reading and comparison of the historical books of the Bible itself; but in many cases the unlearned will require the assistance of those whose historical knowledge is more ample and diversified than their own. *

Having obtained a knowledge of the character and situation of the authors of the respective books, as also of the persons to whom they immediately refer, the next object should be,

2. To acquire a general knowledge of the subject matter of each book.

This very naturally divides itself into the two classes of HISTORICAL and DOCTRINAL matter, the former of which embraces geography and natural history, chronology, civil and political history, and general archæology; the latter comprises Jewish opinions, christian precepts, and the doctrines of heretical sects.-A word or two upon each of these topics. †

The author has endeavoured to collect all necessary information on these topics, in his Popular Introduction to the Study of the Scriptures, pp. 45-290. But to those persons whose means and time are very much limited, Mr. Leifchild's judicious "Help to the Reading of the Scriptures," is cordially recommended.

+ What follows in this chapter is chiefly derived from Stuart's "Elements of Interpretation,” Parꞌ ii. ch. 2. Holdsworth and Ball.

M

(1) The numerous references and allusions which the scripture writers make to the Geography of Palestine and the neighbouring countries, and also to their natural productions, render a knowledge of these indispensable, to enter fully into their meaning. Some acquaintance with the principal countries of Asia, and with some of Europe, will also be necessary, or at the least, desirable. *

(2) Chronology.— The interpreter of Scripture should have not only a knowledge of technical chronology, and of the Roman mode of reckoning ab urbe condita, and of the Greek Olympiads; but in respect to historical chronology, he should know in what order of time the events related in Scripture happened; when and where the first Roman emperors, and the various kings and princes that sprung from the house of Herod the Great, the Roman consuls

* The author has amplified this topic, and more fully pointed out the application of geographical and scientific knowledge, of the species above mentioned, in the interpretation of Scripture, in his " Popular Lectures on Interpretation." For a descriptive account of sacred geography he may be permitted to refer to his Popular Introduction," pp. 291-387.; and on its kindred subject, to his " Scripture Natural History,"

at the beginning of the empire of the Cæsars, the Jewish High Priests (and the number of them), and the Roman magistrates, especially in the provinces of Judea and Syria, succeeded each other.* Upon this subject I regret being obliged to say, that I know of no good work in the English language. The English student must glean his knowledge, in the best way he is able, from biblical dictionaries, commentaries, and similar works. Aspin's Chronology would have well answered the purpose, but I believe it was never completed.

(3) History, civil and political.—In regard to the history of events, and the forms of government, among the several nations referred to in the sacred books, the scripture student should acquire some information. The ancient history of the Jews first claims his attention; not merely as it is contained in the Old Testament, but in their traditionary accounts, which were extant in the time of Christ and his apostles. †

* See the Appendix.

+ Shuckford and Prideaux's Connections, with Dr. Russell's continuation, and of course, Josephus, will be found extremely valuable in the pursuit of this knowledge; but the extreme verbosity and obsolete style of the two former works, as well as the great

Next, the history of the Jews under the Herodian princes, and then under the Romans, will require to be run over; and, finally, the history of the Roman emperors at that period, and of the Roman prefects over the Asiatic provinces.

(4) The manners and customs, or general archæology of the Hebrews, Greeks, Romans, and other nations prominently referred to in the Bible, or whose history is interwoven with that of the Hebrews.

With reference to the DOCTRINAL Contents of the sacred books, it may be remarked, that so much as is directly concerned with faith and practice, will be rightly understood, when

quantity of irrelevant matter which they contain, will ever prevent them from becoming popular books. The author of this little volume had made some progress in a work upon the basis of these publications, and adapted for general use, but was induced to lay it aside some time since, upon the appearance of an English translation of Jahn's able History of the Jews, 2 vols. 8vo. Although this work does not entirely meet his views, it approaches sufficiently near to them to induce him to abandon his own undertaking, at least, for the present. To the above-mentioned works may be added, Benson's History of the First Planting of Christianity, 8vo.

the student rightly understands what each particular writer has inculcated; but as there is much which pertains in a special manner to the Jews, and as even the writers of the New Testament and their early readers were of this peculiar people, it will be of great utility,

(1) To know something of the sentiments of the Jews, at the different periods of their history, in regard to religion, especially of the three great sects into which the Jews were divided; namely, the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes. To this should be added an acquaintance with—

(2) The doctrines of the philosophical and heretical sects which flourished in the times of our Saviour and his apostles.-Without going the length of some learned men upon this subject, who have thought that almost every passage in the New Testament has a direct and special reference to the erroneous doctrines of the philosophers and heretics of the times, it is reasonables to suppose that there are many allusions to them in the sacred books. *

* On this and the previously mentioned topic, the reader will find sufficient information for general purposes in the author's " Popular Introduction," or in Jahn's" Biblical Archæology," translated into