 and the afternoon to the more easy language. 
 This practice cannot, however, be recom- 
 mended, when an affinity 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 oppose 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 Hebrew. 
 Some there are who entirely reverse the series ; 
 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 essential in preference to those of infe- 
 rior moment. It is indeed much to be wished, 
 that this admonition were more deeply im- 
 pressed on the minds of students, because the 
 
16 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 observance of it, in any branch of learning, 
 would invariably insure advancement. 
 
 The method which I shall propose for ac- 
 quiring the Hebrew language, resembles that 
 prescribed for the Greek. The first four chap- 
 ters 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 transla- 
 tion. — The versions of Junius and i remellius 
 merit a preference ; and this is likewise due to 
 the version of the first four chapters of Genesis, 
 prefixed by Opitius to his Atrium. That of 
 Genesis by Pagninus, enriched with short an- 
 notations, and accompanied with the Hebrew 
 textf will prove useful to beginners. ( h ) 
 
 It will next be proper to commit to memory 
 some rudiments of the grammar, so as to ena- 
 ble the learner to know what are prefixes and 
 affixes, as well as the more necessary para- 
 digms.(*) More time must however be al- 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 1 7 
 
 lotted to reading the text itself, than to study- 
 ing the grammar ; which will undoubtedly be 
 attained with greater facility and pleasure, 
 when the language is become, in some mea- 
 sure, familiarized. Experience has repeatedly 
 and clearly evinced, to the conviction of many 
 besides myself, that, in the course of only^bwr 
 days, these chapters may be perfectly known ; 
 so known, as that the student shall be able io 
 translate the text into another language ; io 
 ascertain the roots and their significations ; and 
 to separate from them the prefixes and affixes 
 with which they stand connected. The great 
 assistance which this must afford in a second 
 reading, is very evident. Surely a week so 
 employed, is calculated to improve a learner 
 more than three months spent over the gram- 
 mar, and in the practice of analyzing alone ; 
 through a dislike to which, many persons have 
 totally given up the study of the Hebrew tongue. 
 
 A good Tutor will, at this juncture, prove 
 eminently useful, in order to deliver to the 
 
18 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 pupil, in a concise and perspicuous summary^ 
 such grammatical rudiments as he may consi- 
 der essential. They who do not enjoy this 
 privilege, must avail themselves of those works 
 which have been drawn up to supply the defi- 
 ciency. Such are the Analysis of the first 
 chapters of Genesis, annexed by Opitius to his 
 Atrium ; and the Hebrew Lexicon of the same 
 celebrated man, written for the use of begin- 
 ners, after the plan of Schrevelius's. Besides 
 these, we should notice Baldovius's Analysis 
 of Genesis, accommodated to his Grammar, 
 and printed with it ; Bythner's " Lyra Prophe- 
 tica," or a Critico-practical Analysis of the book 
 of Psalms (a most excellent production in this 
 way) ; and Leusden's " Clavis Veteris Testa- 
 menti;" a work similar to that complied for the 
 Greek Testament, by the same author. ( k ) 
 
 Having perused the chapters prescribed, and 
 committed to ss^emory the more essential rudi- 
 ments of Grammar, (as far as this can be done 
 without becoming tedious), it remains that the 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 19 
 
 'Whole Bible should be immediately and tho- 
 roughly read through. Compendiums, Manuals, 
 &c. may respectively possess merit ; but they 
 must never be suffered to preclude the learner 
 from the Scriptures, which should constitute 
 the main object of his attention Many have 
 erred greatly in this point ; and after consum- 
 ing much time over compendiums, their ad- 
 vancement has been considerably impeded, and 
 they have frequently been prevented from 
 studying the whole of the Sacred Writings. 
 
 In this perusal of the Scriptures, the version 
 used should be accurate ; that of Tremellius 
 with Notes, will be found, to merit recommend- 
 ation. It must also be prosecuted with as 
 much persevering assiduity as possible, lest 
 after long intervals have elapsed, the learner 
 forget what he had previously known. 
 
 The significations of words may be written 
 in the margin, or interline the text, until, by 
 means of repetition, they become familiar. 
 
20 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 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 unconnected 
 words with either pleasure or profit : nor would 
 I advise the reader to make use of a Lexicon, 
 unless indeed it be that of Opitius ; for, not 
 being advanced in gTammatical knowledge, 
 much of his time would, in consequence, be 
 irrecoverably lost. It will prove more benefi- 
 cial to have a Bible with all the roots expressed 
 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. Besides, it is of little moment, if, in a 
 first reading, some words remain unexplained : 
 many have protracted their advancement by 
 yielding to the unreasonable desire of knowing 
 all at once. (/) 
 
 While thus employed, in reading the Origi- 
 nal Scriptures, the Hebrew Grammar, under 
 the direction of a master, will be gradually ac~ 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 21 
 
 quired ; 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 satisfied without 
 inquiring into every critical nicety, will eventu- 
 ally lament, that their time has been misapplied. 
 
 The Old Testament being thus thoroughly 
 perused, 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 acquired in the first read- 
 ing. With this may be connected an examina- 
 tion 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 He- 
 brew Manual, in order to commit the words of 
 the Old Testament to memory with greater fa- 
 cility, I would not dissuade him from the at- 
 tempt. ( m ) 
 
 It plainly appears, from what has been ad- 
 
22 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 vanced, that, in order to study the Hebrew ef- 
 fectually, we should place entire dependance 
 neither on a Tutor, nor on private exertions, 
 only ; they must be conjoined. However ex- 
 cellent 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 the latter can introduce him to a deep 
 acquaintance with the language by the readiest 
 way. The proper office of the preceptor is to 
 explain difficulties, as, in the course of read- 
 ing, they occur ; and to point out, in a per- 
 spicuous manner, the method best adapted 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 an- 
 swer the ends in view, and the least likely to 
 issue in disappointment. ( w ) 
 
 If the student use Men. Ben. Israel's Bible 
 without points, and habituate himself to search 
 out the texts proposed in public and in private. 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 23 
 
 and to compare them with the Hebrew, he will 
 promote and confirm his progress. ( o ) 
 
 In learning a language, it is a practice of no 
 small utility, for two or three friends to unite 
 in the prosecution of their studies, and strive to 
 afford mutual assistance. This may be accom- 
 plished, by instituting some kind of exercise or 
 examination between the parties. 
 
 When engaged in this branch of Scripture 
 reading, the student should observe the fol- 
 lowing rules : 
 
 1. Never be weary of writing the signifi- 
 cation of words. This is an excellent auxiliary 
 to the memory ; and, though it may, perhaps, 
 appear to be a tedious, unnecessary provision 
 at the first, it will soon recommend itself by 
 its practical utility. 
 
 2. When the Root of any word is not of easy 
 attainment, write the word in the margin ; and, 
 
24 A GUIDE TO THE READING 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 per- 
 severing will, eventually, succeed ; while they 
 who are incessantly vacillating, must naturally 
 expect to suflfer considerable loss. A good 
 acquaintance with a language is but seldom ac- 
 quired, 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 dif- 
 ficulty : some point's appertain rather to a se- 
 cond and more accurate perusal, and their con- 
 sideration should, on that account, be deferred. 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 25 
 
 Many have imbibed an early distaste for the 
 study of languages, in consequence of neglect- 
 ing to attend to this precept. 
 
 5. The Text should be frequently read aloud; 
 for the custoni of reading mentally, often induces 
 a habit of stammering and reading slowly, even 
 after a great part of the Bible has been perused. 
 
 6. It will conduce to improvement, if the 
 Tutor sometimes read the Text, and cause 
 his pupils carefully to imitate his pronunciation. 
 
 7. When it can be done, it naay be found use- 
 ful to review and repeat on the Saturday, the 
 lessons of the preceding days. Subsequent 
 weeks will bear abundant testimony to the ex- 
 cellency 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 resemble. — Those parts of the 
 
 B 
 
20 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 Hagiographa which are written in Chaldee, 
 may, in the first reading, be omitted. (p) 
 
 9. Different Teachers should not be employ- 
 ed, when learning the rudiments of a language. 
 
 10. Words that seldom, or but once, occur, 
 may be noted on paper : or, they may be im- 
 pressed on the mind, by the frequent repetition 
 of Leusden's Compendium. 
 
 11. In a first reading, those Proper Sub- 
 stantiTes 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. 
 
 2. Of Idiom. 
 
 If wc wish to interpret the Original Scrip- 
 tures with propriety, and to form a right judg- 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 27 
 
 inent of Translations, it is indispensable, tliat 
 we be acquainted with the Idiom of the Old and 
 New Testanaents. 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, otherwise, 
 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 in- 
 cluded in a few rules ; and thus the major part 
 of them will be overlooked. 
 
 " An Idiom," observes Danhauerus, " is an 
 " expression common to the whole language of 
 " which it is a part ; pertaining to that language 
 *' only ; and applying to it always. Common 
 *^ to the whole language, — because always em- 
 " ployed 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 ; andaZwai/*, that is, 
 " not from mere accident, or from casual 
 " analogy .'\ 
 
 B 2 
 
28 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 Danhauerus also makes a just distinction be- 
 tween Idiom and Signification ; intimating that 
 the Signification 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 useof words.— -It may 
 also happen, that, through the mere significa- 
 tion of words, when translated, expressions 
 may sometimes be impro})erly deemed Idioma- 
 tic : as, when a word cannot be rendered into 
 another language by a word synonymous ; or 
 only by one that is very rarely used to convey 
 the meaning proposed. 
 
 That is properly an Idiom, which cannot be 
 rendered, word for word, into another lan- 
 guage, without violating the native purity of 
 that language, and wounding the ears of those 
 who are conversant with it. Danhauerus cites 
 a remark from Augustine, that is extremely per- 
 tinent. — " We should learn how the language of 
 " Inspiration is to be received, consistently with 
 '' the peculiarities of the respective languages 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 29 
 
 " employed: for every tongue has modes of ex- 
 " pression peculiar to it, which, if literally 
 " translated, would appear absurd." If this 
 observation be duly weighed, we shall readily 
 apprehend the nature of Idiom. (^) 
 
 It is now proper to notice, in reference to the 
 Old Testament, that an Idiom is called, from 
 the Hebrew tongue, a Hebraism : except that 
 Syriac and Clialdee Idioms are called respec- 
 tively, Syriasms, Chaldaisms. In the New Tes- 
 tament, Idioms are, by some, denominated 
 Hellenisms ; by others, " The Holy Greek 
 Style ;" a designation which includes those 
 phrases that are properly Hebraistic, but are 
 expressed by Greek words. 
 
 In studying the New Testament, we are 
 carefully to distinguish between Hebraisms and 
 pure Grecisms. Ptochen, Stolberg, and others 
 have indeed written judiciously, on the purity of 
 the New-Testament Greek, and shewn that 
 many phrases generally deemed Hebraisms, were 
 actually used by the profane Greek writers ; and 
 
30 A GUIDE TO THE READING 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 evi- 
 dent, 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 differs widely from 
 that of profane authors ; and yet, on the other, 
 no book can be rendered into the Hebrew Idiom 
 with more facility; not on account of the sub- 
 ject-matter only, but chiefly because of the si- 
 milarity existing between the respective styles 
 of their compositions. See the " Hermeneutic^ 
 Sacrffi," of Danhauerus, Art 10. § 5. P. 181, 
 182 ; and the authors cited by Pfeiffer, " Critic. 
 Sac." P. 78, &c. and 214.— It therefore obvi- 
 ously 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 examin- 
 ation of Idiom should immediately follow the 
 first perusal of the Old and New Testaments, (r) 
 
 Among the works which have been writteo 
 
STtDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. .31 
 
 on this subject, the " Grammatica Sacra," in the 
 third treatise of Glassius's " Philologia Sacra," 
 merits particular regard, and judiciously con- 
 joins the Idiom both of the Old and New Testa- 
 ments. Without meaning to detract, 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 Scripturae Sacrge" of Flacius 
 lUyricus : a work which we may very properly 
 be read and collated with the book in ques- 
 tion. ( t) 
 
 2. A great part of the Examples are taken 
 from other authors, especially from the notes 
 of Junius and Tremellius. Buxtorf's " The- 
 " saurus Graramaticus" may be likewise col- 
 
 B 4 
 
32 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 lated with it, as well as the " Observationes 
 Philologicae et Exegeticae" of Chemnitz, (u) 
 
 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 circumstances concur, and 
 make it requisite : being an arbitrary expres- 
 sion, 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 
 of them ; and especially to those on Grammati- 
 cal Figures. 
 
 6. He does not treat of the doctrine of Idiom 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 33 
 
 thoroughly. Many Idioms lie, as it were, con- 
 cealed, hotii in the Hebrew and other languages ; 
 particuhirly, in the connexion of words. That 
 this is the case in the Latin toni^ne, has been 
 fully proved by Schorus ; whose little works, 
 **Metiiodus discendae linguae Latinas et Grecae," 
 and " Piirases Ciceronianae," (especially the 
 preface,) deserve commendation.( v ) 
 
 Some valuable Spicilegia have been added to 
 Glassius's work by Danhauerus. See Herme- 
 neut. Sac. Art. VI. P. 183, &c. 
 
 If the reader desire to engage more fully in 
 this study, he may derive the requisite assist- 
 ance from the " Adversaria Sacra" of Fesse- 
 lius ; and from the Commentaries of Drusius, 
 Grotius, &c. contained in ten volumes of 
 " Critici Sacri." PfeifFer Hkewise cites au- 
 thors on this subject, in his " Critica Sacra," 
 P. 174, and 175. It is, however, to be ob- 
 served, that a very tolerable acquaintance with 
 the subject of Idiom may be acquired from the 
 B 5 
 
34 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 above-mentioned " Grammatica Sacra" of 
 Glassius.(M?) 
 
 Various are the methods which have been de- 
 vised for the study of Glassius's work. Some 
 have transcribed 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 reading Herwart's Com- 
 pendium : 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 explana- 
 tions annexed by its author. The last plan is 
 that which I recommend to the reader.f 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 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 35 
 
 as they occur, adding, if agreeable, the rules 
 from Glassius and other writers. 1 have expe- 
 rienced, that, by adopting this mode, the whole 
 may be very protitably gone through in the 
 space of one month. — Tliere is one other ad- 
 vantage peculiar to it, that not being employed 
 on various and indifferent parts of the Bible, 
 but confined to a few definite pages, the stu- 
 dent enjoys the advantage of being able to refer 
 to a parallel example in sections previously ex- 
 amined, whenever 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 select examples ; and, lastly, im- 
 pressing 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 of Idiom, much depends on a con- 
 stant and patient perusal of the Greek and 
 
36 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 Hebrew text. This is evident, from consider- 
 ing the principles on which, without adverting 
 to any Bides^ we judge of our vernacular 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 ac- 
 quaintance with the Idiom of any tongue, is 
 best acquired by studying and famiUarizing 
 the tongue itself. 
 
 Having now treated of the doctrine of Idiom, 
 and made those remarks on it as a study which 
 we deemed important, let the reader be ad- 
 monished, not to devote his time and attention 
 to the Letter of Scripture only, but hastea to 
 the enjoyment of those sacred delights, which 
 flow from the Spirit of the lively Oracles. 
 
 S. Of the Chaldee Language, 
 
 When the student has made a proficiency in 
 the Hebrew, he should commence with the 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 37 
 
 Chaldee language. This may be learned ac- 
 cording* to the method prescribed for acquiring 
 the Greek and Hebrew : —taking those parts 
 of the Scriptures that were written in Chaldee, 
 and reading them with a translation. 
 
 They who covet a more enlarged knowledge 
 of this tongue, may study the Targura ; which, 
 if they be previously versed in the Hebrew, will 
 cost them little trouble to understand. See 
 PfeifFer's " Critica Sacra," Page 398, &c. (r/) 
 
 4. Of the Rabbinical Writings, 
 
 The study of Rabbinism presupposes an ac- 
 quaintance with the Hebrew and Chaldee ; and 
 is better learned by practice, than by precept. 
 Cellarius has written on this subject ; and Six- 
 tinus Aiiiama has proposed 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 attentively 
 
38 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 peruse Michlal Tophi; which is a kind of Li- 
 teral Commentary on the Old Testament, and 
 contains the substance of all the Rabbinical An- 
 notations. A Master will be useful in this 
 branch of Scripture literature, in order to ex- 
 plain 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 Talmu- 
 dico-Rabbinicam.'* Vide " Critica Sacra," 
 Page 517, &c. (s) 
 
 He who applies himself to the writings of the 
 Rabbins with an undue and intemperate ardour, 
 may, perhaps, enjoy his labours ; but I would 
 caution the reader against filling his mind with 
 Judaical absurdities, while the Sacred Volume 
 invites him to contemplate divine truths, and 
 to participate of divine pleasures. 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 39 
 
 CHAPTER IT. 
 OF HISTORICAL READING. 
 
 Historical Reading is confined to the out- 
 ward Letter of Scripture ; and its proper ten- 
 dency is to lead the mind to an historical 
 knowledge of the things contained in it, as the 
 Argument, Scope, &c. — whether this know- 
 ledge be sought in the Volume of Inspiration 
 itself, or through the medium of other helps. (a) 
 
 Historical reading comprehends an acquaint- 
 ance 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 rea- 
 
40 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 sonably pre-supposed in a student of Divinity, 
 ^ho is expected ^' to have known from a child, 
 " the Holy Scriptures :" 2 Tim. iii. 15. The 
 Sum and Substance of the Old and New Tes- 
 taments, we define to be — what is understood 
 by " the Old and New Testaments ;" and, 
 likewise, the points in which they differ from 
 each other. Luther's Prefaces will furnish the 
 reader with all necessary information on this 
 head; and give him a general idea of the sub- 
 ject-matter of the books of Scripture. ( 5 ) 
 
 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. 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 41 
 
 V. The Arguments of the respective books : 
 a perfect acquaintance with which, prepares the 
 mind for more accurate investigation. A 
 knowledge of the Arguments, whether of books 
 or chapters, may be acquired with more advan- 
 tage from Scripture itself, than from any com- 
 pilations that have been made to assist the me- 
 mory ; as Martin's " Memoriale Biblicum," 
 
 Heidegger's " Enchiridion," &c. though 
 
 works of this kind may be useful in the business 
 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 corapendiums ; and against 
 such an attention to 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 wor- 
 thy of remark: — a Tutor, Diligence, and Ex- 
 ercises instituted between fellow- students. 
 
42 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 A Tutor, The instructions of an able Tutor 
 or Friend, will prevent much loss of time, and 
 be otherwise of essential service ; when the stu- 
 dent 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 prejudicial to 
 the learner, if he be deprived of the advantages 
 that result from the catechetical mode of teach- 
 ing ; which, by descanting on the scope, argu- 
 ment, &c. of a book, and by asking questions 
 concerning them, is so happily calculated to 
 impress the memory. 
 
 Diligence. The best mode of confirming the 
 mind in the recollection of what has been pre- 
 viously learned from the lips of a Tutor, is to 
 read and re-read the books of Scripture. It is 
 indeed necessary to be incessantly exercised in 
 these elements of exposition, and thus to render 
 them familiar ; lest, in interpreting any Sacred 
 Writer, we be betrayed into error. 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 43 
 
 Exercises between Associates in Study. 
 Frequent 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 moderation. 
 By means of these, we may both form an ac- 
 quaintance with the Arguments, &c. of books 
 and chapters ; and likewise retain them con- 
 stantly in recollection. 
 
 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 
 tliemselves. With a view to this, it is recom- 
 mended by Wolffgang Franzius, in his admir- 
 able preface to his treatise, " de Scripturae 
 Sacrae Interpretatione,'* not to measure our 
 reading by the chapters into which Holy Writ 
 has been divided, but to peruse an entire sub- 
 ject at one time. Were this monition strictly 
 regarded, students would clearly perceive, that 
 
44 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 to explain scripture by scripture, and difficult 
 passages by others of easier solution, is an in- 
 valuable expository help : and they would like- 
 wise have in constant readiness, a system of 
 Divinity, compiled from the Sacred Volume 
 itself, and divested of all human glosses. ( d) 
 
 The high importance of this help was not un- 
 observed by Chemnitz. He says — " Since the 
 ^' several articles of the Christian faith, have 
 " their own peculiar Seats, in certain parts of 
 " God's Word ; it is indispensably requisite to 
 *^ ascertain and familiarize those sacred testi- 
 " monies by which scriptural truths are con- 
 " firmed. He who deserts these testimonies, 
 ^' at once so suitable and perspicuous, in order 
 " to give the ainpler scope to the exercise of his 
 " own judgment, is unworthy of the student's 
 " imitation and regard. Let the Scriptures 
 *^ explain themselves : and let their genuine 
 " force and native emphasis be carefully col- 
 " lected from the grammatical signification of 
 " the words, kc. in order that the sacred testi- 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 45 
 
 *^ monies 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 when 
 *' they are cited to confirm truth." — These re- 
 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 
 Scriptures where such subject is treated : whe- 
 ther professedly ; or in subordination to another 
 subject ; or, more especially, when it is regu- 
 larly 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 Scripture ; and, hence, there is an evident 
 difference even between the Proper Seals of the 
 same subject. The doctrine of Justification, 
 for instance, is considered in the third chapter 
 of Philippians, as in its Proper Seat; but 
 
46 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 the epistles to the Romans and Galatians, are, 
 more eminently, the Seats of that doctrine. 
 
 The student will find it a heneficial practice, 
 it he draw up, as he reads, for his own private 
 use, an Index of subjects digested according to 
 their Proper Seats. To form such an Index, 
 will not require much labour, and will certainly 
 be productive of abundant advantage. Those 
 which are prepared by others (as thatfof Tossa- 
 nus, annexed to the version of Junius and Tre- 
 mellius), do not so forcibly aiFect the memory. 
 Young persons are not indeed capable of ar- 
 ranging such an Index with the requisite pre- 
 cision : they ought, on that account, to be as- 
 sisted by a Master, at least in a few chapters, 
 lest their time and labour should be unsucess- 
 fully bestowed. (/) 
 
 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 indeed usually appreciate the 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES, 47 
 
 important advantages which result from a per- 
 fect acquaintance with the Seats, and therefore 
 do not cultivate this branch of study with a cor- 
 respondent attention ; but experience will de- 
 monstrate and enforce its claims. 
 
 VII. External Circumstances. &uch are 
 MSS. editions ; versions ; the divisions made 
 by chapters, verses, and points ; accents ; in- 
 scriptions ; subscriptions ; various readings ; 
 the Masora ; &c. — these may be emphatically 
 denominated external. On such points, re- 
 course may be had to the following- works :— 
 Walther's " Officina Biblica ;" Kortholtus " de 
 variis Scripturae Sacrae Editionibus ;" Scherert- 
 zius's " Animadversiones Philologicge in Co- 
 dicem Veteris etNovi Testamenti;" Fabricius's 
 " Partitiones Codicis Hebraei ;" and Father 
 Richard Simon's *' Critica Sacra Veteris et 
 Novi Testamenti " — It is however allowed, 
 that these books contain exceptionable matter ; 
 and, among others, this is noticed by Majus, 
 in several Latin Dissertations published at 
 
48 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 Frankfort in 1690 ; and also by Walton in the 
 preface to his Polyglott Bible. Many remarks 
 to this effect may be likewise seen, in the 
 " Critica Sacra" of Pfeiffer.(^ ) 
 
 Various things connected with History occur 
 even in texts of Scripture : as the names of 
 places and seasons ; genealogies ; various kinds 
 of money, weights, and measures ; phrases ap- 
 propriated to peculiar antiquities, rites, laws, 
 privileges, or, to some condition of persons. 
 Whatever, therefore, goes to explain such 
 points, appertains to Historical Reading, 
 Hence, Natural History is, in no small degree, 
 helpful to the biblical student; and on this 
 ground, Franzius composed his " Historia Ani- 
 malium," and has been followed more at large 
 by Bochart in his " Hierozoicus." The other 
 learned works of the latter merit commenda- 
 tion, (/i) 
 
 It is proper to remark, with regard to Histo- 
 rical reading, that it would be unwise indeed, 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 49 
 
 to prefer it, as it concerns the subjects which 
 have been considered, to the other branches of 
 Scripture Reading ; a position on which we 
 shall speak more fully, in treating 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 
 caution, 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 contentedly on the husks, 
 while those heavenly delights which flow from 
 the Volume of Revelation remain untasted and 
 unenjoyed. 
 
 Since the Letter is examined only for the sake 
 of the Spirit of the Sacred Oracles, we should 
 C 
 
50 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 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 unwor- 
 thy of the divine wisdom which Scripture incul- 
 cates. In this study, our estimate of other 
 books is constantly to be formed, from the de- 
 gree in which they assist us in attaining the pro- 
 per object of the Bible itself. 
 
 There are some things which, from their pe- 
 culiar nature, must be referred to following 
 chapters ; thus, the Scope and Argument are 
 more accurately considered under Analytical 
 Reading. They could not, however, be ex- 
 cluded from this chapter, because they are to be 
 historically known, and appertain to any gene- 
 ral comprehension of the things contained in 
 Scripture ; and yet they are not so known as in 
 Analytical and Expository reading, where they 
 will require a further investigation. 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 51 
 
 It is highly prejudicial to young students, to 
 take up, at will, the works of many and various 
 writers ; since they want judgment to discri- 
 minate, skill to select, 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 founda- 
 tion, and peruse them in a sedate and attentive 
 manner; never commencing any other book, 
 until the subject of the former be perfectly un- 
 derstood and digested. If these monitions be 
 neglected, they may become sciolists, but never 
 men of learning ; sophists, but never truly 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." 
 
 C 2 
 
52 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 OF ANALYTICAL READING 
 
 Analytical Reading of Scripture, is that by 
 which we institute a logical analysis ; and con- 
 sider the structure, connexion, and order, of 
 entire books and particular texts of the Old and 
 New Testaments : that, being thus resolved into 
 their first principles, they may be understood 
 with the greater facility and precision. 
 
 This branch of reading is not prescribed, on 
 the supposition that the Sacred Penmen affected 
 to compose and arrange their subjects, according 
 to the rules of Logic ; for it were absurd to en- 
 tertain so unworthy an idea of men divinely 
 inspired ; but it is adopted, because Order is so 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY 'SCRIPTURES. 53 
 
 natural to the things themselves, to reason, 
 and to discourse, that it accompanies language, 
 whether sacred or profane, even when it is not 
 studied ; and tends, in no small degree, to ren- 
 der 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 il- 
 literate person, 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; be- 
 cause, in the former, they are not immediately 
 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 ac- 
 curate knowledge of Logical Analysis, is evident 
 from the following considerations. 
 
 1. As all Helps calculated to expound the 
 
 Scriptures, reciprocally explain, assist, andcon- 
 
 firm each other ; so Analysis has a great effect 
 
 in determining the Emphasis, Idiom, Literal 
 
 Sense, Inferences, and Practical Application. 
 C 8 
 
f)4 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 2. Analysis causes the several members, and 
 even words of the Text, to be considered with 
 more accuracy 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 subject open to inspection. 
 
 5. It assists in meditation, and in the delivery 
 of a discourse. 
 
 6. It developes the grounds on which the In- 
 spired Writers propound their doctrines ; which 
 is a point of much importance. 
 
 7. It conduces, in no small degree, to the de- 
 cision of controversies. 
 
 Logical Reading is employed either on whole 
 Books, or on particular Texts. The resolution 
 of particular Texts, however, presupposes an ac- 
 quaintance with the structure of whole Books. 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 55 
 
 Indeed, they who be^in 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 diflferent views. 
 
 First, the Doctrinal books are to be referred 
 hither ; such are the Epistles in the New Tes- 
 tament. A distinction is to be made between 
 these, the Historical and Prophetic books, and 
 the Psalms : and they also must be distin- 
 guished from each other. 
 
 The Doctrinal books are either of one, or of 
 various 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 follow- 
 ing particulars. 
 
 1. The inconsiderate Zeal of that church ; un- 
 der the influence of which, one person preferred 
 Paul ; and another, ApoUos : to Chap. 4. inclusive. 
 C 4 
 
66 A GUIDE TO^HE READING AND 
 
 2. The Incest that had been committed among 
 them : Chap. 5 
 
 3. Their Law-suits : Chap. 6. 
 
 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 parti- 
 culars : Chap. 12. 
 
 10. Of Christian Love : Chap. 13. 
 
 11. Of the Manner of conducting Holy As- 
 semblies ; and of prophesying therein : Chap. 
 14. 
 
 12. Of the Resurrection : Chap. 15. 
 
STtJDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES, 57 
 
 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 be sedulously compared with the 
 Scope. 
 
 3. The Middle Terms must be thoroughly 
 weighed, and compared with all the subordinate 
 Conclusions. 
 
 It may however prove sufficient to give us a 
 right understanding of the structure of a book, 
 if we duly notice the Scope of the whole, the 
 Conclusions accommodated to the Scope, and 
 the Middle Terms prepared to produce these 
 Conclusions ; all arranged in their proper order. 
 That this may more effectually be accomplished, 
 C 5 
 
58 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 it will be necessary to observe the subsequent 
 remarks. 
 
