Commentary on the Holy Bible

THROUGH many delays, occasioned by a variciy of hindrances, the detail of which would be useless to the Reader, I have at length brought this part of my work to its conclusion; and now send it to the Public, not without a measure of anxiety; for though perfectly satisfied with ihe purii^ of my motives, and the siriiplkiii/ of my intention, I am far from being pleased with the work itself. The ivise and the learned will no doubt find many things defective, and perhaps, several incorrect. In my plan, defects are unavoidable: tlie perpetual study to be as concise as possible, while endeavouring to go to the bottom of every thing, has, no doubt, in several cases produced obscurity. \V'hatever errors may be observed, must be attributed to my scantiness of knowledge, when compared with the learning and information necessary for tlic tolerable perfection of such a work.

To an undertaking of this kind, a man's whole time should be dedicated — to me this is impossible, having a variety of other avocations, most of which have an equal claim on my time and attention. It is true, that for many years past, I have been making collections for this work; but finding it necessary to alter my plan, I have been obliged to begin the whole anew, without availing myself of a single page of what I had already written. — I have re- transcribed the whole, and have made innumerable retrenchment* and additions throughout.

I had at first designed to introduce a considerable portion of criticism on the sacred text, accompanied with illustrations from ancient authors; but after having made many collections of this kind, on some particular parts, I was induced to throw almost the whole of them aside, for two reasons, 1. Because a continuation of my original plan, through the whole work, would have necessarily taken up more time than I could have well spared: And, 2. Because, having designed my Notes not tor the learned, but for comparatively simple people, or those whose avocations prevent them from entering deeply into suljjects of this kind, I thought it best to bring every thing as much as possible, within their reach, and thus study, rather to be useful, than appear to be learned. The Criticism which may be found in the work, is of a very humble description; its chief merit consisting in pointing out the force and meaning of certain expressions which no simple translation can reach; and the doing this, in such a way, as to cause the subject to be the more easily understood. By the standard therefore of sincere endeavour to be useful, I wish alone my work to be tried; and hope that none will look for more in it than the title will authorize him to expect I do not pretend to write for the learned; I look up to tliem myself for instruction; all tlie jjretensions of my work are included in the sentence that stands in the Title: it is designed as a help to a better understanding of the Sacred Writings. Here its claims end. If there be but a few spots, such as may be fairly attributed to human frailty, and comparatively ineflicient means, the candid will pass them by, in favour of the general j)rinciple. What is now before the Reader is a fiur specimen of the whole; if he be pleased, and in any measure profited by it, should God spare him and the Author, he may expect farther improvement. In the mean time let him remember, that though even Paul should plant, and Apollos water, it is GOD alone that gives the increase.

A HE difTcrent Nations of the Earth which have received the Old and New Testaments as a divine revelation, have not only had them carefully translated into their respective languages, but have also agreed in the propriety and necessity of illustrating them by comma^ls. At firet, the insertion of a word or se?iience in the margin, explaining some particular word in the text, appear- to have constituted the whole of the comment. Afterwards, these were mingled with the text, but with such marks as served to distinguish them from the words they were intended to illustrate: sometimes the comment was interlined with the text; and at other times it occupied a space at the bottom of the page.

Ancient comments, wiitten in all these various ways, I have often seen; and a Bible now lies before me, written, probably, before the time of JVicliff', where the glosses are all incorporated with the text, and only distinguished from it by a line underneath; the line evidently added by a later hand. As a matter of curiosity, I shall introduce a few specimens.

Comments written in this way, have given birth to multitudes of the various readings afforded by ancient manuscripts: for, the notes of distinction being omitted o* neglected, the gloss was often considered as an integral part of the text, and entered accordingly by succeeding copyists. Tliis is particularly remarkable in the Vulgate, which abounds vnih explanatory words and phrases, similar to those in the preceding quotations. In the Septuagint also traces of this custom are easily discernible, and to this circumstance many of its various readings may be attributed.

In proportion to the distance of times from the period in which the sacred oracles were de. livered, the necessity of comments became more apparent: for, the political state of the people to whom the Scriptures were originally given, as well as that of the surrounding nations, being, in the lapse of time, essentially changed; hence was found the necessity of historical and ckrono. logical notes, to illustrate the facts related in the Sacred Books.

Did the nature of this preface permit, it might be useful to enter into a detailed history of commentators and their works, and shew by what gradations they proceeded from simple verbal glosses, to those colossal accumulations, in Which, the icords of God He buried in the sayings of men. But this, at present, is impracticable; a short sketch must therefore suffice.

Perhaps the most ancient comments containing merely verbal glosses, were the Chaldee Paraphrases, or Targums, particularly those of Onkelos on the Laxc, and Jonathan on the Prophets: the former written a short time before the Christian ^ra, the latter about fifty years after the Incarnation. These comments are rather glosses on xcords, than an exposition of thiiigs; and the former is little more than a verbal translation of the Hebrew text into pure Chaldee.

The Targum Yerushlemey is written in the manner of the two former, and contains a Paraphrase, in very corrupt Chaldee, on select parts of the five books of Moses.

The Targum ascribed to Jonathan ben Uzziel embraces the whole of the Pentateuch; but is disgraced with the most ridiculous and incredible fables.

Among the Jexvs, several eminent commentators appeared at different times, besides the Taroumists already mentioned, who endeavoured to illustrate different parts of the Law and the. Prophets. Philo JudjEus may be reckoned among these j his works contain several curious treatises in exphcation of different parts of the Hebrew Scriptures. He flourished about

JosEPHUs may be fairly ranked among commentators: the twelve first books of his Jewish Antiquities are a regular paraphrase and comment on the political and ecclesiastical history of the Jews, as civen in the Bible, from the foundation of the world to the time of the Asmoneans, or Maccabees. He flourished about A. D. 80.

It is well known that the Mishnah, or Oral Law of the Jews, is a pretended Comment on the five books of Moses. This was compiled from innumerable traditions by Rabbi Judah Hakkodesh, probably about the year of our Lord 150.

The Talmuds, both of Jerusalem and Babylon, are a Comment on the Mishnah. The former was compiled about A. D. 300, the latter about 200 years after.

Chaldee Targums, or Paraphrases, have been written on all the books of the Old Testament; some parts of the book of Ezra, and the book of Daniel excepted: which being originally written in Chaldee, did not require for the purpose of being read during the captivity, any fartlicr explanation. When the London Polyglott was put to press, no Targum was found on the two books of

Cluonicles; but after that work was printed, a Targum on these two books was discovered in the university of Cambridge, and printed at Amsterdam, witli a Latin translation, 4to. 1715, by Mr. D. JVilldns. It is attributed to Rahbi Joseph the blindy who flourished about A. D. 400.

TIjc Mazoretes were the most extensive Jewish Commentators which that nation could ever boast. The system of jmnctualio}!, probably invented by them, is a co7ilinual gloss on the L,a.vi and Prophets: their voxceljmints, and prosaic and metrical accents^ &c. give every word, to which they are affixed, a peculiar kind of meaning, which, in their simjile state, multitudes of them can by no means bear. The vowel points alone, add whole co7ijugatio7is to the language. This system is one of the most artificial, particular, and extensive comments ever written on the word of God; for there is not one word in the Bible that is not the subject of a particular gloss, through its influence. Tliis school is supposed to have commenced about 450 years before our Lord, and to have extended down to A. D. 1030.

Rabbi Saadias Gaon, about A. D. 930, wrote a Commentary upon Daniel, and some other parts of Scripture; and translated, in a literal and very faithful manner, the whole of the Old Testament into the Arabic language. The Pentateuch of this translation has been printed by Ei-penius, Lugd. Bat. 1622, 4to.

Rabbi Solomon Jarchi or Isaaki, who flourished in A. D. 1140, wrote a Commentary on the whole Bible so completely obscure in many places, as to require a veiy large Comment to make it intelligible.

In 1160 Aben Ezra, a justly celebrated Spanish Rabbin, flourished; his Commentaries on the Bible are deservedly esteemed, both by Jews and Gentiles.

Rabbi Moses beti Maymon, commonly called Malmottides, also ranks high among the Jewish Commentators: his work entitled Moreh Nebochini, or Teacher of the perplexed, is a very excellent illustration of some of the most difficult words and things in the sacred writings. He flourished about A. D. 1160.

Rabbi David Kimchi, a Spanish Jew, wrote a very useful Comment on most Books of the Old Testament: his Comment on the Prophet Isaiah, is peculiarly excellent. He flourished about A. D. 1220.

Rabbi Jacob Baal Hatturim, flourished A. D. 1300, and wrote short Notes or Observations on the Pentateuch, principally CabaUstical.

Rabbi Levi ben Gershom, a Spanish Jew and Physician, died A. D. 1370. He was a very voluminous author, and wrote some esteemed Comments on different paits of Scripture, especially the^re books of Moses.

Rabbi Isaac Abrabanel or Abarbanel, a Portuguese Jew, who was born A. D. 1437, died A. D. 1508, wrote also extensive Commentaries on the Scriptures, which are highly esteemed by the Jews.

Rabbinoo Isaiah wi'ote select Notes or Observations on the Books of Samuel.

For farther information on the subject of Je\vish and Rabbinical writers, I must refer my Readers to the Bibliotheca Magna Rabbinica of Bartolocci, begun in 1675, and finished in 1 693, four vols, folio. In this work the Reader will find an ample and satisfactory account of all Jewish writers and tlicir works from the giving of the law, A.M. 2513, B. C. 1491, continued down to A. D. 1681. This work is digested in alphabetical order, and contains an ac- count of upwards of 1300 Jewish autliors and their works, with a confutation of their principal objections and blasphemies against the Christian rehgion; together with frequent demonstrations that Jesus Christ is the promised Messiah, drawn not only from the sacred writings, but from those also of the earher and most respectable Rabbins themselves: Each of the volumes is enriched \\-ith a great variety of dissertations on many important subjects in Biblical Literature. This work, left unfinished by its author, was completed by Imbonati, his disciple, who added a fifth vol. entitled Bibliotheca Latino-Hebraka, containing an ample alphabetical account of all the Latin authors who have written either against the Jews, or on Jewish affairs. Roma}, 1 694. These two works arc very usefirl, and the authors may be desei-vedly ranked among Biblical Critics and Commejitators. Bartolocci was born at Naples in 1613, and died at Rome where he was Hebrew professor, in 1687.

Most of the Jewish Comments being written in the corrupt Chaldee dialect, and in general printed in the Rabbinical Character, which few, even among scholars, care to read; hence they are, comparatively, but little known. It must be however allowed, that they are of great service in illustrating the rites and ceremonies of the Mosaic Law; and of great use to the Christians in their controversies with the Jews.

