been mostly re-written, and generally much extended.

The third part was not originally intended to comprise part of the publication; the idea suggested itself to the author's mind while the sheets of the preceding parts were passing through the press; and it was conceived that a few pages might be written upon the topics which it embraces, in perfect accordance with the original design of the work, and, indeed, that such an addition was necessary to the completion of an elementary scripture manual.

Upon reviewing what he has here presented to the christian public, the author finds that he has great need to propitiate its indulgence, for many imperfections both in the plan and details of the work. It will be of no avail to say that most of it has been written in haste, amidst many and pressing avocations, because he has voluntarily chosen to give it publication.

However, as there is no other work of the kind extant-referring particularly to the

first part

he hopes that it will be received

with that indulgence which has hitherto been extended to his efforts for promoting a knowledge of the sacred writings.

Islington,

March 18th, 1830.

CONTENTS.

PART I

A BIBLIOGRAPHICAL

AND CRITICAL ACCOUNT

OF THE ENGLISH BIBLE.

CHAP. I.-OF THE EARLY ENGLISH VERSIONS :Anglo-Saxon Versions.- Wycliffe's Translation. Tyndal's Bible.-Coverdale's Bible. Matthews' Bible.-Cranmer's Bible.-Geneva Bible. The Bishops' Bible.-General Observations on these Translations and Editions, particularly on that of Tyndal

1

CHAP. II.-OF THE MEANS EMPLOYED IN PREPARING THE AUTHORISED VERSION OF THE ENGLISH BIBLE

This Translation undertaken by order of King James. -Competency of the Translators.-State of Hebrew and Oriental Learning at the period of the undertaking.-Rules prescribed to the Translators. -Their Mode of Proceeding

22

CHAP. III.-CHARACTER OF THE AUTHORISED ENG

LISH BIBLE:

Importance of ascertaining the Real Character of the English Version.- Determinable by Examination and Proof.-Testimonies to its Fidelity::-"The Grand Committee for Religion," in 1652-Bishop Walton-Dr. Geddes-Dr. Adam Clarke-Rev. William Orme

36

CHAP. IV.-DEFECTS IN THE AUTHORISED ENGLISH

BIBLE:

This Version sufficient for all the Purposes of Christian Instruction.- Defects in it, arising from the Imperfect State of the MSS. and Versions employed -Want of Uniformity in translating - Improper Arrangement of Words-Supplemental Additions -Episcopal Predilections, &c.

46

CHAP. V. - OF THE PUNCTUATION AND DIVISIONS

ADOPTED IN THE ENGLISH BIBLE:

Original state of the Biblical Text.-Masoretic Punctuation.-Euthalian or Stichometrical Divisions.Division of Books- Parashim, Haptaroth, Siderim, and Pesukim-Lectionaries.-Ammonian Sections. Chapters and Verses. Advantages and Disadvantages of these Divisions in the Scrip

tures

61

CHAP. VI. ARRANGEMENT, CHRONOLOGY, MARGINAL READINGS, &c. of the ENGLISH BIBLE:

Arrangement of Books not Historical.-Chronology - Hebrew and Greek Computations. Marginal Readings, their Value. Summaries of Chapters, and Head Lines.-Closing Remarks

37