 1. The greater number of the books in ques- 
 tion are polemical; whence, if the Opposite 
 Proposition be examined, it will afford material 
 
 service in ascertaining the Scope, and in distin- 
 guishing it from that of other books. This is 
 evidently the case in the Epistle to the Gala- 
 tians. (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 practical, and, as it were, appli- 
 catory, (as may be seen in Romans, Galatians, 
 Ephesians, and Colossians): and two «ecow(/ary 
 parts, the Exordium and the Conclusion. If 
 the Analysis of the Doctrinal part be proper- 
 ly instituted, little difficulty will attend the 
 others, [h) 
 
 3. Several books treat of the same, or, at 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 69 
 
 least, of a kindred Argument ; and some analy- 
 tical aid may be drawn from this affinity. Thus, 
 the Epistles to the Romans and Galatians both 
 treatof Justification; and the Epistles addressed 
 to the Epliesians, Philippians, and Colossians, 
 touch likewise on the same subject. 
 
 The Historical Books are attended with less 
 difficulty, because the order, in an historical 
 narration, cannot but be obvious. The different 
 histories which they contain, should however 
 be accurately separated ; 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 before 
 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 opi- 
 nion : Praef. in Jes. The Prophetical Books re- 
 fer to the future ; as the Historical, to the past 
 
60 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND ' 
 
 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 infringe, by any refined logical subtilities, 
 on the Prophetic 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 defective. A warm and 
 glowing emotion will frequently overstep the li- 
 mits of natural, or, rather, of accustomed order ; 
 nor can it reasonably be confined within 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 Pro- 
 per Argument and General Scope of the whole 
 book; for various things belong to various 
 scopes. 
 
SrUDV OF THE HOLY SCRII*TURES. 61 
 
 2. We must examine whether the Text have 
 not a nearer connexion with some subordinate 
 Scope ; and, consequently, a mediate rather 
 than immediate, reference 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 
 Si Middle Term, or as a Perfect Syllogism: and, 
 also, whether the Argument go to prove, to ex- 
 plain, or to illustrate ; 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 different or more simple language (which 
 belongs to Exposition), but in the very words 
 of the Text. 
 
 5. The Subject and Predicate of the proposi- 
 tion must be considered ( o?) 
 
62 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 6. The casual matter which may attach to the 
 Subject au<l 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 relation they bear to each other. 
 
 7. If there be several Doctrines enumerated 
 in one Text, they must be examined separately ; 
 and, afterwards, the order in which they connect 
 should be ascertained ; a point to which the In- 
 spired Writers are usually very attentive. 
 
 In order that the mode of instituting an Ana- 
 lysis of any entire doctrinal Book may be ren- 
 dered evident to all, we propose the following 
 rules, in addition to those which have been 
 already given : 
 
 h Read, re -read, and repeat the whole Epis- 
 tle (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 divided into verses. Read 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 63 
 
 it, as you would an epistle from a friend, three 
 or four times over without interruption, until 
 you fully apprehend the meaning", and the sub- 
 ject of the whole letter become clear. In fact, 
 it should be perused, as it may be supposed, 
 the Epistles which Paul addressed to the Corin- 
 thians 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 mind. — Much per- 
 plexity has certainly arisen from the manner in 
 which the generality of persons read the Scrip- 
 tures. They mangle and dismember a text; 
 and consider that separately, which should 
 always be connected with antecedents and con- 
 sequents. On this account, we again recom- 
 mend the advice given by Franzius, to read 
 without observing the arbitrary divisions of 
 chapter and verse, 
 
 II. From this perusal, re-perusal, and repe- 
 tition of the Epistle, the student must take care 
 to derive aright knowledge of the Scope which 
 
64 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 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 
 subsequent precautions be attended to. 
 
 1. Remark the Words by which the Apostle 
 himself 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 circumstances 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. 
 
 4. Weigh Ci7cry word attentively (not how- 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURE?!. 65 
 
 ever spending much tinae over minute words) ; 
 and consider 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 object 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, 
 av ap ^to, &c. wherefore, therefore, &c. (c) 
 
 With respect to these Conclusions — 
 
 1. Gain some knowledge of their meaning. 
 
 2. Compare them together, in order to de- 
 termine in what they agree, and in what they 
 differ. 
 
 3. Compare them with the Scope and Argu- 
 ment of the whole Epistle ; both which, it is 
 supposed,' are become familiar to the student. 
 
66 A GUIDE TO THE READING AKD 
 
 4. Distinguish those which contain the Entire 
 Scope of the whole Epistle, immediately in 
 themselves ; and those which are referred to it 
 mediately ; that is, are as Middle Terms to the 
 Principal Conclusion. According to the accu- 
 racy with which the Conclusions are understood, 
 and the precision with which they are distin- 
 guished, will the entrance to Logical Analysis 
 become more or less easy and certain. For what 
 is it to institute a Logical Analysis, but to search 
 out the trutli contained in any Proposition 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 as- 
 certain the Middle Terms, or reasons on which 
 these Conclusions are founded, whether they 
 precede, or follow them. Li 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 thoroughly examined the 
 Epistle, its component parts will become very 
 
STODY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 67 
 
 perceptible. If there be an Exordium and 
 Conclusion, a separation must take place be- 
 tween them, and each must be considered 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, 
 properly 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 analyze a text, than con- 
 cerned about understanding and applying it. 
 In the exercise of refined subtilities, and the 
 solution of difficult passages, we may lose 
 sight of 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 Scrip- 
 ture Exposition ; and, in the sober use of it, 
 may he realize its excellencies ! 
 
68 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 PART II. 
 
 OP READING, AS IT RESPECTS THE 
 SPIRIT OF THE SCRIPTURES. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 OF EXPOSITORY READING. 
 
 Expository Reading of the Scriptures has 
 reference to the Literal Sense purposed by the 
 Holy Spirit; and its object is to developeand 
 expound it. 
 
 We say '' Literal Sense," in order to distin- 
 guish it from the sense of the Letter, as con- 
 veyed by words in their proper and native 
 sij^nification : the consideration of which belongs 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 69 
 
 to Grammatical Reading". Thus, in that por- 
 tion of Holy Writ,—" 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 Gram- 
 matical Reading. 
 
 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 our Saviour shows the Literal 
 Sense of the fifth commandment, Matt. v. 21, 
 22, &c. and teaches us, that it is possible to 
 break this commandment in lip, in life, in ges- 
 ture. On this subject, the reader may consult 
 Chemnitz (Loci Theologici), who gives twelve 
 admirable rules for ascertaining the Literal 
 Sense purposed by the Holy Spirit, in the 
 Decalogue. 
 
 It is a universal axiom, that — One Word 
 or Sentence having respect to one and the same 
 subject has but one Literal Sense formally pur- 
 
70 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 posed. To discover this one and true meaning- 
 of the Holy Spirit in the Scriptures, is therefore 
 the desig-n of Expository Reading. 
 
 In treating of the Literal Sense, we must dis- 
 tinguish it from that which, by means of natural 
 judgment or genuine helps to exposition, may 
 be comprehended by the unregenerate ; — by 
 those who are destitute of the Spirit's light. 
 Were the rules proposed by Chemnitz for ex- 
 pounding the Decalogue (or rather, derived 
 by him from a collation of the Scriptures), 
 rightly understood by an unrenewed man, even 
 he would be fully satisfied that they ascertained 
 the proper and genuine meaning of the com- 
 mandments. 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, any perception of the things 
 of the Spirit of God ; and Christ has declared, 
 that " the World cannot receive the Spirit of 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES, 7 1 
 
 Truth." St. Paul also observes, that " spiri- 
 tual things are spiritually 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 
 spiritually discern what he himself advances ; 
 he does not properly conceive of that genuine 
 love to our neighbour flowing from faith, which 
 is enjoined in the commandment instanced ; nor 
 of that spiritual death which they must inherit 
 who foster malice against another. None can 
 know this but by experience : a truth which, 
 when duly considered, removes much doubt and 
 perplexity. 
 
 We observed further — '^ to deveiope and ex- 
 pound '." for the business of the expositor is 
 twofold ; namely, to understand aright him- 
 self, and to explain the true meaning clearly to 
 others. The former should be the main object ; 
 the latter partly follows of itself, and partly de- 
 
72 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 rives efficiency from methoJ, advice, practice, 
 and experience. 
 
 The primary requisite for Expository Read- 
 ing, is an acquaintance with the branches con- 
 sidered 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 inter- 
 nal evidence [ocvTomrtcc) 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 Scrip- 
 tures ; 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 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 73 
 
 did the Apostles convey their injunctions to the 
 primitive Christians, in their Epistles ; by 
 which the latter regulated their conduct, con- 
 tented with the simple and obvious meaning, and 
 unsolicitous about the learned and prolix exposi- 
 tions 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 Scriptures be read, as the works of Aristotle 
 would be ; in perusing which, we are satisfied 
 with ascertaining the meaning through the 
 medium of natural reason. 
 
 It now remains, to supply Helps, partly In- 
 ternal and partly External, for the purpose of 
 ascertaining and expounding the Literal Sense. 
 Those of the former character merit the name of 
 true and genuine expository helps, introducing 
 us to an acquaintance with those things which ' 
 relate to faith and eternal life : for it must be 
 remembered and constantly enforced, that 
 D 
 
74 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 Scripture is its own interpreter, and, therefore, 
 that expository helps are to be drawn from its 
 own pages. With respect to External Helps 
 indeed, they either are confined to external cir- 
 cumstances, as Rites, Antiquities, &c. ; or they 
 are themselves derived from Scripture, or In- 
 ternal Helps. Hence, we should proceed from 
 Helps Internal to HelpsExternal ; 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 
 Particular. 
 
 I. General Helps are those to be used in ex- 
 pounding all texts of Scripture. They arc the 
 following. 
 
 1. A- Consideration of the <S^co/>e; and in 
 order that this Help may be rightly applied, 
 the subsequent directions must be observed. 
 
STL'DY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 75 
 
 The whole Context, and sometimes the whole 
 Book, must he studiously perused, before we 
 attempt an accurate examination of any particu- 
 lar text. This was a constant practice with that 
 able expositor, Wolflfgang Franzius. Seethe 
 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, that ye might believe that 
 ^* Jesus is theChrist, the Son of God ; and that, 
 "' believing", ye might have life through hrs 
 ^' name." Thus, 2 Peter, iii. 1. — " This se- 
 *' cond epistle, beloved, I now write unto you ; 
 ^' in which I stir up your pure minds by way of 
 " remembrance ; that ye may be mindful of the 
 
 words which were spoken before by the holy 
 
 '^ pcophets, and of the commandment of us the 
 
 ?' apostles of the Lord and Saviour." Danhau- 
 
 crus (Ilerm. Sac. p. 358.) judiciously observe*, 
 
 D 2 
 
 (( 
 
76 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 that Ihe Title sometimes suggests the Scope. 
 Thus, the beginning of the book of Proverbs : — 
 " The proverbs of Solomon, the son of David, 
 " king of Israel ; to know wisdom and instruc- 
 " tion ; to perceive the words of understanding ; 
 " to receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, 
 " judgment, and equity ; to give subtility to the 
 " simple ; to the young man, knowledge and 
 " discretion." 
 
 When Inferences are properly examined and 
 compared together, they greatly assist in ascer- 
 taining the Scope. Indeed, they either evolve 
 it, or confirm it when developed, by some very 
 decisive expressions of the writer, or by con- 
 current 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 whe- 
 ther the text contain any account of the rea- 
 sons which occasioned the book or section to be 
 written. 
 
StUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 77 
 
 A Special Scope is likewise to be sought, 
 when there is a Middle Term in the text, refer- 
 ring to a Conclusion that is subordinate to the 
 proposition and principal argument of the 
 whole book. 
 
 The Consideration of the Scope must not be 
 laid aside, in the following more exact examina- 
 tion of the text itself : for if we wander from 
 the Scope, we mar all. Vide the preceding 
 Chapter, p. 63. 
 
 Much loss of time would be prevented at this 
 juncture, if a friend, accustomed to exposition, 
 were briefly to explain and demonstrate the 
 Scope of every book ; which is a point of emi- 
 nent utility. 
 
 2. A Consideration of Antecedents ; of the 
 Matter (ingredientiaj ; and of Consequents, 
 By the Matter, we mean the words of the par- 
 ticular text under examination ; with which, 
 unless Antecedents and Consequents be care- 
 D 3 
 
78 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 fully collated, they caDnot be fully understood. 
 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 referred to antecedents and conse- 
 quents : but, if it be composed of various argu- 
 ments, only those parts are to be so accommo- 
 dated, which belong to one and the same 
 argument. Thus, if 1 Cor. x. 16. be the subject 
 of inquiry, the Antecedents and Consequents 
 are chap. 8, 9, and 10 ; without an accurate 
 collation of which, we can form no solid judg- 
 ment of the text in question. Franzius, in the 
 preface to his book, " de Interpretatione Scrip- 
 turas Sacrae," earnestly recommends and ex- 
 plains this branch of Exposition, and illustrates 
 his remarks with examples from Holy Writ. 
 See also Danhauerus " Herm. Sac." p. 360, &c. 
 
 3. A Collation of the passage under consi- 
 deration with other Parallel passages. 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 79 
 
 A Parallelism is either real or verbal, 
 
 A verbal Parallelism is to be sougkt, when 
 the words are attended with any obscurity, em- 
 phasis, impropriety, or ambiguity. To this be- 
 longs 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 ) 
 
 A real Parallelism properly appertains to Ex- 
 pository 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 as- 
 siduous perusal of the Scripture ; and diligently 
 to commit the Seats of subjects to memory. 
 
 A Parallelism is either adequate or inade- 
 quate : adequate, when it affects the whole sub- 
 ject proposed in the text ; inadequate, when it 
 affects it only in part. In Expository Reading, 
 the former is to be decidedly preferred ; but the 
 D 4 
 
80 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 latter, nevertheless, merits some attention ^ 
 since a paraphrase furnished with such parallel- 
 isms is not without merit : — but on this point, 
 we are to speak more fully hereafter. In the 
 year 1682, John Canne published an Enghsh 
 Bible, with parallel passages annexed to the 
 text in a continued series, for the purpose of 
 shewing that Scripture is the best interpreter of 
 itself. It would be well, if this were added to 
 all our bibles ; and it might be also much en- 
 larged and improved, {b) 
 
 A Parallelism may be sought in those parts 
 which flow from the text by way of consequence; 
 but this rather appertains to Inferential Read- 
 ing 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 Parallelism not belonging to this expo- 
 sitory help ; and, secondly, in their mode of 
 comprehending ; for in the former we look for 
 nothing but an Exposition of a particular pas- 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 81 
 
 sage, but in the latter we regard the agreement 
 and universal harmony of the Divine Oracles. 
 This help may, however, be very properly 
 viewed as subordinate to the preceding; though, 
 deeming it 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 Analogy of Faith. It is a false idea, 
 when, from a wrong interpretation of Scripture, 
 or from tradition, we imbibe a number of human 
 opinions ; and, receiving these as the genuine 
 doctrine of faith, endeavour to interpret Scrip- 
 ture agreeably to them. On this principle, the 
 Romish Church has an Analogy of Faith ; of 
 which, this is the foundation. — " i believe what 
 the Church believes." Here a circumlocution 
 becomes necessary : " How do you prove that 
 this is the sense of Scripture ?" — " Because the 
 Church believes it." " Why does the Church 
 believe it ?" — " Because the Scripture asserts 
 it," This will be more evident, if we adveK to 
 5 D 
 
82 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 the whole system of Popery, as it is developed, 
 by Puffendorf, in the Appendix of his " Intro- 
 ductio in Historiam,'* and by Ferrarius in his 
 *^ Euclides Catholicus." See also Kortholt's 
 treatise" de Canone Scripturae Sacrae." 
 
 On such grounds as these, indeed, every sect 
 may have its Analogy of Faith ; all its doctrines 
 terminating in some assumed position, so that 
 its partizans may not contradict themselves. 
 When persons of this description meet with pas- 
 sages of Scripture that they cannot readily ex- 
 plain, consistently with their hypothesis, they 
 strive to solve the difficulty by that Analogy of 
 Faith, 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 ; be- 
 cause the Sacred Records are the proper me- 
 diums of ascertaining theological truth. 
 
 We ought, on the other hand, to be solicitous 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 83 
 
 that we form a true and genuine idea of the 
 Analogy of Faith. " This Analogy," says Dan- 
 hawer, " is explanatory of the harmony and per- 
 " feet consistency of the Divine Oracles ; and 
 " it is founded on the universal agreement of 
 " the Inspired Writers — the mouth of all the 
 " Prophets.'' See Danhawer, who speaks 
 largely on this point ; and compare with his, 
 the brief, but clear and perspicuous observa- 
 tions made by Pfeiffer, " Herm. Sac." p. 168, 
 &c.(c) 
 
 5, A Consideration oi the'Affections. When 
 this help is neglected, the Expositor of Scripture 
 must necessarily err. This is abundantly shown 
 by Luther, in various parts of his works -, by 
 Wolffgang Franzius in his treatise " de Inter- 
 pretatione Scripturte Sacrte," who expounds it 
 by a portion of Holy Writ ; and by Flacius, 
 Danhauerus, &c. Daily experience likewise 
 evinces, that familiar discourse derives much 
 of its energy and perspicuity from the Affections 
 of the speakers ; and that the same words, pro- 
 
84 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 nounced under the influence of different emo* 
 tions, convey very different meanings. This 
 valuable help requires a separate 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 mean- 
 ing of an author ; when it is neglected, many 
 things necessarily remain obscure and ambigu- 
 ous. By duly adverting to it, how fully intel- 
 ligible 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 experience in divine things, 
 
 7. A Consideration oi Circumstances ; — Who ? 
 What? Where? By what means? Why <" 
 How ? When ? This help may act as a sup- 
 plement to the others ; for, when any thing is 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES, 85 
 
 neglected that tends to explain and confirm the 
 Kteral meaning, such Circumstances carefully 
 examined, will disclose it. It is, howeyer, 
 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 
 formed by those who have made Scripture their 
 study, for the purpose of assisting in the inter- 
 pretation of particular texts, or in the exposition 
 of particular books. Hence, they are of two 
 kinds : such as are used in any part of Scrip- 
 ture indifferently ; and such as are applied 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 
 
86 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 *^ journey which we are about to commence; 
 " and the tendency of whose instructions 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. Dan- 
 hauerus in his " Herm. Sac." proposes the fol- 
 lowing. 
 
 I. The most simple is the most genuine 
 meaning. 
 
 II. The literal is preferable to the figurative 
 sense, 
 
 III. The Scriptures are to be taken in their 
 widest signification, when they are not limited 
 by the Holy Spirit ; especially in the descrip- 
 tions that are given of the gracious blessings of 
 the Gospel, 
 
 IV. A less portion of Holy Writ must be in- 
 terpreted agreeably to a larger ; and one single 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 87 
 
 passage is not to be explained in contrariety to 
 many others, but consistently with them. 
 
 V. The Scriptures sometimes denominate an 
 action or thing from the object to which it finally 
 refers. 
 
 VI. The Sacred Writings sometimes affirm, 
 that a thing which did not succeed, was ne\er 
 done. 
 
 VII. The Scripture often accommodates its 
 language, not so much to facts as they exist, as 
 to the opinions of men respecting them. 
 
 VIII. 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. 
 
 IX. When a word which had preceded, is re- 
 peated in connexion with a conditional, or some 
 similar particle, 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 
 
88 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 been done resolutely, on full consideration. 
 Thus — " What I have written, 1 have written." 
 John xix. 22. 
 
 X. The name " Children" is not always in- 
 dicative of a certain age ; but is, sometimes an 
 expression of love and tenderness. See John's 
 Epistles. 
 
 XI. An action begun, or about to be begun, 
 is sometimes said to be finished. 
 
 XII. A thing is often attributed to one who 
 formerly was a remarkable example of any 
 action. See Jude 11. ( ri) 
 
 Glassius has likewise furnished Rules of this 
 kind (" Philologia Sacra," Book 2), and there 
 are many interspersed in the Commentaries of 
 Geierus, Schmidius, &c. and in the writings of 
 the Rabbins. It is, however, an easy matter, to 
 draw up rules according to some assumed hypo- 
 thesis ; and, therefore, 1. Their authority 
 should be examined, and 2. They must always 
 be applied with caution, (^) 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 89 
 
 III. Particular Helps are those Rules 
 which have been made for the purpose of in- 
 terpreting parficu/arwrifer* and books. Glas- 
 sius, Flacius, and others, have drawn up some 
 which are applicable to Allegories, Types, Pa- 
 rables, &c. They likewise have some profitable 
 thoughts, in reference to the writings of Paul, 
 John, &c. Danhauerus, in his " Hermeneutica 
 Sacra," presents us with several Canons for 
 the elucidation of the Prophets, Psalms, Types, 
 Parable, and Laws : and it has been already 
 observed) that Chemnitz has furnished others 
 explanatory of the Decalogue. On such prin- 
 ciples, Rules might be formed for the Lord's 
 Prayer, &c. 
 
 Having considered Internal Helps according 
 to the classification of General, Special, and 
 Particular, we proceed to offer some remarks 
 on Helps External. 
 
 External Helps are those which may be sub- 
 ordinately used, in more clearly ascertaining 
 
90 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 and expounding the sense of Scripture; though 
 it is to be observed, that, in all things pertaining 
 to eternal salvation, the Scriptures sufficiently 
 explain themselves. 
 
 External Helps are for the purpose of throw- 
 ing light on certain abstruse passages, and on 
 their literal sense: as Antiquities; the Rites 
 and Customs of the ancients (things frequently 
 alluded to in the Inspired Writings); Geogra- 
 phy, Chronology, Natural History, &c. ; which, 
 through the goodness of God, have been respec- 
 tively treated, by men mighty in the Scriptures, 
 in order to their elucidation, (y) 
 
 In the use of these Helps, both deficiency and 
 excess 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 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 91 
 
 learned, commit the latter fault, and infringe on 
 the privileges of the Christian, the gifts of the 
 Spirit, and the full assurance (7rA»)()o(pop<a) of faith. 
 They are most secure who take the middle path ; 
 who neither rely on their own wisdom, nor are 
 fascinated by the authority of others j but learn 
 happily to conjoin Internal 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 confirm- 
 ing the sense when it is discovered ; or in deter- 
 mining it when, after all Internal Helps have 
 been exhausted, it remains doubtful. Hence, 
 they who labour through vast Commentaries, 
 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 Comment is one thing ; but to develope 
 the sense of the Sacred Volume is another. 
 
92 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 Commentators are generally diffuse on criti- 
 cal, polemical and common-place subjects ; and 
 seldom examine very minutely into the spiritual 
 sense of Scripture. We must therefore be care- 
 ful to select such Commentaries as are most 
 agreeable to the object we have in view ; and 
 especially such as evince the illumination of that 
 Spirit who speaks in the Sacred Oracles. This 
 is essential ; for if we cannot understand 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 
 carnal ?(^) 
 
 Some valuable remarks on this subject, by 
 Melancthon, deserve to be noticed here : the 
 reader may see them in his treatise '* de Origiue 
 et Auctoritate Verbi." — ^' The gilt of interpre- 
 tation indeed, belongs not to tlie 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 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 93 
 
 the other judge ; however, if any thing be re- 
 vealed to another that sitteth by, let the first 
 hold his peace.' Interpretation then is a reve- 
 lation made by the Holy Spirit, and since the 
 ungodly are the organs of Satan, it cannot be 
 madein them. Hence, how much soever some 
 men may excel in learning and polity, the inter- 
 pretation of Scripture appertains not to them, but 
 to the regenerate ; because the natural man 
 receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God, 
 which are spiritually discerned." 1 Cor. ii. 
 
 Immediately antecedent to this remark, Me- 
 lancthon has another : " When the ordinary 
 succession and government of the Church were 
 enjoyed by blasphemous, idolatrous, and un- 
 go<lly men, God raised up Prophets and others, 
 who were not in the order of succession, to 
 reprove the sins of the high and inferior priests. 
 This is evident, as it respects the prophets Eli- 
 jab, Elisha, Isaiah, and Amos; whom the 
 Lord endued with the gift of interpretation, at 
 a period when the priests were enemies to the 
 
94 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 Truth. 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 conspicuous for 
 their purity, and the light of heavenly instruc- 
 tion. It therefore becomes our duty not to 
 listen to those who, for the sake of wealth and 
 honours, assume the right of interpretation, 
 without being themselves influenced by the 
 knowledge and fear of that God, who, as the 
 sole Author, is the sole Interpreter of Scripture ; 
 and who, by his Spirit, imparts 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 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 95 
 
 without measure ; for the perusal of Scripture 
 is too easily neglected, when we are searching 
 after many and various External 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 man- 
 ner so exquisitely described by David, Psal. i.), 
 than can ever be acquired from drudging 
 through an infinite variety of unimportant mi- 
 nutiae. They who search 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 o^ External things, and to build their 
 knowledge of diving truthj 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 proficiency has been made in 
 spiritual wisdom. They who observe no medium, 
 
96 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 but seek to know every thing at once, are urged 
 by this insatiable and irrational itch for know- 
 ledge, among a crowd of Commentators, and 
 there they remain. They inconsiderately per- 
 plex their minds ; add to the difficulties with 
 which the pursuit of knowledge is attended ; and, 
 after all, remain ignorant of the " truth which is 
 after godliness." In Expository Reading, every 
 one must consider his own strength. A skilful 
 architect first lays the foundation ; but he does 
 not immediately superadd 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 regu- 
 lar and happy gradation. 
 
 When the Literal Sense is ascertained, some 
 give it 1. In a succinct Paraphrase; others, 
 2. In a prolix Exposition. 
 
 I. A Paraphrase may be either Historical 
 or Textual. The former pursues the argument 
 of a book historically, and aims at giving the 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 97 
 
 sense and meaning of the Writer in perspicuous 
 language; the latter assumes the Person of the 
 Writer, accompanies the text at the bottom of 
 the page, and gives all phrases and expressions, 
 in words that are simple 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 explicitly and separately considered ; lest any 
 thing in the text should be neglected. 
 
 3. Instead of the more obscure, emphatic, and 
 ambiguous words, contained in the propositions 
 formed from the text, others should be substi- 
 tuted of a definite and obvious signification, 
 l^he 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. 
 
 E 
 
98 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 5. These Propositions thus explained, must be 
 connected together, by means of copulative, 
 causal, and conclusive particles, as the context 
 may happen to require. 
 
 II. The prolix Exposition of the text chiefly 
 respects the Analysis of it, and unites Logical 
 with Expository Reading. If therefore we in- 
 stitute these Readings aright, we shall have no 
 cause to complain either of the order, or of the 
 matter. We ought however to be tenacious 
 of the natural order, unless there be good 
 grounds for deviation. 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 99 
 
 CHAPTER IL 
 
 OF DOCTRINAL READING, 
 
 Doctrinal Reading is that by which we so 
 apprehend the truths contained in Scripture, as 
 to derive thence a just and saving acquaintance 
 with the nature and will of God. 
 
 It supposes in the person who institutes it, the 
 subsequent requisites. 
 
 1. A Knowledge of Exposition ; for without 
 Exposition, Divinity rests on an uncertain fouh- 
 dation, since no proposition can otherwise be 
 resolved into its first principles. 
 
 2. The Faculty of judging of the Scope, and 
 qf theological doctrines spiritually [I Cor. ii- 
 
 E 2 
 
100 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 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 
 the contrary, in proportion as we live to this 
 world, we do not discern spiritual things." See 
 Book II. C. 7. " de Doctrina Christiana." ( a ) 
 
 3. A Disposition to reduce the Doctrines of 
 Scripture to practice : for the Saviour says — 
 " 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 yjypaTTTat) the " thus it is written ;'''''— to 
 besought in its proper Seat, if not with anxious 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 101 
 
 care, yet certainly with the greatest assiduity; — 
 and to be confirmed by sound argument, and 
 canvassed with deep attention, in order that 
 its purity may be protected against every inno- 
 vation. Unless, therefore, we reduce the pre- 
 cepts 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 at- 
 tended to. 
 
 1. The Argument of the whole Book and its 
 General Scope (on which every thing else de- 
 pends) should be duly weighed. 
 
 2. The Principal Doctrine of the whole Ar- 
 gument, is to be accu rately ybrmerf in the words 
 of the Sacred Writers. 
 
 3. The Special Doctrines must be pointed out, 
 and the mode in which they arise out of the 
 Principal Doctrine. 
 
 E 3 
 
102 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 4- The Doctrines expressed must be distin- 
 guished from those which are implied : the for- 
 mer are to be particularly noted ; and the latter 
 are to be confirmed from passages where th^y 
 are expressed, 
 
 5. The Law and the Gospel should be right- 
 ly distinguished, and the things appertaining to 
 each, accurately separated ; because they con- 
 stitute the principal classes of theological doc- 
 trines. 
 
