first the sense was made better, stronger, clearer, or more consistent with the context: secondly, where the sense being equally good, the phrase was better or nearer the original. To the latter, who think the alterations too few, and that the translation might have been nearer still, I answer, this is true: I acknowledge it might. But what valuable end would it have answered, to multiply such trivial alterations as add neither clearness nor strength to the text? This I could not prevail upon myself to do so much the less because there is, to my apprehension, I know not what, peculiarly solemn and venerable in the old language of our translation. And suppose this a mistaken apprehension, and an instance of human infirmity; yet, is it not an excusable infirmity, to be unwilling to part with what we have been long accustomed to; and to love the very words by which God has often conveyed strength or comfort to our souls! 6. I have endeavoured to make the notes as short as possible, that the comment may not obscure or swallow up the text and as plain as possible, in pursuance of my main design, to assist the unlearned reader for this reason I have studiously avoided, not only all curious and critical inquiries, and all use of the learned languages, but all such methods of reasoning and modes of expression as people in common life are unacquainted with: for the same reason, as I rather endeavour to obviate than to propose and answer questions, so I purposely decline going deep into many difficulties, lest I should leave the ordinary reader behind me. 7. I once designed to write down barely what occurred to my own mind, consulting none but the inspired writers. But no sooner was I acquainted with that great light of the Christian world, (lately gone to his reward,) Bengelius, than I entirely changed my design, being thoroughly convinced it might be of more service to the cause of religion, were I barely to translate his Gnomon Novi Testamenti, than to write many volumes upon it. Many of his excellent notes I have therefore translated. Many more I have abridged, omitting that part which was purely critical, and giving the substance of the rest. Those various readings likewise, which he has showed to have a vast majority of ancient copies and translations on their side, I have without scruple incorporated with the text; which after his manner I have divided all along (though not omitting the common division into chapters and verses, which is of use on various accounts) according to the matter it contains, making a larger or smaller pause, just as the sense requires. And even this is such a help in many places, as one who has not tried it can scarcely conceive. 8. I am likewise indebted for some useful observations to Dr. Heylin's Theological Lectures: and for many more to Dr. Guyse, and to the Family Expositor of the late pious and learned Dr. Doddridge It was a doubt with me for some time, whether I should not subjoin to every note I received from them the name of the author from whom it was taken; especially considering I had transcribed some, and abridged many more, almost in the words of the author. But upon farther consideration, I resolved to name none, that nothing might divert the mind of the reader from keeping close to the point in view, and receiving what was spoken only according to its own intrinsic value. 9. I cannot flatter myself so far (to use the words of one of the above-named writers) as to imagine that I have fallen into no mistakes in a work of so great difficulty. But my own conscience acquits me of having designedly misrepresented any single passage of Scripture, or of having written one line with a purpose of inflaming the hearts of Christians against each other. God forbid that I should make the words of the most gentle and benevolent Jesus a vehicle to convey such poison. Would to God that all the party names, and unscriptural phrases and forms, which have divided the Christian world, were forgot and that we might all agree to sit down together, as humble, loving disciples, at the feet of our common Master, to hear his word, to imbibe his Spirit, and to transcribe his life in our own! 10. Concerning the Scriptures in general, it may be observed, the word of the living God, which directed the first patriarchs also, was, in the time of Moses, committed to writing. To this were added, in several succeeding generations, the inspired writings of the other prophets. Afterward, what the Son of God preached, and the Holy Ghost spake by the apostles, the apostles and evangelists wrote.This is what we now style the Holy Scripture: this is that word of God which remaineth for ever: of which, though heaven and earth pass away, one jot or tittle shall not pass away. The Scripture therefore of the Old and New Testament, is a most solid and precious system of Divine truth. Every part thereof is worthy of God; and all together are one entire body, wherein is no defect, no excess. It is the fountain of heavenly wisdom, which they who are able to taste, prefer to all writings of men, however wise, or learned, or holy. 11. An exact knowledge of the truth was accompanied in the inspired writers with an exactly regular series of arguments, a precise expression of their meaning, and a genuine vigour of suitable affections. The chain of argument in each book is briefly exhibited in the table prefixed to it, which contains also the sum thereof, and may be of more use than prefixing the argument to each chapter; the division of the New Testament into chapters having been made in the dark ages, and very incorrectly; often separating things that are closely joined, and joining those that are entirely distinct from each other. 