As some of my Readers may wish to know where the chief of these Comments may be most easily found; it will give them pleasure to be informed, that the Targuvis or Chaldee Paraphrases of Onkelos and Jonathan; the Targiim Yerushlemey; the Masorah; the Comments of Radak, i. e. Rabbi David Kimchi; Rasiii, i. e. Rabbi Solomon Jarchi; Ralbag, i. e. Rabbi Levi be7i Gershon; Rameam, i. e. Rabbi Moses ben Maymon, or Maimonides; Rashag, i. e. Rabbi Saadias Gaon; Aben Ezra, with the scanty observations of Rabbi Joseph Baal Haturim, on the five books of ]\Ioses; and those of Rabbi Isaiah, on the two books of Samuel, are all printed in the Second Edition of Romberg's Great Bible, Venice, 1341, &c. 2 vol, foHo: the most useful, the most correct, and the most valuable Hebrew Bible ever published. It may be just necessary to say, that Radak, Rashi, Ralbag, &c. are teclmicai names, given to these Rabbins from the //ziVirtfo of their proper names, with some interposed vowels; as RaDaK, stands for Rabbi David Kimchi; RaS/il, for Rabbi Salomon Jarchi; RaLBeG, ihr Rabbi Levi Ben Gershon; and so of the rest. The Targums of Onkelos and Jonathan are printed also in the three first volumes of the London Polj/glott, v/ith a generally correct literal Latin version. The Targum ascribed to Jonathan ben Lizziel, and the Targum Yerusldemey on the Pentateuch, are printed, with a literal Latin version, in the fourth volume of the above ^\ork. The Mishr.ah has been printed in a most ele- ■'KXYit xn3i.\mzi' hy Surrenhusiiis, Amsterdam, 1C'J8, 6 vol. folio, with a Latin trarislation, and an abundance of Notes.

Christian Commentators, both ancient and modern, are vastly more numerous, more excellent and better known, than those among the Jews. On this latter account I may be well excused Jbr passing by many, which have aU their respective excellencies, and mentioning only a few out of the vast multitude, which are either more eminent, more easy of access, or better known to myself.

These Comments may be divided into j^wr distinct classes: — 1. Those of the Primitive Fathers and Doctors of the Church; 2. those written by Roman Catholics; 3. those written by Frotest4ints; and 4. Compilations from both, and Collections of Biblical Critics,

1. CLASS.— PRIMITIVE FATHERS and DOCTORS.

Tatian, ^vho flourished about A. D. 150, wrote a Harmomj oftlie four Gospels; perhaps the first thin"' of the kind ever composed: the genuine work is probably lost; as that extant, under his name, is justly suspected by the learned.

In this class Origen occupies a distinguished place: he was born A. D. 185, and wrote much on the Scriptures: his principal works are unibrtunately lost; many of his Homihes still remain, but they are so replete with metaphorical and fanciiul interpretations of the sacred Text, that there is much reason to believe they have been corrupted since his time. Specimens of his mode of intei-preting the Scriptures may be seen in the ensuing Comment.— See on Exod. ii.

Hypolitus wrote many things on the Scriptures, most of which are lost; he flourislied about

CiiRYsosTOM is well known and justly celebrated for his learning, skill, and eloquence m his HomiHes on the sacred Writings, particularly the Fsahns. He flourished A. D. 344.

Jehom is also well known: he is author of what is called the Vulgate, a Latin version from the Hebrew and Greek of the whole Old and New Testaments: as also of a very valuable Comment on all the Bible. He flourished A. D. 360.

Ephraim Svkus, who might be rather said to have mourned than to havcjomished, about A. D. S60, has written some very valuable Expositions of particular parts of Scripture. They may be found in his Works Syr. and Gr. pubHshed by Asseman, Roma-, 1737, &c. 6 vol. folio.

To AuGUSTiN, a laborious and voluminous writer, we are indebted for much valuable information on the sacred Writings. His exposirions of Scripture, however, have been the subjects of many acrimonious controversies in the Christian Church. He has written upon a number of abstruse and difficult points, and in several cases, not in a very lucid manner; and hence it is not to be wondered at, if many of his commentators have mistaken his meaning. Some strange things drawn irom his writings, and several things in his creed, may be attributed to the tincture his mind received from his Manichean sentiments: for it is well known that he had embraced, previously to his conversion to Christianity, the doctrine of the two principles, one xdiolly evil, and the other whollif good; to whose energy and operation all the good and evil in the world were attributed. These two opposite and conflicting beings, he seems, in some cases, unwarily to unite in one God: and hence, he, and many of his followers, appear to liaA-e made the ever blessed God, the fountain of all justice and holiness, the author, not only, of all the good that is in the worid, for on this, there can be but one opinion, but of all the evil likewise; having reduced it to a necessity of existence, by a predetermining, unchangeable and eternal decree, by which, all the actions of angels and men are appointed, and irrevocably established. St.. Augustin died A. D. 430.

(Jur.GORY the Great, who flourished about A. D. 60O, has written Commentaries which arc greatly esteemed, especially among the Catholics.

Theophylact has written a valuable Comment on the Gospels, Acts and St. Paul's Epistles. He flourished A. D. 700.

Venerable Bede flourished A. D. 780. and wrote Comments, (or rathci- collected those of others) on the principal books of the Old and New Testaments, which arc still extant.

Rabakus Maurus, who flourished A. D. 800, was one of the most voluminous Commentators since the days of Origen. Besides his numerous Comments published in his works, there is a. glossary of his on the whole Bible, in MS. in the imperial library at Vienna.. Walfridus Strabus or Strabo, composed a work on the Old and New Testaments entitled

Glossd' Ordinance; which is properly a Catena or collection of all Comments of the Greek and Latin Fathers prior to his time. Strabo constantly endeavours to shew the literal, historical and moral sense of the inspired writers. The best edition of this valuable Work, was printed at Antwerp in 1634. Tlie author died in his forty-tliird year, A. D. 846.

It would be very easy to augment this list of Fathers and Doctors by the addition of many respectable names, but my limits prevent me from entering into any detail. A few scanty additional notices of authors and their works must suffice. ^

Salonius, Bishop of Vienna, who flourished in 440, wrote a very curious piece entitled a Mystical Explanation of the Provei-bs of Solomon, in a Dialogue between himself and his brother Veranius: the latter asks questions on every important point contained in the book, and the former answers and professes to solve all difficulties. He wrote also an Exposition of Ecclesiastes.

Philo, Bisho]) of the Carpathians, wrote also on Solomo7i's Song.

Justus, Bishop of Orgehtanum, or Urgel, wrote a mystical explanation of the same book. He died A. D. 540.

And to Aponius, a writer of the seventh century, a pretty extensive and mystical exposition of this book is attributed. It is a continued Allegory of the Marriage between Christ and his Church.

To Aponius, and the preceding writers, most modern expositors of Solomon's Song stand considerably indebted, for those who have never seen these ancient authors, have generally borrowed from others who have closely copied their mode of interpretation.

Among the opuscula of Theophilus, Bishop of Antioch, is found an allegorical exposition of the Jour gospels. Theophilus flourished about the middle of the second century.

Victor, Presbyter of Antioch, wrote a very extensive comment on St. Mark's Gospel, in which many very judicious observations may be found.

Theodulus, a Presbyter of Calosyria, about A. D. 450. wrote a comment on the Epistle to the Romans.

Remigius, Bishop of Auxerre, who flourished about the end of the 9th century, wrote a comment on the twelve minor Frophets.

Sedulius Hybernicus, wrote Collectanea on all the Epistles of St. Patd, in which there are many useful things. When he flourished is uncertain.

Primasius, Bishop of Utica, in Africa, and disciple of St. Augustin, wrote also a comment on all St. Paid's Epistles, and one on the book of the Revelation. He flourished A. D. 550.

And to Andreas, Archbishop of Cassarea, in Cappadocia, we are indebted for a very extensive comment on the Apocalypse, which is highly extolled by Catholic writers, and which contains a sufficient (luantum of mystical intei'pretations.

AU these writers, witli others of minor note, may be found in the BibUoiheca Vetcrum Patriim, ^c. by Dc la Bigne, folio, Par. 1624, vol. i. Any person who is fond of ecclesiastical antiquity, will find himself gratified even by a superficial reading of the preceding Authors; for they not only give their own sentiments on the subjects they handle, but also those of accredited writers who have flourished long before their times.

Among the Catholic writers, many valuable Commentators are to be found: the chief of whom arc the following: — Hngo de Sancta Clara, or Hugh de St. Cher, flourished in 1200. He was a Dominican JMonk, and Cardinal, and wrote a Commentary on the whole Bible, and composed a Concordance, probably the first regular Work of the kind, in which he is said to have employed not less than 500 of his brethren to write for him!

NichoUius de Lyra, or Lyranus, Anglic^, Nicholas Harper, wrote short Comments on the whole Bible, which are allowed to be very judicious, and in which he reprehends many reigning abuses. It is supposed, that from these, Martin Luther borrowed much of that light which brought about the Relormation. Hence it has been said:

Si Lyra nan lyrasset; Lutherus non sallasset.

*' If Lyra had not harp'd on Profanation,

" Luther had never pla7i7i'd the Reformation."

Lyra flourished in 1300, and was the first of the Christian Commentators since St. Jerom, who brouo'iit Rabbinical learning to illustrate the sacred Writings.

John Menochius, who flourished in the sixteenth century, has published short Notes on all the Scriptures — they are generally esteemed very judicious and satisfactory.

Isidore Clarius, Bishop of Fuligni in Umbria, in 1550 wrote some learned Notes on the Old and New Testaments: he is celebrated for an eloquent speech delivered before the Council of Trent, in favour of the Vulgate — His learned defence of it contributed, no doubt, to the canonization of that Version.

John JNIaldonat wrote Notes on particular parts of the Old and New Testaments, at present little read.

Cornelius a Lapide is one of the most laborious and voluminous Commentators since the invention of Printing. Though he has written nothing either on the Psalms or Job, yet his Comment forms no less than 16 vols, foho; it was printed at Venice 1710. He was a very learned man; but cites as authentic, several spurious writings. He died in 1637.

In 1693 — 4, Father Quesnel, Priest of the Oratory, published in French, at Brussels, Moral Reflections on the New Testament, in 8 vols. 1 2mo. The Author was a man of deep piety; and were it not for the rigid Jansenian predestinarianism which it contains, it would, as a spiritual Comment, be invaluable. The Work was translated into English by the Rev. Richard Russel, and pubhshed in 4 vols. 8vo. London 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. His reflections contain many strong reprehensions of reigning abuses in the church, and especially among the clergy. It was against this Book that Pope Clement XI. issued his famous Constitution Unigenitus, in which he condemned one hundred and one propositions taken out of the Moral Reflections, as dangerous and damnable heresies. In my Notes on the New, Testament, I have borrowed several excellent reflections from father Quesnel's "Work, The Author died at Amsterdam, December 2, 1719, aged 86 years.