 In order to illustrate these points by example, 
 let us advert to St. Paul's Epistle to the Ephe- 
 sians. 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€hap. iii. 6. 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 103 
 
 3. The Special Doctrines ; which are the six 
 following". 1. God constituted the Jews his 
 own people, promised them Christ, and eternal 
 life in Him. 2. The Jews possess this prero- 
 gative, that they j^r«< hoped in Christ. 3. The 
 salvation of the Gentiles flows from mercy, 
 through the grace of Jesus Christ. 4. Our 
 salvation depends not on the righteousness of 
 works ; but, on mere grace. 5. The way of sal- 
 vation, 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 
 conversion to Christ, was a state of condemna- 
 tion. This is Expressed, Rom. Chap. i. 
 
 5. The Law contains things to be done ; the 
 Gospel, things to be believed : the entire foun- 
 dation of this epistle is therefore evangelical. 
 However throughout the whole of it, the gene- 
 ral Application relates to the Law, so far as it 
 
 E 4 
 
104 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 is observed by believers. — 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 per- 
 used, because they peculiarly abound in 
 Expressed Doctrines ; and because the Doc- 
 trines 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 advances in the knowledge of fundamen- 
 tal truth. Those which are most essential to 
 salvation and to a full assurance (TXtjpo^opia) of 
 faith, should be first learned by a living and 
 practical acquaintance with them ; and, then, the 
 transition to Doctrines more profound, but less 
 essential, will become pleasant and easy. 
 
 When Doctrines arc well known, they may 
 be digested into a certain order, which must ne- 
 
STLTDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 105 
 
 vertheless comport with the subject, and the in- 
 tention of the Holy Spirit. All of them may be 
 referred to God, to man, or to Christ the Media- 
 tor 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 Doctrines concerning 
 Christ, only in theory, is not the Soul of Scrip- 
 ture ; it is faith in him, and that imitation 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 con- 
 cerning the Saviour, 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 arti- 
 cles of faith, is entirely founded on him. 
 
 E 5 
 
106 A GUIDE TO THE READING ANI> 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 OF INFERENTIAI. READING, 
 
 Inferential Reading has for its object, the 
 deducing of Inferences or Conclusions by 
 legitimate consequence, from texts ; when the 
 Literal Sense is explored, and the Truths ex- 
 pressed have been fully examined. These In- 
 ferences may be either theoretical and medi- 
 ately practical ; or, they may be immediately 
 practical. 
 
 The foundation of this Reading is the perpe- 
 tual analogy and harmony of things sacred ; 
 which is such, that, from one truth rightly 
 known, all othei's depend, being linked, as it 
 
STUDY OF TllE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 107 
 
 were, together. He who keeps this in mind, 
 and is versed in the Sacred Oracles, may easily 
 diffuse himself y from one word, over the whole 
 Scriptures. 
 
 It is essential to a right institution of this 
 Reading, that the mind be endued with a living 
 knowledge and " form (i^TroruTrwo-i?) of sound words 
 " in faith and love." It cannot otherwise be 
 prosecuted in a consistent and profitable way, 
 nor can the inexhaustible fulness of the sacred 
 text be else perceived. Experience will, how- 
 ever, suggest every thing necessary to them who 
 prosecute Inferential Reading. 
 
 The Sources whence Inferences are drawn are 
 cither themselves Inherent in the text ; — or 
 External ; that is, taken from other parts of 
 Scripture, and collated with that under consi- 
 deration. 
 
 Sources are Inherent, when Inferences arc 
 deduced as follows. 
 
108 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 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. W^ith the Scope ; 
 
 2. With Antecedents 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 op{)ortunity of drawing Infer- 
 ences from other Sources. 
 
 If tliere be different kinds of Inferences, these 
 Sources may be differently applied. Indeed, 
 some Inferences are profitable for doctrine ; 
 others, f or instruction ; otLers, 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 faitli, hope, and love ; others 
 instil holy wisdom ; and others inculcate sacred 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 109 
 
 eloquence. Some are theoretical, and only vir- 
 tually practical ; while others are in themselves 
 formally practical. 
 
 Let us cite an example from 2 Tim. i. 8. — 
 " Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testi- 
 mony of our Lord nor of me his prisoner; but 
 be thou partaker of the afflictions of the Gos- 
 peV^ — Observe here, it is taken for granted, 
 that the Literal Sense of this passage, 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. 
 
 " Be not thou ashamed." — In times of perse- 
 cution, Boldness is required in our testimony of 
 
110 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 Christ. Again — It is not the least step towards 
 apostasy, when a man is ashamed of the testi- 
 mony of Christ ; for, thus, the Spirit of courage 
 with which believers are endued, is denied. 
 
 " The testimony." — Boldness of confession is 
 increased, in no small degree, by the considera- 
 tion that we are witnesses, and not the first con- 
 fessors : we having " a cloud of witnesses.'* 
 Heb. xii. 1. 
 
 " Of our Lord." — He who is ashamed of the 
 Gospel, 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 diaboli- 
 cal 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, 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. HI 
 
 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." — Fel- 
 lowship in afflictions is consolatory, on account 
 of approaching fellowship in glory ; for, in the 
 Gospel, all Christians labour together. Again — 
 He who preaches 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. 
 
 Inferences deduced from the second Inherent 
 Source. 
 A consideration of the two-fold Proposition 
 tending to the same Scope, evolves the Infer- 
 ence, that He who is ashamed of the testimony of 
 Christ, is desirous of avoiding impending afflic- 
 tions, though he may endeavour to palliate his 
 fear by the most specious arguments. Again — 
 Apostasy is so much to be deprecated, that we 
 
112 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 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 testi- 
 mony 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 " 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 
 has in the Gospel is so great, that he not only 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES, 113 
 
 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 inspires 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 encourage- 
 ment and joy to those who are weak. Again — 
 Paul's love to Christ is so ardent, that he not 
 only bears testimony of him in word, but retains 
 this boldness in circumstances the most adverse. 
 He will be faithful even unto bonds and death ; 
 and, in short, he exercises the utmost care, lest 
 his bonds should shake any in their attachment 
 to the Saviour, and in the profession of their 
 faith. Hence arise the subsequent Inferences : 
 
 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 
 
114 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 only in prosperous times, but likewise in seasons 
 of adversity. 
 
 4. We ought not to be confounded or asham- 
 ed, if our testimony of Christ be rejected. 
 
 5. To be imprisoned for the name of the Sa- 
 viour, is a glorious evidence that our testimony 
 of him is sincere and constant. 
 
 6. We ought not to be deterred from con- 
 fessing Christ, because others have shrunk from 
 the duty. 
 
 7. Love to Jesus should possess such influ- 
 ence over the soul, that, were it to expose us to 
 the severest calauiities, 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 turned aside from the right 
 way. Vide 1 Thess. iii. 1 — 5. 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES, 115 
 
 Again, Paul was actuated by so fervent a de- 
 sire of fulfilling his apostolic office, in pro- 
 claiming the Gospel, 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 Inferences, 
 
 1. A minister should make use of his utmost 
 exertions in fulfilling his office. 
 
 2. A minister who abandons his care for the 
 church when men oppose obstacles and hin- 
 drances, does not fulfil his duty. 
 
 3. A faithful minister, when restrained by 
 persecution from preaching, casts his eyes on 
 others who do not fear to have fellowship in 
 suffering ; or, who seem ready to turn aside ; 
 &c. 
 
116 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 Inferences deduced from the first External 
 Source. 
 
 The text may be accommodated to the Gene- 
 ral Scope of the whole epistle or book. The 
 General Scope of the epistle to Timothy is as 
 follows. Paul wishing Timothy to come to him, 
 endeavours previously to prepare and fortify his 
 mind against the calamities which, at that 
 period, threatened the church at Ephesus, and 
 especially that at Rome. Here, if we consider 
 the Subject, the following Inferences are dedu- 
 cible. 
 
 1. Calamities often happen to Christians 
 suddenly (not however by chance, but in the 
 gracious providence of God). 
 
 2. When calamity befals Christians suddenly, 
 it is possible for them to be cast down from their 
 steadfastness. 
 
 3. They should therefore be seasonably 
 warned of it, by those experienced Christians 
 who foresee its approach. 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 1 17 
 
 4. When thus warned; they are better able to 
 compose their minds, in order to meet the im- 
 pending calamity. 
 
 If we advert to the person of Paul, the follow- 
 ing Inferences are deducible. 
 
 1. It is right for a minister to call fellow-la- 
 bourers 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 be- 
 comes his part seasonably to anticipate and re- 
 move the scruples, which the other may possibly 
 imbibe. 
 
118 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 Ifwe advert to the Person of Timothy , we may 
 derive the subsequent Inferences. 
 
 1. A minister ought neither to accelerate his 
 departure from his own church, nor defer going 
 to another, through fear of calamities. 
 
 2. He ought to fortify his mind against such 
 calamities, in order that he may be " a work- 
 man that needeth not to be ashamed." 2 Tim. 
 ii. 15. 
 
 3. The danger of others ought not to intimi- 
 date him, but render him cautious and prudent ; 
 and rather create in his bosom, a like readiness 
 to endure sufferinsrs. 
 
 •»^ 
 
 With reference to this Source, we might like- 
 wise 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, deduce many Inferences concerning 
 the dismissal of ministers from a church, and 
 their call to one. 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 119 
 
 The words of the text may also be separately 
 accommodated to the Scope ; and, thence, In- 
 ferences theoretical and practical will be de- 
 duced, in the following" manner. 
 
 " Be not thou ashamed." — Paul hastened Ti- 
 mothy, 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 spiritual boldness ; since, through 
 fear of shame and imprisonment, such a one will 
 impede, rather than accelerate the course of the 
 word of God. 
 
 " The testimony." — Paul had borne his tes- 
 timony,''and, now that he was a prisoner, he con- 
 tinued to bear it ; yet he required the testimony 
 of Timothy. Hence, it is not of small conse- 
 quence, that the testimony of God's servants be 
 multiplied. 
 
 " Of the Lord." — It is a servant of the 
 Lord that summons, but he summons to the 
 
120 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 business of the Lord. Hence, we must listen to 
 the Toice of the Lord's servants, especially if it 
 concern not human convenience, but the Lord's 
 glory. 
 
 " Our." — Paul and Timothy were both the 
 servants of Jesus Christ. Phil. i. 1. Hence, 
 they who have one common Lord, and are en- 
 gaged in one common service, may mutually 
 stir up each other to seek their Lord^s glory ; 
 which is to be promoted by unity, &c. 
 
 The Special Scope cannot here be sought in 
 antecedents, because the Special Inference is 
 contained in this verse ; and, therefore, the an- 
 tecedent 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 consequents, the 
 proposition itselfisasa Special Scope ; and the 
 things which might be considered here, recur in 
 the following Source. 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES, J 2 1 
 
 Inferences from the second External Source, 
 
 Here we may again institute a general, spe- 
 cial, and particular collation and deduction of 
 Inferences, 
 
 If the text form one perfect subject, it may be 
 collated with the antecedents and consequents. 
 The whole epistle is of one subject; and, there- 
 fore pertains to antecedents and consequents. 
 Thus, St. Paul's first exhortation is, to undergo 
 afflictions for the cause of Christ. This he en- 
 deavours to enforce by Yery cogent arguments ; 
 and he frequently repeats it, with the addition 
 of new arguments, throughout the whole epistle. 
 ' Hence flow the following Inferences. 
 
 1. A subject of great importance is not io be 
 treated indifferently. 
 
 2. If danger of apostasy threaten even the 
 established Christian, it should be guarded 
 against with the utmost care. 
 
 3. He who is bound to invite another to un- 
 
 F 
 
122 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 dergo hardships for the cause of Christ, is also 
 bound to use wisdom, in fortifying him against 
 fear ; and diligence in enjoining on him the ne- 
 cessity of enduring such hardships. 
 
 A special collation may be instituted, by se- 
 parately collating the entire text with entire 
 verses antecedent and consequent. From an 
 immense number of Inferences that might be 
 deduced, we present the following, which 
 result from a collation with the antecedent 
 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 testi- 
 mony of Christ, nor of enduring afflictions for 
 the promotion of the Lord's glory. 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 123 
 
 Inferences deducedfrom Collation tvith verse 6. 
 
 1. The gift which a minister of a church 
 may have received from God, is 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. 
 
 Inference, from Collation with verse 5. 
 
 Faith received from ancestors, and steadily 
 preserved, may, when brought to remembrance 
 in a season of persecution, happily prevent 
 apostasy. 
 
 Inference, from Collation with verse 4. 
 
 The godly, though surrounded by calamities, 
 and expecting nothing but affliction, can never- 
 theless rejoice, and enjoy the most delightful 
 communion with each other. 
 F 2 
 
124 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 Inference, from Collation with verse 3. 
 
 We ought to offer up prayers night and day, 
 in behalf of those who are about to suffer for the 
 testimony of Jesus. 
 
 The above Inferences all flow from Antece- 
 dents, 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 
 called to remembrance, they dispel all fear of 
 temporal affliction. 
 
 Inference, frovn Collation with verse 10. 
 
 Greater boldness in affliction, should be evi- 
 denced under the New Testament dispensation, 
 because Christ has really appeared ; and, thus. 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 125 
 
 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 col- 
 lated 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. 
 
 " Be not thou ashamed" — with " love :■' 
 verse 7. 
 
 F 3 
 
126 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 " 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. 
 
 " Be not thou ashamed" with " power." — 
 verse 7. 
 
 The Christian's power is internal, and con- 
 firms and strengthens the mind in Christ, in 
 order that it may not be moved away from itst 
 steadfastness. 
 
 The Third External Source will, without dif- 
 ficulty, furnish a far greater abundance of In- 
 ferences. Here, we may advert to Parallelisms 
 adequate and inadequate, and carefully com- 
 pare the words of the text with all parallel pas- 
 sages : 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. Coloss. i. 24. 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 127 
 
 2 Thess. i. 1. 1 Tim. vi. 12. Heb. xi. 12. 1 Pet. 
 i. and ii. 21. Rev. vii. 14. 
 
 In the same manner as it was intended that 
 Timothy should be confirmed and fortified 
 against affliction by the words of Paul, is it pur- 
 posed that all Christians should be thus fortified 
 and confirmed by the foregoing passages. Hi- 
 ther are to be referred all parts of the New and 
 Old Testament* which speak of bearing the 
 cross of Christ and of denying self; but, espe- 
 cially, those which relate to the office of a mi- 
 nister 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 naturally 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 requires of 
 Timothy in the text under our notice. Hence, 
 Faithful teachers confidently demand that from 
 F 4 
 
128 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 others, which they experimentally know is not 
 impossible. Again, — He who inculcates pa- 
 tience, manifests it by example, before he en- 
 joins it by precept. In Rom. viii. 17, 18. the 
 proportion between temporal calamity and eter- 
 nal joy is said to be nothing. Hence, — The 
 hope of evei'lasting glory represses all shame of 
 temporal afllictions. 
 
 It is requisite in all cases^ but particularly so 
 in the present, correctly to distinguish whether 
 the Inferences be homogeneous, that is, flow 
 from an entire text ; or heterogeneous, that is, 
 result from only a part of a text. As Infer- 
 ences are nothing more than Conclusions 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 observed, renders Inferences far more 
 evident. 
 
 The latter Sources are termed External, 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 129 
 
 from a comparison with the Inherent Sources, 
 which suggest Inferences only from the text 
 itself. No Sources can be denominated Exter- 
 nal, unless in this view ; because all Inferences 
 must, of necessity, evolve from the 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^ 
 what ? &c. they will easily furnish him with In- 
 ferences. This remark we noticed in treating of 
 the Scope. 
 
 The reader may proceed to consider the dif- 
 ferent kinds of Inferences and their various ap- 
 plication, as expressed above. In this view, we 
 shall be presented with such a profusion of them, 
 as it would weary human nature to exhaust. 
 Some, for example, apply to piety ; others, to 
 wisdom ; others, to holy eloquence. Piety con- 
 sists in faith that works by love. Hence — 
 F 5 
 
130 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 1. It is the character of faith, when true and 
 saving, and wrought by the Spirit, not to be 
 ashamed of calamities, but to endure them with 
 an intrepid mind. 
 
 2. Christian love does not relinquish public 
 communion, on account of persecution or the 
 hazardof life i the glory of God requiring this 
 of us. 
 
 3. It is the highest Christian wisdom, to un- 
 dergo afflictions on account of the Gospel, with 
 the simplicity of the lamb and dove. 
 
 4. It is the duty of a wise teacher, not only 
 to instruct the church committed to him, but, 
 especially to prepare the minds of proper persons 
 by wholesome admonitions, 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 elo- 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 131 
 
 quence, 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 itsel^, and the weakness of human nature, 
 Tery often render frequent repetition needful. 
 
132 A GUIDE TO THE READING AN1> 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 OF PRACTICAL READING. 
 
 A R A c T I c A L Re A d I n g is essentially necessary 
 and eminently useful ; and its object is the ap- 
 plication of the Scriptures to faith and practice. 
 This application respects either others, or our- 
 selves ; and, of course, it would be absurd to ap- 
 ply Divine Truth to our neighbour, before we 
 have done so to our own hearts. To deduce 
 practical doctrines and inferences from Scrip- 
 ture, and to apply them in an historical way, is 
 not properly Practical Reading^, which chiefly 
 respects the affections of the person who insti- 
 tutes it. 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 133 
 
 Practical Reading is of such a nature, that it 
 may be prosecuted by an illiterate person ; for 
 the application of Scripture which it enjoins, is 
 connected with salvation ; and, therefore, if it 
 were not within the ability 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 an edifying 
 nature may arise, which would not be so 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 
 certainly the most profitable, if it be made with 
 sincerity of mind : yet, if some advice on this 
 subject be required, the following observations 
 may not be found useless. 
 
 Practical Application should be rightly distin- 
 guished, as it respects its Commencement and its 
 Continuation, It is begun with the reading of 
 
134 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 the Scriptures, and it is to 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 
 Avords, in short prayers or ejaculations, after 
 its meaning has been properly ascertained. This 
 method may appear simple and puerile ; but 
 many have approved its excellency by expe- 
 rience, and the rich fruits which it has produced. 
 
 When a physician attends a patient, he, in the 
 first place, ascertains his malady and its attend- 
 ant symptoms; 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 ascer- 
 tained, we are, accordingly, 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 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 135 
 
 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 ; other- 
 wise, we may accumulate precepts to no useful 
 purpose. Here, the following directions require 
 our attention. 
 
 1. We should seek for the Foundation of pre- 
 cepts in the Scriptures themselves. 
 
 2. We should then try whether we can disco- 
 ver it in our own breasts. For instance, when 
 we are required to pray for our enemies, it is 
 evident that the Foundation of the precept is sin- 
 
1 36 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 cere and unafFected love for them. We should, 
 therefore, consider, whether 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, 
 before we think of building any precepts upon it. 
 
 In all Practical Application, we must have 
 our eyes fixed on Christ ; for, first, 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 follow- 
 " ers of me," saith Paul, " even as I also am of 
 " Christ." 1 Cor. xi. I. — 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 mis- 
 take vice for virtue ; and, in the second, 
 lest we should pay that regard to external excel- 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 1 37 
 
 lencies, and hold them up to that imitation, 
 which are due rather to the internal habit of our 
 minds. Rom. xv. 3. 
 
 We ought frequently to read some book of 
 Scripture which inculcates the foundations of 
 faith and practice with peculiar force and per- 
 spicuity, and studiously endeavour to render 
 ourselves as much as possible 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 re- 
 marks. 
 
 1. We are not to apply all things at once, but 
 successively; lest our minds be overwhelmed 
 with the abundance of matter. 
 
 2. Application should commence with the 
 more easy books and passages, in which the un- 
 
J 38 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 derstanding is not liable to be fatigued by any 
 difficulties in the sense, nor to be agitated by 
 consequent doubts. >\hen 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 prac- 
 tice. 
 
 The Continuation of Practical Application 
 should occupy the whole of our lives. It is as- 
 sisted partly by our own industry, which, would, 
 however, be inefficient without grace; and, 
 partly, by the help of Divine 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 me- 
 ditation ; — 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 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES, 159 
 
 of mind. Equally essential with these important 
 particulars, are — ^conversation with those who 
 have naade greater advances in spiritual know- 
 ledge ; and— the cultivation of inward peace; 
 of which, the more we possess, the more we 
 shall enter into the true meaning of Scripture. 
 
 Many other things there are, which expe- 
 rience will readily suggest to the minds of those 
 who are intent on the application of divine 
 truth. God, in his infinite mercy to his chil- 
 dren, imparts to them the internal 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 Applica- 
 tion of Scripture is much assisted. 
 
140 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 The Application of the Sacred Oracles to 
 others, whether in public or private, is at- 
 tended with less trouble and more confidence, 
 after sufficient care and devotion have been 
 used in the duty of self-application ; 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 expe- 
 rience and discretion ; 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 our- 
 selves and others ! 
 
STUDY Of THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 141 
 
 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 giory of 
 the eternal God, by the edification of ourselves 
 and others. 
 
142 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 The Scriptures may be studied both in a 
 Translation, and in an authentic edition of the 
 Original. Our perusal of the Translation is to 
 be Historical, Doctrinal, and Practical. 
 
 1. The Sum and Substance of the book under 
 consideration, and its Argument, may be fully 
 weighed and considered. 
 
 2. The Seats of Subjects may be dis- 
 tinguished according 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 ex- 
 pressly noted. 
 
 3. The Doctrines which are clearly and per- 
 spicuously 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 method prescribed in the last chapter. — 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 143 
 
 Thus the pious student will be able to study the 
 Scriptures with both pleasure and profit, at the 
 sanoe time that he devotes the chief part of his 
 labour to the acquisition of the Greek and 
 Hebrew, and opens the way to more useful 
 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 attended to in the 
 perusal of the latter, may claim some share of 
 our regard, when instituting Grammatical 
 Reading. This, however, must be done indi- 
 rectly ; because the study of Languages re- 
 quires our whole attention. 
 
 When the Grammatical Reading is com- 
 pleted, 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 
 
144 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 obtain a more perfect acquaintance with the 
 external points noticed, Parti. 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 Testa- 
 ment, such as the Epistles to Timothy, Titus, 
 and the Philippians, and carefully examine them 
 with regard to the subsequent particulars. 
 
 1. The Sense of the Letter, and the Gramma- 
 tical 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. 
 
STUDY OF THE 110 LY SCRIPTURES. 145 
 
 We must gradually proceed from the easier 
 books to those which are more difficult, and es- 
 pecially 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 iu 
 which they should be used, cannot easily be de- 
 termined. In our opinion, a Tutor is requisite 
 at this crisis ; for, without such aid, we must be 
 liable to error ; Avhereas, 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 proposed, and which 
 is prescribed with a view rather to private 
 study. 
 
 But, after all, it is he who simply aims at the 
 glory of God, and thus enjoys Him as a guide 
 and a support, that will put the happiest period 
 to his labours, whether he be called to the pub- 
 lic exposition of Scripture, or to sit under the 
 ministration of another. 
 G 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 G 2 
 
A €UIDE TO THE READING, ETC, 149 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 A 
 TREATISE ON the AFFECTIONS, 
 
 As connected with the Study of the Holy Scriptures, 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 THE NECESSITY OF A KNOWLEDGE OF 
 THE AFFECTIONS DEMONSTKATED. 
 
 That an acquaintance with the doctrine of 
 the Affections, is an essential, requisite in the 
 exposition of the Scriptures, may be proved 
 from Reason, and from the Authority of Divines. 
 
 It may be proved from Reason : for (I.) the 
 Affections of Love, Hatred, Desire, Hope, Fear, 
 Joy, Sorrow, &c. are frequently to be met with 
 G 3 
 
150 A GUIDE TO THE READrNG AND 
 
 in Holy Writ. It is evident, therefore, that 
 were we ignorant of these AffectionSj we should 
 be inadequate to the exposition of no inconsi- 
 derable part of the Sacred Writings. 
 
 2. When no Affections are expressed, we 
 must necessarily consider them implied; and 
 that every sentence is of their dictation. In 
 2 Cor. ii. 4. Paul says himself, that he wrote the 
 former epistle to the Corinthians, " 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 
 Thessalonians, in language replete with energy 
 and pathos. Does not reason then warrant us, in 
 concluding that the Affections here expressed, 
 are, in similar passages, implied ? When Paul, 
 addressing the converts (ICor. iv. 15.) tells 
 them, " Though ye have ten thousand instruc- 
 tors in Christ, yet not many fathers ; for in 
 Christ Jesus, I have begotten you through the 
 Gospel ;'* is he not influenced by the Affection 
 
Study of the holy scriptures. 151 
 
 mentioned 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 in- 
 fers that he is actuated by the Affection noticed 
 Phil. iii. 18 ? an Affection in which Indignation, 
 Sorrow, Pity, &c. are blended together. Hence, 
 it is evident, that to neglect the Affections be- 
 cause they are not directly expressed, would be 
 as palpable an error, as to pass them over with- 
 out concern, where they are plainly and fully 
 revealed. The indications of an Affection are not 
 indeed always similar nor uniformly perspicu- 
 ous ; but the judicious and spiritual reader, will 
 ever find them to be fully adequate and suffi- 
 cient. 
 
 3. When we read the Scriptures, we are 
 bound to see that our natural Affections be 
 amended and corrected ; and that our hearts un- 
 der the influence of the Holy Spirit, overflow 
 with gracious Affections. Without however, 
 a knowledge of these emotions, who can inspect 
 the abyss of the human heart, and the depth of 
 G 4 
 
152 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 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 carnal J " put them on ?" 
 
 4. The nature of discourse confirms the posi- 
 tion. Christ says (Matt. xii. 34, 35)— " How 
 can ye, being evil, speak good things ? for out 
 of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speak- 
 eth. 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 
 Atfections. What is " the abundance of the 
 heart," but those internal emotions which inform 
 and actuate the human soul ; and which con- 
 stitute in a holy man, holy Affections ; and in an 
 unholy man, unholy Affections ? So closely, 
 indeed, are language and Affections connected 
 togetlier, so indissoluble is the union that sub- 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 153 
 
 sists between them, that it would be, in effect, 
 just as unreasonable to divide soul from body, as 
 to separate these. Since then the Affections arc 
 so intimately connected with aZHanguage, none 
 will suppose that they are banished from the 
 Writings of the Inspired Penmen : and, because 
 they are closely united with the language of In- 
 spiration, 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 i\\e feelings of the 
 Inspired Penmen. 
 
 5. Since different ideas and \iews are com- 
 municated by different Affections, so that the 
 same words, pronounced under the influence of 
 various emotions, will 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 argu- 
 ments which might be adduced, we intentionally 
 G 5 
 
154 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 omit ; because a treatise on the subject will 
 best demonstrate its high importance. 
 
 Having shown the necessity of an acquaint- 
 ance with the Doctrine of the Affections, on the 
 ground of Reason, let us proceed, for a moment, 
 to enforce its claims on the Authority of Di- 
 vines, 
 
 Wolffgang Franzius, in his invaluable book, 
 " de Interpretatione Scripturae Sacrae," discus- 
 ses the question so fully, and illustrates his posi- 
 tions with examples so pertinent, as to render his 
 work deserving the serious attention of the inquir- 
 ing reader. 
 
 Luther also was indebted to his knowledge of 
 the AiFections, and to his lively mode of repre- 
 senting them, for that eminent gift at exposition, 
 with which he was endowed. Of this, his Com- 
 ment on Genesis, and his Discourses on the 
 Psalms, are conclusive evidences. 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 155 
 
 We next proceed to cite some observations, 
 from the letter addressed by Spener to the 
 Philo- Biblical College at Leipsic. This cele- 
 brated man observes — " No practice will prove 
 more pleasant or beneficial, and none more suit- 
 able to the College, than, after fervent, secret 
 prayer, to discriminate and enter into the Affec- 
 tions of the Inspired Writers with sacred atten- 
 tion 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 delight and profit, the 
 indications of faith and of the mind of Jesus, to- 
 gether with the more minute circumstances; and 
 easly awaken in their own bosoms, Affections 
 of a kindred nature. That eminent divine, 
 Luther, when speaking of this practice, says — 
 ' Whoever adopts it will, I am satisfied, learn 
 more himself, than he can gather from all com- 
 mentaries united. By means of incessant and 
 attentive reading, we should, at it were, raise 
 the Writer from the dead, and consider him as 
 
156 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 alive ; so as to form perfect conceptions men- 
 tally, of what we cannot actually behold. When 
 engaged in the study of the Scriptures, the 
 Idea formed in the Writer's mind should be 
 carefully ascertained ; the Affections by which 
 lie was influenced ; his state of life ; and his office, 
 at the time he penned the book. Much do I 
 ■wish that the labour which Casaubon has be- 
 stowed on Horace, Juvenal, and Persius, in 
 his Prolegomena, were applied to the eluci- 
 dation of the Divine Oracles, so as to give a 
 just description of the Genius, Mind, Condi- 
 tion, Manners, and Affections, peculiar to each 
 of the Sacred Writers. These are desirable sub- 
 jects, that yet remain untouched.' Luther again 
 remarks, that ' an expositor should, as it were, 
 invest himself with the Author's mind, in order 
 that he may interpret him as another self.' Ber- 
 nard, likewise, excelled in this heavenly art, of 
 correcting his own Affections by those of the Sa- 
 cred Penmen ; audit was thence he derived his 
 spiritual erudition." (a) Thus far Spener's 
 letter ; and to these names may be added that 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 157 
 
 of Flaccus lllyriciis, who also recommends the 
 study of the AiFections of the Inspired Penmen. 
 
