صور الصفحة
PDF
النشر الإلكتروني

question, whether the Jew beheld this or that doctrine and truth in this or that ceremony, so much as to draw attention to the ceremonies themselves, that they may be examined and studied, in order to explain expressions and allusions to Jewish rites which so frequently occur in the gospels and apostolic epistles.

In all cases where it was practicable, the compiler has derived his information from the Holy Scriptures. Where that sure light failed him, he has obtained his information from sources acknowledged by the learned to be good and sufficient authority. At first it was his intention to have given these quotations and names at the bottom of the pages, but, where so many were to be consulted, who in some minor points differed from one another, he found it was more convenient, on the exercise of his own judgment, to embody the result of his reading and judgment in a continuous manner. These authorities were such as Lardner, Prideaux, Jennings, Lamy, Graves, Beausobre, Josephus, and especially the indefatigable Hartwell Horne, who has collated and condensed much of previous research upon these subjects.

It is hoped it may not be considered to savour of presumption, to recommend this little book for the use of those who are engaged in the education of youth. Indeed, it was commenced in the first instance for that very purpose a young friend having requested information on some things herein contained. All teachers, imbued with the bible themselves, must feel that it is not enough that their charge should read the sacred volume, but that they should also understand what they read.-That they should, in fact, not only be educated for the world,

but for God—that they should be instructed not only in human learning, but also in that which is divine—that the natural scope, the practical bearing and import of all scripture should be enforced, line upon line, and precept upon precept. If this be not the case, much that is in the Bible will be unintelligible, and it will, because not understood, be an uninteresting and neglected study. On the contrary, if the Old Testament, the Jews and their sacred institutions, be studied and understood, not only will the subject become interesting, but it will explain the revelation of the gospel of Jesus Christ, both when it is heard, and when it is read, and become a source of spiritual improvement.

The writer therefore sends forth his unpretending volume with the prayer that it may be accompanied with the divine blessing-that it may be the means of diffusing a more extended knowledge of God's most holy word. -The praise whereof shall be unto Him with the Son, and with the Holy Ghost throughout all ages.

W. G. H.

Exeter, July, 1847.

« السابقةمتابعة »