DoM AuGUSTiN Calmet, a Benedictine, published, what he terms Commentaire Literale, on the whole of the Old and New Testaments'. It was first printed at Paris, in 26 vols. 4to. 1 707 — 1717. And afterwards, in 9 vols, folio, Paris, Emery, Saugrain and Martin, 1719 — 1726. It contains the Latin Text of the Vulgate, and a French translation, in collateral columns; with the Kotcs at the bottom of each page. It has a vast apparatus of Preflices 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 fi-om the Hebrew and Greek originals; and generally builds his Criticisms on these. He quotes all the ancient Commentators, and most of the modern, whether Catholic or Protestant; and gives them due credit and praise. His Illustrations of manj— 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 Protestants; and has left little to be desired for the completion of such a Work. It is true, its scarcity, voluminousness, high price, and the language in which it is written, must prevent its ever coming into common use in our Country; but it will ever form one of the most valuable parts of the private library of every Biblical student and divine. From this judicious and pious Commentator, I have often borrowed; and his contributions form some of the best parts of my Work,

In 1753, Father Houeigant, a Priest of the Oratory, published a Hebrew Bible, in 4 vols, folio, with a Latin Version, and several critical Notes at the end of each chapter. He was a consummate Hebraician and accurate critic: even his conjectural emendations of the Text, cast much light on many obscure passages; and not a few of tliem have been confirmed by the MS. Collections of Kennicott and De Rossi. The Work is as invaluable in its matter as it is high in price, and difficult to be obtained. To this Edition, the following Notes are often under considerable obligation.

Sebastian Munster, first a Cordelier, but aftei"wards a Protestant, published a Hebrew Bible, with a Latin translation, and short critical Notes at the end of each chapter. His Bible has been long neglected, but his Notes have been often republished in large Collections. He died in 1552.

The Bible in Latin, printed at Zurich, in 1543, and often afterwards, in folio, has a vast many scholia or marginal notes, which have been much esteemed, (as also the Latin Version) by many divines and critics. The Compilers of the Notes were Leo de Juda, Theodore Bibliander, Peter ChoHn, Ralph Guatier and Conrad Pelicanus.

TuEMELLius, a converted Jew, with Junius or du Jon, published a very literal Latin Version of the Hebrew Bible with short, critical Notes; folio, 1575. It has been often reprinted, and was formerly in high esteem. Father Simon accuses him unjustly, oi' ])utting in pronour.s where none exist in the Hebrew: had he examined more careflUly, he would have found tliat Tremellius translates the emphatic article by the pronoun in Latin; and it is well known, that it has this power in the Hebrew language. Father Simon's censure is therefore not well founded.

John PiscATOR pui)lished a laborious and learned Comment on the Old and New Testaments, in 24 vols. 8vo. Herborn, 1601 — 1616. Not highly estceiAed.

John Drusius was an able Commentator; he penetrated the literal sense of Scripture; and in his Animadversions, Hebrew Questions, Explanations of Proverbs, Observations on the Rites anil Customs of the Jews, he has cast much light on many parts of the Sacred Wi-itings. He died at Franekcr, in 1616, in the 66th year of his age.

Huo'o Grotius, or Hugh le Grool, has written Notes on the whole of the Ohl and New Testaments. His learning was very extensive, his erudition profound, and his moderation on subjects of controversy highly praise-worthy. No man possessed a more cxtensi\e and accurate knowledge of the Greek and Latin writers; and no man has more successfully applied them to the illustration of the vSacred Writings. To give the literal and genuine sense of the sacred writings is always the laudable study of this great man: and he has not only illustrated them amply, but he has defended them strenuously, especially in his treatise On the Truth of the Christian Religion, a truly classical performance that has never been answered, and never can be refuted. He has also written a piece which has been highly esteemed by many, on the salis/acfio/i of Christ. He died in 1645, aged 62 years.

Louis de Dieu wrote animadversions on the Old and New Testaments, in which arc many valuable things. He was a profound scholar in Greek, Hebrew, Chaldee, Persian, and Syriac, as his works sufficiently testily. He died at Lcyden in 1642.

Desidcrius Euasjius is well known, not only as an able JSf//7o/' of the Greek Testament; but also as an excellent Commentator u])on it. The^rs^ Edition of this sacred Book was publishetl by liim in Greek and Latin, folio, 1.516, for though the Complutensian Edition was printed in 1514, it was not published till 1522. For many years, the Notes of Erasmus served for the foundation of all the Comments that were written on the New Testament; and his Latin Version itself", was deemed an excellent Comment on the Text, because of its faithfulness and simplicity. Erasmus was one of the most correct Latin scholars since the Augustan age.. He died in 1536. I need not state that in some cases, he appeared so indecisive in his religious creed, that he has been both claimed and disavowed by Protestants and Cathohcs.

John Calvin wrote a Commentary on all the Prophets and the Evangelists, which has been in high esteem among Protestants, and is allowed to be a very learned and jutlicious work. The decided and active part which he took in the Reformation-is well known. To the doetiine of human merit, indulgences, &c. he, with lAitlier, opposed the doctrine of justification by grace through tiiith, for which they were strenuous and successfid advocates. The peculiar doctrines which go under the name of Mr. Calvin, from the manner in which they have been defended by some, and opposed by others, have been the cause of much disscntion among Protestants, of which the enemies of true religion have often availed themsehes. Mr. Calvin is allowed by good judges to have wTiften with great purity, both in Latin and French. He died in 1564.

Mr. David Martin of Utrecht, not only translated the whole of the Old and New Testaments imo French, but also wrote short Notes on both, which contain nuich good-sense, learning anrJ piety, Amsterdam, 1707, 2 vols, folio.

Dr. Henri/ Hajoioxd is celebrated over Europe as a very learned and judicious Divine. He wrote an extensive Comment on the P.w//h.9 first published in 1659 and on the whole of the N(ra) Testament m 1653. In this latter Work, he imagines he sees tlie Cr//o5/ic5 every where pointed at; aiid he uses them as a universal menstruum to dissolve all the difficulties in the Text. He was a man of great learning, and critical sagacity; and as a diyiue ranks high m the Church of England. He died in 1660.

Theodore Beza not only published the Greek Testament, but wrote many excellent Notes on it. The best edition of lliis Work is that printed at Cambridge, folio, 1642.

Dr. Ed-xard Wells published a very useful Testament in Greek and English, in several parcels, with Notes, from 1709, to 1719; in which, 1. The Greek Text is amended according to the best and most ancient Readings. 2. The common English Translation rendered more agreeable to the original. 3. A paraphrase explaining the difficult expressions, design of the sacred AV'riter, &c. 4. Short Annotations. This is a judicious, usefld Work.

Of merely critical Comments, on the Greek Testament, the most valuable is that of./. James Wetstein, 2 vols, folio, Amsterdam, 1751 — 2. Almost every peculiar form of speech in the sacred Text, he has illustrated by quotations from the Jewish, Greek and Roman writers.

iNIr. Hardy published a Greek Testamentwith a great variety of usefjl Notes chiefly extracted from Poole's Synopsis. The Work is in 2 vols. 8vo. Lond. 1768, and is a very useful compan.ion 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.

Mr. Henry Ainsworth, one of that class of the ancient Pwitcms, called Brorvnisfs, made a new Translation of the Pentateuch, Psalms, and Canticles, which he illustrated with notes, fol. 1639. He was an excellent Hebrew scholar, and made a very judicious use of his Rabbinical learning in his Comment, especially on the five books of Moses. To his Notes on the Pentateuch, I am often under obligation.

The notes of the Assembly of Divines, in 2 vols, folio, 1654, have been long in considerable estimation. They contain many valuable elucidations of the sacred text.

Mr. J. Caryl's Exposition of the book of Job, in two immense vols, folio, 1676, another by Albert Schidtens, and a tliird by Chapelon-e, on the same book, contain a vast deal of important matter: delivered in general, by the two latter, in the dullest and most uninteresting form.

Mr. Matthew Poole, a Non-conformist divine, has published a Commentary on the Scrip, tures, in two vols, folio. The notes, which are mingled with the text, are short, but abound with good-sense and sound judgment. He died in Holland, in 1679.

Dr. John Lightfoot was a profound scholar, a sound divine, and 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. His works were published in two large vols, fbho, 1684. He died in 1675.

On the plan of Dr. Liglitfoot's Hor^ Hebraic.e, ov Talmiidical Exercitations, a work was undertaken by Christian Schoctlgcnius, with the title Hora; Ilebraica' S^- Talmudica' in imiversiim Novum Testamentum, quibus horn; Jo. Lightfooti in Libris historicis supplcfitur, Epistolce t^- Apocalypsis eodem modo illustrantur, S^-c. Drosdae 1733, two vols. 4to. Tins is a learned and useful work, and supplies and completes the work of Dr. Lightfoot. The Horac Hebraicas of Light/bot extend no further than the First Epistle to the Corinthians; the work of Schoettgen passes over the same ground as a Supplement, without touching the things already produced in the English work; and then continues the work on the same plan to the end of the New Testament. It is both scarce and dear.

Mr. Richard Baxter publislied the New Testument with Note?, 8vo. 169^. Tlic notes are interspersed with the text, and are very short, but they contain much sound sense and piety.

Dr. Simon Patrick, Bishop of Ely, began a Comment on the Old Testament, which was finished by Dr. Lo-wih; to which the New Testament, by Dr. Whitby, is generally added, to complete the work. Dr. AVhitby's work was first published in 1703, and often since, with many emendations. This is a valuable collection, and is comprized in six vols, folio. Pc.trick and Lo-xih are always judicious and solid; and Uliitbj is learned, arguinentative, and thoroughly orlhodox.

The best Comment on the New Testament, taken in all points of view, is certainly that of Whitby. lie is said to have embraced Socinianism previously to his death, which took place in 1726.

Mr. AxTiio.vY PuRVER, one of the people called Qiiakers, translated the whole Bible into Eno-lish, illustrated with critical Notes, which was published at the expense of Dr..1. Fothergill, in \1G-i, two vols. Ibho. Tiiis work lias never been highly valued; and is much less literal, and simple, than the habits of the man, and those of the religious community, to which he belonged, might authorise one to expect.

The Rev. William Burkitt, Rector of Dedham, in Essex, has written a very usefiil Commentary on tlie New Testament, which has often been republished. It is both pious and practical, but not distinguished either by depth of learning or judgment. The pious author died in 1703.