 Let us now consider a few objections which 
 may be made to this view of the subject. There 
 are persons perhaps who think that the Holy 
 Spirit is wronged, when we attribute to the 
 Sacred Writers, AtTections which are, in reality, 
 the fruit of his influence : and that the Scrip- 
 tures 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 AiFections 
 in the Writers' Souls ; for it is absurd to sup- 
 pose that, in penning the Scriptures, they 
 viewed themselves in the light of mere ma- 
 chines ; or that they wrote without any feeling 
 or perception, what we read with so great a 
 degree of both. Doubtless, their minds were 
 illuminated by the Spirit, and their wills en- 
 ilamed with pious, holy, and ardent Affections, 
 
15S A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 SO that they wrote as they felt^ and as they 
 were " moved by the Holy Ghost." 2 Pet. i. 
 21. Indeed, it appears that the Spirit conde- 
 scended to accommodate, himself to their 
 peculiar genius and modes of writing, which 
 evidently vary in the different books of Scrip- 
 ture. Hence we conclude, that the minds of 
 the Sacred Penmen were not unmoved ; but, 
 on the contrary, active, enlightened, and re- 
 plete with holy Affections. 
 
 Besides, the Inspired Writers sometimes 
 mention the Affections by which they are 
 actuated, as hath been already shewn ; and 
 this must form a complete answer to the Ob- 
 jection proposed : for who will have the temerity 
 to affirm, when Paul expressly declares his 
 Love, Joy, Desire, Hope, that he really is 
 not influenced by these sacred passions ? 
 
 Again, it may possibly be objected, that, on 
 the principles laid down, the Language of Di- 
 vine Truth would become ambiguous ; for that 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES, 159 
 
 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 importance, to 
 develope the genuine and spiritual meaning 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, however, 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 testi- 
 lies, that even familiar conversation is capable 
 of various interpretations, according to the 
 Affections that operate : will then our ignorance 
 remove these Affections, which nature im- 
 planted, and which grace does not restrain ? 
 This objection is, in truth, a cogent 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. 
 
160 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 It forms no solid objection to our view of the 
 subject, tliat many Commentators neglect this 
 branch of exposition, and pass it over in si- 
 lence. This consideration is abundantly over- 
 ruled, 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 Scrip- 
 tures, 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 
 ignorance or negligence of Commentators, can 
 avail nothing against the doctrine. It is, in- 
 deed, to be lamented, that very few are solicit- 
 ous to ascertain the spiritual meaning of the 
 Sacred Writings ; but are anxious rather to 
 be diffuse on critical, controverted, and dif- 
 ficult points, where there is a wider field for 
 the range of natural intellect. This inattention 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 161 
 
 to the Affections is a main reason, why some 
 commentaries are so meagre and unsatisfactory 
 to spiritual readers, who with a view to per- 
 sonal edification, search after the mind of the 
 Spirit, and the revelations of the divine image. 
 A comment, written without adverting to the 
 Affections, is so only in name and form. 
 
162 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 REMARKS ON THE AFFECTIONS AS THEY 
 RESPECT AN UNRENEWED PERSON. 
 
 An unrenewed raaii cannot attain to a just 
 knowledge of the Affections, as a lielp to expo- 
 sition. This is evident from the following conr 
 siderations. 
 
 An unrenewed person has no perception of 
 any but natural Affections. He speaks of spi- 
 ritual 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, however, 
 that are chiefly to be known ; for the mind of 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 163 
 
 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 unre- 
 newed man peruses the Scriptures theoretically ; 
 and believes it sufficient, if he understand them 
 through the medium of natural reason. It like- 
 wise requires an inward perception, (ato-Sno-i?), 
 of which the unrenewed person is destitute, and 
 after which, while in his unregenerate state, he 
 never seriously aspires. 
 
 It seems indeed an objection to this statement, 
 that we daily see ungodly men not only handle 
 the Scripture, but also speak lars^ely on its mean- 
 ing, in books and commentaries ; and indeed 
 utter truths that cannot 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 in- 
 
164 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 stance, apprehend the terms as they are com-* 
 monly received, form the affirmation and nega- 
 tion, understand them when formed, and per- 
 ceive the necessity of a consequence, as well in 
 Holy Writ as in profane authors. When an un* 
 renewed person reads the precept — '* Thou shalt 
 not kill," he perfectly conceives what is meant 
 by killing; he likewise understands what is pro- 
 hibited ; and, because the precept is universal, 
 he rightly infers that he is forbidden to murder. 
 But as it respects the spiritual meaning, which 
 the letter does not immediately convey, and the 
 mind of tlie Spirit (to (ppov»i/xa m 7ry-:;/^aTo?) , 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 C.>r. ii. 11, 12, Paul af- 
 firms that " the things ot God knoweth no man, 
 but the Spirit of God ; and they who have re- 
 ceived, not the Spirit of the World, but the 
 Spirit which is of God." 
 
 An an example of this, we cite James iii. where 
 the Apostle, by implication, accuses the persons 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 165 
 
 addressed, 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 indu- 
 bitably certain, that a carnal 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 sub- 
 ject we may confidently appeal to the believer's 
 present and past experience. Since then an un- 
 renewed person has no knowledge of this hahit 
 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 ade- 
 
quately penetrating even into the sense of the 
 letter ; because, from the very nature of things, 
 there subsists the closest connexion between 
 words and ideas. 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 167 
 
 CHAPTER IIL 
 
 OF THE NATURE OF THE AFFECTIONS. 
 
 It being demonstrated, that only ft renewed 
 person can consistently engage in examining 
 the Affections, let us inquire into their nature. 
 
 The consideration of the Affections is four- 
 fold. If we examine them generally, a defini- 
 tion that will comport with all, cannot be given ; 
 nor is it indeed necessary. 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 
 
168 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 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 we 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. 
 
 4. As they are attributed to God himself, in 
 the Sacred Writings. This the Grammarians 
 call av0^4^TO7ra9Ei« ( a human Affection ), a word 
 which immediately suggests, that Affections 
 cannot properly be attributed to the Divine 
 Being, but that the Holy Ghost accommodates 
 himself to human infirmity, and condescends to 
 speak of God in away adapted to our capacities. 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 169 
 
 Luther explains the foundation of ecvOfuroTtokQux, 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 repentance is ascribed to God, so 
 " far as Noah, a holy man, under the sacred in- 
 " fluencesofthe Spirit, felt grieved on account 
 " of the gross and universal depravity of man- 
 " kind, Aflfections are likewise attributed to 
 " God, so far as the wicked feel them in their 
 " bosoms. Thus Anger is ascribed to the Di- 
 " vine Being because the sinner perceives, by 
 " the disquietude 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 car- 
 nal, and to the spiritual man. This will sug- 
 gest all that is necessary to be known respecting 
 the other modes noticed. 
 
 H 
 
170 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 OF CARNAL AND SPIRITUAL AFFECTIONS, AND THEIR 
 PECULIAR CHARACTERISTICS. 
 
 As both the carnal and spmtual Affections will 
 come under consideration, it should be re- 
 marked, that Affections may be similar as to 
 name, and yet, on account of their Source, Ob- 
 ject, End, Subjects, Adjuncts, 8fc. be essentially 
 different. By means of some definite proper- 
 ties or characteristics, they can, however, 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. 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 17 i 
 
 '2. A spiritual AiFection tends to a holy End. 
 
 3. A spiritual Affection is engaged on Ob- 
 jects 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 have Relation to 
 those which are unseen. 
 
 5. A spiritual Affection is grounded on Faith 
 and Love. When these do not operate. Affec- 
 tions cease to be spiritual. 
 
 6. A spiritual Affection influences the Subject 
 of it, to seek, not himself nor his personal con- 
 venience, 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 
 
 H 2 
 
172 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 in the mind, nor does it leave behind it any bit- 
 terness. It rather assists in the regulation of 
 the soul, receiving every dispensation with com- 
 placency, and acquiescing in God with joy. 
 
 10. A spiritual Affection tends to the amelio- 
 ration 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 tem- 
 poral preservation and amendment of nature, or, 
 it refers all things to pleasure ; and, particularly, 
 seeks such pleasure not in mental peace, but per- 
 sonal convenience ; and this, often under a pre- 
 text of duty. 
 
 3. A carnal Affection is engaged an Objects 
 that are corporeal, local, temporal, and sensitive. 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 173 
 
 4. A carnal Affection, if engaged upon spiri- 
 tual 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 perversie self-love. 
 
 6. A carnal Affection gives the preference to 
 things naturally pleasing, though others may ap- 
 proximate more nearly to real excellence. 
 
 7. A carnal Affection gradually disturbs the 
 mind when it is at all indulged, rendering it in- 
 capable of investigating truth, or of performing 
 righteous actions ; and it leaves a degree of bit- 
 terness in the mind, proportioned to the strength 
 of the Affection. Cicero justly used to term 
 them " perturbationes animi " — (the perturba- 
 tions of the mind). 
 
 8. A carnal Affection has always a degree of 
 pride (auQa^Eia) in it, though it is often very 
 subtile. As long as this has place in the mind, 
 carnal Affections are not put off. 
 
 H 3 
 
1 74 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 9. A carnal Affection often induces a visible 
 change of the body. 
 
 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 object ; and which may afford matter 
 Av hence to derive others of a more special Icind. 
 If the reader apply himself to do this, his labour 
 will not be unprofitable. 
 
 Tiie object of the Characteristics which have 
 been adduced, is to develope with more facility, 
 the Affections of the Inspired Writers. Other 
 authors, who have written on this subject, pro- 
 pose 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 Characteres 
 "des Passions;" and Cardinal Bona has another, 
 more worthy the notice of Christians, intitled 
 " Manuductio ad Ccelum, &c." (a ) 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES, 175 
 
 Although the carnal Affections are, by these 
 Characteristics, separated from the spiritual Af- 
 fections, we are not thence to conclude, that they 
 are so separated in the heart of a renewed per- 
 son, as that the former never mingle with the 
 latter. On the contrary, the believer's daily 
 strife is to be more and more delivered from the 
 sinful Affections of carnal nature. It is accord- 
 ing to the reigning Affection, that a man is de- 
 nominated carnal or spiritual. To suppose, 
 however, that renewed and unrenewed men have 
 the same perception of the Affections of the Sa- 
 cred Writers, is a radical error. It were im- 
 pious to ascribe any mixture of good and bad 
 Affections to the Holy Spirit ; though we cannot 
 deny that sacred Affections shew themselves in 
 a sanctified nature, by external and natural 
 indications. 
 
 H 4 
 
1 76 A GUIDE TO THE READING ANi> 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 FURTHER REMARKS ON THE AFFECTIONS. 
 
 1. Affections are either simple or com» 
 pound. The simple Affections are Love, 
 Hatred, Desire, Aversion, Joy, Sorrow, Hope, 
 Despair, Fear, Confidence, Anger. The Car- 
 tesian philosophy, not unreasonably, classes 
 with them, the Affections of Admiration, Con- 
 tempt, and other emotions of the mind relating 
 chiefly to the intellect. The compound are 
 those in which many Affections concur, as Com- 
 passion, 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. 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 177 
 
 2. In the consideration of the sacred Text, a 
 distinction 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 attributed to the blessed God. Hence, 
 it is evidently necessary not only to ascertain the 
 Affection, but to determine the Subject. This 
 will have a tendency to cause the thing itself to 
 be more accurately, distinctly, and duly weighed; 
 and the dehghtful harmony that subsists between 
 the Affections of the different subjects, will be 
 likewise more fully unfolded. It will also assist 
 us to discern the principles of holy wisdom, 
 according to which Affections may be regulated 
 by Affections. This is certainly of high impor- 
 tance ; 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, afterwards, those which are not immediately 
 declared. Thus, by proceeding from easier to 
 more difficult points, we shall radually enter 
 
 H 5 
 
178 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 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 Characteristics. Every Characteristic is 
 to be so applied, both carnal and spiritual ; the 
 former class to the Affections 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 Character- 
 istic, 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 
 Characteristics of the Affections ascertained, but 
 likewise those which are special, and accommo- 
 dated to individual Affections. The reader will 
 thus easily attain to a special, as well as general 
 knowledge of holy Affections. 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 179 
 
 The Characteristics may be accommodated not 
 only to words, but likewise to actions, and 
 entire details. 
 
 The several Characteristics should be sepa- 
 rately applied to the subjects, whenever an in- 
 discriminate application would be an infringe- 
 ment 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 examining our own ; that we might, 
 without difficulty, express their Characteristics 
 in perspicuous and suitable words. To adopt 
 the language of Franzius, " when the mind is 
 
180 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 *' thus engaged, the Word will become ineffably 
 " sweet, and inconceivably precious." He who 
 reposes in God with placid and calm Affection, 
 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 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 exer- 
 ** cise, 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 che- 
 rished into habit ; and that the Characteristics 
 can be so familiarized by patient practice and 
 pious experience, as to leave the student at li- 
 berty to draw them from " the good treasure of 
 " his heart.'* 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 181 
 
 5. All the Circumstances which the Text sup- 
 plies, 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 circumstance remain unknown, a very 
 different Affection may be often ascribed to the 
 speaker, of which we have frequent examples, 
 even in familiar conversation. The Circum- 
 stances Who? What? Where? By what 
 means ? Why ? How ? When ? should be, 
 as much as possible, applied. 
 
 The Circumstance which may be more re- 
 markable 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 accommodated to all words. Some words 
 have peculiar reference to particular Circum- 
 stances, and, as it were, point them out. It is, 
 however, necessary sometimes, to examine all 
 
182 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 the Circumstances accurately ; 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 Founda- 
 tion, or rather, Source of eueri/ Affection in the 
 Inspired Penmen. 
 
 The first fruit of the Spirit (Gal. v. 22.) is 
 Love. This Affection, however, sometimes re- 
 ceives different designations, according to the 
 Circumstances. Love to God and man was the 
 pre-eminent Affection in the Soul of St. Paul. 
 Hence, when he addresses penitent sinners (as 
 in his second epistle to the Corinthians), we may 
 plainly discover that his Desire, Fear, Hope, 
 Piety, Joy, in short, that all his Affections spring 
 from Love. 
 
 7. Pronunciation, or the modulation of the 
 voice in uttering any text, is, by no means, to 
 be neglected. 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 188 
 
 This ever follows the course of the Affections 
 and the dictates of nature ; and, hence, a dis- 
 course delivered viva voce, 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 
 Scripture, in this respect, labours, may be sup- 
 plied by, first, using every method of eliciting 
 the true meaning of the Text ; and, then, pro- 
 nouncing it according to the sense and Affection 
 previously and carefully ascertained. 
 
 It is presumed, however, that no person will 
 raise any interpretation of Scripture, on the foun- 
 dation of this, or any other help alone ; but ap- 
 ply all rules of Exposition in regular order. 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 ^ 
 
] 84 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 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 arbi- 
 trary distinctions, until the Affection be ascer- 
 tained. Those ancient copies in which the Text 
 is not divided into verses, are, in this view, to be 
 preferred. 
 
 8. In examining the Affections, we profit 
 chiefly by an ardent and holy emulation of those 
 sacred emotions which we contemplate in the In- 
 spired 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 Affections of the Sacred Penmen 
 develope and unfold themselves, let us seek to 
 possess the same amiable emotions, and, if possi- 
 ble, the same degree of them, in our own bo- 
 soms ; and let us, by the grace of God, strive to 
 
. STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 1 85 
 
 correct every irregularity of temper. The mean- 
 ing of Scripture, thus laid up in the heart, ra- 
 ther than the head, will . transform our souls 
 " from glory into glory ;" and we shall experi- 
 ence that " the word of God is quick and power- 
 " ful, and sharper than any two-edged sword ; 
 " piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul 
 " and spirit, and of the joints and marrow ; and 
 " is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of 
 " the heart." 
 
186 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 AN 
 
 ANALYSIS 
 
 OF 
 
 St. PAUL'S EPISTLE to the EPHESIANS. 
 
 J HE Epistle to the Ephesiaus consists of two 
 parts ; of which, the one is comprehended in the 
 first three chapters ; and the other, in the last 
 three. The former may be termed Doctrinal ; 
 and the latter, Inferential and Hortatory. 
 
 The Doctrinal division contains one Princi- 
 pal Doctrine. Special Doctrines there are, in- 
 deed, interspersed in various places ; but either 
 they are adduced to explain and enforce tlie 
 Principal one ; or, they are derived from it. 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 187 
 
 The Principal Doctrine is as follows : — " Al- 
 " though a difference exists between Jewish and 
 '^ Gentile converts, inasmuch as the former en- 
 " joyed a priority of time, in point of expecting* 
 " and acknowledging Christ ; and, through the 
 ** grace of God, were a Church before the Gen- 
 " tiles : yet, now, the latter are become par- 
 " takers of the same grace with them ; and, 
 " being admitted to this communion of grace, 
 " every real distinction is abolished ; Jews and 
 " Gentiles together, forming the body of the 
 " Church, under 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 conten- 
 tious Jews, vain of their national prerogative, 
 would acknowledge none to be brethren, who 
 did not submit their necks to the yoke of Juda- 
 ism, observe the law, and trust to that for jus- 
 tification. Hence, the apostle considers the sub- 
 ject, not only in the present Epistle, but in most 
 others^ namely, Romans, Chap. i. 16. Philip- 
 
188 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 pians, Chap. iii. 1 Tim. Chap. i. and in the 
 Epistles to the Colossians and Galatians. In 
 his mode of handling* the doctrine, there is, how- 
 ever, some difference ; accommodated to the pe- 
 culiar circumstances of the several churches ad- 
 dressed. Sometimes, it is the apostle's object 
 to prove that justification is of faith and not of 
 the law ; because the false apostles maintained 
 the contrary : at other times, he exhorts the 
 brethren to guard against such men, adding his 
 reasons for the admonition : sometimes, he only 
 recalls them from the tenets of these persons, to 
 the true faith, &c. In this Epistle, however, he 
 aims at subverting the very foundation of the 
 opponents' doctrine (though in what Chemni- 
 tius terms a catechetical manner,) 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 ac- 
 complishment of this his object, propounds, in 
 the first place, the proper prerogative of the 
 Jewish nation (which he had likewise done Rom. 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 189 
 
 iii.) ; lest, by passing in silence over those pri- 
 vileges, which might and ought to be claimed 
 in his countrymen's behalf, he should do an in- 
 jury to himself, who was a Jew ; to his own na- 
 tion ; 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 pri- 
 vilege of the Jews. At first sight, this position 
 may appear doubtful ; 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, nojust opinion on the point can pos- 
 sibly be formed. 
 
 The apostle's arguments have an immediate 
 tendency to this in Chap. i. — for, first, the 
 evident distinction there observed in the appli- 
 cation of the personal pronouns, can have no 
 other meaning. After using, as far as verse 12. 
 the pronoun of the first person, we, us, &c. he 
 continually adopts the pronoun of the second, 
 in the following verses. Hence, he thus con- 
 
190 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 iiects the thirteenth verse—" In whom ye also ;" 
 which plainly indicates a diversity in the sub- 
 jects : and he continues to use this pronoun, 
 until he institutes a new comparison between Uie 
 subjects (Chap. i. ver. 19.), when, speaking in 
 reference to the Jews, he says " to us:' Com- 
 pare Chap. ii. verse 1. where, with a view to 
 the Gentiles, he uses the phrase " to your If 
 we now collate Chap. ii. ver. 11, 12, 13, &c, we 
 shall find the different subjects, hitherto repre- 
 sented by these different pronouns, expressly 
 named — " the uncircumcision" (Gentiles) ; and 
 " 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 trusted in Christ.'* The ob- 
 jection which lies against " predestinate^'* 
 (7rpoo|ji^fiv) 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 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 191 
 
 against " totrustJirsV (vposXm^Eiv) , because this 
 latter word must include both ; since the 
 trusting here mentioned is inevitably to be re- 
 ferred 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 dis- 
 pensed {»i oiKovofJuxv) in the fulness of time, and 
 that all things (Gentiles 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 general 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 
 " word of truth, the gospel of your salvation ; 
 " in whom also, after that ye believed, ye were 
 " sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise, which 
 
192 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 " is the earnest of our (the Jews') inheritance ;" 
 that spiritual inheritance mentioned in the pre- 
 ceding verses. " Wherefore I also, after I heard 
 ** of your faith in the Lord Jesus, 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 di- 
 visions into chapters, and consider the whole 
 structure of the text, harmonizing together in all 
 its parts.—" That you may know what is the ex- 
 " ceeding 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 
 " above all principality, and power, and might, 
 " and dominion, and every name that is named, 
 " not only in this world, but also in that which 
 " is to come : and hath put all things under his 
 " feet, and gave him to be the head over all 
 " things to the church, which is his body, the 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 193 
 
 "fulness of him that fiUeth all in all). And 
 " YOU 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 in- 
 stitutes a comparison between it, and the prime- 
 val state of the Jews ; lestthe^latterpeople should 
 take occasion to assert 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 ar- 
 gument 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 de- 
 velopes its Scope. TheConclusion is — "Though 
 " the Gentiles were not originally possessed of 
 i 
 
194 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 *« the covenants of promise, or any foundation of 
 " hope, yet, in Christ, they, together with the 
 '^ Jews, were made partakers of every benefit ; 
 *' he having removed all things which opposed 
 ^' their uniting with the Jews into one body, and 
 " having, on the other hand, joined things the 
 " most opposite (Jews and Gentiles), by abo- 
 " lishing the law. Hence, the Gentiles were 
 " not now (as the Jewish false apostles asserted), 
 *' strangers and aliens ; but being reconciled to 
 " God by the blood of Christ, they were become 
 " fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the 
 « household of God." 
 
 These things are so obvious, that no doubts 
 can remain with respect to the observations we 
 made on the diversity of the subjects. The Con- 
 clusion expressed 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 Clirist as the 
 corner-stone ; with which the Jews first, but the 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRII^'mRES. 105 
 
 Gentiles no less afterwards, were built up toge- 
 ther as an habitation. Finally, as is the custom 
 with our apostle, he includes in this sinailitude, 
 or allegory, the subject-matter of the prayers 
 which he offered up to God for the Gentiles 
 (Chap. iii. ver. 1. and 14; 15, 1'6; 17. 18, 1^9, 
 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 shew, conformable to the intention of the 
 apostle. If we examine the first verse, we see 
 that he names the Subject : — " For this cause, I, 
 " Paul, theprisoner of Jesus Christ foryou Gen- 
 " tiles." He then forms the Predicate, and re- 
 peats the same words : — '* For this cause (I say), 
 " I bow my knees." On this account, we in- 
 sulate all the words that intervene between ver. 
 2. and ver. 14 ; or, if such a mode be preferred, 
 I 2 
 
196 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 we may consider them as a descriptioo of the 
 Subject. 
 
 The extent of the parenthesis in question, is 
 no just argument against the truth of our posi- 
 tion. A diffuse style is the genius of Paul's writ- 
 ing, 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 pecu- 
 liarity in his style ; and it is requisite that we 
 should observe it, because it frequently hap- 
 pens, 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 of the true and 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. ]97 
 
 proper use of the Law, according to the Gospel 
 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 (xaSw?) that the completion of the 
 sense was to be expected in the subsequent 
 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 edifying; and that the end of 
 " the commandment was love, out of a pure 
 " heart, 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. 10. inclusive. The apostle in a 
 peculiar parenthesis discusses a subject, the 
 proposition of which is contained Chap. i. 27. 
 and afterwards (Chap. ii. 17.) he returns to what 
 I 3 
 
1 98 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 he was discoursing of in the preceding chapter. 
 In conformity with this statement, we find 
 (Chap. i. 23.) that Paul says he is influenced 
 by two things, a desire both^f life and d^ath ; 
 but he knows not which of these to chuse. 
 Death is most desirable to himself, but the" 
 welfare of the Philippians 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 : — " Yea, and if I be offered 
 " upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, 
 " I joy and rejoice with you all." The inter- 
 vening charge is happily and judiciously intro- 
 duced by the apostle, in order that the Philip- 
 pians might not remit their exertions until his 
 arrival, but contend for the faith of the Gosppl 
 with unity and humility. This cannot but b^ 
 evident to those who examine the point with 
 attention and candour. 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES, 199 
 
 It is, however, proper to observe, that the 
 words which are thus insulated are never super- 
 fluous ; but arise either from some pressing ne- 
 cessity, or from the apostle's ardent love. In 
 this epistle to the Ephesians, for instance, how 
 forcibly does the description of the subject in- 
 sulated by the parenthesis, elucidate the point 
 which Paul had to prove. For, if Crod had 
 committed to the Apostle a dispensation of 
 grace for the Gentiles, and the revealed mystery 
 of Christ, that the Gentiles were co-heirs, mem- 
 bers 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, that the Gentiles were not to 
 be excluded from communion with the Jews iii 
 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 
 I 4 
 
200 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 custom in his epistles, to coDnect practicals and 
 theoreticals ; in order that they may mutually 
 illustrate and confirm each other. With him, 
 however, the injunctions of 'Pra.ciice follow the 
 positions of Theory, that the reader, when he 
 has inspected the fountain, may admit 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 indeed these two epistles, the 
 0blossians and Ephesians, are well fitted to 
 explain one another. 
 
 The main exhortation that arises from the 
 principal Doctrine, is — concord and peace be- 
 tween Jew and Gentile. This may not impro- 
 perly 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 Gentile, the 
 difference between their present and former 
 state, estimated from comparing their present 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 201 
 
 Vilih their former manners. In order to this 
 (1.) he points out the difference, fromver. 17. 
 to ver. 24 ; (*2.) he lays down some particular 
 precepts, which are, however, universally bind- 
 ing—particular, in reference to the precept 
 given — universal, in reference to those on whom 
 it was enjoined, ver. 25. to chap. v. ver. 21. in- 
 clusive ; (3.) he delivers to all, according to 
 their different stations in life, divers and parti- 
 cular commandments — to wives, ver. 22. to the 
 end — to children, chap. vi. ver. 1 — 3. — to pa- 
 rents, ver. 4. — to servants, ver. 5 — 8. — to mas- 
 ters, ver. 9. Here Paul adopts the same me- 
 thod, always placing inferiors before superiors ; 
 and the weaker before the stronger. He like- 
 wise puts generals before specials throughout 
 the whole epistle, which is the best mode of 
 arrangement (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 propounded in the 
 foregoing part, as plainly appears from chap. 
 V. ver. 23. &c. (4.) He furnishes means for 
 I 5 
 
202 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 the attainment of the things enjoined, and for 
 defending 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 Bphesians fuller information concerning St. 
 Paul (ver. 21, 22.) he concludes with saluting 
 them, and invoking the Divine blessing. 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 203 
 
 AN 
 
 ANALYTICAL INTRODUCTION 
 
 TO 
 
 St. PAUL'S EPISTLE to the COLOSSIANS. 
 
 The Occasion of the apostle's penning the 
 epistle to the Colossians, may be safely collected 
 from the historical circumstances, which are 
 partly expressed and partly implied /a^ 
 
 For, FIRST, the apostle expressly mentions 
 (ver. 3 — 8.) the conversion of the Colossians, 
 effected under the ministry of Epaphras ; and 
 the accounts which had been given him by that 
 servant of God, concerning the present state of 
 their church. 
 
 Secondly, Paul declares in express terms 
 (chap. ii. ver. 1.) that he endured a great con- 
 
204 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 flict for those churches which he had not seen 
 in the flesh, and, amongst the rest, for this 
 church. No means therefore 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 the church was, at that time, troubled with 
 ** enticing words, philosophy, and vain deceit^ 
 " after the rudiments of the world." He also 
 shews, by borrowing arguments from evangeli- 
 cal doctrines, in order to combat legal teachers, 
 and by the inferences which he draws from 
 those arguments, that certain Judaizing Chris- 
 tians burthened the consciences of the Colos- 
 sian converts, by enjoining on them the 
 observance of the ceremonial law : the neces- 
 sity of circumcision (ver. 11.); of keeping par- 
 ticular 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 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 205 
 
 church. Collate Acts xxv. with Gal. v. 
 3, 4, &c. 
 
 FoDRTHLY, If we rightly consider what is 
 said concerning Epaphras, at the commence- 
 ment 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 Co- 
 lossian {hj ; 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, De- 
 mas, and Luke (Acts xxvii. ver. I.) ; names 
 dear to the Colossians, and with which they 
 were well acquainted (Col. iv. ver. 7.) &c. 
 
206 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 Here we may remark, that the Acts of the 
 Apostles, and especially the fifteenth chapter of 
 them, are frequently adduced to explam the Oc- 
 casion 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 
 Prophets ; 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 understanding of the epis- 
 tles of St. Paul. 
 
