PREFACE. THE following pages are intended as an introduction to the study of Scripture, and are written with the view of being used by all classes of intelligent readers. On a first perusal by younger readers, it is suggested that the sections marked (*) in the table of Contents, be omitted, together with such paragraphs as may be thought too abstruse. The attempt to adapt the work to both young and advanced students, renders such a selection at the outset desirable; and the whole has been written so as to make the portions read in the first instance, easily intelligible and complete in themselves. On the other hand, any who wish to consult the book on particular subjects-as on the study of the Greek Testament, or on the proof of particular doctrines-can easily do so by the help of the index. If any wish to connect the study of these pages with the study of Theological Science generally, he will find the following classification important. Theology is Exegetical, Historical, Systematic, and Pastoral: Under the head of EXEGETICAL THEOLOGY are placed—PHILOLOGY, or the study of the languages of Scripture, with their cognate dialects, see ch. i. secs. 2, 4: ch. iv. sec. 5. CRITICISM, which aims first to establish a correct text, and secondly, to explain the peculiarities of the style, etc., of the several books, see ch. i. secs. 1, 3, 5, 6: ch. vi. sec. 1, and Introductions to Pent., Gospels, Epistles, etc. HERMENEUTICS, or the theory and practice of interpretation, ch. i. sec. 6: ch. iv., and ch. vi. Under the head of HISTORICAL THEOLOGY are placed— ARCHEOLOGY, with its two divisions; Biblical Archæology, which treats of ancient customs, etc., see ch. iv. sec. 6; and Ecclesiastical, which treats of the opinions of early Jewish and Christian sects and writers, see ch. iv. sec. 6: Part ii. ch. iv. sec. 2: ch. vi. sec. I: ch. vii. sec. 1. HISTORY OF DOCTRINE, of which this volume does not treat. Under the head of SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY are placed— DOGMATIC THEOLOGY, which treats of matters of faith, etc. PRACTICAL THEOLOGY, which treats of practice. See chaps. iii., v., vii., and Introduction to Cor., Romans, etc. Under the head of PASTORAL THEOLOGY are placedHOMILETICS, of which this volume treats but indirectly, see ch. vii. The PASTORAL CARE and ECCLESIASTICAL LAW, of which nothing is said here. The EVIDENCE OF CHRISTIANITY and the EXTERNAL HISTORY of the church of Christ are distinct branches of inquiry. Of the first, the following pages treat at some length, chap. i. sec. 1; chap. ii. secs. 1-4, etc. To some of the subjects enumerated in this list, this volume is only an introduction intended to guide the advanced reader to larger works; but on most, it will be found sufficiently full to enable earnest-minded inquirers to study and master the evidences, facts, and doctrines of Scripture for themselves. Its aim is to teach men to understand and appreciate THE BIBLE, and, at the same time, to give such information on ancient literature and history, as may aid the work of general education among all classes. a With the view of adapting the work more completely for use, a set of questions have been prepared, which give a full epitome of the whole, and may be had at 56, Paternoster Row. Sec. 2. The original languages of Scripture: Hebrew and the PECULIARITIES OF THE BIBLE AS A REVELATION FROM GOD Sec. 1. A revelation of God, of Christ, and of human nature, Sec. 1. Of the necessity for care in the study of Scripture. § 254-269. Sec. 2. Of the spirit in which the Bible should be studied, Sec. 5. Of the application of these rules to the study of the original Scriptures, § 312-338. Sec. 6. Of the use of external helps in interpretation; Jewish and heathen opinions; history, profane and ecclesiastical; chronology; natural history; manners and customs; geography, historical and physical, § 339-404. Sec. 7. Of the application of these rules to the interpretation of allegories, parables, types, and symbols, § 405-433. Sec. 8. Of the interpretation of prophecy, § 434-454. Sec. 1. Of the study of the doctrines of Scripture, § 455-464. PRINCIPLES AND RULES ILLUSTRATED IN THE QUOTATIONS OF THE Sec. 1. Genuineness and authenticity of the Pentateuch, § 7-13. Sec. 2. The Book of Job, § 14-17. Sec. 3. Of Hebrew poetry and the Poetical Books, § 18. Sec. 4. The Books of the Pentateuch arranged and epitomized with occasional helps, § 19-24. Sec. 5. The design of the Law; summary of its religious insti- HISTORICAL AND POETICAL BOOKS TO THE DEATH OF SOLOMON, Sec. 1. The Historical Books of Scripture generally, § 32-35. Sec. 2. Brief outline of these Historical Books, § 36. Sec. 3. The Books of Joshua, Judges, and Ruth, § 37-42. Sec. 4. The Books of Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles, § 43-51. Sec. 5. The Poetical Books-Psalms, Song of Solomon, Proverbs, Sec. 6. The whole arranged and epitomized, with occasional helps, HISTORICAL BOOKS FROM THE DEATH OF SOLOMON TO THE CLOSE OF Sec. 1. Brief historical view of this period; the Prophets in con- nection with history, § 69-73. Sec. 2. The nature of Prophecy during this period; Predictions arranged according to time and according to subjects, Sec. 3. The Books of Jonah, Joel, Amos, Hosea, Isaiah, Micah, |