The Rev. Matthew Hekry, a very eminent Dissenting Minister, is author of a very extensive Commentary on the Old and New Testaments, five vols, folio, and one of the most popular works of the kind ever published. It is always orthodox, generally judicious, and truly pious and practical, and has contributed much to diffuse the knowledge of the iScriptures among the common people, for whose sakes it was chiefly written. A new edition of this work, by the Rev. J. Hughes, of Battersea, and the Rev. G. Burder, of London, corrected frojn innumerable errors which have been acc?umulating with every edition, is now in the course of publication.

As I apply the term oi'thodox to persons who differ considerably in their religious creed oh certain points, I judge it necessary once for all to explain my meaning. He who holds the doctrine of the fall of man, and tlirongh it, the universal corruption of human nature — the godhead of our blessed Redeemer — the atonement made by his obedience unto death — justification through faith alone in his blood — the inspiration of the Ploly Spirit, regenerating and renewing the heart, is generally reputed orthodoa', Avhether in other parts of liis creed he be Arminian or Calvinist. Whitby and Henry held and defended all these doctrines in their respective Comments; therefore I scruple not to say that both were orthodoT. With their opinions in any of their other works I have no concern.

Dr. Joiix Gill, an eminent Divine of the Baptist persuasion, is aiuhor of a \-ery diffuse Commentary on the Old and New Testaments, in nine vols, folio. He was a very learned and good man; but has ofteai lost sight of his better judgment in spiritualizing his text.

Dr. PniLir Doddridge's Family Expositor, 4to. 1745, often republished, is (with the exception of his Paraphrase) a very judicious work. It has been long highly esteemed, and is wortliy of all the credit it has among religious people.

To Dr. Z. PearcEj Bishop of Rochester, we are indebted for an invaluable Commentary and

Notes on the Four Gospels, the Acts, and the First Epistle to the Corinthians, two vols. 4to. 1777. The deep learning and judgment displayed in these notes, are really beyond all praise.

Dr. Campbell's Avork on the Evangelists is well known, and universally prized. So is also Dr. Macknight's Translation of the Epistles, with Notes. Both these works, especially the ibrnicr, abound in sound judgment, deep erudition, and a strong vein of correct critical acumen.

Mr. Locke and Dr. Benson are well known in the republic of letters: their respective works on different parts of the New Testament abound with judgment and learning.

The Rev. J. Wesley pubH^hed a Selection of Notes ou the Old and New Testaments, in four Tols. 4to. Bristol, 1765. Tiie notes on the Old Testament are allowed, on all liands, to be niea"-re and unsatisfactory: this is owing to a circumstance with which few are acquainted. Mr. Pine, the printer, having set up and printed off several siieets in a type much larger than was intended, it was found impossible to get the work within the prescribed limits ofjhiir voltmes, without retrenching the notes, or cancelling what was already printed. The former measure was unfortunately adopted; and the work fell far short of the expectation of tlic public. This account I had from the excellent author himself. The notes on the New Testament, whicli have gone through several editions, are of a widely different description: though sliort, they are always judicious, accurate, spiritual, terse, and impressive; and possess the happy and rare property of leading the reader immediately to God and his own heart. A New Edition of this work, with considerable additions, has been lately announced by the Rev. Joseph Benson, irom whose iearnino", piety, and theological knowledge, much may be expected, if the confined limits of his plan (one vol. folio) do not prevent him from enriching the work with his own valuable criticisms and observations.

The late unfortunate Dr. William Dodd published a Commentary on the Old and New Testaments, in three vols, foho. Lond. 1770. Much of it is taken from the Comment of Fa liter Calmet, already described; but he has enriched his work by many valuable notes, which he extracted from tlie incdited papers of Lord Clarendon, Dr. Waterland, and Mr. Locke. He has also borrowed many important notes from Father Houbigant. This work, as giving in general, the true sense of the Scriptures, is by far the best Comment that has yet appeared in the English language.

A work, entitled A7i Illustration of the Sacred Writings, was published by Mr. Goadht/, at Sherborne: it contains many judicious notes; has gone through several editions; and while it seems to be orthodox, is written entirely on the Arian hypothesis.

The Rev. Thomas Coke, LL.D. lias lately published a Commentary on the Old and New Testam.ents, in six vols. 4to. This is in the main, a reprint of tlic work of Dr. Dodd, with several retrenchments, and some additional reflections. Tliough the major part of the notd^, and even the dissertations of Dr. Dodd, are here republished; yet all the marginal readings and parallel texts are entirely omitted. The absence of these would be inexcusable in any Bible beyond the size of a duodecimo. Of their importance see p. xxvi. and xxvii. of this Preface. Dr. Coke's Edition is. in general, well printed, has some good Maps, and has had a very extensive sale. The original work of Dodd was both scarce and dear, and tlierefore a new Edition became necessary: and had the whole of the original work, with the marginal readings^ parallel texts, &c. been preserved. Dr. Coke's publication would have been much more useful. It is with pleasure I learn, and I embrace this opportunity to announce it, that the Doctor is about to republish tiiiswork, with all the marginal readings, and parallel tea-ts.

The Rev. T. Scott, Rector of Aston Sandford, has recently published, and is now repul)lis]iino-, a Connnentary.on (he Old and New Testaments, in live vols. 4to. The author's aim seems to be, to speak plain truth to plain vien; and for lliis purpose lie has interspersed a multitude of practical observations all through the text, uhich cannot iliil, from the spirit oi'.sound piety which they breathe, of being \cry useful. J am informed, that this work has been extensively circulated, and has already done much good.

The late Dr. Priestly cominled a body of Notes on the Old and New Testaments, in 3 vols. 8vo. published at Northumberland, in America, 1804: thougii the Doctor keeps his own creed (unitarianism) continually in view, especially Avhen considering those Texts which other refigioas people adduce in tlivour of theirs, yet his Work contains many valuable Notes and Ol)servations, especially on the philosophy, natural history, geography, and chronology of the Scriptures: and to these subjects, few men in Europe were better qualified to do justice.

Tn closing this part of the list, it would be unpardonable to omit a class of eminently learned men, who, by their labours on select parts of the Scriptures, have rendered the highest services both to religion and literature.

Samuel Bochart, Pastor of the Protestant church at Caen in Normandy, wrote a very learned and accurate work on the geography of the sacred writings, entitled Phaleg and Canaan, and another on the Natural History of the Bible, entitled Hierozoicon; by both of which, as well as by several valuable dissertations in his works, much light is thrown on many obscure places in the sacred writings. The best collection of his works is that by Lcusdcn and VillemandTj, three vols, folio. L. Bat. 1712.

Dr. I. James Scheuchzcr, professor of medicine and the mathematics, in the university of Zurich, is author of a very elaborate work on the Natural History of the Bible, entitled PJii/sica 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 very learned author has availed Iiimself of all the researches of his predecessors on the same subject, and has illustrated his work 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.

The late Rev. Mr. Thomas Plarmer published a very usefiil work, entitled " Observations on various passages of Scripture," in wiiich he has cast nuicli light on many difficult Texts that relate to the customs and manners, religious and civil, of the Asiatic nations, by quotations from the works of ancient and modern travellers into different parts of the East, who have described those customs, &c. as still subsisting. The best edition of this work was published in four vols. 8vo. 1808.

Campegius Vitringa wrote a learned and most excellent Comment on the book of the Prophet Isaiah, in 2 vols. f()lio; the best edition of which was printed in 1724. He died in 1722. Dr. R. LowTH Bishop of London, is author of an excellent Work, entitled li.viAn: a?;<?» transhlion, rath a prcViminarij Disscrlaiion and Notes critical, jjJdlological and explanatory; 4to. Loud. 1779, first edition. Tiic preliminary Dissertation contains a fund of rare and judicious criticism. The translation formed by the assistance of the ancient Versions, collated with the best Mss. of the Hebrew Text, is clear, simple and yet dignified. The concluding Notes which shew a profound knowledge of Hebrew criticism, are always judicious, and generally useful.

The late Archbishop of Armagh, Dr. Newcomb, has published a translation of the minor Prophets with learned Notes: it is a good Work, but creeps slowly after its great predecessor. He has also pubhshed a translation of the New Testament, with Notes: not much esteemed.

On the same plan, the Rev. Mr. Blaney translated and published the Prophet Jeremiah with Notes, 1784.

John Albert Bexgei-, is author of an edition of the New Testament, with various readings, and such a judicious division of it into paragraphs, as has never been equalled, and perhaps never can be excelled- He wrote a very learned Comment on the Apocalypse, and short Notes on the New Testament, which he entitled Gnomon Novi Testamenli, in quo ex nativa verhorum vi, simplicilas, prqfunditas, concinnitas, salubritas sensuvm Cuslestium indicatiir. Li him were united two rare <]ualincations — the deepest piety and the most extensive learning.

A Connnentary on the same plan, and with precisely tlie same title was published by Phil. David Burkins, on the twelve minor Pi'ophets, 4to. Heilbronna?, 1753, which was followed by bis Gnomon Psalmorum, 2 vols. 4to. Stutgardiae, 1760. These are, in many respects, valuable ^\'orks, written in a pure strain of piety, but rather too much in a technical form. They are seldom to be met with in this country, and are generally high priced.

The late pious Bishop of Norwich, Dr. Home, published the Book of Psalms with Notes, which breathe a spirit of the purest and most exalted piety.

Herman- Venema, is know only to me by a Comment on IVIalachi, some Dissertations on sacred subjects, an ecclesiastical history, correct editions of some of Vitringa's Theological Tracts, and a most excellent and extensive Commentary oti the Psalms, in 6 vols. 4to. printed LeovardiaD, 1762-7. Through its great scarcity, the work is little knowTi in Great Britain. What was said by David of Gohah's sword, has been said of Venema's Commentary on the Book of Psalms; " There is none like it."

On the FOURTH CLASS, containing Compilations and critical Collections, a few words must suffice. Among the Compilations may be ranked what are termed Catena of the Greek and Latin Fathers: these consist of a connected scries of different writers on the same Text. The Work of Ga/friflns, or JFal/'ridiis Straho, already described, is of this kind: it contains a Catena ■or connected scries of the Expositions of all the Fathers and Doctors prior to his time. A very valuable Catena on the Octateuch, containing the Comments of about fifty Greek Fathers, has been published at Leipsic, 1792, in 2 vols, folio:: it is all in Greek, and therefore of no use to •common Readers. The Work of Venerable Bcde, already noticed, is professedly of the same kind.