 The ApoHtWs Scope. These points being 
 premised, we may easily ascertain the Scope of 
 the whole epistle. This was, that Paul, in obe- 
 dience to his duty as an apostle, might confirm 
 the Colossian converts 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 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 207 
 
 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 of the epistle, that the sole reason the 
 apostle had for so carefully confirming the Co* 
 lossians in the purer doctrines of faith, was a 
 fear lest they should be injured 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 [mro ^s Xiyu) 
 " lest any man should beguile you with enticing 
 " words ;" chap. ii. ver. 4. The declaration 
 contained in these words should be well consi- 
 dered, 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 
 
208 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 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 
 controversy which our apostle adopts, is not to 
 enter the lists with his antagonists, and thus gra- 
 tify their desires to contend (a practice from 
 which he testifies that his mind was most ab- 
 horrent, 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 con- 
 firming them in the principles of genuine doc- 
 trine, to foil the attempts of the adversaries of 
 the truth. 
 
 The controversy which he holds in the epistle 
 before us, was the principal one of that age, and 
 engaged tiie special attention of the apostle of 
 the Gentiles. His discussion of it has proved 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 209 
 
 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 exa- 
 mine his method of treating it, we must necessa- 
 rily 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 convert cannot desire a more ex- 
 cellent confirmation of the doctrines he has es- 
 poused ; but even the more established, those 
 who have groaned under many and various 
 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 
 
210 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 were threatened ; and as the apostle felt espe- 
 cially concerned for the welfare of those 
 churches to whom he had not himself preached 
 the gospel, and consequently forthat at Colosse; 
 as he was anxious they should preserve their 
 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 intrea- 
 ties of faithful Epaphras. In it, he fully ex- 
 plains 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 pro- 
 vidently endeavours to avert from thenr all 
 heterodox opinions, and all danger of corruption 
 either in doctrine or practice. 
 
 The Division. With respect to the Division 
 of the epistle, it is so plain and natural as easily 
 to be distinguished by the attentive reader. Af- 
 ter the Inscription (chap i. vcr. 1, 2.) the epistle 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 21 1 
 
 may be said to comprehend an Exordium, chap. 
 I. ver. 3 — 8 ; a Proposition, ver. 9 — 12 ; a Con- 
 firmation, 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 require a regular analysis. But it is 
 worthy of particular remark, that the apostle 
 has placed that first, which, following the na- 
 tural 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 
 " made you partakers of the Gospel and its 
 " blessed fruits. Understanding, therefore, 
 " your faith and love, which you have derived 
 " from the promise of everlasting life, we have 
 " thankfully adored the riches of divine grace, 
 " and recommended you to God in ceaseless 
 " prayers." — The apostle, however, leaves the 
 natural and obvious order ; and, after mention- 
 ing his thanksgivings and his prayers, proceeds 
 
212 A OUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 to speak of that which lay nearest his heart : 
 to glorify the Lord for the mercy he had shewn 
 the Colossians, and invoke his continued bless- 
 ing on their church. If this remark be applied 
 elsewhere, the Analysis will in many instances 
 become easier, and Paul's inward affections 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 energetic language, 
 indicative of that tender concern for the Corin- 
 thians, by which he was actuated. Had he been 
 uninfluenced by this Affection, he would pro- 
 bably have expressed himself thus :-*" I write 
 *' in order that you, who are now so much en- 
 " dangered by the errors of heresy, may, 
 " through God's grace, obtain an increasing 
 " acquaintance with saving doctrine and spi- 
 " ritual wisdom ; and that you may abound in 
 " desires after holiness, although now en- 
 ^' tangled in so many fleshly and worldly de- 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 213 
 
 " ceits." But the apostle, agreeably to the 
 feelings we have recognized in him, sweetly 
 explains, declares, and, as it were, insinuates 
 into the hearts of the Colossians, this the scope 
 of his mind. Hence it happens, that he intro- 
 duces 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 
 acknowledging the infinite mercy of God in 
 respect to them (ver. 12.) The remark made 
 concerning the Exordium, may be very pro-, 
 perly repeated here : namely, that the apostle 
 opens with that which most engaged his affec- 
 tions ; 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 
 
214 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 errors of the heretics ; secondly, an Exhor- 
 tation to seek, with earnest care, after holiness 
 of life. The first part is Doctrinal (chap i. ver. 
 13. to chap ii. ver. 3.) ; and Elenchtical (chap, 
 ii. ver. 4. to chap. iii. ver. 4.) 
 
 In the Ih)ctrinal part, he lays down (1.) the 
 Proposition, which is couched in clear and 
 weighty language (chap. i. ver. 3.) ; (2.) the 
 Exposition of the Proposition — from the dignity 
 of the Person (ver. 15 — 19.) and Office of Christ: 
 (ver. 20.) ; and (3.) the Doctrinal Application of 
 the Proposition. He shews that the Colos- 
 sians had happily become partakers of this sav- 
 ing doctrine (ver. 21, 22.) ; which doctrine then 
 forms the ground of an Application replete with 
 instruction and sweetness, and very conformable 
 to the Scope (ver. 23.) Thv. words are like- 
 wise well adapted to it, and in themselves most 
 emphatic. 
 
 The perversions of the legal teachers who op- 
 posed the Gospel, were in no small degree dan- 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 215 
 
 gerous ; so that Paul might justly fear, lest, 
 yielding to the deceitful arguments of those so- 
 phists, they should desert the simple truth which 
 they had before espoused. Hence, as we ob- 
 served, the words " from the hope of the<iospel 
 "which you have heard," are emphatic; and 
 hence the argument " which was preached to 
 " every creature which is under heaven," where^ 
 with he confirms his instructions, is so like- 
 wise : for the apostle especially wished to incul- 
 cate on their minds, that the gospel which they 
 had heard from Epaphras, was the same gospel 
 that was preached " to every creature under 
 " heaven." 
 
 The second Doctrinal Application is there- 
 fore very aptly connected (ver. 23. J — " whereof 
 " I, Paul, am made a minister, &c. &c." For 
 he shews, that the very Truth which he pro- 
 pounded, was the express and genuine 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 
 
216 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 Colossian church, that this Object should be 
 fully understood and explored, he commences 
 with passing on it a merited eulogium (ver. 
 25 — 27.) ; speaking of it as the 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 particular, 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 considered, 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 Epaphras, as St. Paul's 
 assurance that it was genuine ; that it was the 
 very Truth which he deemed it the object of his 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 2 i 7 
 
 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 \ery essential, that he should 
 deeply impress their minds with a conviction of 
 his apostolic authority, and enforce that con- 
 viction 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 
 presuming arrogance of the false teachers, but 
 give additional energy to the arguments with 
 which he was about to oppose their opinions. 
 
 The attentive reader will now without diffi- 
 culty perceive, that the apostle's language is 
 strongly emphatic and excellently adapted to 
 his Scope. For instance (chap. ii. ver. 2.), he 
 says, '* unto all riches of the full assurance of 
 " understanding :" because there was reason 
 to fear, lest the new con verts should be hindered 
 and shaken, by the numerous doubts which 
 their adversaries raised. " In whom," says the 
 apostle (ver. 3.), ^' are hid all the treasures of 
 K 
 
21B A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 *' wisdom and knowledge ;*' because those 
 adversaries, " vainly puffed up by their fleshly 
 mind" (ver. 18.), promised the Colossiaiis 
 greater degrees of wisdom. 
 
 In the Elenchtical part (rpoj tXsyp^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 pre- 
 ceding : — " This I say," and adds a general pro- 
 position — " lest any man should beguile you 
 *' with enticing words" (ver. 4). 2. He pre- 
 vents an Objection ; remarking that, although 
 he was absent, he felt concerned for their welfare 
 (ver. 5.): and here we may observe with delight 
 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 controversy, which is also practical, and 
 placed first, where it is more easy to be under- 
 stood than if placed last ; because the Scope and 
 ultimate end of the writer are thus obvious to the 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 219 
 
 reader, at once ; and because the arguments 
 which follow, impress themselves on the mind 
 with more energy. 4. He lays down the Oppo- 
 site Proposition which he nevertheless expresses 
 generally, because the Colossians would readily 
 know to what he alluded (ver. 8). It is, how- 
 ever, evident, from collating the eighth with the 
 preceding and subsequent verses, thatthe Oppo- 
 site Proposition and true state of the controversy 
 may be formed as follows. The apostle's Pro- 
 position was : — " God hath delivered us from 
 " the power of darkness, and hath translated us 
 " into the kingdom of his dear Son ; in whom 
 " we have redemption, through his blood, even 
 " the forgiveness of sins" (chap. i. ver. 13, 14). 
 The Judaizing teachers contradicted this : say- 
 ing, that " it was necessary for Christians to 
 " be circumcised, and to keep the law of Moses," 
 Acts XV. ver. 5. The Opposition becomes there- 
 fore evident. Proposition. " We are kept 
 *' simply through faith in Christ Jesus, by 
 " which (faith), we have received the forgive- 
 " ness of all our sins, and eternal life." Op- 
 K 2 
 
220 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 posite Proposition. " We are not kept simply 
 " through faith in Christ Jesus, but if we de- 
 " sire to be saved, we must be circumcised, and 
 ^' keep the law of Moses, and the traditions of 
 " men, in meat and drink, in respect of aholy- 
 " day, the new moon, the sabbath, and wor- 
 " shipping of angels." Hence the language 
 of the Judaizing teachers was, " Touch not ; 
 " taste not ; handle not ;" ver. 21. 
 
 Now in this Opposite Proposition, the doc- 
 trines of Redemption and Christ's Satisfac- 
 tion, of Justification and Sanctification, were 
 greatly corrupted ; and thereby, consciences 
 which had been recovered into liberty by 
 Jesus, were again subjected to human powers 
 and to a heavy yoke of traditions. Hence the 
 Opposite Proposition is followed by arguments 
 refuting it. — 1. In Christ dwelleth all the ful- 
 ness of the Godhead 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 arc now cir- 
 
STUDY OF THK HOLY SCRIPTURES. 221 
 
 cumcised, and therefore dead, in putting oif 
 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 crucified;) were those 
 principalities and powers which had hitherto 
 imposed a heavy yoke on the conscience, spoiled, 
 made an open shew of, and led in triumph (ver. 
 15). From these arguments the proper Conclu- 
 sion naturally flows (ver. 16), which likewise 
 aptly touches on the substance of all the argu- 
 ments (ver. 17). 
 
 The Application follows, which consists of a 
 Dehortation, a Reproof, and an Exhortation. 
 The arguments of the Dehortation are as fol- 
 lows. 1. The adversaries beguile you of your 
 reward. 2, They boast of things which they 
 have not seen. 3. They are presumptuously 
 K3 
 
222 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 and carnally puffed up (ver. 18). 4. They do 
 not hold the Head, on which alone depends the 
 increase of the body and noembers. The Re- 
 proof is given, because they had already in- 
 clined to the erroneous opinions of the adver- 
 saries (ver. 20, 21), which he administers in an 
 argument drawn from antecedents (ver. 20), 
 adding" a new argument (ver. 22.) ; and guard- 
 ing 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 preceptive, and 
 contains 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 sanctification is to be attained— 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 223 
 
 by putting off the old man (ver. 9) ; and by put- 
 ting on the new man (ver. 10). This he holds 
 forth, in the same verse, in opposition to the Ju- 
 daizing teachers, from the final cause (" re- 
 " newed in knowledge") ; the formal cause 
 (" after the image") ; the efficient cause (**' of 
 ** him that created him") ; and from the uni- 
 versality of the Subject (ver. 11). He then pro- 
 ceeds to descant on the cultivation of Christian 
 graces (ver. 12, 13, 14) ; of heavenly and in- 
 ward 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 pre- 
 cepts : namely, incessant Prayer not only for the 
 private success, but for the general spread of the 
 Gospel (ver. 2 — 4) ; and Wisdom in conversa- 
 tion, especially to them that are without (ver. 5 
 and 6.) 
 
 K 4 
 
224 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 However long this Exhortation seem, it evi- 
 dently flows from the preceding subject. Pre- 
 cept answers to doctrine, as a stream to its foun- 
 tain ; 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 divi- 
 sions be made in the Confirmation ; since any 
 one may refer all to Refutation and term the rest 
 the Application ; whether they be distributed 
 into three parts — doctrinal, elenchtical, and 
 preceptive ; or whether divided into two, as 
 we ourselves have done, deeming it more con- 
 formable to the Proposition, and the just mode 
 of treating it. 
 
 In the Conclusion, he speaks of the mutual 
 communications 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 remem- 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES* 225 
 
 brance of liimself, together with a prayer for their 
 welfare (ver. 18). 
 
 Tlie Argument of the epistle may be para- 
 phrased in the following manner.—" I have 
 *' thanked, and 1 continue to thank my God, 
 " for your conversion, effected under the minis- 
 " try of Epaphras ; an account of which he has 
 " communicated to me. It is my incessant 
 " prayer that you, being strengthened of God, 
 " may increase in knowledge and holiness ; and 
 " remembering the mighty mercy, how that He 
 " fully redeemed you through Christ the Lord, 
 " the Saviour 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, together with fellow- 
 " ship in the sufferings of Christ), even as He is 
 " become to the Gentiles, the hope of glory. 
 *' Wherefore I labour, that all may be fully 
 *' formed in Christ ; but especially that you, 
 " the Laodiceans, and all the churches that do 
 " not personally know me, may persevere in in- 
 K5 
 
226 A GUIDE TO THE READING AND 
 
 " te^rity of faith and practice. Though absent, 
 
 " I write as if I were really present, lest, in- 
 
 " fluenced by vain persuasions, you should leave 
 
 *^ Christ whom you have received, and side with 
 
 " Judaizing Christians ; when Jesus, in his pas- 
 
 *' sion, death, and resurrection is made to you 
 
 '^ All in All, and bears the same relation to the 
 
 *' law, as a substance to its shadow. Let it 
 
 *' then be your care, that you be not beguiled of 
 
 *' your reward by them who know not what they 
 
 *' afHrm ; and who leave 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- 
 
 *' trines concerning things obnoxious to corrup- 
 
 " tion and unworthy of the wisdom that dwells 
 
 " in the Saviour ? Influenced by the considera- 
 
 " tion that ye were quickened together with 
 
 "Christ, and are about to enjoy with him im- 
 
 *' mortal glory, elevate your souls to things 
 
 " above ; and, being invested with this high 
 
 " dignity, persist in mortifying the old man ^ 
 
 " put on the new man, with righteousness, peace. 
 
STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 227 
 
 " and joy in the Holy Ghost ; honour Christ ; 
 " do all in his name with thanksgiving ; con- 
 " tinning", every one according to his calling, 
 " in prayer, especially for me ; and acting with 
 " wisdom your respective parts in the world. 
 " Tychicus and Onesimus will give you further 
 " information respecting my state, &c." 
 
NOTES 
 
 BY 
 
 THE TRANSLATOR. 
 
 " It is a great happiness to have pointed out to us, 
 " the best books written on any science, or any 
 " special part of it. For want of this advantage, 
 " many a man has wasted his time in reading 
 " over perhaps some whole volumes, and learned 
 " little more by it, than to know that those 
 
 volumes were not worth his reading.^' 
 
 Dr. Watts. 
 
*' The Notes by the Translator contain a valuable fund of 
 " bibliographical knowledge, collected and digested from 
 ** various approved sources, on all the topics discussed by 
 <* Professor Franck ; from which the student of the Sacred 
 " Writings may derive important direction and assistance.'' 
 
 Christian Observee, December, ]814.- 
 
NOTES 
 
 THE TRANSLATOR. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 Grammatical Reading. 
 
 (a) 1. With respect to a Version of the Holy 
 Scriptures, none has such claims on the student's 
 attention as the authorized English Translation. 
 « 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, *' is this its only praise ; the Trans- 
 lators 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 j and Castalio/' adds. 
 
232 NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 
 
 the Doctor, " is often false, and in several places, full 
 of affectation/* Pagninus improved by Montanus is 
 a very liberal version ; and is printed in Leusden's 
 Greek Testament, l2mo. Berol. 1761 ; and in Mon- 
 tanus's edition of the Greek Test, printed with his 
 Bible mentioned note (h). 
 
 2. A good edition of the Greek Testament, is, of 
 course, a main desideratum with the Biblical student. 
 Griesbach's Testament printed at Halle, or Wetstein's 
 2 vol, fol. Amst. 1751-2, are the best we have; and, 
 when the student is competent to critical inquiry, he 
 should certainly procure a copy of one of them. 
 Bengelii Novum Testamentum Graecum, is much 
 esteemed, 8vo. Stutgard 1734; ibid. 1739; ibid. 1753; 
 Tubing. 1762; ibid. 1776; and Lips, curante Buttigio, 
 1737. — Another excellent edition, is Wetstein's No- 
 vum Testamentum post priores Steph- Curcellsei, &c. 
 Amst. 1 735. " This is the second edition of that in 
 1711, and is much more accurate, and, in almost every 
 respect, more valuable." For an account of these, 
 and other editions of the Greek 1 estament, the reader 
 is referred to the Bibliotheca Sacra of Le Long, and to 
 the Bibliographical Diet, of Dr. A. Clarke. 
 
 (h) Instead of Pasoris Lexicon Nov. Test. (Lips. 
 1774), Patkhurst's and Ewing's Greek and English 
 Lexicons, may be safely recommended. The former, 
 however, gives the verbs only in the first person sin- 
 gular of the present tense ; and, on that account, the 
 latter work may merit the preference of those who are 
 learning the language, because it makes the patli 
 more easy and more certain. Both have prefixed 
 Greek Grammars to their Lexicons, which are es- 
 teemed. 
 
 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 Lexi- 
 con Grseco-Latinum in Novum Testamentum, 4 vol. 
 8vo. Lips. 1801. " Tiiis work,'' says Dr. Herbert 
 Marsh, '' contains a treasure of knowledge, with 
 
NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 233 
 
 which no student m theology can dispense. The dif- 
 ferent senses of the words are investigated with the 
 utmost philological precision ; they are illustrated by 
 the principal passages of the Greek Testament; and 
 the whole is arranged in the most perspicuous man- 
 ner." 
 
 (c) " Novum Testamentum Graecum, Anist. 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 those who wish to make the Greek Tes- 
 tament their constant companion. Reprinted ibid. 
 8vo. 1648.— Nov. Test, cum notis Scaligeri, Stephani, 
 etCasauboni, Gr. Svo. Lond. 1633. A good edition, 
 very thin and convenient for the pocket. — The most 
 convenient and accurate for common use, is that of 
 Gerhard of Maestrich, Wetstein, Amst, 1735, 12mo. 
 with various readings, parallel texts, and some useful 
 maps. That by Bengel, Stutgard, 1734, r2mo. 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.'f Dr. E. Wil- 
 liams. 
 
 It may be proper to observe, that one of these edi- 
 tions may prove sufficient for persons who are merely 
 learning the Greek language, without the editions 
 mentioned under note (aj, which are chiefly valuable 
 for critical purposes. 
 
 (d) 1. J. Leusdeni Compendium Grgecum Nov. Test. 
 12mo. Lond. 1688. 
 
 2. Nov. Test, in quo tum selecti versiculi 1900, 
 quibus omnes N. Test, voces continentur, asteriscis 
 notantur; tum omnes et singulae voces, semel vel sae- 
 pius occurrentes peculiari nota distinguuntur ; auctore 
 Joan. Leusden. 16mo. Amst. Wetstein, 1688; 18mo. 
 
234 NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 
 
 Lond. Smith, 1698; 16mo. Amst. Wetstein, 1701; 
 l6mo. ibid. 1740; 8vo. Amst. Wetst, 1698. Vide 
 Dr. Clarke's Bib. Diet. 
 
 (e) The best edition of St. Clement's Epistles is 
 that by Wotton, Gr. and Lat.Svo. Cantab. 1718. 
 
 The most correct edition of the epistle ascribed to 
 St. Barnabas, is 8vo. Lond. 1710. 
 
 S. Ignatii Epistolse, juxta exemplar Mediceum, una 
 cum veteri Latina version e a Pearson et Smith ; Gr. 
 etLat. 4to. Oxon. 1709. For the best translations of 
 the epistles ascribed to Clement, Barnabas, and Igna- 
 tius, see Abp. Wake's Genuine Epistles. 
 
 S. Justini Martyris opera ab Oberthur, 8vo. Gr. et 
 Lat. Wirreb. 1777, 2 vol. *' A very good, neat, and 
 portable edition." 
 
 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, 8vo. Lond. 1714. 
 
 S. Macarii Homilise, Gr. et. Lat. 8vo. Lips. 2 vol. 
 1698 and 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 attributed to the Fathers. It contains 
 likewise notations of the first editions, the best edi- 
 tions, and the best English translations; besides 
 other valuable matter. 
 
 (f) 1. The best edition of the Scptuagint is that 
 prepared by the late Dr. Holmes, which is now pub- 
 lishing. The first Volume appeared in 1798, since 
 which period, several Parts have been published, un- 
 der the inspection of Mr. Parsons. 
 
 Breitinger's edition of Grabe's Septuagint, 4 vol. 
 4to. Tiguri. Helvet. 1730, ranks very high in the re- 
 public of letters. See Dr. A. Clarke's Bib. Diet. 
 
 For learning the language and for common use, the 
 following may be safely recommended, as substitutes. 
 
NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 2f35 
 
 Septuaginta, 12mo. Cantab. 1665. " This Edition 
 is well executed, and has a learned preface by Bishop 
 Pearson/' 
 
 Septuaginta Milli, 12mo. 2 vol. Amstel. 1725. 
 " A very correct edition. '^ 
 
 2. Eusebii Historia Evangelica, a Guil. Reading, 
 Gr. et Lat. fol. Cantab. 1720. " Best edition.— The 
 best English translation is the second edition of that 
 published Lond. 1696, under the title of the History 
 of the Church from our Lord's incarnation, to the 
 twelfth year of the Emperor Mauricius Tiberius, or 
 the year of Christ, 594, &c. &c." 
 
 3. Chrysostomi Opera, Edit. Benedictin. Mont- 
 faucon. 13 vol. Gr. et Lat. fol. Paris, 1718, 1738. 
 " The best edition." 
 
 4. S. Basilii Opera, Gr. et Lat. a Gamier Monacho 
 Benedictiiio, 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 univer- 
 sity of llfeldt, and afterwards of that at Pforzheim. 
 He wrote a Hebrew Grammar; Pindarica Aristologia; 
 and other works ; but of those mentioned here, I have 
 met with no notice. — See Melch. Adam vit. Germ. 
 Theol 
 
 6. Spicilegium Sanctorum Patrum, ut et Hseretico- 
 rum Saeculi 1. 11 III. — a Jo Ernest. Grabe, Gr. et 
 Lat. 8vo. Oxon. 1700, 3 vol.— et 8vo. Lond. 1714, 3 
 vol. For further information, see Dr. A. Clarke's Bib. 
 Diet. Bib. Miscel. and Concise View. 
 
 (g) Riveti Critica Sacra, cum Tractatu de Patrum 
 Auctoritate, 1 690, 8vo. 
 
 Roberti Coci, Censura quorumdam Scriptorum, 
 qui, sub nominibus Patrum antiquorum a Pontificiis 
 citari solent, Lond. 1523, 4to. 
 
 Pearsonii Vindiciae Epistolarum S. Ignatii,4to. Can- 
 tab. 1672. Boyle calls this '' an incomparable work;" 
 and " one of the first books in the world for criticism." 
 
 (h) 1. The best version of the Bible is undoubtedly 
 our own authorised translation. 
 
236 NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 
 
 Biblia Sacra Scholiis illustrata a J. Tremellio et 
 F. Junio, fol Loncl. 1581- — " The version of Junius 
 and Tremellius/^ says Dr. A. Clarke, " has much of 
 the true natural simplicity ; the chief Hebraisms are 
 preserved and the whole exactly conformable to the 
 Hebrew text, without obscurity or barbarity." 
 
 Opitii Atrium Linguee Sanct?e, Lips. 1710. 
 
 Biblia Sacra, per Xantem Pagninum, Lugd. 1527, 
 4to. Arias Montanus, who employed himself in im- 
 proving Pagnini's version, says, " Ejus interpretation, 
 veluti omnium tutissima, Hebraico textui adnecte- 
 retur." 
 
 2. With respect to Hebrew Bibles, Van der Hooght's 
 8vo. 2 vol. Amst. 1705, " for elegance and accuracy 
 has no equal." Of this work, Mr. Frey has published 
 a new and very correct edition. 
 
 ** The most elegant and correct of the Anti-Ma- 
 soretic Bibles, is Biblia Heb. Forsteri, 4to. 2 vol. 
 Oxon. 1750." — Mr. Boothroyd has published an edi- 
 tion of the Hebrew Bible in quarto, without points, 
 but with various readings and critical notes. 
 
 For those who are studying the language, the fol- 
 lowing will be more useful. — 
 
 Hutter's Hebrew Bible, Hamburg, 1587, and again 
 in 1607. " This work is so printed, as that the stu- 
 dent ascertains the roots at once, for which he is to 
 search his Lexicon. A useful part of it, which Hat- 
 ter calls Cubus Alphabeticus sanctse Hebrseee Linguae, 
 is wanthig in some copies; and of this purchasers 
 should be aware." 
 
 " But the most useful Hebrew Bible, for any learner 
 who is even moderately acquainted with the Latin is 
 that of Montanus, with an interlineary Latin transla- 
 tion. The Latin word is put exactly above the He- 
 brew 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. Plan- 
 tin, 1572, folio ; but there is a second and excellent 
 edition, ibid. 1584, folio. The latter folio editions, 
 and especially the edition in 8vo. are miserably exe- 
 cuted.'' Dr. A. Clarke. 
 
NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 237 
 
 (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 appearance." 
 The reader should observe, that this is an Anti-Maso- 
 retic Grammar. Frey's Hebrew Grammar may be 
 recommended to the student as a very useful one in 
 acquiring the language. 
 
 (k) Opitius's Atrium Linguae Sanctse, Lips. 1710; 
 Bythner's Lyra Prophetica, 4to. Lond. 1664; and 
 Leusden's Clavis Veteris Testamenti, 4to. TJltraj. 
 1683; are become extremely scarce. Opitius's He- 
 brew Lexicon, and Baldovius's 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's 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 Svo. 
 1800, may be safely recommended. — Stockii Clavis 
 Linguae sanctae veteris Testamenti, 8vo. Lips. 1753, 
 '' is," says Dr. E. Williams, " a work of uncommon 
 merit, in consulting which, the serious biblical stu- 
 dent is seldom disappointed." 
 
 Buxtorfii Lexicon Hebraic, et Chald. Bas. 1735, 
 Svo. is much esteemed. But Prey's Hebrew Diction- 
 ary, in which the words are ranged alphabetically, 
 and not according to the roots, is beyond all compari- 
 son the best for tlie Hebrew student. 
 
 (m) Johannis Leusdeni Compendium Biblicum,8vo. 
 Ultraj. 1668. 
 
238 NOTES BY THE T^NSLATOR; 
 
 (n) Those, however, who have not the advantage 
 of a Tutor's assistance, must not despond. " No- 
 body,^' 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 thanit 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 struggles of the mind, as in those of war, * dum 
 putant se vincere, vicere;' a pursuasion that we shall 
 overcome any difficulties 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 follow- 
 ing is recommended. — Biblia Hebraica sine Punctis • 
 versibus, capitibus, etsectionibusinterstincta, notisque 
 Masoretarum quas Kri et Ktif appellant instructa, ad 
 Leusdenianam Editionem adornata. Amstel. 170J, 
 18mo. " This is a very small pocket size, and a 
 beautiful little book. The Wetsteins of Amsterdam 
 printed Leusden's Greek Testament on paper of ex- 
 actly 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 HagiograpKa ; 
 for a detailed account of which the reader is referred 
 to Buck's Theological Dictionary, vol. 1, p. 76 ; or 
 the Encyclopedia Perthensis, vol 3, p. 614. It is 
 sufficient to notice here, that the Hagiographa com- 
 prehends the Psalms ; Proverbs; Ecclesiastes; Can- 
 ticles; Job: Ruth; the Lamentations; Esther; 
 
NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 239 
 
 Daniel; Ezra (including Nehemiah); and the Chro- 
 nicles. Of these, a part of Daniel and Ezra is in the 
 Chaldee dialect 
 
 (q) John Conrad Danhawer, a Getman Divine of 
 the Lutheran Church, born at Brisgaw, in 1603. He 
 was Professor of Eloquence at Strasburgh, where he 
 died in 1666. (Moreri), His works £ have never 
 seen. 
 
 (r) 1. Blackwall's Sacred Classics, 2 vols. 8vo. 
 London, 1727—1737, &c. '' is a work that gives 
 many well chosen instances of passages in the clas- 
 sics 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 gene- 
 rally 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 fol- 
 lowing translation of it, which, says Dr. A. Clarke, 
 *' is much more valuable 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. 
 
 (s) Glassii 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 styles it, requires 
 no testimony in its favour. 
 