12. In the language of the sacred writings, we may observe the utmost depth, together with the utmost ease. All the elegancies of human composures sink into nothing before it: God speaks not as man, but as God. His thoughts are very deep and thence his words are of inexhaustible virtue. And the language of his messengers also is exact in the highest degree: for the words which were given them accurately answered the impression made upon their minds and hence Luther says, "Divinity is nothing but a grammar of the language of the Holy Ghost." To understand this thoroughly, we should observe the emphasis which lies on every word; the holy affections expressed thereby, and the tempers shown by every writer. But how little are these, the latter especially, regarded? Though they are wonderfully diffused through the whole New Testament, and are in truth a continued commendation of him who acts, or speaks, or writes. 13. The New Testament is all those sacred writings in which the New Testament or covenant is described. The former part of this contains the writings of the evangelists and apostles: the latter, the revelation of Jesus Christ. In the former is, first, the history of Jesus Christ, from his coming in the flesh to his ascension into heaven; then the institution and history of the Christian Church, from the time of his ascension. The revelation delivers what is to be, with regard to Christ, the Church, and the universe, till the consummation of all things. BRISTOL HOT-WELLS, January 4, 1754. NOTES ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. MATTHEW. THE Gospel (that is, good tidings) means a book containing the good tidings of our salvation by Jesus Christ. St. Mark in his Gospel presupposes that of St. Matthew, and supplies what is omitted therein. St. Luke supplies what is omitted by both the former: St. John what is omitted by all the three. St. Matthew particularly points out the fulfilling of the prophecies for the conviction of the Jews. St. Mark wrote a short compendium, and yet added many remarkable circumstances omitted by St. Matthew, particularly with regard to the apostles, immediately after they were called. St. Luke treated principally of the office of Christ, and mostly in a historical manner. St. John refuted those who denied his Godhead: each choosing to treat more largely on those things, which most suited the time when, and the persons to whom, he wrote. The Gospel according to St. Matthew contains I. The birth of Christ, and what presently followed it 4. His genealogy b. His birth c. The coming of the wise men d. His flight into Egypt, and return II. The introduction a. John the Baptist b. The baptism of Christ c. His temptation and victory III. The actions and words by which Jesus proved he was the Christ a. At Capernaum iii, 1-12 13-17 iv, 1-11 12-16 Where we may observe 1. His preaching 2. Calling Andrew and Peter, James and John 3. Preaching and healing, with a great concourse of people 4. Sermon on the mount many that were sick 17 18-22 23-25 v, vi, vii, viii, 1-4 5-13 14-15 16-17 b. In his journey (wherein he admonished two that offered to follow 2. Calls Matthew, and defends his conversing with publicans and sinners 9-13 3. Answers concerning fasting 14-17 4. Raises Jairus's daughter (after curing the issue of blood) 18-26 5. Gives sight to two blind men 27-31 6. Dispossesses the demoniac 32-34 7. Goes through the cities, and directs to pray for labourers 10. Commends John, reproves the unbelieving cities, invites the weary 7-30 14. Cures the demoniac, while the people wonder, and the Pharisees blaspheming, are refuted 22-37 1. Herod having killed John, doubts concerning Jesus. Jesus retiring, is sought for by the people 2. He heals the sick, and feeds five thousand 3. His voyage and miracles in the land of Gennesaret 4. Unwashen hands 5. The woman of Canaan 6. Many sick healed 7. Four thousand fed 8. Those who require a sign reproved 9. The leaven of the Pharisees IV. Predictions of his death and resurrection a. The first prediction xiv, 1-13 14-21 22-36 xv, 1-20 21-28 29-31 32-38 xv, 39; xvi, 1-4 5-12 1. Preparation for it by a confirmation tnat he is the Christ 2. The prediction itself, and reproof of Peter b. The second prediction 1. The transfiguration, and silence enjoined . 6. The request of James and John; humility enjoined 7. The two blind men cured V. Transactions at Jerusalem before his passion 13-20 21-28 xvii, 1-13 14-21 22-23 24-27 xviii, 1-20 21-35 xix, 1-2 3-12 13-15 16-22 23-26 27-30 XX, 1-16 17-19 20-28 29-34 xxi, 1-11 12-17 18-22 23-27 28-32 33-44 45-46 xxii, 1-14 15-22 23-33 34-40 41-46 xxiii, 1-12 13-36 37-39 |