Father De la ITayc, in what was called the Biblia Magna, 1643, 5 vols, folio, and afterwards Biblia Maxima, 1660, 19 vols, folio, besides a -vast number of critical Dissertations, Prefaces, &c. inserted tlie whole notes of Nicholas de Lyra, Menochius, Gagneus, Esiiui, and the Jesuit Tirin.

vScveral minor compilations of this nature have been made by needy writers who, wishing to get a httle money, have, without scruple or ceremony, borrowed from those whose reputation was well established with the public; and, by taking a Httle from one, and a little fi-om another, pretended to give the marro-w of all. These pretensions have been rarely justified: it often requires the genius of a voluminous original wTiter to make a faithful abridgement of his work; but in most of these compilations, tlie love of money is much more evident than tlie capacity to do justice to the original Auihor; or the ability to instruct and profit mankind. To what a vast number of these minor compilations has the excellent work of Mr. Matthew Henry given birth! everv one of which, while professing to lop off his redundancies, and supply his deficiencies, falls, by a semi-diameter of the immense orb of literature and rehgion, short of the eminence of the Author himself

The most important Collection of Bibhcal Critics e\'cr made, was tliat formed under the direction of Bishop Pearson, John Pearson, Anthony Scattergood, anil Francis Goiddman, printed by Cornelius Bee, London, IGGO, in 9 vols, folio, under the title of Critici Sacri, intended as a companion for the Polyglott Bible, published by Bishop Walton, in 1657. This great work was repubHshed at Amsterdam, with additions, in 12 vols, folio, in 1698. Two volumes, called Thesauri Dissertalionum Elegantiorum, S^x. were printed as a supplement to this work, at Frankfort on the Maine, in 1701-2. Of this supplement it may be said, it is of less consequence and utility than is generally supposed, as the substance of several treatises in it, is to be found in the preceding volumes. The work contains a vast variety of valuable materials for Critics, Chronologists, &c.

The principal Critics on the Old Testament, contained in the foreign Edition of this great Collection, which is by far the most complete, are the following: — Sebastian Munster, Paul Fagius, Francis Vatablus, Claudius BadwcUus, Sebastian Castalio, Isidore Clarius, Lucas Brugensis, Andrew Masius, John Drusius, Sextinus Amama, Simeon de Muis, Philip Codurcus, Rodolph Baynus, Francis Forrerius, Edward Lively, David Hceschelius, Hugo Grotius, Christopher Cartwright, and John Pricn?us.

Besides the aboA^e, who are regular Commentators on the Old Testament, there are various important Dissertations and Tracts on the principal subjects in the Law and Prophets, by the following Critics: — Jaseph Scaliger, Lewis Capellus, Martin Helvicus, Alberic Gentilis, Moses bar Cepha, Christopher Helvicus, John Buteo, Matthew Hostus, Francis Moncaeus, Peter Pithoeus, George Rittershusius, ]\Iichael Rothardus, Leo Allatius, Gasper Varrerius, William Schickardus, Augustin Justinianus, Bened, Arias Montanus, Bon. Corn. Bertramus, Peter Cunieus, 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 Casaiihon, John Camera, James Capellus, Lewis Capellus, Otho Gualtpc— rivs, Abraham Schultetus, Hugo Grotius, and John Pricfeus.

Dissertations on the most important subjects in the New Testament, inserted here, were written by Lewis Capellus, Nicolas Faber, WilHam Klebilius Marquard Freherus, Archbishop Usher^ Matthew Hostus, I. A, Vander-Lindcn, Claudius Sahnasius under the feigned name of Johannes

Smplic'ms, James Gothofridus, Philip Codurcus, Abraham Schultetus, JVilUam Ader, Jolm Driisius, Jac. Lopez Stunlca, Desider. Erasmus, Afigelus Cavinius, Peter Pithceus, Nicephot^us Patriarch of Coiistantiuople, y4f//7fl»i Isagoge cum notis Dav. Hocschehi, B.C. Bertram, Antoji. Ne- Iri-jsensis, Nicholas Fuller, Samuel Petit, John Gregorrj, Christ. Cartwriglit, John Cloppenlnirg, and Pet. Dan, Hiiet. Those marked in Italics, are not inchided in the Critics on the Oki Testament. The Thesaurus Dissertationum Elcgantiorim, pubhs'lied as a Supplement to this Work, by Tlicod. Hasceus and Conrad Ikenius, in two volumes, folio, contains upwards of one hundred and fifty additional Writers. Such a constellation of learned men can scarcely be equalled in any age or coimtry.

Mr. Matthew Poole, whose English Comment has been already noticed, conceiving that the Critici Sacri might be made more useful, by being methodized; with immense labour, formed the work well known among Divines, by the title of Synopsis Criticorum, a general view of the Critics, viz. those in the nine volumes of the Crilici Sacri mentioned above. The printing of this work began in 1669, and was finished in 1674, 5 vols, folio. Here, the Critics no longer occupy distinct places as they do in the Critici Sacri, but are all consohdated, one general Comment beingmade out 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 Versions, both ancient and modern. The learned Author spent ten years in compiling this work. In point of size, the work of Mr. Poole has many advantages o^'cr the Critici Siicri; but no man, who is acquainted with both works, will ever prefer the Synopsis to the original.

Perhaps no city in the world can boast of having produced, in so short a period, so many important works on the sacred writings as the city of London; works, which tor difficulty, utility, critical and tvpographical correctness, and expense, have never been excelled. These are, 1. The Polyglott, 6 vol. folio; begun in 16J3, and finished in 1657. 2. The Crilici Sacri, in 9 vols, foho, 16(>0. 3. CastelC s Heptaglott luCy.\con, compiled for the Polyglott Bible, 2 vols, folio, 1G69. And 4. The Synopsis Criticorum, 5 vols, folio; begun in 1669, and finished in 1674. These works, printed in Hebrexc, Chaldee, Samaritan, Syriac, Arabic, Ethiopic, Persian, Greek, and Latin, forming twenty-two vast volumes, folio, were begun and finished in this city by the industry and at the expense of a few English Divines and Noblemen, in flic comparatively sliort compass of about twenty years! To complete its eminence in Biblical Literature, and to place itself at the head of ail the cities in the universe, J^ondon has only to add a nexo and improved Edition of its own Polyglott. I am happy to say that this measure, is at present, under consideration.

To the above list might be added those, who have illustrated the sacred writings by passages drawn from Josephus and the Greek and Roman Classics; among which the follo\\ing are worthy of jiartieulai- regard: Jo. Tobicv Kkebsii Observationes in Nov. Testam. e Flav. Jo.seppio, 8vo. Lips. 1 7.54. Geo. Dav. KvrKE Observationes in Novi Foederis Libros, ex auctorihiis, potissimum Graxis, Lc. 2 vols. 8vo. Vratislaxdae, 1755. Georgii Rafhelii 7\.nnotationes in Sacram Scripturam,&^c. Lugd. 1747, 2 vols. 8vo. Krebs ih.xQ\s?, much light' on ditfcrcnt facts and forms of speech in the New Testament, by his quotations from Jose}ihus. Kypkc does the same, by an appeal to the Greek Writers m general. And iifljsAcV/w.v give* historical elucidation of the Old, and pliilological observations on the New Testament, dravsTi particularly fi-om Xenophon, Poli/bius, Arrian, and Herodotus.

To these niiglit be added several excellent names who have rendered considerable services to sacred Literature and Criticism by their learned labours: Sir Norton KnatchbulVs Observations, Ilallett's Critical Notes, Boxvyer's Conjectures, Leigh's Annotations, &c. &c. to whom may be added those who have illustrated innumerable passages, obscure and difficult, in Lexicons and Dictionaries for the Hebrew Bible and Greek Testament, Buatorf, Cocceius, Mintert, Pasor, Schoettgenius, Stockius, Krebs, Cahnet, Leusden, Robinson, Michaelis, Edward Leigh, Schulz, Dr. Taylor, Schleicsner, and Parkhurst; a particular account of which would far exceed the limits of this Preface; but Schletisner, as a Lexicographer for the New Testament, is far beyond my praise.

I have already apprized the reader that I did not design to g've a history of Commentators, but only a shoj't sketch: this I have done, and am fldly aware that different readers will form different opinions of its execution; some will think that writers of comparatively little eminence are inserted, while several of acknowledged worth are omitted. This may be very true, but the judicious reader will recollect that it is a sketch, and not a complete history that is here presented to his view; and that the important and noinmportant are terms which different persons will apply in opposite senses, as they may be prejudiced in favour of different writers. I have given my opinion as every honest man should, with perfect deference to the judgment of others; and shall be offended with no man for differing from me in any of the opinions I have expressed onany of the preceding authors or their works. I could easily swell this list with xaxwy foreign critics; but as far as I know them, I do not in general like them — besides, they are not wthin the reach of common readers, though many of them stand, no doubt, deservedly high in the judgment of learned men.

Having said thus much on Commentaries in general, it may be necessary to give some account of that now offered to the public, the grounds on which it has been undertaken, and the manner in which it has been compiled.

At an early age I took for my motto, Prov. xviii. 1. Through desire, a man, having separated himself, seekelh and intermeddleth with all xvisdom. Being convinced that the Bible was the source whence all tlie principles of true wisdom, wherever found in the world, had been derived; my desire to comprehend adequately its great design, and to penetrate the meaning of all its parts, led me to separate myself 1n:om. every pursuit that did not lead at least indirectly to the accomplishment of this end; and while seeking and intenneddling with different branches of human knowledge, as my limited means and capacity would permit, I put each study under contribution to the object of my pursuit; endeavouring to make every thing subservient to the information of my own mind, that, as far as Divine Providence might think proper to employ me, I might be the better qualified to instruct others. At first, I read and studied, scarcely committing any thing to paper, having my own edification alone in view, as I could not then hope, that any thing I wrote could be of sufficient importance to engage the attention, or promote the welfare of the pubhc. But as I proceeded, I thought it best to note down the result of my studies, especially as far as they related to the Septuagini, wliich about the year 1785 I began to read regularly, in order to acquaint myself more fully with the phraseology of the New Testament; as I found that this truly venerable Version was tliat to which the EvangeUsts and Apostles a^ipear to have had constant recourse, and from which in general, they make their quotations. The study of this Version served more to illuminate and gxpand my mind, than all the theological works I had ever consulted. I had proceeded bat a short way in it, before I was convinced that the prejudices against it were utterly unfounded j find that it was of incalcuhible advantage toward a proper understanding of the literal sense of Scripture, and am astonished that the study of it shoukl be so generally neglected. About nine years after this, my health having been greatly impaired by the severity of my labours, and fearing that I should soon be obliged to relinquish my public employment; I formed the purpose of writing short notes on the New Testament, collating the common printed text with all tlie Versions, and collections from mss. to which I could have access. Scarcely had I projected this work, when 1 was convinced that another was previously necessary, viz. a careful perusal of the original Test. I began this work; and soon found that it was perfectly possible to 7'ead, and not understand. Under this conviction, I sat down determining to translate the whole, before I attempted any comment, that I might have the Sacred Text the more deeply impressed on my memory.