 (t) 1. Clavis Scripturse Selectae, seu de Sermone 
 sacrarum Literarum ; auctore Matt. Flacco (often 
 written Flacio) lllyrico. Basil. Oporinus, 1567, fol. 
 
 (u) Buxtorfii Thesaurus Grammaticus, Basil, 1609. 
 
240 NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR, 
 
 (v) 1. Antonius Schorus, de Ratione discendtie 
 docendseque Linguae Graecae et Latinae, Argent. 1549, 
 8vo. et Argent. 1571, 8vo. 
 
 2. Antonii Schori Phrases Linguae Latinae e Cice- 
 rone coUectae 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 edition was edited about the year 1670, by Frisch- 
 muth, a learned German. 
 
 (y) 1. The Chaldee parts of Holy Writ arc, of 
 course, printed in all editions of the Hebrew Bible ; 
 and the translation, in our own authorised version. 
 The Chaldee much resembles 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 corrupt Jerusalem dialect of the 
 Chaldee language ; but the Chaldee of Onkelos and 
 Jonathan is classical and pure.'* The two latter, have 
 been printed by Jo. Buxtorf, in his great Hebrew 
 Bible, 4 tom. fol. Basiliae, 1620; and all of them, 
 except the Targum of Rabbi Joseph the Blind, on 
 the two books of Chronicles (the M. S. of which was 
 not then discovered), are printed in the London Poly- 
 glott. See also the second Edition of the Great Bi- 
 ble, Venice, 4 tom. fol. Bomberg. 1548. 
 
 ^(z) 'Dr VVdd (Michlal lophi), Perfectio Pulchritu- 
 dinis, seu Commentarius in loca selecta vocesque et 
 res difficiliores Sacrae Scripturae a R. Selemone Ben 
 Melech ; cum nnDu; tDpV Spicilegio, seu rerum prae- 
 teritarum ct intermissarum ; Authore R, Jacob. Aben- 
 dana. Amst. 4to. Anno a Mundi condito 5421. This 
 edition is in the Library of the io7?rfo« Socieiij. 
 Biblia sacra Hebraica et Chaldaica, cum Masora, 
 
NOTES BV THE TRANSLATOR. 241 
 
 &c. edente Jo. Buxtorfio, Basiliae, 1620, 4 torn. fol. 
 This is Buxtorf *s Bible, mentioned in the last note. 
 
 For a complete account of the writings of the Rab- 
 bins, the reader is referred to Bartolocci Julii Biblio- 
 theca magna Rabbinica, de Scriptoribus et Scriptis 
 Hebraicis, Romae, 1675, 4 vol. fol. and to Imbonati 
 Bibliotheca Latino-Hebraica, &c. Romse, 1694, fol. 
 
242 NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 Historical Reading. 
 
 (a) Our author's term historicus (historical), is 
 not, perhaps, very happily applied, and yet it does not 
 seem easy to substitute a better. The reader \vill see, 
 in the course of the chapter, that it is here taken in 
 a wider sense than it usually conveys. 
 
 (b) " The Sum and Substance of the Scriptures'* 
 is a designation frequently applied to some main doc- 
 trine of the Bible ; 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 anR. seqq. 
 
 (c) Heideggeri Enchiridion Biblicum, Lips. 1703. 
 Tig. 1681, and Amst. 1688. 
 
 (d) WolfFgangi Franzii Tractatus de Interpreta- 
 tione Scripturae Sacrae, 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 ne- 
 cessary to divide the books into sections, and the 
 
NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 243 
 
 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 subdi- 
 visions do not correspond with our verses. This 
 was the invention of Rabbi Mordecai Nathan, about 
 1445, who, in imitation of Hugo, drew up a concord- 
 ance to the Hebrew Bible for the use of the Jews. 
 See the Ency. Perth. Art. Bible. — " Blaokwall'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 Wirlemb, 
 1690. 
 
 (f) 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 Religion, 4to. Lond. 
 1769, has its subjects " digested under proper heads, 
 and is compiled in the express words of Scripture." 
 
 2. Tossani Concordantia Bib. Lat. Junii etTremel- 
 lii, et Theod. Bezse, fol. 1639. 
 
 (g) The Works enumerated in this and the follow- 
 ing Note, on the subject of £a?^erw«/ Circumstances, 
 are in high repute ; and as they are within the com- 
 pass of English Readers, and are equally as valuable 
 as those scarce pieces which the Professor has intro- 
 duced, no apology can be requisite for noticing them 
 here, 
 
 Waltheri Ofiicina Biblica, 4to, 1668. 
 
 Kortholtns (Christianus) de variis Scripturae Sacrae 
 Editionibns, Kilon. 1684, 4to. 
 
 Father Richard Simon's Critical History of the Old 
 and New Testaments, 2 vols. 8vo. " is a work of long 
 established reputation. It was first published in 
 L 2 
 
244 NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 
 
 French, in 1768." Dr. E. Williams's Christian 
 Preacher, p. 416. 
 
 Jo. Hen. Maii Examen Historiae Criticae Novi Tes- 
 tamenti Rich. Simon. Francof. 1690; and Gies. Has. 
 1694. 
 
 Dr. Walton's Prolegomena treat on philological, 
 chronological, geographical, and other points, in a 
 very full aid learned manner. See the Biblia Sacra 
 Polyglotta, 6 vol fol. I,ond. 1657 
 
 *' Campbell's Preliminary Dissertations to his new 
 translations of the Gospels, possess various excellen- 
 cies, and rectify some considerable mistakes in Fa- 
 ther Simon's Critical History, 4 vols. Svo. or (an in- 
 ferior edition), 2 vols, large Svo. 1807." Vide Dr. 
 E.Williams's Christian Preacher, p. 416; Forbes's 
 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, Svo. 
 1808. — For a high character of this work which lays 
 down the Laws of Sacred Criticism, see the Annual 
 Review, vol. 7, p. 308, and the British Critic, vol. 32, 
 p. 340. 
 
 Professor Michaelis's Introduction to the New Tes- 
 tament, translated and considerably augmented with 
 Notes, and a Dissertation on the origin and composi- 
 tion of the first three Gospels, by Dr. Herbert Marsh, 
 6 vols, large Svo. " Michaelis treats of the genuine 
 antiquity, the language, readings, M.S.S. and prin- 
 cipal 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. Williams's 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 read- 
 ing of the Holy Scriptures, intended chiefly for young 
 students in Divinity, 4to. Lond. 1784. Bishop Wat- 
 son republished this piece in his collection of Theolo- 
 gical Tracts, 6 vols. 8vo. Cantab. 1785 ; and observes 
 
NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 245 
 
 respecting it, that it is *' a work of great merit; the 
 authors have not left any topic untouched, on which 
 the young student in divinity may be supposed to 
 want information/' 
 
 (h) Bocharti Opera omnia, curis Joannis Leusden. 
 €t Petri Villemandy, Lugd. Bat. 1712, 3 vols. fol. 
 " This," says Dr. A. Clarke, " is the best collection 
 of his works.'* Besides the Hierozoicon mentioned 
 by our author, " he wrote a very learned and accu- 
 rate 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 Sa- 
 cred Writings," 
 
 *' Dr. I James Scheuchzer, is author of a very ela- 
 borate 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 animal, vegetable, and mineral kingdoms, to 
 which there is any reference in the Scriptures. The 
 German edition was published 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, 12mo. and 4 tom. Franc. 
 
 Calmet's Dictionary of the Holy Bible, explaining 
 the names, histories, &c. of persons, places, and na* 
 tural productions, mentioned in Scripture; the anti- 
 quities, buildings, coins, habits, laws, customs, and 
 peculiarities of the Jews and other Eastern nations; 
 with chronological tables, calendars, &c. &c. To 
 which are added, entirely new illustrations of Scrip- 
 ture incidents and expressions, selected from the 
 accounts of the most authentic historians, travellers, 
 L3 
 
246 NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 
 
 &c. Illustrated by numerous Plates of tiews, plans^ 
 habits, &c. — Also, the Supplement to Calmet*s Dic- 
 tionary of the Holy Bible, containing words omitted 
 in the Dictionary, and further remarks, &c. in conti- 
 nuation of the fragments. 4to. See Dr. E. Williams's 
 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^s Dictionary, 4to. iiee the Monthly 
 Rev. May, 1803; and Evangelical Mag, vol. 11. p. 
 347—9. 
 
 A Companion to the Holy Bible ; the subject. Sa- 
 cred Geography : being a geographical and historical 
 account of places mentioned in the Holy Scriptures ; 
 originally composed by Edward Wells, D. D. No^ 
 revised, and corrected, and augmented by a series of 
 Geographical excursions, in which the geography of 
 Scripture is confirmed by evidence entirely new in its 
 application, &c. By the Editor of Calmet's Diction- 
 ary ; with (forty-four) maps and plates. — Lit. Panora- 
 ma, 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; 
 containing an historical account of the persons ; a 
 geographical and historical account of the places ; a 
 literal, critical, and systematical description of other 
 objects, whether natural, artificial, civil, religious, ot 
 military ; and the explication of the appellative terms 
 mentioned in the writings of the Old and New Testa- 
 ments 5th Edition, 2 vols. 8vo. — For a high cha- 
 racterof this work, seethe Gospel Mag> 1778, p. 424; 
 and the Evan. Mag Nov. 1799. 
 
 Prittii Jntroductio ad lectionem Novi Testamenti, 
 m qua quae rem criticam historiam, chronologiam, et 
 '-oofrrapliiam pertinent breviter et perspicue expo- 
 
 nnntur; 8vo Lipsi^ 17(^, ar.da fc-th edition m i7b7. 
 
 "I have never," says Bishop Watson, " met with any 
 book superior to this, as an introduction to the New 
 Testament.'* 
 
NOTliS BY THE TRANSLATOR. 247 
 
 Harmer's Observations on various passages of Scrip- 
 ture, revised, corrected, and enlarged from modern 
 •writers, with Notes, &c. by Adam Clarke, L.L.D. and 
 F.A.S. 4 vols, large 8vo. 1808. This work " casts 
 much light on many difficult Texts, that relate to the 
 customs and manners, civil and religious, of the Asi- 
 atic 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 sub- 
 sisting.'* See Dr. Williams's Christian Preacher, p. 
 418, and Eclec. Rev. vol.5, p lllo. 
 
 S. Burder's Oriental Customs ; or, an Illustration of 
 the Sacred Scriptures, by an explanatory application 
 of the customs and manners of the Eastern nations, 2 
 vols. 8vo. 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, 1807. 
 
 " Fleury's Manners, Customs, Laws, Polity, and Re- 
 ligion 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's Jewish Antiquities ; a course of Lec^ 
 tures on Godwin's Moses and Aaron, 2 vols. 8yo. 
 This work is in the Bishop of Chester's, and in Dr. E. 
 Williams's Lists. See also the Monthly Rev. vol. 35, 
 p. 124. 
 
 God win's Moses and Aaron, &c. 4to. 1 685, &c. See 
 Christian Preacher, p. 481. 
 
 Buxtorfii (Patris) Synagoga Judaica, Basil. 12mo. 
 1661, and 8vo. 1712. '' It treats of the sects, rites, 
 &c. of the Jews, in fifty chapters." 
 
 Bryant's Observations upon the plagues inflicted 
 upon the Egyptians, &c. 8vo. 1810. See Brit. Crit. 
 vol. 4, p. 35. 
 
 Leusden's PhilologusHebrseus, PhiloIoo-usHebraeo- 
 
248 NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 
 
 Graecus generalis, et Philologus Hebraeo-mixtus, una 
 cum SpiciIegioPhilologico,4to Basil 1739. '* This/^ 
 says Dr. E. Williams, *' is a work full of curious and 
 useful information on biblical subjects/* 
 
 " Lowman's Rationale of the Hebrew Ritual, 8vo. 
 Lend, is much esteemed." Christian Preacher,p 416. 
 
 Spencer de Legibus Hebrseorum Ritualibus, &c. 2 
 vol. fol. Cantab. 1727. 
 
 Wilson's Archaeological Dictionary; or classical 
 Antiquities of the Jews, Greeks, and Romans. 
 
 Lewis's Origines Hebraeae, 4 vol. 8vo. 
 
 Hadrian! Relandi Antiquitates Sacrae Veterum He- 
 braeorum breviter delineatae, 12mo. Traj. Bat. 1712 
 and 1717. 
 
 Gulielmi Outrami de Sacrificiis libri duo, 4to. 
 Lend. 1677. " 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, 8vo. 
 1800. Brit. Crit. vol. 17, p. 608. 
 
 Bingham's Antiquities of the Christian Church ; 
 2 vol. fol. Lond. 1726. — The last ten works are in 
 Dr. E. Williams's 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 New 
 Testament, with the Synchronisms of heathen story, 
 to the destruction of Jerusalem, fol. Lond. 1658. 
 
 Blair's Chronology and History of the World, from 
 the creation to the year 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 remaining fifty -two contains, in one ex- 
 panded view, half a century ; with excellent maps. 
 Lond. 1768. 
 
 Playfair's System of Chronology ; containing an 
 explanation of the principles of the science ; chrono- 
 logical history, lists, tables, and charts ; biographical 
 
NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 249 
 
 index, &c. fol. Edinb. 1784. — " Both these works are 
 admirable/' says Dr. E. Williams ; " and may well 
 supersede Bedford, Tallents, Scali2:er, Strauchius, &c. 
 
 Dr. Robert Gray's Key to the Old Testament and 
 the Apocrypha : or an Account of their several books ; 
 their contents and authors ; and of the times in 
 which they were respectively written, 8vo 1790. 
 This work is in the Bishop of Chester's List, p. 9, 
 and in Dr. E. Williams's 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 account of the several books, their contents, their 
 authors, and of the times, places, and occasions on 
 which they were written, 12mo. - " From Michaelis's 
 Introduction, Lardner's History, 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 intro* 
 duction to a beneficial reading and a thorough under- 
 standing of the Holy Bible. " It treats," says Dr. 
 E. Williams, " of the chief historical 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 March styles it " a good popular preparation for 
 the study of the Holy Scriptures." ISee Theol. Lec- 
 tures, p. 48. 
 
 Father Lamy's Apparatus Biblicus ; or an Introduc- 
 tion to the Holy Scriptures, with Notes and Additions. 
 Illustrated with Plates, 2 vol. 8vo. Lond. 1 728. ' ' This 
 has often been republished in Latin, French, and 
 English ; and is a work of great merit." Dr. A. 
 Clarke. 
 
 Jones's (Jeremiah) new and full method of settling 
 the canonical authority of the New Testament, 3 vol. 
 8vo. Lond. 1726. This work *' stands in high re- 
 pute." Dr. E. Williams. 
 
 L5 
 
250 NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 
 
 Jones's Lectures on the Figurative Language of the 
 Holy 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 scrip- 
 tural truths, to throw new light upon some doubtful 
 passages, to enlarge the understanding, to affect the 
 heart and conscience, and stimulate to upright and 
 holy conduct." Eclectic Rev. Aug. 1809. 
 
 Brown's (of Haddington) brief view of the j&gures, 
 and explication of the metaphors, contained in Scrip- 
 ture, 12mo. 1803. 
 
 Paley's HorjE Paulinae ; or the Truth of the Scrip- 
 ture History 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 his- 
 tory 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 coincidence, on the other hand, might be glaring, 
 and ostentatiously brought forward; or the epistles 
 might consist of general doctrines, 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 se- 
 cular remarks in these epistles, they sometimes occur, 
 apparently without design; and these, when traced in 
 other epistles, or the history of St. Paul, are consist- 
 ent, and support each other. The obscure and un- 
 expected coincidences it is Dr. P.'s object 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 History of Heretics. The 
 reader is referred to Dr. A. darkens List of Critical 
 
NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 251 
 
 Works on the New Testament, for a high character 
 of these volumes. 
 
 Bp. Lowth's Lectures on the sacred poetry of the 
 Hebrews, 2 vol. 8vo. 1787, translated from the Latin 
 by Dr. George Gregory, and enriched with the princi- 
 pal notes of Professor Michaelis and others. *' In 
 this admired work," says Bishop Porteus, '* Dr. 
 Lowth has described and illustrated the properties 
 and excellencies of each particular species of that 
 poetry with such admirable taste and skill, with such 
 exuberant richness of imagery, such variety, copious- 
 ness, 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 Poesi Hebraeorum, a 
 Rob. Lowth. OxoM. 1775, 2 vol. 8vo. See also Dr. 
 E. Williams's and Bishop Watson's Lists, and Dr. A. 
 Clarke's Bib. Diet. 
 
 Shuckford's Connection of sacred and profane 
 History, from the creation of the world to the disso- 
 lution of the Assyrian empire, 4 vol. 8vo. Lond. edited 
 by Dr. A. Clarke. 
 
 Prideaux's Connexion of the Old and New Testa- 
 ment, in the history of the Jews and neighbouring 
 nations, from the declension of the kingdom of Israel 
 and Judah, to the time of Christ, 4 vol. 8vo. Lond. 
 1749, &c. 
 
 Josephi opera Gr, et Lat. excus. ad Edit. Lugd. 
 Bat. Sieg. Havercampii, cum Oxon. Hudsonii Col- 
 latum cura Oberthur, 3 vol. 8vo. 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 latter ones in general, no 
 dependence can be placed." Dr. A. Clarke. 
 
 Glassii Philologia Sacra, qua totius sacro-sanctse 
 Vet. etNov. Test Scripturse, tum stylus et literatura, 
 turn sensus et genuinje interpretationis ratio expendi- 
 tur. See note (s) in the preceding chapter. 
 
 Blackwall's Sacred classics. &c. See note (r) ibid. 
 
 " Elsneri Observationes Sacrae in Novi Foederis 
 libros, 2 vol. 8vo. Trajecti adRhenum, 1720, and 
 
252 NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR, 
 
 " Alberti Observationes Philologictt in SacrosNovi 
 Foederis libros, 8vo. liUgd. Bat. 1725, stand higb as 
 critical books." Dr. E. Williams 
 
 Nic. de Mortier Etymologise Sacra?, fol. Rom. 1703. 
 
 J. Alb. Bengelii, Ordo temporum a principiis per 
 periodos oeconomisedivinae, &c. 8vo. Stutgard, 1770. 
 
 J. Alb. Bengelii Apparatus Criticus Novi Testa- 
 mcnti, a Burch, Tubing. Cotta, 1763. — "Whatever 
 Bengel has done on the Scriptures," says Dr. A. 
 Clarke, " is of great importance to sacred criticism. 
 Such solid judgment, profound learning, and deep 
 piety, rarely ever meet in the same person." 
 
 Griesbachii Curse in historiam Textus, &c. 4to. 
 Jen 86, 1777. 
 
 Synopsis Evangeliorum, 8vo. Halte 1776. 
 
 Symbol* Criticae, Pars 1. 8vo. Hala, 
 
 1785; Pars II. Halse, 1793.—" All the works of this 
 critic are highly and deservedly esteemed." Dr. A. 
 Clarke's Bib. Diet. 
 
 Matth. Martini Cadmus Graeco- Phoenix, 8vo. 1631. 
 
 Eilhardi Lubini Clavis Nov. Test. 4to. Rostoch. 
 1614. 
 
 Geor. Crauseri Phosphorus Graecarum Vocum et 
 Phrasium N. Test. &c. 4to. Francof et Lips 1676. 
 
 J.C.Dicterici Antiquitates N. Test. fol. Franc. 1671. 
 
 A Cocquii Observationes Critico-sacrae in N. Test. 
 — de Philosophia et Doctrina morum, &c. 4to. L. 
 Bat. 1678. 
 
 P. S. Papenii Lexicon Onomato-Phraseologicum in 
 Cod. Sac. Nov. Test 4to. Lips. 1728. The last thir- 
 teen works are in Dr. A. Clarke's List of Critical 
 Works on the New Test. 
 
 " Jo. Tobiae Krebsii Observationes in Nov. Testam. 
 e Flav. Josepho, 8vo. Lips. 1754. — Geo. Dav Kypke 
 Observationes in Novi Foederis Libros, ex anotoribus, 
 potissimumGraecis,&c. 2 vol. 8vo. Vratislaviae, 1755. 
 — Georgii Raphelii Annotationes in ^acram fecriptu- 
 ram, &c. Lugd. 1747, 2 vol. 8vo. — Krebs t{,royis much 
 light on different facts and forms of speech in the New 
 Testament, by his quotations from Josephus ; Kypke 
 does the same, by an appeal to the Greek Writers; 
 
NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 253 
 
 and Raphelius gives historical elucidation of the Old, 
 and philological observations on the New Testament, 
 drawn particularly from Xenophon, Poly bins, Arrian, 
 and Herodotus." Dr. A. Clarke. 
 
 Sharpens (Granville) Three Tracts on the Syntax 
 and Pronunciation of the Hebrew tongue; &c. 12mo. 
 1804. Evan. Mag. 1805, p. 82. See also the Chris- 
 tian 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's Letter to Mr. bharp, prefixed to the 
 second edition. Also Wordsworth's Six Letters, and 
 Middleton's Doctrine of the Greek Article. 
 
 Capelli (ludovici) Arcanum punctationis revela- 
 tum. Lugd. 1624, 4to. This work, by questioning 
 the antiquity of the vowel-points, gave rise to a con- 
 troversy, 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. Franeq. 
 1713, 8vo. 
 
 Bos Lamberti Ellipses Graecs, cinn notis variorum ; 
 ex recensione Nic. Sshwebellii. Norimb. 1763, 8vo. 
 — Cura Michaelis, Halae, 1765, Svo. '' Bos," says 
 Dr. A. Clarke, " was a profound scholar, and his 
 writings are all deservedly esteemed." 
 
 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 criticism and external circumstances ; 
 and, as they are immediately connected with the study 
 of the Scriptures, they form a requisite, and, it is 
 hoped, valuable appendage to the present treatise. 
 The Translator has bestowed some pains to make the 
 selection as accurate and complete as possible, though 
 it is natural to expect, that not a few standard works 
 may have escaped his notice. — VVith respect to the 
 mode in which they are arranged, other writers have 
 not confined themselves to any particular order j and. 
 
254 NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 
 
 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 con- 
 secutively : but all should be perused in a direct 
 subordination to a spiritual acquaintance with the 
 lively Oracles. 
 
NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 255 
 
 CHAPTER UI. 
 Analytical Reading, 
 
 (a) " The first work of the mind/' observes Dr. 
 Watts, " is perception, whereby our ideas are framed ; 
 and the second \^ judgment, which joins or disjoins 
 cm* ideas, and forms a proposition ; so, the third is 
 reasoning, which joins several propositions together, 
 and makes a syllogism ; that is, an argument ivherehy 
 ice are wont to infer something that is less knoicn, 
 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, " the 
 matter is always made up of three propositions ; and 
 these propositions are made up oi 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 such amanneras 
 to shew the connexion between the major and minor 
 term in the conclusion.** Dr. Watts's Logic, Part 3. 
 Chap. I. &c. 
 
 (h) The reader may refer to our author's Analyses 
 of the epistles to the Colossians and Ephesians, ap- 
 pended to the body of this work. 
 
256 NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 
 
 (c) S«e Dr. Watts's Logic, Part 3. 
 
 (d) '^ The subject of a proposition is that, con- 
 cerning 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 subject, ?ind phi- 
 losopher the predicate." Dr. Walts. 
 
 (e) " The art of reasoning or inferring one thing 
 from another, is generally expressed and known by 
 the particle therefore, when the argument is formed 
 according to the rules of art; though in common dis- 
 course and writing, such cawsa/ particles as /or, be- 
 cause, manifest the act of reasoning, as well as the 
 illative particles, then and therefore; and whereso- 
 ever any of these words are used, there is a perfect 
 syllogism expressed or implied; though perhaps the 
 three propositions do not appear, or are not placed in 
 regular form.*' Watts. 
 
NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR, 257 
 
 PART II 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 Expository Reading, 
 
 (a) 1. H. Stephani Concordantiae Graeco-Latinse, 
 Genevae 1G24, and Schmidii Concordantiae Grsecss. 
 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 
 ChaldaicsB, Basil. 1632. fol. " This is a work of great 
 labour. Dr Taylor of Norwich translated and 
 greatly improved it in a work entitled the Hebrew 
 Concordance adapted to the English Bible, disposed 
 after the manner of Buxtorf, 2 vol. fol. Lond. 1754. 
 This latter is an invaluable work ; and will continue 
 in high repute, while the Hebrew Scriptures are held 
 in the estimation they deserve." Dr. A. Clarke. 
 
 Christian! Noldii Concordantiae Particularum E- 
 braeo-Chaldaicarum in quibus partium indeclinabili- 
 um quae occurrunt in Fontibus, et hactenus non 
 expositae sunt in Lexicis aut Concordantiis, natura et 
 sensuura varietas ostenditur. Digeruntur ea method! 
 ut Lexici et Concordantiarum loco simul esse possint. 
 Accommodantur hue etiam particulae Graecae, &c. &c. 
 4to. Jenae, 1734. " So complete is this Concordance, 
 that it has scarcely left any thing on the subject un- 
 
^58 NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 
 
 finished ; and it is of the greatest importance to every 
 biblical student and critic/' Dr. A. Clarke. 
 
 Abrahami Trommii Concordantice Graecae Versionis 
 vulgo dictaB LXX Interpretum, cujus voces secundum 
 ordinem elementorum sermonis Graeci digestae recen- 
 sentur, &c. Leguntur' hie praeterea voces Graecae pro 
 Hebraicis redditae ab antiquis 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, " is an elaborate and useful 
 work." 
 
 (h) Cruden's Complete Concordance, 4to. Lond. 
 and 4to. Edinb. Of this work Dr. E. Williams ob- 
 serves, 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 bib- 
 lical 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 pub- 
 lished by the author himself. Mr. S. ** has availed 
 himself of the pious labours of his predecessors, in 
 selecting Marginal References, especially of the lat- 
 ter Editions of the Oxford Bible in quarto, of Mr. 
 Brown's Bible, and Mr. Canne's." To collect these, 
 " exclusively employed the author full four years as 
 his unremitting labour." 
 
 (c) " Analogy of faith is the proportion that the 
 doctrines of the gospel bear to each other ; or, the 
 close connexion between the truths of revealed reli- 
 gion : Rom. xii. 6. It is evident, that the Almighty 
 doth not act without a design in the system of Chris- 
 tianity, any more than he does in the works of Nature. 
 
NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. ^9 
 
 Now this design must be uniform ; for as, in the sys- 
 tem of the universe, every part is proportioned to 
 the whole, and made subservient to it; so, in the sys- 
 tem of the gospel, all the various truths, doctrines, 
 declarations, precepts, and promises, must correspond 
 •with, and tend to the end designed. For instance, 
 supposing the glory of God in the salvation of man 
 by free grace, be the grand design ; then, whatever 
 doctrine, assertion, or hypothesis agrees not with this, 
 it is to be considered as false." Buck's Theol. Diet, 
 sub. Art. 
 
 CdJ The following Rules are proposed by that able 
 expositor. Dr. Campbell, and will, 1 doubt not, be ac- 
 ceptable 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 peopft, for whose 
 immediate use he originally intended his work. 
 
 3. Consider the principal scope of the book, and 
 the particulars 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 consulted. 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 any such in the 
 other sacred writers. 
 
 7. If this throw no light, consult the New Testa- 
 ment and the Septuagint, where the word may be 
 used. 
 
 8. If the term be only once used in Scripture, then 
 recur to the ordinary acceptation of the term in clas- 
 sical authors. 
 
 9. Sometimes reference may be had to the Fathers. 
 
 10. The ancient versions, as well as modern scho- 
 liasts, annotators, and translators, may be consulted. 
 
260 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 vol. fol. Moreri. 
 
 (f) Vide the preceding notes {g) and (A) in Part I. 
 Chap. 11. 
 
 (g) The following list of Commentaries, which as 
 External Helps ought to be noticed here, includes 
 those which are highly esteemed and well recom- 
 mended. 
 
 COMMENTATORS ON THE WHOLE SCRIPTURES. 
 
 " Brennius. — His notes are exceedingly short, but 
 very important. And there was reason to say of him, 
 Ubi bene, nemo melius, Sfc." Dr. Doddridge. 
 
 *' Brown's Self- Interpreting Bible is an admirable 
 book either for ministers or families Us chief excel- 
 lencies are the marginal references, which are exceed- 
 ingly useful to preachers; and the close, plain, and 
 practical improvement to each chapter." (Buck.) 
 2 vol. 4to. 1808. 
 
 Calmet's Biblia Sacra Latina et Gallice, cum Com- 
 ment. Literal et Critic, fol. 8 vol. in 9, Paris, 1724. 
 — " 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, 
 Saugraiii and Martin, 1719 — 1726 Jt has a vast 
 apparatus of Prefaces and Dissertations, in which 
 immense learning, good sense, sound judgment, and 
 deep piety, are invariably 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, whe- 
 
NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 261 
 
 ther Catholic or Protestant. His Illustrations of 
 many difficult Texts, 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 Protes- 
 tants." Or. 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 ex- 
 pression is explained merely by referring to some 
 other passage. Dr. Doddridge made this his com- 
 mon place book, in the margin of which, he inserted 
 notes and references in short hand, and used to re- 
 commend 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 retrenchments and 
 some additional reflections ; but all the marginal 
 readings and parallel texts are entirely omitted.'' 
 Dr. 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 Grotius are very judicious; 
 and I think, on the whole, I never read any one au- 
 thor, that assisted me more in what relates to the 
 New TiBstament. His schemes of the Epistles are 
 generally more just than those of the ingenious writerii 
 mentioned aJbove; because he takes the design of the 
 apostles to be, as it certainly was, more general than 
 they suppose." Dr. Doddridge. 
 
 " Dodd (the late Dr. Wm.), published a Commen- 
 tary on the Old and New Testaments, 3 vol. fol. Lond. 
 
202 KOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 
 
 1770. Much of it is taken from the Comment of Father 
 Cahiiet, already described ; but he has enriched his 
 work by many valuable notes, which he extracted 
 from the inedited papers of Lord Clarendon, Dr. Wa* 
 terland, 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 language." Dr. A. Clarke. 
 
 " GilFs Exposition abounds with rabbinical and 
 theological information ; but, though upon the whole 
 a very valuable work, it is often prolix and tautolo- 
 gical, and sometimes injudicious." (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. Rip- 
 pon has recently published a new edition, in 9 vol. 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 /4naw hypothesis." 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 pro- 
 fane learning, than perhaps almost all the other Com- 
 mentators put together "—*' To give the literal 
 and genuine sense of the Sacred Writmgs is al- 
 ways the laudable study of this great man."—" Ne* 
 vertheless, 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 deserves to be entirely and attentively read 
 through. The remarkable 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, one the whole, equal 
 to the rest; though the Exposition of the Romans, 
 
NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 263 
 
 begun by Henry and finished by Dr. Evans, is the 
 best I ever saw." (Dr. Doddridge.) It is to be ob- 
 served that Mr. Henry did not live to complete this 
 vork ; 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 6vol.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 inva- 
 luable work, of great authority in biblical criticisni, 
 and justly ranked with the original texts." — " 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." Hieronymi 
 opera a Dominico Vallarsio, fol. Veronse, 1734-42, 11 
 vol. *' This is called the best edition/' Dr. A. Clarke. 
 " Martin (David, of Utrecht), not only translated 
 the wholeof the Old and New Testaments into French, 
 but also wrote short notes on both, which contahi 
 much good sense, learning, and piety. Amsterdam, 
 1707, 2 vol. fol." Dr. A. Clarke. 
 
 Poole's Annotations, 2 vol. fol. Lond. 168S, and a 
 late edition, 4 vol. 4to. Edinb. Of the first volume. 
 Dr. Doddridge says, it is '' incomparably good ;" and 
 Dr. A. Clarke, in reference to the whole, observes 
 that '' the notes are short, but abound with good 
 sense and sound judgment." 
 
 '^ Priestley (the late Dr.) compiled a body of notes 
 on the Old and New Testaments, in 3 vol. 8vo. pub- 
 lished at Northumberland in America, 1804. Though 
 the Doctor keeps his own creed ( Unitarianism), con- 
 tinually in view, especially when considering those 
 Texts which other religious people adduce in favour 
 of theirs, yet his work contains many valuable 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 to do justice," Dr. A. Clarke. 
 
264 NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 
 
 '' Robertson is in rather too pedantic a form ; but, 
 upon the whole, the analysis is very good ; and, per- 
 haps, those who have studied their Bibles most closely, 
 and know where difficulties in the connection 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 published, 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 inter- 
 spersed a multitude of practical observations all 
 through the text, which cannot fail, from the epiritof 
 sound piety which they breathe, of being very useful." 
 (Dr. A. Clarke.) The recommendation of the edi- 
 tion 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. — 
 " 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 exposition 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 Glossae Ordinarise, " is properly 
 a Catena or collection of all Comments of the Greek 
 and Latin Fathers prior to his time. The best edition 
 of this valuable work was printed at Antwerp in 1634." 
 Dr. A. Clarke. 
 
 *' Wells's 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 corrected 
 the common version." Dr. Doddridge. 
 
 Wesley's Notes on the Old and New Testaments, 
 4 vol. 4to. Bristol, 1765. " The notes on the Old 
 Testament are allowed, on all bands, to be meagre 
 
NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 2(55 
 
 and unsatisfactory, (which happened, in consequence 
 of the author's retrenching them in order to get the 
 work within the prescribed limits oi four volumes). 
 The notes on the New Testament, which have gone 
 through several editions, are of a widely different de- 
 scription ; though short, they are always judicious, 
 accurate, spiritual, terse, and impressive, and possess 
 the happy and rare quality of leading the reader im- 
 mediately to God and his own heart/^ Dr. A. Clarke. 
 
 S. Burder's Scripture Expositor, 4to. '' 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 ac- 
 customed, and the fruits of his labours are already be- 
 fore the public, in his Oriental Customs, &c.^' — " The 
 practical observations are concise but good ; and the 
 principles of the work 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. and4to, with 
 Notes, critical, explanatory, and practical. Dr. A. 
 Clarke observes, that " from the author's learning, 
 piety, and theological knowledge, much may be ex- 
 pected, 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 ex:- 
 tend 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 collated with the most correct copies of the 
 present authorised version : — the most difficult words 
 ill the Hebrew and Greek Originals analysed and ex- 
 plained : — the most important Readings in the Colla 
 tions of Kennicott and De Rossi, on the Old Testa- 
 ment, and in those of Mill, Griesbach, and AVetstein, 
 on the New, noticed : — the Date of every Transaction, 
 as far as it has been ascertained by the best Chrono- 
 logers, marked : — the peculiar Customs of the Jews 
 and neighbouring Nations, so frequently alluded.to bv 
 M 
 
266 NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 
 
 the Prophets, Evangelists, and Apostles, explained 
 from the best Asiatic Authorities: the great Doctrines 
 of the Law and Gospel of God, defined, illustrated, 
 and defended : and the whole applied to the impor- 
 tant purposes of Practical Christianity." How emi- 
 nently calculated Dr. A. Clarke is for this learned and 
 honourable labour, and how ably the whole has hi- 
 therto been executed, it is unnecessary to inform the 
 reader. 
 
 ON THE OLD TESTAMENT. 
 
 *' Pyle's Paraphrase upon the Old Testament, in 
 4 vol. 8vo. is an elegant and judicious contraction of 
 Bishop Patrick's Comment, and vastly to be preferred 
 to his Paraphrase on the Epistles." Dr. Doddridge. 
 
 " Orton's Exposition of the Old Testament, 6 vol. 
 8vo. Shrewsbury, 1787, has many good hints; but is 
 ohiefly valuable 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 Testamenti in quo ex 
 nativa Verborum vi, Simplicitas, Profunditas, Concin- 
 nitas, Salubritas Sensuum Celestium indicatur, 4to. 
 Ulmse, Gaum, 1 763. *' An excellent edition." Re- 
 published, 4to. Tubing. Cotta, 1773. This work 
 ** contains an instructive preface, a perspicuous ana- 
 lysis 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 accord- 
 ing to the arbitrary division of chapters ; " by which," 
 as Dr. Doddridge remarks, " the sense of Scripture 
 
NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 267 
 
 is often obscured." I a»n liappy to add, on the au- 
 thority of Dr. A. Clarke, that " Bengel is author of 
 an edition of the New Testament, with such a judicious 
 division of it into paragraphs, as has never been 
 equalled, and perhaps never can he excelled.'^ See 
 note (a). Chap. I. Part I. 
 
 Bezae Annotationes, in quibus ratio interpretationis 
 redditur; accessit etiam J. Camerarii in Novum Fce- 
 dus Commentarius, fol. Cantab. 1642. *' The best 
 edition." — " Beza is undoubtedly the best critic on 
 the Greek language of any commentator we have. 
 There is no translation, that I know of, equal to his ; 
 and his remarks on Erasmus and the vulgar Latin, 
 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. Dod- 
 dridge.) " It contains, besides the old Latin version, 
 Beza's own version ; and in the side margin is given 
 a summary of the passage, and, in the argumentative 
 parts, the connexion. The Annotations are chiefly 
 verbal criticisms, tending to justify his version." Dr. 
 E. Williams. 
 
 Burkitt's Commentary, 4to. " has but few valuable 
 criticisms; but he has many schemes of old sermons. 
 His sentiments vary in different parts of his work, as 
 the authors whence he took his materials, were ortho- 
 dox 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 practical ; 
 but not distinguished either by depth of learning or 
 judgment." 
 
 Doddridge's Family Expositor, or a Paraphrase and 
 Version of the New Testament, with critical notes and 
 a practical improvement of each Section, 4 vol. 4io. 
 Dr. Doddridge is " a masterly expositor, and has il- 
 lustrated the gospels in the most elegant taste of cri^ 
 ticism ; with the most amiable spirit of devotion ; 
 and without any mixture of the malignant leaven or 
 low singularities of party." (Hervey.) " The Fa- 
 mily Expositor (with the^xceptionof thePar«pA^'«*<^) 
 M 2 
 
268 NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR, 
 
 is a very judicious work. It has been long highly 
 esteemed, and is worthy 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 foundation of all the Com- 
 ments that were written on the New Testament ; and 
 his Latin version itself was deemed an excellent Com- 
 ment on the Text, because of its faithfulness and sim- 
 plicity .'' (Dr. A. Clarke.) " Erasmus is not equally 
 accurate with Beza; but his Latin is fine, and he has 
 written in a pleasant style. There are many good 
 remarks on the vulgar translation, some early various 
 readings, and some pretty large critical 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 vol. fol. Lugd. Bat. 
 1703. cura Clerici." — Bib. Dictionary. 
 
 Gillies' New Testament, with Devotional Reflec- 
 tions, 2 vol. 8vo. 1810. " What Dr. Erskine says of 
 this author's works in general, applies peculiarly to 
 his Devotional Reflections. ' They are beautiful and 
 striking, though undesigned pictures of his pious 
 and benevolent heart.' They are the devout aspira- 
 tions of a soul breathing after God and heaven, and 
 the salvation of mankind. — We beg leave to add, that 
 we consider it as a most valuable book for those who 
 lead family devotion ; 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 Chris- 
 tians." Evan. .\ lag. vol. 19. p. 269. 
 
 *' Guyse's Practical Expositor, or an Exposition 
 of the New Testament, in the firm of a Paraphrase, 
 with occasional Notes, and serious Reflections at the 
 end of each chapter, 3 vol. 4to, and 6 vol. 8vo. Dr. 
 Guyse " has shewn his solid judgment atid learning; 
 and without any affectation and needless pomp of cri- 
 ticism, has given the reader as full a view of the sense 
 of the best interpreters, and as comprehensive an in- 
 
l^OTES BY THE TRANSLATOR* 269 
 
 Sight into the scope and meaning of the New Testa- 
 ment, as is likely, perhaps, to be met with in the 
 same compass of words/' (Erasmus Middleton's 
 Biograph. Evan.) " Guyse's Paraphrase is de- 
 servedly 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 style significant, per- 
 spicuous, 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 vol. 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 over 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 the I^ew Testament , in 
 1653. In this latter Work, he imagines he sees the 
 Gnostics every where pointed at ; and he uses them as 
 a universal menstruum to dissolve all the difiiculties 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 Le Clerc's animadversions upon those 
 places are very good ; and his edition of this book in 
 Latin, I think much preferable to the original." (Dr. 
 Doddridge.) " Hammond," says Dr. E. Williams, 
 *' excels in learned criticism (to be read cum grano 
 salis.y 
 
 " Lee on the New Testament is a collection of Notes 
 chiefly from others, which the author gathered in the 
 course of his reading; they are not very judiciously 
 chosen, but there are some particulars in them which 
 are to be met with no where else, or at least in au- 
 M 3 
 
270 NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 
 
 thors we shall never consult; and therefore are worth 
 the little money they cost." Dr. Doddridge. 
 
 " In 169-3-4, Father Quesnel, published in French 
 at Brussels, Moral Refieetions on the New Testament, 
 in 8 vol. 12mo. The Author was a man of deep piety ; 
 and were it not for the rigid Jansenian predestinarian- 
 ism which it contains, it would, as a spiritual Com- 
 ment, be invaluable. The work was translated 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 purposes." Dr. A. 
 Clarke. 
 
 *' Wells (Dr. Edward), published a very useful Tes- 
 tament in Greek and English, in several parcels, with 
 Notes, from 1709 to 1719; in which, 1. The Greek 
 Text is amended, according to the best and most an- 
 cient Readings. 2. The common English Translation 
 rendered more agreeable to the Original, 3. A Para- 
 phrase explaining the difficult expressions, design of 
 the Sacred Writer, &c. 4. Short Annotations. This 
 is a judicious, useful Work." Dr. A. Clarke. 
 
 " Of merely critical Comments on the Greek Tes- 
 tament, the most valuable is that of J. James Wets- 
 tein, 2 vol. fol. Amst. 1761-2. Almost every peculiar 
 form of speech in the Sacred Text, he has illustrated 
 by quotations from Jewish, Greek and Roman writ- 
 ers." 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 
 Scriptures. " Whitby is learned, argumentative, and 
 thoroughly orthodox.— The best (. omment on the 
 New Testament, taken in all points of view, is certainly 
 that of Whitby.'* (Dr. A. Clarke.) With this judg- 
 ment Dr. Doddridge coincides—" On the whole New 
 Testament, Whitby is preferable to any other, on ac- 
 countof his learning and judicious notes on those texts 
 which are not concerned in controversy with the 
 
NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 271 
 
 Arminians; for to them he is evidently partial and 
 sometimes carries matters almost to ridiculous ex- 
 tremes/' 
 
 Wolfii curse Philologicae et Critiese, in Nov. Test. 
 4 vol. 4to. Hamb. 1733-34; and 5 vol. 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 Synopsis ; but Wolfius 
 does not simply relate the sentiments of others, but 
 frequently animadverts on them with great critical dis- 
 cernment." 
 
 ON THE SELECT PARTS OF THE OLD AND NEW 
 TESTAMENTS. 
 
 S. Augustini Opera, Benedictin. 11 vol. fol. Paris, 
 1679 to 1700. To this laborious and voluminous writer, 
 we are indebted for much valuable information on the 
 Sacred Writings." Dr. A. Clarke. 
 
 Calvini Opera omnia theologica, Amstel. 1671 et 
 ann. seqq. 9 vol. fol. — '' Calvin has a multitude of ju- 
 dicious 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. Dod- 
 dridge.) '^ He is, in general, a very able judicious 
 expositor; his method, perspicuous ; his manner, po- 
 pular ; with a style pure and pleasing." Dr. E. Williams. 
 
 Chrysostomi Opera, Edit. Benedictin. Montfaucon, 
 13 vol. 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, particularly 
 the psalms." (Dr. A. Clarke ) " All his discourse 
 tends to persuasion ; he placed every thing in judg- 
 ment ; and was well acquainted with the Holy Scrip- 
 tures 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. 
 M 4 
 
272 NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 
 
 De Dieu Critica Sacra, sive Animadversiones ift 
 loca qusedam 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." — 
 *' Perhaps no man possessed a more consummate 
 knowledge of the Oriental languages, nor employed 
 his knowledge to more useful purposes." Dr. A. Clarke. 
 
 " Drasius (John) was an able Commentator; he 
 penetrated the literal sense of Scripture : and in his 
 Animadversions, Hebrew Questions, Explanations of 
 Proverbs, and Observations on the Rites and Customs 
 of the Jews, he has cast much lighten many parts of 
 the Sacred Writings." r(Dr. A. Clarke.) The Com- 
 ments of Drusius are in the Critici Sacri, which will 
 presently come under our notice. 
 
 Lightfoot's Works, 2 large vol. fol. 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 Evan- 
 gelists among themselves ; a commentary on the Acts; 
 Horse Hebraicse, &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.) " He was a profound scholar, a 
 sound divine, 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 Exercitations on the 
 New, are invaluable." (Dr. A. Clarke.) *' He has 
 collected a multitude of useful and excellent illustra- 
 tions of Scriptures from the Talmud and other Jewish 
 writings. He has also shewn the force of many 
 others, especially in his Harmony, iiut he rather 
 illustrates particular texts well, than gives a good 
 account of the series of a discourse. And he seems 
 to me very often mistaken in his dates, and in what he 
 
NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 273 
 
 ^ays on the occasion, particularly in many of the 
 Psalms." Dr. Doddridge. 
 
 '' On the Plan of Lightfoot's Horse Hebraicse, a 
 work was undertaken by Christian Schoettgenius with 
 the title, Horoe Hebraicse etTalmudicse in universum 
 Novum Testamentum, quibus horse Jo. Lightfocti in 
 Libris Historicis supplentur Epistolse et Apocalypsis 
 eodem modo iilustrantur, &c. Dresdae, 1733, 2 vol, 
 4to. The Horse Hebraicse 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 Tes- 
 tament. It is both scarce and dear." Dr. A. Clarke. 
 
 '' Newton (Bishop) on the Prophecies, 2 vol. 8vo. 
 1793, treats on many prophetic parts of the Old and 
 New Testament, 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. " A good edition of what 
 remains of the Commentaries of Origen ; rendered 
 still more valuable by the learned Preface of Huet. — 
 Origen occupies a distinguished place among the Pri- 
 mitive 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 be- 
 lieve they have been corrupted since his time. (Dr. A. 
 Clarke.) Of this writer there are extant in Greek, 
 parts of Commentaries on Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, 
 Joshua, 1 ISamuel, Psalms, Canticles, Jeremiah, Eze- 
 kiel, Hosea, intiie Old Testament ; and on Matthew, 
 John, Acts, Romans, and Hebrews, in the New. In 
 Latin, besides his Homilies on difl'erent parts of 
 Scripture, we have three Books of Commentaries, and 
 Scholia on the Book of Job. 
 
274 NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 
 
 ON SELECT PARTS OF THE OLD TESTAMENT, 
 
 *' 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 (y) 
 Chap. I. Part I. 
 
 " The Commentaries of Aben Ezra, a justly cele- 
 brated Spanish Rabbin, are deservedlv esteemed both 
 by Jews and Gentiles.'* " Rabbi Maimonides also 
 ranks high among the Jewish Commentators : his 
 •work entitled Moreh Nebochim is a very excellent 
 illustration of some of the most dijfficult words and 
 things in the Sacred Writings. — Rabbi Kimchi wrote 
 a very useful Comment on most books of the Old Tes- 
 tament : his Comment on Isaiah is peculiarly excel- 
 lent. — Rabbi Levi ben Gershom wrote some esteemed 
 Comments on different parts of Scripture. These, 
 with some others, are printed in the second edition 
 of Romberg's Great Bible, Venice, 1547, &:c. 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 pretended Comment on the five books of Moses.'' 
 — Mischna, sive totius Hebraeorum Juris, Rituum, 
 Antiquitatum, ac Legum Oralium Systema, Heb. et 
 Lat. cum Commentariis Maimonidis, Bartenorae, et 
 aliorum. hiterprete, Editore, et Notatore, Guil. 
 Surenhusio, Amst. 1698, 6 vol. fol. " This is a very 
 beautiful, correct, and well-edited work, necessary to 
 the library of every biblical critic and divine. He 
 who has it, need be solicitous 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 Jerusalem and the Babylonish Talmud : the 
 former was printed fol. Ven. Dan. Bomberg. sine ah- 
 no, sed circa 1523; and the latter, with Comments by 
 Jarchi, 5cc. Ven. D. Bomberg. fol. 1520, 12 vol. 
 
NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 275 
 
 " Ainsworth on the Pentateuch, Psalms, and Solo- 
 mon's Songs (fol. 1639), is a good book, full of very 
 valuable Jewish learning ; and his translation is, in 
 many places, to be preferred to our own ; especially 
 on the Psalms.'^ (Dr Doddridge.) *' He was an ex- 
 cellent Hebrew Scholar, and made a very judicious 
 use of his Kabinical learning in his Comment, espe- 
 cially on the five books of Moses.'' Dr. A. Clarke. 
 
 Amesii I.ectiones in omnes Psalmos Davidis, 8vo. 
 Amstel. 1636, is valuable " for its conciseness, accu- 
 rate method, and very judicious observations; ' opus 
 omnibus, qui pietatem colunt, ac imprimis verbi mi- 
 nistris, perutile ' '' Dr. K Williams. 
 
 Blayney's (Dr. Benj.) Translation of Jeremiah and 
 Lamentations, 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 ad- 
 vantage, as they include a new translation, and criti- 
 cal 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 luajesty of 
 sacred writing. The various readings are noticed with 
 the most scrupulous exactness : critical emendation 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 it, even though the work for wliich it is so- 
 licited were less entitled 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 tliink it our duty to say, that Dr. Blayney has 
 produced a valuable illustration of Zechariah, and af- 
 forded great assistance to the Biblical student." Brit. 
 Crit. vol. 13. p. 655. 
 
276 NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 
 
 " Burkius (Phil. David) published a Commentary 
 on the same plan as BengePs Gnomon Nov. Test, and 
 with precisely the same title, on the twelve minor 
 Prophets, 4to. Heilbronnse, 1753, which was followed 
 by his Gnomon Psalmorum, 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 pleas- 
 ing specimen, to shew how the popular preachers of 
 his time applied the 'scriptures to the various cases of 
 their hearers, in their expository exercises.*' Dr. E. 
 Williams. 
 
 " Caryl's Exposition, with practical observations 
 upon the book of Job, 2 vol. fol. Lond. 1776, is a most 
 elaborate, learned, judicious, and pious work ; con- 
 taining a rich fund of critical and practical divinity.'* 
 (Dr. E. Williams.) " Caryl's Exposition of the book 
 of Job, another by Schultens, and a third by Cha- 
 pelowe, on the same book, contain a vast deal of im- 
 portant 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's (of Halifax) Sacred Literature, or Remarks 
 on the Book of Genesis ; &c. 8vo. 1802. '' We think 
 that Mr. F. by his selections, has added considerably 
 to the helps for explaining the Sacred Writings, and 
 that his book may be very serviceable to those whose 
 office it is to inculcate the knowledge of the Scrip- 
 lures, not only as it may assist them to surmount 
 some difficulties, but likewise as it may serve to point 
 out to them, some useful topics of instruction to be 
 drawn from different texts." Christian Observer. 
 
 Fuller's (And.) Expository Discourses, interspersed 
 with Practical Reflections, 2 vol. 8vo. 1806. '' The 
 author selects a paragraph of convenient length, and 
 furnishes a concise exposition of its leading circum- 
 
NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 277 
 
 stances, accompanied with a few practical reflections, 
 and occasionally with a useful criticism. — Much orU 
 ginality of critical remarks must not be expected f* 
 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 ; particu- 
 lar instances of which occur in his exposition 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. 1803. 
 <' Were we insensible to the merits of this truly ele- 
 gant and classical production, 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 1 19, in his works, fol. Lond. 
 1681, is admirable, for the time in which it was writ- 
 ten, both for method and style; and, like all the pro- 
 ductions of this author, is full of spiritual unction." 
 Dr. E. Williams. 
 
 Gill's (Dr John) Exposition of the Canticles; 
 wherein the authority of it is established; several 
 versions are compared with the original text; the 
 different senses both of Jewish and Christian inter- 
 preters considered ; and the whole opened and ex- 
 plained." 4th edit. 2 vol. 8vo. 1805. " This work, 
 and Harmer's Outlines of a new Commentary on So- 
 lomon's Song, 8vo. Lond. 1768, are a perfect contrast 
 in their design and execution. The former is a mi- 
 
^8 NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 
 
 nute detail on the allegorical sense, and a spiritual 
 improvement ; the latter consists of remarks, obser- 
 vations, and queries, with a view to ascertain the 
 literal meaning/' Dr. E. Williams. 
 
 " Hammond's Priraphrase and Annotations on the 
 Psalms, fol Lond 1659, is of use chiefly for its cri- 
 tical hinls.'' Dr. E. Williams. 
 
 *' Hildersham's 152 Lectures on Psalm 51, fol. Lond. 
 1635, are a rich mine of experimental and practical 
 divinity.'' 
 
 Hopkins's (AVm.) Exodus : a corrected Translation, 
 with Notes critical and explanatory ; 4^o, 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 be ir»fused into the minds of the common 
 people by uncharitable bigots.' ^' Month. Rev. vol. 
 72. p. 412. 
 
 Horseley's (Bp.) Translation of Hosea; with Notes 
 explanatory 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 iuid the divine, supported by sagacity and 
 a powerful judgment." Brit. Crit. vol. 19. p. 78. 
 
 Hodgson's (Dr. Bernard) Translation of Solomon's 
 Song, 4to, 1 785. " Dr. Hodgson enters into no dis- 
 putes concerning the mystical sense in which the 
 poem has been interprettd; he purposely avoids 
 them. Dr. H has translated the poem with correct- 
 ness and propriety. The simplicity of the ancient 
 ^lanners is preserved, while in many passages the 
 sense is elucidated, and the connexion pointed out by 
 recurring to ti»e original, in the notes, the translator 
 has explained the reasons of his variations from the 
 common translations ; he has adduced also parallel 
 passages from ancient authors." Crit. Rev. vol. 62. 
 p. 424. 
 
NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 279 
 
 Hodgson's (Dr. Bernard) Translation of the Pro- 
 verbs of Solomon, with Notes, 4to. Oxon. 1788. 
 
 Hodgson's (Dr. B ) Translation of Ecclesiastes. 
 1790. 
 
 Home's Commentary on the Book of Psalms, 2 vol. 
 8vo. 2 vol. 4to. Oxon. 1776, and 3 vol. 12mo. "The 
 Notes," says Dr. A. Clarke, '' breathe a spirit of the 
 purest and most exalted piety." 
 
 " Houl)igantii Biblia Hebraica, cum Notis criticis, 
 et Version e l.atina ad Notas criticas facta; accedunt 
 libri Graeci qui vocantur Deutero-Canonici. Lut. 
 Parisiorum, 1753, 4 tom. fol. " This is a work of 
 great importance to the biblical critic Father Houbi- 
 gant has corrected and reformed the present Hebrew 
 text, according to the Samaritan, Syriac, Chaldee, 
 Septuagint, 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 pre- 
 ceded by a learned and judicious preface, and the cri- 
 tical notes are both judicious and concise " — " He 
 was a consummate Hebraician and an accurate 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. collec- 
 tions of Kennicott and De Rossi." '' Some have in- 
 deed supposed, that he has indulged himself in con- 
 jectural criticism too far, while 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, 12mo. Lond. 1655, deserves the same cha- 
 racter as the author's other work on Job." Dr. E. Wil- 
 liams. 
 
 '^ Hutchinson's Exposition of the book of Job, 
 fol. Lond. 1669, 'Ms the sum of above 300 expository 
 lectures, preached at Edinburgh, and a work of con- 
 siderable merit. His method is perspicuous, and his 
 observations founded on the text are judicious and 
 profitable." Dr. E. Williams. 
 
280 NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 
 
 Tiawson's Discourses on the Book of Esther, &c. 
 l2mo. 2d Edit. 1809. " Dr. L/s great excellence 
 consists in the abundance, variety, and justness of 
 his sentiment ; in the unexpected manner in which 
 that sentiment is frequently introduced ; and in the 
 conciseness of his illustrations, remarkable artlessness 
 of manner, unaffected earnestness, piety, and bene- 
 volence, which appear in every page, &c.'^ Eel. Rev. 
 vol. 1. p. 684. 
 
 Lawson s Lectures on the book of Ruth, &c. 12mo. 
 1805. ** This volume presents the same marked pe- 
 culiarities with the Discourses of Esther, and con- 
 firms the author's title to the commendation we 
 bestowed A large fund of sentiment, naturally drawn 
 from the subject and happily applied ; language per- 
 fectly unadorned, but sufficiently expressive ; earnest- 
 ness 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 appears susceptible of all that ten- 
 derness and uriaffected benevolence which this beau- 
 tiful portion of history so admirably describes.'* Eel. 
 Rev. vol. 3. p. 479. 
 
 Lowth's (Bp ) Isaiah ; with a preliminary Disser- 
 tation ; and Notes critical, philological and explan- 
 atory. 2 vols. 8vo. 1807 " The preliminary Disser- 
 tation 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 digi.ified. The con- 
 cluding Notes, which always shew a profound know- 
 ledge of Hebrew criticism, are always judicious, and 
 generally useful ' Dr. A. Clarke. 
 
 Maccullocii's Lectures on the Prophecies of Isaiah, 
 4 vol. bvo. ** Tlie author has stated with plainness what 
 has appeared to him the precise meaning of his text, 
 and, in getieral, his judgment conceruirjg it seems to 
 be correct." Religious Monitor, 1805. 
 
 Macgowan's Discourses on Ruth, 8vo. Lond. 1781. 
 —Dr. E. Williams's List 
 
 *' Manton on Psalm 119, is voluminous^ in geneial 
 
NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 281 
 
 judicious, plain, not very interesting in his manner, 
 yet unaffected/' Dr. E. Williams. 
 