I accordingly began my translation; collating the original Text with all the ancient and with several of the modern Versions; cai'efully weighing the value of the most important various read- ^igs found in those Versions, as well as those which I was able to collect from the most authentic copies of the Greek Text. A worse state of health ensuing, I was obliged to remit almost all application to study, and the work was thrown aside for nearly two years: — Having returned to it when a state of comparative convalescence took place, I found I had not gone through the vtlh.ole of my preliminary work. The New Testament I plainly saw was a Comment on the Old; and to understand such a comment, I knew, it was absolutely necessary to be well acquainted with tlie original Text. I then formed the plan of reading, consecutively, a portion of the Hebrew Bible daily. Accordingly I began to read tlic Old Testament, noting down on the difterent books, chapters, and verses, such things as appeared to me of most importance; intejiding the work as an outline for one on a more extensive scale, should it please God to spare my life, and give me hcaltli and leisure to' complete it. In this preliminary work I spent a little more than one year and t-wo months; in which time I translated every sentence, Hebrew and Chaldee, in the Old Testament. In such a work, it would be absurd to pretend that I had not met with many difficulties. I was attempting to illustrate the most ancient and most learned Book in the universe, replete with allusions to arts that are lost, — to nations that are extinct, — ■ to customs that are no longer observed, — and aboimding in modes of speech and turns of phraseology, which can only ho,- traced out through the medium of the cognate Asiatic languages. On these accounts I was often much perplexed; but I could not proceed till I had done the utmost in ray power to make every thing plain. The frequent occurrence of such difficulties led me closely to examine and compare all the original Texts, Versions, and translations as they stand in the London Polyglott, with some others not inserted in tiiat work; and from these, especially the Samaritan, Chaldee Targums, Septuagint, and Vulgate, I derived the most assistance; though all the rest contributed tiieir quota in cases of difficulty.

Almost as soon as this work was finished, I began my Comment on the four Gospels; and notwithstanding the preparations already made, and my indefatigable application, early and late, to the work, 1 did not reach the end of the fourth Evangelist, till eighteen months after its cominencemcnt. Previously to this, I had pui-jiosed to commit what I had already done to tlic press; but when I had all my arrangements made, a specimen actually set up and printed, and advertise- meiits circulated; ^ sudden rise in the price of paper, which I fondly hoped would not be of long continuance, prevented my procecdinc^. When this hope vanished, another work on the Scriptures, by a friend, was extensively announced: As I could not bear the thought of even the most distant appearance of opposition to any man, I gave place, being determined not to attempt to divide the attention of the public mind, nor hinder the general spread of a work, v;hich for auglit I knew, mi^lU supersede the necessity of mine. That work has been for some time completed, and the numerous subscribers supplied with tlicir copies. My plan liowever is untouched; and still finding from the call of many judicious friends, and especially of my Brethren in the Ministry, who have long been acquainted with my undertaking and its progress, that the religious public would gladiv recciA c a work on the plan which I had previously announced; I have, after much hesitation, made up my mind, and in the name of God, \\'ith a simple desire to add my mite to the treasury, having recommenced the rcvisal and improvement of my papers, now present them to the public. I am glad that Divine Providence has so ordered it, that the publication has been hitherto delayed; as the years, which have elapsed since my first intention of printing, have afforded me a more ample opportunity to rc-consider and correct what I had before done, and to make many improvements.

Should I be questioned as to my specific object in bringing this work before the religious world, at a time when works of a similar nature abound; I would simply answer, I wish to do a little good also, and contribute wj/ quota to enable men the better to understand the records of their salvation. That I am in hostility to no Work of this kind, the preceding pages will prove; and 1 have deferred my own, as long as in prudence I can. My tide is turned; life is fast ebbing out, and what I do in this way, I must do now, or rehnquish the design for ever. Tliis I would most gladly do; but I have been too long, and too deeply pledged to the Public, to permit me to indulge my own feelings in this respect. Others are doing much to elucidate the Scriptures; I wish them all, God's speed. I also will shew my opinion of these Divine Records, and do a httle in the same way. I wish to assist my fellow-labourers in the vineyard, to iead men to him who is the fountain of all excellence, goodness, truth, and happiuess, — to magnify his law and make it honourable, — to shew the wonderful provision made in his gospel for the recovery and salvation of a sinfbl world, — to prove that God's great design is to make his creatures hap|)y; and that such a salvation as it becomes God to give, and such as man needs to receive, is mthin the grasp of every human soul.

He who carefully and conscientiously receives the truths of Divine Revelation, not merely as a creed, but in reference to his practice, cannot fail of being an ornament to civil and religious society. It is my endeavour therefore to set these truths fairly and fully before the eyes of those who may be inclined to consult my Work. I do not say that the principles contained in viy creed, and which, I certainly have not studied to conceal, are all essentially necessary to every man's salvation \ and I should be sorry to unchristianize any person, Avho may think he has scriptural evidence for a faith in several respects diflferent from mine; I am sure that all sincere Christians are agreed on what are called the essential Truths of Di\dne Revelation; and I feel no reluctance to acknowledge, that men eminent for wisdom, learning, piety and usefulness, have differed among themselves and from me, in many points whicli I deem of great iniportaucc. While God bears with and does us good, wc may readily bear wiUi each otlier.

Of the COPY of the sacred text used for this work, it may be necessary to say a few words. It is stated in the title, that the Text " is taken from the most correct copies of tlie present authorized version." As several use this term, who do not know its meaning, for their sakes I shall explain it. A resolution was formed, in consequence of a request made by Dr. Reynolds, head of the Nonconformist party, to King James I. in the Co7iference held at Hamptoji-Court, 1603, that a New Translation, or rather a revision of what was called the Bishop's Bible, printed in 1568, should be made. Fifti/-four Translators, divided into six classes, were appointed for the accomplishment of tliis important work. Seven of these appear to have died before the work commenced, as only forty-seven are found in Fuller's List. The ncwies of the persons, the places where employed, and the proportion of work allotted to each class, and the rules laid down by King James for their direction, I give chiefly from Mr. Fuller's Church History, Book x. p. 44, &c.

Before I insert this account, it may be necessary to state Dr. Reynolds's request in the Hampton-Court Conference, and King James's answer.

Dr. Reynolds. " May your Majesty be pleased that the Bible be new translated: such as are extant not answering the original." \^Here he gave a few examples.']

Bishop of London. " If every man's humour might be followed, there would be no end of translating.'*

The King. " I profess I could never yet see a Bible well translated in English; but I think, that of all, that of Geneva is the worst. I wish some special pains were taken for an uniform translation, which should be done by the best learned in both Universities; then reviewed by the Bishops; presented to the Privy Council; lastly, ratified by Royal authority, to be read in tiie whole Church, and no other."

The Bishop of London in this, as in every other case, opposed Dr. Reynolds, till he saw that the project pleased the King, and that he appeared determined to have it executed. In consequence of this Resolution, the following learned and judicious men were chosen for the execution of the work.

WESTMINSTER. Doctor Andrezesy Fellow and Master of Pembroke Halt, in Cambridge; then Dean of 10. IVestmiiisUf, afterwards Bishop of tVinchester.

The Fentateiich: Dr. Overall, Fellow of Triiiiti/ Coll. Master of Kath. Hall, in Cambridge; then Dean the Story from of 67. Paul's, afterwards Bishop of Norzcich.

first Book of the Dr. Clarke, Fellov/ of Christ Coll. in Caznbridge, Preacher in Canterhury.

Chronicles ex- Dr. Laijield, Fellow of Tnn. in Cambridge, Parson of St. Clement Danes. Being clusively. skilled in architecture, his judgment was much relied on for the fabric of the Ta-

8. From the First of the Chiviiir/eSf with the rest of the Story, and the Hdgiograp/ia, viz. Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Canticles, Ecclesiastes.

7. The four greater Prophets, v,'n\\ the Lamentations, and the twelve lesser Prophets, of Trill. Coll. Mr. Chaderton, afterwards D. D. Fellow, first o{ Christ Coll. then Master of Emmanuel. Mr. Dillingham, Fellow of Christ Coll. beneficed at in Bedfordshire, where he died a single and a wealthy man. Mr. yJndrcus, afterwards D. D. brother to the Bishop of Winchester, and Master of

Dr. Kilby, Rector of Lincoln Coll. and Regius Professor.

Master Smith, afterwards D. D. and Bishop of Gloucester. He made the learned and religious Preface to the Translation. Mr. Brett, of a worshipful family, beneficed at Quainton, in Buckinghamshire. Mr. Fairclowe.

7. The Prayer of Mana seh, and the rest of the.dlpocrypha-f

7. The Epistles of St. Paul, and the Canonical Epistles.

Dr. Duport, Prebend of Ely, and Master of Jesus Coll.

Dr. Brainthttait, first, Fellow of Emmanuel, then Master of Gonvil and Caius Coll.

Dr. Radclifff'e, one of the Senior Fellows of Trin. Coll.

Doctor Burlowe, of Trinity Hall, in Cambridge, Dean of Chester, afterwards Bishop of

" Now, for the better ordering of their proceedings, his Majesty recommended the following i;iiles, by tlaem tobe^npgt carefully obser,v:(?d..

1. The ordinary Bible read in the Church, commonly called the Bishop's Bible, to be followed, and as little altered as the original will permit.

2. The names of the Prophets, and tlie Holy writers, with their other names in the text, to be retained as near as may be, accordingly as tlic}^ are \^ulgarly used.

3. The old ecclesiastical words to be kept, viz. as the word (Church) not to be translated

4. Wlien any word hath divers significations, that to be kept which hath been most commonly used by the most eminent Fathers, being agreeable to the propriety of the place, and the analogy of faith.

5. Tlie division of the Chapters to be altered either not at all, or as little as may be, if ne-

6. No marginal notes at all to be affixed, but only for tlie explanation of the Hebrew or

Greek words, which cannot, without some circumlocution, so briefly and fitly be expressed in the text.

7. Such quotations of places to be marginally set down, as shall serve for the fit I'eference of one Scripture to another.

8. Every particular man of each ccjmpariy to take the same chapter, or chapters; ^nd, having translated, or aiT^qnded them severally by himself, where he thinks good, all to meet together, confer what they have done, and agree for their part what shall stand.

9. As any one company hatli dispatched any one book in this manner, they shall send it to the rest, to be considered of seriously and judiciously; for his Majesty is very careful in this point.

10. If any company, upon the review of the book so sent, shall doubt, or differ upon any places, to sencl them word thereof, note the places, and therewithal send their reasons: to which, if they consent not, the difference to be compounded at the general meeting, which is to be of the chief persons of each company, at the end of the work.

1 1. Wlien any place of special obscurity is doubted of, letters to be directed by authority, to send to any learned in the land, for his judgment in such a, place.

12. Letters to be sent from every Bishop to the rest of his Clergy, admonishing them of this

Translation in hand; and to move and charge as many as, being skilful in the tongues, have taken pains in that kind, to send his particular observations to the company, either at Westminster, Cambridge, or Oxford.

13. The Directors in each company to be the Deans of Westminster and Chester for that place;

aiid the Iving's Professors in Hebrew and Greek in each University.

14. These Translations to be used, when they agree better with the j '

« Besides the said directions before-mentioned, three or four of the Iridsi Attbieiit and grave Divines in either of the UniversitieSj hot employed in translating^ to be assigiied bj'^ the Vice-chancellor wpon conference with the rest of the heads, to be overseers of the Translations, as well Hebrew as Greek, for the better observation of the fourth rule above specified. —

" And now after long expectation and great desire," says Air. Fuller, " came forth the new translation of the Bible (most beautifully printed) by a select and competent number of Dkhies appointed for tliat purpose; not being too many, lest one should trouble anodier; and yet many, lest many tilings might haply escape them. Who neither coveting praise for expedition, nor fearing reproach for slackness (seeing in a business of moment, none deserve blame for convenient slowness) had expended almost three years in the Work, not only examining the channeU by the fountain, translations with the original, which was absolutely necessary, but also comparing channels with channels, which was abundantly useful in the Spanish, Italian, French and Dutch (German) languages. — These, with Jacob, rolled ax<cai) the stone from the mouth of the xcell of life: so that now, even RacheVs weak women may freely come both to drink themselves, and xvatcr the focks of their families at the same. —

" Leave we then, those worthy men now all gathered to their fathers, and gone to God, however they were requited on earth, well rewarded in heaven for their worthy Work. Of whom, as also of that gracious KING that employed them, we may say, JJ'hcresoever the Bible shall be preached or read in the xdtole ii-orld, there shall also this that they have done be told in memorial of tlienn" Ibid. p. 57. &c.

The character of James the First h?^?, been greatly under rated. In the Hampton-Court Confer. ence, he certainly shewed a clear and ready comprehension of every subject brought before him; together with extensive reading, and a remarkably sound judgment. For the best Translation into any language, we are indebted under God to King James, who was called a hypocrite by those who had no religion; and a ^^er/^n/ by persons who had not half his learning. Both piety and justice require, that while we are thankful to God for the gift of his word, we should revere the memory of the man, who was the instrument of conveying the water of life, through a channel by which its purity has been so wonderfiilly preseiTcd.

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 faithfid of the rvhole. Nor is this its only praise: the Translators have seized the very spirit and sotil of the Original, and expressed this almost every where, with pathos and energy. Besides, our Translators have not only made a standard Translation; but they have made their Translation the standard of our language: the Enghsh tongue in their day was not equal to such a work—" but God enabled them to stand as upon mount Sinai,'* to use the expression of a learned iriend, " and crane tip their country's language to the dignity of the originals, so that after the lapse of 200 years, the Enghsh Bible is, with very few exceptions, the standard of the purity and excellence of the English tongue. The Original from which it was taken, is, alone, superior to the Bible translated by the authority of King James." Tliis is an opinion, in which my heart, my judgment, and my conscience coincidet.

t It IS not unknown that, at the Hampton-Court Conference, several alterations were proposed by Dr. lieynoUls and his associates to be made in tUe Liturgy then in coaimon use, as- well as in tlji; Bible. These however were in general Objected

This Bible was begun In 1607, but was not completed and published till 1611; and there are copies of it, which in their title pages, have the dates 1612 and 1613. This Translation was corrected.

to by the King, and only a few changes made, which shall be mentioned below. Whik on this part of the subject, it may not be unacceptable to the Reader to hear how the present Liturgy was compiled; and who the persons were, to whom this work was assigned; a work almost universally esteemed by the devout and pious of every denomination, and the greatest effort of the Refonnation, next to the translation of the Scriptures into the English language. The word LiTUKGY is derived, according to some, from Xirti, prayer, and e^yov, luork, and signifies literally the work or labour of prayer or supplication; and he who labours not in his prayers, prays not at all; or, more properly f^strov^yioi, from 7\eiTo; public or common, and t^yoif work, denoting the common or public work of Prayer, Thanksgiving, S^-c. in which it is the duty of every person to engage: and from ^lTa^£UB to supplicate, comes Ait«i Prayers, and hence, Ajraveia: LiTANY, supplication, a collection of prayers in the Liturgy, or public Service of the Church. Previously to the reign of Henry VIII. the Liturgy was all said or sung in Latin; but the Creed, the Lord's Prayer, and the Ten Commandments, in 1536, were translated into English, for the use of the common people, by the King's command. In 1545, the Liturgy v/an a\so permitted m English; as Fuller expresses it, "and this was the farthest pace the reformation stept in the reign of Henry the Eighth."

In the first year of Edward VI. 1547, it was recommended to certain grave and learned Bishops and others, then assembled by order of the King, at Windsor Castle, to draw up a Communion Service, and to revise and reform all other offices in the Divine Service: this service was accordingly printed and published, and strongly recommended by special letters from Seymour, Lord Protector, and the other Lords of the Council. The persons who compiled this work were the following:

1. Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury.

2. George Day, Bishop of Chichester.

3. Tfiomas Goodrick, Bishop of £/y.

4. John Skip, Bishop of Hereford.

5. Heniy Ilolbeack, Bishop of Lincoln.

6. Nicholas Ridley, Bishop of fioc/ies/er.

7. Thomas Thirlby, Bishop of Westminster.

9. John Taylor, then Dean, afterwards Bishop of Lincoln.

10. Doctor Jfatwes, Dean of &e/<;r.

1 2. Doctor John Redman, Master of Trinity College, Cambridge.

1 3. Doctor Richard Cox, then Almoner to the King, and afterwards Bishop of Ely,

It is worthy of remark, that as the frst translators of the Scriptures into the English language, were several c f them, pergecuted tmto death by the Papists, so, some of the chief of those who translated the Book of Common Prayer, (Archbishop Cranmer and Bishop Ridley,) were burnt alive by the same cruel faction.

This was what Mr. Fuller calls the first Edition of the Common Prayer. Some objections having been made to this work by Mr. John Calvin abroad, and some learned men at home, particularly in reference to the Commemoration of the Dead, the use of Chrism, and Extreme Unction, it was ordered by a Statute in Parliament (5 and 6 of Edward VI.) that it should be faithfully and godly perused, explained, and made fully perfect. The chief alterations made in consequence of this order were tliese: the General Confession and Absolution were added, and the Communion Service was made to begin with the Ten Commandments; the use of Oil in Confirmation and Extreme Unction was left out, also Prayers for the Dead; and certain expressions that had a tendency to countenance the doctrine of transubstantiation.

The same persons to whom the compiling of the Communion Service was entrusted, were employed in this revision, which was completed and published in 1548. On the accession of Queen Mary, this Liturgy was abolished, and the Prayer Book as it stood in the last year of Henry VIII. commanded to be used in its place. In the first year of the reign of Queen Elizabeth, 1559, the former Liturgy was restored, but it was subjected to a further revision, by which some i'ew passages were altered, and the petition in the Litany for being delivered from the tyranny, and all the detestable enormities of the Bishop of Rome, leflout, in order that conscientious Catholics might not be prevented from joining in the common service. This being done, it was presented to Parliament, and by them received and established, and the Act for Uniformity, which is usually printed with the Liturgy, published by the Queen's authority, and sent throughout the nation. The persons employed in this revision were the following:

and many parallel texts added, by Dr. Scattergood, in 1683; by Dr. Lloyd, Bishop of London, in 1701;' and afterwards by Dr. Paris, at Cambridge; but the most complete revision was made by Dr. Bloipieij, in the year 1769, under the direction of the Vice-chancellor and Delegates of the University of Oxford; in whicli, 1. tlie puncfiMiion was thorougldy revised; 2. the icords printed in Italics examined, and corrected by the Hebrew and Greek originals; 3. the jn'oper names, to the etymology of which, allmions are made in the text, translated, and entered in the margin; 4. the heads and running titles corrected; 5. some material errors in the chro7wIoff7/ rectified; and, 6. the margtJial references re-examined, corrected, and their number greatly increased. Copies of this revision are those, which are termed abo\ e, the most correct copies of the present authorized version; and it is this revision, re-cullated, re-examined, and corrected from typographical inaccuracies, in a oreat variety of jilaccs, tliat has been followed for the t€j;t, prefixed to these notes. But, besides these corrections, I have found it necessary to re-examine all the Italics; by those, I mean the words interspersed through tlie text, avowedly not in the original, but thought necessary by our Translators to complete the sense, and accommodate the idioms of the Hebrew and Greek to that of

1. Master Whitehead, once CbapUiu to Queen

4. Richard Cox, afterwards Bishop of E/y.

5. James Pilkington, afterwards Bishop of Durham.

6. Doctor 3Tai/, Dean of St. Paul's and Master of

7. Sir Thomas Sinitfi, Principal Secretary of State.

Of these Drs. Cox and 3Iay were employed on the first edition of tliis work, as appears by the preceding list.

In die first year of King James, I60'l-, another revision took place, and a few alterations were made, which consisted principally in the addition of some prayers and thanhgivings, some alteration in the Rubrics relative to the Absolution, to the Confinnution, and to the office of Private Baptism, with the addition of that part of the Catechism, whicli contains the Doctrine of the Sacraments. The other additions were A Thanksgiving for diverse Benefits — A Thanksgiving for fair Weather — A Thanksgiving for Plenty — A Thanksgiving for Peace and Victory, and A Thanksgiving for Deliverance from tltc Plague. See the Instrument in liymer, vol. xvi. p. 565, &c. When the work was thus completed, a royal T*roclamation was issued, bearing dale?tlarch Ist, 1604, in which the King gave an account of the Hampton Court Conference, the alterations that had been made by himself and his Clergy in the Book of Common Prayer, cunmianding it, and none othir, to be used throughout tke Kingdom. See the Instrument, Rymer, vol. xvi..p. 515.