 " Molleri Enarrationes Psalmorum Davidis, fol. 
 Genevse, 1619, form a judicious explication; but the 
 work is rather deficient in practical improvements." 
 Dr. E. Williams. 
 
 Newcome's (Bishop) Translation of Ezekiel, 4to. ; 
 and of the Minor Prophets, 8vo. 1809. " Newcomers 
 translation has 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 Pro- 
 phecies of Daniel, 4to. Lond. 1733, contain some very 
 valuable hints." Dr. E. Williams. 
 
 " Owen's Practical Exposition on Psalm 130, 4to. 
 Lond. 1680, and since in Svo. is a most excellent work 
 on repentance and forgiveness, and enters deeply into 
 several parts of experimental religion." (Dr. £. Wil- 
 liams.) " Owen's Exposition of the 130th Psalm is 
 most excellent." Dr. Doddridge. 
 
 Patrick's Comment, from Genesis to Canticles, 
 3 vol. *' He has made use of many former writers, 
 some Jewish and others Christian." (Dr. Doddridge.) 
 Dr. W. Lowth's Commentary on all the Prophets, is 
 usually added to this work to complete it; and Dr. A. 
 Clarke, speaking of both these writers, remarks, that 
 they " are always judicious and solid." " Lowth." 
 says Dr. Doddridge, " has compiled a judicious Com- 
 mentary 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, Svo. 1764. 
 
 Scott's (the Dissenting Minister) Book of Job, in 
 English verse ; tra!islated from the original Hebrew . 
 with Rein;irks, historical, critical and explanatory. 
 Svo. 2d. edit J 773. " This performance recommends 
 itself to the public in a double capacity; as a transla- 
 tion of the book of Job, and as a learned and elaborate 
 commentary on that valuable but diflicult part of the 
 Old Testament. The happiest translators of the poeti- 
 
282 NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 
 
 cal parts of Scripture have not succeeded entirely to 
 their wishes, so as to come up to the spirit and dignity 
 of the original ; and therefore it is not a matter of sur- 
 prize that this should be, in some measure, the case with 
 Mr. Scott ; more particularly as he has confined him- 
 self in general to a close and exact version of the book 
 of Job. We do not mean hereby 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 qua- 
 lified for this part of the undertaking, by his great 
 knowledge of the Oriental Languages, his diligent stu- 
 dy of the original, and his complete acquaintance 
 •with the best critics .'' Month. Rev. vol. 66. p. b^O, 
 
 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 con- 
 siders this work as " conveying more of the true cha- 
 racter and meaning of the Hebrew, with fewer depar- 
 tures from the idiom of the English, than any other 
 translation whatever that we possess.^' — " So far," 
 says Dr. Randolph, " as a diligent and accurate com- 
 parison 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, 
 I scruple not to pronounce it to be, upon the whole, 
 more clear and satisfactory, more grammatically ac- 
 curate, 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 havs fallen under my obser- 
 vation." 
 
 Smith's (Dr J.) Summary View and Explanation 
 of the Writings of the Prophets. It contains, *' 1st, 
 Preliminary Observations and General Rules for un- 
 derstanding the Prophetic Style: 2d. A particular 
 account of each Book and Chapter, as they lie in Order ; 
 in which the styl« of each Prophet is characterized ; 
 the beauty and sublimity of particular passages 
 
NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 283 
 
 remarked ; the change of persons or speakers, the 
 transition from one part of a subject to another, and 
 the connection and scope of the whole pointed out ; ^ 
 improvements on the translation, where they seem to 
 be of most consequence, taken notice of; with illus- 
 trations of the customs, manners, and circumstances 
 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 au- 
 thor's account of his own work, which was originally 
 compiled to accompany a Gaelic translation of the 
 Prophetic Writings, and was afterwards translated 
 into English by the author himself; in which we con- 
 ceive he has rendered an essential service to those who 
 cannot purchase, or perhaps fully understand, the 
 learned and expensive volumes of Bishops Lowth> 
 Blayney, Newcomc, Newton, Dr. Kennicott, and 
 others, to which he freely acknowledges his obligations, 
 and of which the small volume before us may be con- 
 sidered as a judicious and valuable compendium.^' 
 Evan. Mag. vol. 13. p. 319. 
 
 " Stock^s Commentary and Torshell's Exercitatioa 
 on Malachi, fol. Lond. 1641, is a work recommended by 
 Bishop Wilkins as the best ; but the matter is much 
 better than the manner.'^ Dr. E. Williams. 
 
 Venema (Herman) is know only to me by a Com- 
 ment on Malachi — and a most excellent and extensive 
 Commentary on the Psalms, in 6 vols. 4to. Leovar- 
 diae, 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 Venema's Com- 
 mentary on the Book of Psalms ; " There is none 
 likeit.'^ Dr. A. Clarke. 
 
 Vitringae Commentarius in librum prophetiarum 
 lesaiae, 2 vols. fol. " The best edition of which was 
 printed in 1724. A learned and most excellent Com- 
 ment.'' Dr. A. Clarke. 
 
 Williams's Translation of Solomon's Song, with a 
 Commentary, Notes, and Dissertations, 8vo. 1801. 
 " Of the translation, the author will only say, that it 
 
284 NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 
 
 has been written several years, and repeatedly revised^, 
 with every assistance that could be derived from book^ 
 or literary friends. The critical Notes are selected 
 from Ainsworth, Bochart, Durell, Doderlein, Gill, 
 Gray, Harmer, Hodgson, Lowth, Michaelis, Park- 
 hurst, Patrick, Percy, Poole, and others, with some 
 originals ; and are intended with as much brevity as 
 possible to justify the new translation , and to ascer- 
 tain the literal sense and exact import of the figura- 
 tive language ; in order to which, particular attention 
 has been paid to the use of similar images in the East- 
 ern poets. The Commentary is on a new plan ; in- 
 stead of taking every verse, or distinct member of the 
 verse, separately, as has been usually done, the author 
 takes it in connected paragraphs, presents whole im- 
 ages, (not broken and detached pieces) to the reader's 
 view, and then endeavours to improve Ihem by a 
 chaste and scriptural application of the allegory to 
 divine and spiritual objects. — The Dissertations have 
 two principal objects : 1. To trace, from the origin 
 of language itself, the use of metaphorical terms, and 
 thence the rise of poetry and allegory, which will in- 
 troduce remarks on the nature of the Hebrew language, 
 poetry, and music. 2. The object is to examine the na- 
 ture and design of Solomon's Song, and more particu- 
 larly to vindicate its divine authority and allegorical ap- 
 plication, as well against the objections of the learned, 
 as of the illiterate." — *' Mr. T. Williams's work is a 
 great improvement on similar attempts.'' Dr. E. 
 Williams. 
 
 " Willet's Hexapla on Daniel, fol. 1610, is a work 
 of much information, as it contains the opinions of 
 many authors on each point of difficulty. This author 
 has written comments on Genesis, txodus, Leviticus, 
 Samuel, Romans, Jude, and some det.iched parts of 
 books ; but in none does he discover more skill and 
 judgment than in the present work." Dr. E. Wil- 
 liams. 
 
 W^intle's Translation of the Book of Daniel ; with a 
 preliminary Dissertation, and Notes critical, historic 
 cat, and explanatory, 2d. edit. 4to. 1807. 
 
NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR; 285 
 
 ON SELECT PARTS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT, 
 
 " Anselmi Commentaria in Evangelia, in omnes 
 Pauli Epistolas, &c. fol. 1560, (if you except some of 
 his catholic notions, and his allegorical and mystical 
 paragraphs) will aflfbrd pleasure and improvement." 
 Dr. E. Williams. 
 
 Blair's (Jas.) Discourses on Malt, v.— vii. '* A man 
 of plain good sense. A beautiful simplicity and great 
 seriousness run through all his writings. A desire to 
 spare all unnecessary words is very apparent. His 
 Commentary on Matt. v. — vii. is the best extant. 
 He has some excellent and striking similies 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 capacities ; and has discovered a vast 
 knowledge of Scripture in the suitable application of 
 them.'' Dr. Doddridge. 
 
 Brewster's Lectures on the Acts of the Apostles ; 
 illustrated with Maps, 2 vol. 1807. " The facts and 
 events are narrated in a manner well suited to engage 
 the attention of the congregation, to whom he de- 
 livered them. — The reflections which he liberally in- 
 tersperses, arise naturally from the subject; they 
 might sometimes have been more explicit in point of 
 doctrine, but they are calculated to impress the his- 
 tory effectually on the mind, and to render that im- 
 pression beneficial. There is little criticism in the 
 work." Eel. Rev. vol. 2. p. 408. 
 
 '' Burgess's Expository Sermons on Johnxvii. fol. 
 Lond. 1656, are full of sound doctrine, methodically 
 arranged and closely applied in very plain language." 
 Dr. E. Williams. 
 
 " Burgess's Expository Comment on 2 Cor. i. fol. 
 Lond. 1661, deserves the same character as his work 
 on John xvii." Dr. E. Williams. 
 
 ** By field on the Epistle to the Colossians, fol. Lond. 
 1627, is full of good sense and spiritual savour, and 
 
286 NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 
 
 abounds with pertinent citations of Scripture, without 
 any pretensions to oratorical dress/' Dr. E.Williams. 
 
 Campbell's translation of the four Gospels, with 
 preliminary Dissertations, and Notes critical and ex- 
 planatory. " 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 pas- 
 sages in Scripture are added : at the foot of the pages 
 are the short explanations, which do not require cri- 
 ticism or argument, for notes of that kind are added 
 at the end, and they are either explanatory or philo- 
 logical. Scholastic disputes, and some peculiar deli- 
 cate difficulties, our author purposes to avoid." (Crit. 
 Rev.) " I have revised the first eighteen chapters of 
 Matthew, and am really astonished at the learning 
 and accuracy of the author." (Dr. Beattie.) " It 
 abounds in sound judgment, deep erudition, and a 
 strongvein 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.Williams. 
 
 *' Davenant on Colossians, fol. Latin, is much 
 esteemed." Dr. E. Williams. 
 
 *' Daubuz's Perpetual Commentary on the Revela- 
 tion, fol. Lond. 1 720, is a most elaborate work, abound- 
 ing with learned references and illustrative quotations 
 from the ample store of literature. This great work 
 has been new-modelled and abridged by Mr. Lancas- 
 ter, 4to. Lond. 1730." Dr. E. Williams. 
 
 Dick'^s Lectures on parts of the first fifteen chapters 
 of the Acts of the Apostles. 1805. *' Upon the whole. 
 
NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 287 
 
 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. " Altogether, 
 we say, without the smallest reserve, we never saw a 
 book more admirably adapted for the use of students, 
 more creditable to an author's sagacity, diligence, and 
 «rudition, or more likely to make the investigation of 
 the New Testament easy and agreeable." Brit. Crit. 
 vol. 16. p. 236. 
 
 " Elton on Rom. vii. — ix. fol. Lond. 1653, is a work 
 rich in matter, dressed in the plain and somewhat po- 
 pular 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 simi- 
 lar character.'' Dr. E. Williams. 
 
 " Ferguson's Brief Expositions of the Epistle to 
 the Galatians and Ephesians, 12mo, Lond. 1659, 
 abound with pertinent observations deduced from the 
 text, considered in its proper connection ; and in a 
 method almost peculiar to the Scotch divines of the 
 last century." Dr. E. Williams. 
 
 " Gualtheri Homilise in Acta Apostolorum, 8vo. 
 Lugduni, 1562, contains 173 Homilies; sound, me- 
 thodical, and elegant." Dr. E. Williams. 
 
 " Hall's Commentary on 2 Tim. fol. Lond. 1658, is 
 recommended by Calamy, whose imprimatur it bears, 
 as ' both elaborate and judicious.' He was minister 
 of King's Norton, in Worcestershire ; and Dr. Calamy 
 adds, that this * Commentary is the sum of nigh 30 
 yemrs' study." Dr. E. Williams. 
 
 " Hardy on 1 John, 4to, Lond. 1656, is an une- 
 qual work; but the author, in some places, discovers 
 a superior degree of penetration. The same charac- 
 ter may be given to his Exposition of the Epistle to 
 Philemon." Dr. E. Williams. 
 
 Hawkins's (Thos.) Commentary on tl»e Epistles of 
 St. John. 8vo. 1808. " The author acknowledges he 
 had no intention of writing for scholars ; but seems 
 to have engaged in this undertaking with the very 
 
288 NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 
 
 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 Calvinistic; but not chargeable with 
 Antinomian perversion." Eel. Rev. vol. 5. p. 846. 
 
 " Hildersham's Lectures on Johniv.fol. Lond. 1632, 
 discover the author to be a sound divine, an admirable 
 textuary, a profoundly experienced Christian, and an 
 excellent teacher." Dr. E.Williams. 
 
 Johnstone's (Dr. Biyce) Commentary on the Re- 
 velation of St. John. 2nd edit. 2 vol. 8vo. 1807. " It 
 is a work well calculated 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 Preelections. 2 vol. 8vo. 1804. 
 '' These," says Dr. E. Williams, '* are productions 
 of uncommon worth : all this author's works are full 
 of holy simplicity, humility, and benevolent zeal.'^ — 
 " As to Archbishop Leighton, besides his select 
 works there are two octavo volumes published at 
 Edinburgh, in 1748, and since reprinted at Lon- 
 don. They contain a valuable Commentary on 
 St. Peter's First Epistle, and Lectures on Isa. vi. 
 Psal. xxxix., cxxx., iv., and a part of Rom. xii. He 
 has wonderfully united the simplicity of the gospel, 
 with all the captivating beauties of style and lan- 
 guage. Bishop Burnet says, he was the greatest 
 master of the Latin tongue he ever knew, of which, 
 together with his compass of learning, he has given 
 proof in his Lectures: yet in his gayer dress, his 
 eminent humility and spirituality appear to no less 
 advantage than when clad in plain English. I think 
 his Praelections may be said to be a diamond set in 
 ^old. I could wish them translated, if it were possi- 
 ble, (which I should almost question,) to preserve the 
 beauty and spirit of the original." Newton's Cardi- 
 phonia, 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, 
 
NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR; 289 
 
 and breathe a heart entirely transformed by the gos- 
 pel above the views of every thing but pleasing God. 
 There is a vast deal of spirit and charming imagina- 
 tion, 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 laborious efforts for particular 
 discourses, but the guarded overflowing of a copious 
 fountain/' Dr. Doddridge. 
 
 Lowman's Paraphrase and Notes on the Revelation 
 of St. John, 4th edit. 8vo. 1807. '' Bishops Kurd, 
 Halifax, Clayton and others, have written with ability 
 upon these abstruse parts of sacred Writ. Dr. Arp- 
 thorp, 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 can with 
 pleasure refer my reader to the learned commentary 
 on this book, lately published by the Rev. Mr, Low- 
 man, from wiiich I have received more satisfaction, 
 with respect to many of its difficulties, than ever I 
 found elsewhere, or expected to have found at all." 
 Dr. Doddridge. 
 
 Luther's Commentary on St. PauPs Epistle to the 
 Galatians, with life, 1 vol. 8vo. and 2 vol. 12mo. 
 *' Luther's Commentary on the Epistle to the Gala- 
 tians, was his favourite work.'' (Jortin.) " It is a 
 strong antidote against the popish notion of justifica- 
 tion by works." Dr. Williams. 
 
 Macknight's Harmony of the four Gospels, in which 
 the order of each is preserved ; with a Paraphrase and 
 Notes. 2 vol. 8vo. 1804. This and the following work 
 are in the Bishop of Lincoln's list. '' It has long 
 been a standard book among Divines." Brit. Crit. 
 
 Macknight's literal Translation of all the Aposto- 
 lical Epistles ; with a Commentary and Notes, philolo- 
 gical, critical, explanatory, and practical. " Dr. 
 jVIacknight's luminous and valuable Commentary on 
 N 
 
too NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 
 
 the Apostolical Epistles is a work highly meriting a 
 place in the library of every Christian Divine/' (Park- 
 hurst.) Speaking of this in union with Dr. Camp- 
 bell'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 elabo- 
 rate work; and, to those who can improve excellent 
 thoughts abstracted from modern modes of composi- 
 tion, a rich treasure.'' (Dr. E. Williams.) " Manton 
 is plain, easy, and unaffected. His thoughts are gene- 
 rally well digested, but there is seldom any thing ex- 
 traordinary. He has many judicious remarks on 
 Scripture. His chief work is on the ll9th Psalm.*' 
 Dr. Doddridge. 
 
 " Manton's Exposition of James, 4to, Lond. is 
 plain, solid, and practical." Dr. E. Williams. 
 
 *' Markii Sylloge Dissertationum Philologico-Theo- 
 logicarum, ad Selectos quosdam textus Novi Testa- 
 ment!, 4to. Rotter. 1721, contains twenty-five learned 
 Dissertations on select passages, the most important, 
 difficult, and controverted " Dr. E. Williams. 
 
 " Mede's Clavis Apocalyptica, with his Commen- 
 tarius ad amussim Clavis Apocalypticje, included in 
 his works, fol. Lond. 1672, 3d edit, has ever been con- 
 sidered as a rich mine, of which all subsequent 
 learned commentators have made free and good useV' 
 (Dr. E. Williams.) " Mede has a good many original 
 thoughts, not to be found any where else. His writ- 
 ings on the Revelations are peculiarly famous, but his 
 Diatribe ^^\\\ best reward a diligent perusal ; yet here 
 many mistakes will be found." Dr. Doddridge. 
 
 *' Mitcheirs 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 context 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 Apoca- 
 lypse, 4to. Lond. 1733, being the second part of his 
 
NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 291 
 
 Observaticms on Prophecies, is not an exposition so 
 much as hints. * If I have done any thing which 
 may be useful to following writers/ observes this great 
 man, ' I have my design. The folly of interpreters 
 has been to foretel times and thino^sby this Prophecy, 
 as if God designed to make them prophets. By this 
 rashness, they have not only exposed themselves, 
 but brought the Prophecy also into contempt.' '* 
 Dr. E. Williams. 
 
 Owen's Exposition of the Epistle to the Hebrews, 
 with the Preliminary Exercitations. 4 vol. 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 religion ; 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 accurate 
 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, familiarity of illustration, and want of 
 taste in style and composition. " Dr E. Williams. 
 
 Pearce's (Bishop) Commentary and Notes on the 
 four Gospels, the Acts, and the first Epistle to the 
 Corinthians, 2 vol. 4to. 1777. Dr. A. Clarke says — 
 " The deep learning and judgment displayed in these 
 notes, are really beyond all praise." — " Locke, Pearce, 
 and Benson make up a complete commentary on the 
 Epistles; and are indeed all in the number of the most 
 ingenious commentators I have ever read. They 
 plainly thought very closely, and attended much to 
 connexion, 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 
 N 2 
 
292 NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 
 
 the apostle less general than it seems to have been. 
 It must be allowed that Benson illustrates the spirit 
 of Paul sometimes in an admirable manner, even be- 
 yond any former writer. See especially his Epistle 
 to Philemon. His vast fondness for Lord Barring- 
 ton*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. Doddridge.) " 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 learn- 
 ing/' Dr. A. Clarke. 
 
 " Perkin's Commentary on the Epistle to the Ga- 
 latians (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.-r-iii. all 
 contained in his works, 3 vol. fol. Lond. 1635." Dr. 
 E. Williams. 
 
 '* Shepard's Exposition of Matt. xxv. 1—13. The 
 parable of the ten virgins, fol Lond. 1680, &c. is a 
 rich fund of experimental and practical divinity ; the 
 dress is coarse, but the strain of thought is extremely 
 animated and searching." Dr E Williams. 
 
 " Stafford on Rom. vii. 8vo and 12mo. enters very 
 minutely into the Christian experience of sin and 
 grace." Dr. E. Williams, 
 
 '' Taylor's (Dr Thomas) Commentary on Titus, 
 fol. Lond. 1658, is the production of a sound and sen- 
 sible divine, and a very useful preacher, one who had 
 penetrating views of the Imman heart and of the sa- 
 cred oracles." Dr. E. Williams. 
 
 Theophilacti opera, a J. F. Bern, de Rubeis, ct Bo- 
 nif. Finettio, Gr. et Lat fol. Ven. 1 754-63, 4 vol.— 
 " Theophylact has written a valuable Comment on 
 the Gospels, Acts, and St. Paul's Epistles."—'^ They 
 are chiefly extracts from Clnysostom, and are of con- 
 siderable 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. 
 
NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 293 
 
 Whitaker's Commentary on the Revelation of St. 
 John, accompanied with historical testimony of its 
 accomplishment. 8vo. 1802. " Mr. W. is well known 
 to the publiiC, and his writings 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 ob- 
 jections of Professor Michaelis, &c. 8vo. 1806. " 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 un- 
 derstanding the apocalyptic symbols in a spiritunl, 
 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 prophetical, and other writ- 
 ers of the New and Old Testament.'* Bishop Hurd. 
 
 COMPILATIONS. 
 
 Critici Sacri sive annotata doctissimorum in Vetus 
 ©t Novum Testamentum, Londini, 1660, 9 vol. fol. 
 and, with additions, Amst. 1698, 12 vol. fol. With 
 this are connected a supplement, entitled. Thesaurus 
 Theologo-Philologicus, sive Silloge Dissertationum 
 elegantiorum ad selectiora Veteris ac Novi Testament! 
 loca,aTheologisProtestantibus conscripturum. Amst. 
 1701, 2 vol. fol. and Lud. Capelli Critica Sacra, ubi 
 N 3 
 
294 NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 
 
 ex variaium lectioiiiim obscrvatione pUirima Scrip- 
 turae loca explicantur. Par. 1650. fol. The best edi- 
 tion of the Critici 8acri, according- to the Bibliogra- 
 phical Dictionary, is 13 vol. Amst. 1698— "This 
 work was intended as a companion for the Polyglott 
 Bible published by Bishop Walton, in 1 657. It con- 
 tains a vast variety of valuable materials for Critics, 
 Chronologisls, &c. 
 
 *' The principal Critics on the Old Testament, con- 
 tained 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 Bad well us, Sebastian Castalio, Isidore Cla- 
 rius, Lucas Brugensis, Andrew iMasius, John Drusius, 
 Sixlinus Amama, Simeon de Muis, Philip Codurcus, 
 Rodolph Raynus, Francis Forrerius, Edward Lively, 
 David Hoeschelius, Hugo Grotius, Christopher Cart- 
 wright, and John Pricseus. 
 
 Besides the above, who are regular Commentatorson 
 the Old Testament, there are various important Disser- 
 tations and Tracts on the principal subjects in the Law 
 and Prophets, by the following critics:— Joseph Scali- 
 ger, Lewis Capellus, Martin Helvicus, Alberic Gentilis, 
 Moses bar Cepha, Christopher Helvicus, John Buteo, 
 Matthew Hostus, Francis Moncaeus, Peter Pithceds, 
 George Rittershusius, Michael Rothardus, Leo Allatius, 
 Gasper Varrerius, William Schickardus, Augustin 
 Justinianus, Bened. Arias Montanns, Bon. Corn. Ber- 
 tramus, Peter Cunoeus, Caspar Waser, and Edward 
 Brerewood. 
 
 On the New Testament the following Commentators 
 are included: — Sebastian Munster, Laurentius Valla, 
 James Revius, Desiderius Erasmus, Francis Vatablus, 
 Sebastian Castalio, Isidore Clarius, Andrew Masius, 
 Nicolas Zegerus, Lucas Brugensis, Henry Stephens, 
 John Drusius, Joseph Scaliger, Isaac Casaubon, John 
 Camero, James Capellus, Lewis Capelius, Otho 
 Gaultperius, Abraham Schultetus, Hugo Grotius, and 
 John Pricasus. 
 
 Dissertations on the most important subjects in the 
 
NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOl^. 1205 
 
 New Testament, inserted here, were written by Le\vis 
 Capellus, Nicolas Faber, William Klebilius, Marquard 
 Freheriis, Archbishop Usher, Matthew Hostus, 1. A. 
 Vander- Linden, Claudius Salmasius under the feigned 
 name of Johannes Simplicius, James Gothofridus, Phi- 
 lip Cordurcus, Abraham Schultetus, William Ader, 
 John Drusius, Jac. Lopez Stunica, Desider. Erasmus, 
 Angelus Caninius, Peter Pithoeus, Nicephorus Patri- 
 arch of Constantinople, Adriani Lsagoge cum notis 
 Dav, Hoeschelii, B C. Bertram, Anton. Nebrissensis, 
 Nicholas Fuller, JSamuel Petit, John Gregory, Christ. 
 Cartwright, John Cloppenburg, and Peter Dan. Huet. 
 The Thesaurus Dissertationum Elegantiorum, pub- 
 lished asa Supplement to this Work, bv T'leod. Hasaeus 
 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 an\ age or country." Dr. A. Clarke. 
 
 Poli Synopsis Criticorum aliorumque Sacrse Scrip- 
 turge Interpretum. Lond. 5 vol fol 1669-1674. "Mr. 
 Matthew Poole, conceiving thatthe Critici Sacri might 
 be made more useful, by being methodized ; with im- 
 mense 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 occupy dis- 
 tinct places as they do in the Critici Sacri, but are all 
 consolidated, one general comment being made of the 
 whole ; the names of the writers being referred to by 
 their initials in the margin. To the Critics above- 
 named, Mr Poole has added several others of equal 
 note, and he refers also to the most important Ver- 
 sions, 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 ori- 
 ginal." (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 PoWglott Bible." Dr. Doddridgs. 
 
296 NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 
 
 The Propriety of annexing a list of the most valua- 
 ble Commentaries, to a volume professing to be a Guide 
 to the Study of the Scriptwres, is immediately obvi- 
 ous. The Editor has cited, as well in this as in pre- 
 ceding notes, the opinion of able critics on the works 
 poiftted out ; except that, in a few instances where 
 other sources failed, he has had recourse to respecta- 
 We reviews. The reader will observe, that the larger 
 proportion of critical remarks are not merely recom- 
 mendations (for which a few words had been suffi- 
 cient) but were added, after the example of Dr. Dod- 
 dridge in his fourteenth lecture, as calculated to form the 
 mind to a more profitable mode of study. 
 
NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. 29' 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 fa) Augustini Opera, Benedictin. 11 vol. 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 volume. In the first edi- 
 tion, there are only Jivc lines of the Preface on the 
 first paji^e ; in the second edition, there are more.'* 
 Dr. A. Clarke. 
 
 (b) See our author's Treatise — " Christ the Sum 
 and Substance of the Scriptures." 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 (a) " 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 prescription must be varied according 
 to the several kinds of offences. — It should be a special 
 care, to apply lenitives and cordials, where the con- 
 dition of the patient requites 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 of friends, estate, credit, peace, 
 and quiet, &c. — Inward, in respect of doubts, &c," 
 Bp. Wilkms, 
 
298 NOTES EY THE TRANSLATOR. 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 (a) Bernard! Opera^ a Joan. Mabillonio, Mon. S, 
 Mauri, fol. 1690, 2 vol " Best edition.'' 
 
 (b) Of Franzius's Work here alluded to, the cele- 
 brated Glassius speaks in the following high terms, 
 when treating of the best method of interpreting the 
 Scriptures. ** Ego sane nullum tempus felicius et 
 fructuosius (prsesens quod negotum spectat), collo- 
 casse me palam profiteor, quam quod in diligenti in- 
 tegri libri illius lectione et relectione, cum timore 
 Domini, insunvi. Deus viro tanto, pro tarn salubri 
 labore, hie et aeternum benedicat." 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 (a) Bonee (Johannis CardinaRs) Opera Omnia. 
 Paris, 1677. 3 vol. 8vo. ex recognitione Reb. Sala, 
 August. Taurin, e Typographia Regia, 1747, fol. 
 
 ANALYSIS OF THE EPISTLE TO THE EPHESIANS. 
 
 (a) " Paul has given us the substance of divine 
 truth in a threefold way : — 
 
NOTES BY THR TRANSLATOR. 29D 
 
 " 1. In a catechetical manner: that is, by the mere 
 articles, without copious proofs and refutations ; as in 
 the Epistle to the Ephesians. 2. By a fuller expo- 
 sition, with arguments, refutations, &c. added by way 
 of explanation ; as in the Epistle to the Galatians. 
 3. By a complete consideration and exposition 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 Epis- 
 tles have been cited, accordingly as seasons and cir- 
 cumstances have required.'^ Chemnitius. Author's 
 Note. 
 
 ANALYTICAL INTRODUCTION TO THE COLOSSIANS. 
 
 (a) " It is probable that the apostle only dictated 
 this Epistle. So we find that Tertius wrote the Epis- 
 tle addressed to the Romans, Rom. xvi. 22. It ap- 
 pears that Paul himself only added the last words/' 
 Author's Note. 
 
 (h) *' It was perhaps at this time that Onesimus 
 carried Paul's letter to his master Philemon ; Philip. 
 12 — 15, and Col. iv. 9; unless it be supposed that he 
 was dispatched to Philemon first, and afterwards to 
 the Colossian church." Ihid. 
 
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