In this stale liie Book of Couunon Prayer continued till the reign of Charles II. who, the 'ioth of October, 1660, " granted liis Commission under the Grieat Seal of England, to several Bishops and Divines, to review the Book of Common Prayer, and to prcpai-r such alterations and additions as they thought fit to ofter." In the following year, the King assetnbled the convocations of both the Provinces of C'u;Uoiwjr and York, and " authorized the Presidents of those Convocations, and otiier, the Bishops and Clergy of the same, to review the said Book of Common Prayer," &c. requiring them, " after mature consideration, to make such alterations and additions, as to tliera should seem meet and convenient." This was accordingly done, several prayers and some whole services added, and the whole published with the Act of Uniformity in the lUh of Charles II. 1661: smre which time, it has undergone no farther revision. Tins is a short history of a work, which, all who are aciiuainltd with it, deem superior to every thing of the kind, produced cither by ancient or modern times.

It would be disingenuous not to acknowledge, that the chief of those Prayers were in use in the Roman Catholic Church, from which the Church of England is reformed: and it would betray a want of acquaintance w ith Ecclesiastical Antiquity, to sup(>o3e that those Prayers and Services originated in that Church; as several of them were in use from the first ages of Clu'istianity, and many of the best of them, before the name of Pope or I'npery was known in the earth.

the Englisii language. Sec the sixth rule, p. xxii. In tliese I found gross corruptions, particularly -where they have been changed for Roman characters,;vvhereby words have been attiibuted to God which he never spoke.

The Punctuation, which is a matter of no small importance, to a proper understanding of the sacred Text, I have examined with thegrea,test care to me possible: by the insertion of commas where there were none before, putting semicolons for commas, the better to distinguish the members of the sentences; changing colons tor semicolons, and vice versa; and full points for colons, I have been, in many instances, enabled the better to preserve and distinguish the sense, and ca;-ry on a narration to its close, without interrupting the reader's attention by the intervention of improper «tops.

The References I have in many places considerably augmented, though I have taken care to reprint all that Dr. Blayncy has inserted in his edition, of which 1 scruple not to say, that as fixr as they go, they are tlie best collection ever edited; and I hope their worth will suffer nothing by the additions I have made.

After long and diligently weighing the different systems of Chronology, and hesitating which to adopt, I ultimately fixed on the system commonly received; as it appeared to me on the whole, though encumbered with many difficulties, to be the least objectionable. In fixing the dates of particular transactions, I have found much difficulty; that this was never done in any edition of the Bible hitlicrto offered to the PubHc, with any tolerable correctness, every person acquainted with the subject, must acknowledge. I have endeavoured carefldly to fix the date o^ each transaction "where it occurs; (and where it could be ascertained) shewing throughout the whole of the Old Testament, the year of the World, and the year before Christ, Avhen it happened. From the beginning of Joshua, I have introduced the years before the huUd'ing of Rome till the seven hundred and fifty-third year before Christ, when the foundation of that city was laid, and also introduced the Olympiads from the time of their commencement, as both these vEras are of the utmost use to all who read the sacred Writings, connected with the histories of the times, and nations, to which they frequently refer. And who that reads his Bible, will not be glad to find at what time of the sacred History, those great events fell out, of which he has been accustomed to read in the Greek and Roman historians? This is a gratification, which the present Work will afford f)-om a simple inspection of the margin, at least as far as those facts and dates have been ascertained by the best Chronologists.

In the Pentateuch, I have not introduced either the years of Rome or the Olympiads: because the transactions related in the Mosaic writings, are in general too remote from these ^ras, to be at all affected by them; and I judged it early enough to commence with them at the time when Israel was governed by the Judges. But as the Exodus from Egypt forms a very remarkable aiM-a in the Jewish history, and is frequently referred to, in the historical Books, I have entered this also, beginning at the 12th of Exodus, A.M. 2513, and have carried it down to the building of Solomon's Temple. This, I conceive, will be of considerable use to the Reader.

As to Marginal Readings, I could \vitli very little trouble, have added many hundreds, if not thousands: but as I made it a point of conscience, strictly to adhere to the present authorized Version in the Tea^t, I felt obliged, by the same principle, scrupulously to follow the Marginal Readings, without adding or omitting a7iy. Had I inserted some of my own, then my Text would be no longer the Tcj-t of the authorized Version, but an altered Translation, for the Marginal Readings constitute an integral part, properly, speaking, of the authorized Version; and to add anv thing, would be to alter this Version, and to omit any thing, would be to render it imperfect. wiien Dr. Blayney reused the present Version in 17G9, and proposed the insertion of the translations of some proper names, to the etymology of which, reforcnce is made in the Text, so scrupulous was he of making any change in this respect, that he submitted all his proposed alterations to a select Committee of the University of Oxford, the Vice-chancellor, and the Principal of Hertford College, and Wr. Professor Wheeler; nor was even the slightest change made but by their authority. All this part as well as the entire Text, I must, therefore, to be consistent with my Proposals, leave conscientiously as I found them, typographical errors and false Italics excepted. AVhatevcr emendations I have proposed either from myself or otliers, I have included among the Notes. Tliat the Marginal Readings, in our authorized Translation, are essential to the integrity of the Version itself, I scruple not to assert; and they are of so much importance, as to be in several instances, preferable to the Textual Readings themselves. Our conscientious Translators, not being able in several cases, to determine, which of two meanings borne by a word, or which of two words found in different copies, should be admitted into the Text, adopted the measure of receiving both, placing one in the Margin, and the other in the Text; thus leaving the Reader at liberty to adopt either, both of which in their apprehension, stood nearly on the same autliority. On this very account, the Marginal Readings are esseatial to our Version; and I have found on collating many of them with the Originals, that those in the Margin are to be preferred to those iu the Text, in the proportion of at least eight to ten.

To the Geography of the sacred Writings I have also paid the utmost attention in my power. I wished in every case to be able to ascertain the ancient and modern names of places, their situation, distances, &c. &c. but in several instances, I have not been able to satisfy myself. I have given those opinions which appeared to me, to be best founded; taking frequently the liberty to express my own doubts or dissatisfaction. I must therefore bespeak the Reader's indulgence not only in reference to the work in general, but in respect to several points both in the Scripture Geography/ and Chronology in particular, which may appear to him not satisfactorily ascertiiincd; and have only to say that I have spared no pains, to make every thing as correct and accurate as possible, and hope I may, without vanity, apply to myself on these subjects, with a slight change of expression, what was said by a great man, of a great work: " For negligence or dcficience, I have perhaps not need of more apology than the nature of the work will furnish: I have left that inaccin-ate, which can never he made exact; and that imperfect, which can never he completed." — Johnson. For particulars under these heads, 1 must refer to Dr. Hales's elaborate and useful work, entitled, A Nexo Analysis of Chronologij, 2 vols. 4to, 1809-10.

Tlie Summaries to each Chapter are entirely written for the purpose, and formed from a carefiil examination of the Chapter, verse by verse, so as to make them a iaithfal Table of Contents, constantly referring to the verses themselves. By this means, all the subjects of each Chapter may be immediately seen, so, as in many cases, to preclude the necessity of consulting a Concordance.

In the Heads or Head-lines to each Page, I have endeavoured to introduce, as far as the roon) would admit, the chief subject of the columns underneath; so as immediately to catcli tlic cyo of the Reader.

Quotations from tlic original Texts I have made as sparingly as possible: those whicli are introduced, I have endeavoured to make plain by a literal translation, and by putting them iu Eui-opeaii characters. Tlic Reader will observe, that though the Ilcbretv is here produced Itithout tlie points, yet the reading given in European characters, is according to the points, with very few exceptions. I have chosen this middle xcay to please, as far as possible, the opposers and friends of the Masorctic system.

The Controversies among religious peo})le I have scarcely ever mentioned: having very seldom referred to the Creed of any sect or party of Christians: nor produced any opinion, merely to confute or establish it. I simply propose xvhat I believe to be the meaning of a passage; and maintain 'what I believe to he the truth, but scarcely ever in a controversial way. I think it quite possible, to give my own views of the Doctrines of the Bible, without introducing a single sentence at which any Christian might reasonably take otlence. And I hope that no provocation which I may receive, shall induce me to depart from this line of conduct.

It may be expected by some, that I should enter at large into the proofs of the authenticity/ of Divine Revelation. — This has been done amply by others; and their works have been published in every form, and with a very laudable zeal, spread widely through the Public: on this account, I tliink it unnecessary to enter professedly into the subject. The different portions of the Sacred Writings, against which, the shafts of infidelity have been levelled, I have carefiilly considered; and I hope, sufficiently defended, in the places Avhere they respectively occur.

For a considerable time I hesitated whether I should attach to each chapter what are commonly called Re^exio^is, as these do not properly belong to the province of the Commentator. It is the business of the Preacher, who has the literal and obvious sense before him, to make Reflexions on select passages, providential occurrences, and particular histories; and to apply the Doctrines contained in them, to the hearts and practices of his hearers. The chief business of the Commentator is critically to examine his Text, to give the' true meaning of every passag6 in reference to the context, to explain words that are difficult or of dubious import; illustrate local and provincial customs, manners, idioms, laws, &c. and from the whole, to collect the great design of the inspired writer.

Many arc of opinion, that it is an easy thing to write Reflexions on the Scriptures. — My opinion is the reverse: commonplace observations, which may arise on the surface of the letter, may be easily made by any person, possessing a little common sense, and a measure of piety; but Reflexions, such as become the Oracles of God, are properly inductive reifsonings on the facts stated, or the doctrines delivered, and require not only a clear head, and a sound heart, but such compass and habit of philosophic thought, such a power to discern the end from the beginning, the cause from its effect, (and where several causes are at work, to ascertain their respective results, so that every effect may be attributed to its true cause,) falls to the lot of but few men. Through the flimsy, futile, and false dealing of the immense herd of Spiritualizers, Metaphormen, and Allegorists pure religion has been often disgraced. Let a man put his reason in ward, turn conscience out of its province, and throw the reins on tlie neck of his fancy, and he may write — Reflexions without end. The former description of Reflexions I rarely attempt, for want of adequate powers; tlie latter, my reason and conscience prohibit — Let this be my excuse Avith the intelligent and pious Reader. I have however, in this v/ay, done what I could. I have gene- rally, at tlic close of each chapter, siiinmcd up in a few particulars, t\vi facts or doctrines contained in it; and have endeavoured to point out to tiie Reader, the spiritual and practical use he should make of them. To these inferences, improvements, or whatever else they may be called, I have jfiven no specific name; and of llieni, can only say, that he who reads them, thou'di he may be sometimes disajipointed, will not always lose his labour. At the same time, I beo- leave to inform him, that I luue not deferred spiritual uses of important Texts, to the end of the chai)ter: where they should be noticed, in the occurring verse, I have rarely passed them by.