Although many expositions of the Bible, of great and deserved celebrity, are happily extant in our language, a commentary sufficiently short to be read by those who have not leisure to consult learned and extensive works, yet sufficiently comprehensive to serve as a guide to the study of the Holy Scriptures, for general readers, is a desideratum. To supply this deficiency is the object of the present beautifully printed, cheap, and truly valuable work; which, though intended for the use of general readers,' comprises so much and such various information in a condensed form, expressed in neat and perspicuous language, that not only general readers, but also critical students, may gladly, profitably, and safely avail themselves of Mr. Holden's labours, without any apprehension of having imposed upon them, the neologian interpretations of modern German critics and commentators. Every page indicates Mr. Holden's intimate acquaintance with all the best exegetical works on the Holy Scriptures, both British and Foreign. Vol. I. appeared in 1834, Vol. II., containing the New Testament, was published as a separate work in 1830. See a notice of it in § 6. No. 46. p. 306. infrà.

38*. A Commentary on the Old and New Testament, in which the Sacred Text is illustrated with copious Notes, theological, historical, and critical; with improvements and reflections at the end of each chapter. By the Rev. Joseph SUTCLIFFE, A.M. London, 1834-35. Second Edition, carefully corrected. 1838-39. 2 vols. Imperial 8vo.

The text of our authorised translation is not given in this Commentary, which is equally adapted for the family and the study, and embodies the result of the author's labours for about forty years. During that period he states that he carefully studied the original Scriptures with versions, and the comments of the fathers, Chrysostom, Theophylact, and Jerome, and the more recent critical works of Beza, Cappel, Calvin, Cameron, Drusius, Estius, Grotius, Lightfoot, Marlorat, Menochius, Tirinus, Vatablus and others, who have applied their profound learning to the elucidation of the Sacred Volume. To English Commentators, the author's references are very few, "lest he should be a plagiarist from others, which” (he truly observes) “real industry has no need to be." Many valuable elucidations of difficult passages will be found in this work, which are passed over in larger commentaries. The reflections at the end of each chapter are characterized by simplicity of diction combined with earnest piety. Four well executed maps and a good general index add to the value of this unassuming commentary.

39. The Comprehensive Commentary of the Holy Bible; containing the Text according to the authorized Version; Scott's marginal references; Henry's Commentary condensed but given substantially; the practical observations of Dr. Scott, with extensive Critical and Philological Notes from Scott, Doddridge, Clarke, Poole, Patrick, Lowth, Burder, Harmer, Calmet, Stuart, the Rosenmüllers, Kuinoel, Bloomfield, and many others. Edited by the Rev. William JENKS, D.D. assisted by the Rev. L. J. Hoadley, and J. W. Jenks, M.A. Brattleboro, Vermont, 1334-38. 5 vols. imperial 8vo.

This compilation exhibits a condensation of all that is valuable in the deservedly esteemed commentaries of Henry and Scott on the entire Bible, and of Doddridge on the New Tes tament. The notes are compiled from the various critics enumerated in the title page; and, in general, the selection is made with judgment.

40. The Condensed Commentary and Family Exposition of the Holy Bible: containing the best criticisms of the most valuable Biblical Writers, with practical reflections, and marginal references; chronology, indexes, &c. &c. By the Rev. Ingram CовBIN, M.A. London, 1837. Imperial Svo. and royal 4to.

This work corresponds with its title page; it is literally a condensed commentary, derived from the best accessible sources. The notes are selected, with much brevity, but very judiciously, and are partly critical and explanatory, the others are practical. The results of the researches of nearly two hundred writers, British and Foreign, are here given in a very small compass. The typographical execution is singularly distinct and beautiful.

41. The Pictorial Bible; being the Old and New Testaments according to the authorised Version; illustrated with many hundred wood-cuts, representing the Historical Events after celebrated Pictures; the Landscape Scenes from original drawings or from authentic engravings; and the subjects of Natural History, Costume, and Antiquities, from the best sources. To which are added, Original Notes, chiefly explanatory of the

Engravings and of such Passages connected with the History, Geography, Natural History, and Antiquities of the Sacred Scriptures, as require observation. London, 1836-38. 4 vols. super royal 8vo.; also in 4 vols. 4to.

The title of this work fully expresses its design. The Old Testament fills the first three volumes, and the New Testament the fourth. The typographical execution, especially of the quarto copies, is very beautiful.

§ 4. PRINCIPAL COMMENTATORS ON THE OLD TESTAMENT, AND ON

DETACHED BOOKS THEREOF.

[i.] Commentators on the Old Testament.

1. RICHARDSON (Bishop). Choice Observations and Explanations upon the Old Testament, containing in them many remarkable matters, either not taken notice of, or mistaken by most: which are additionals to the large annotations made by some of the Assembly of Divines: to which are added some further and larger observations on the whole book of Genesis. By John RICHARDSON, Bishop of Ardagh. London, 1665, folio.

Bishop Richardson has been characterised by his contemporaries as a man of profound learning, well versed in the Scriptures, and of exact knowledge in sacred chronology. His Harmony of the Four Gospels, in which he led the way to a more accurate arrangement of the narratives of the four Evangelists, is printed in Archbishop Usher's Annals. Bishop Richardson's Annotations were published after his death: as they sell at a low price, they are not unworthy of the student's attention.

2. PYLE. A Paraphrase with short and Useful Notes on the Books of the Old Testament. By the Rev. Thomas PYLE, M.A. London, 17171725. 4 vols. 8vo.

These volumes extend to all the historical books of the Old Testament. Dr. Doddridge calls it "an elegant and judicious contraction" of Bishop Patrick's work, noticed in p. 256, suprà; and adds, that it is "vastly to be preferred to his Paraphrase on the Epistles,' which is mentioned in p. 307. No. 2. infrà.

3. MARCHANT. An Exposition of the Books of the Old Testament, extracted from the Writings of the best Authors, antient and modern. By John MARCHANT. London, 1745. folio.

4. ORTON. A short and plain Exposition of the Old Testament, with devotional and practical Reflections, for the use of families, subjoined to each chapter, somewhat in the manner of Dr. Doddridge's Family Expositor. By the late Rev. Job ORTON. 6 vols. 8vo. 1788-1791; second edition. London, 1822. 6 vols. 8vo.

The work was published after the author's death by Mr. Gentleman of Kidderminster : it contains notes chiefly collected from modern expositors, of which it cannot be said that they are eminently critical; but they often convey valuable instruction, and the reflections are admirably adapted to promote the purposes of serious religion." (Biographia Britannica, 2d edit. vol. v. p. 311. See also Month. Rev. O. S. vol. lxxix. p. 329.) To form a complete comment on the Scriptures, Mr. Orton's paraphrase may be joined with Mr. Palmer's abridgment of Dr. Doddridge, noticed in page 302. infrd.

5. Geddes. The Holy Bible, or the Books accounted sacred, otherwise called the Books of the Old and New Covenants, faithfully translated from the corrected Texts of the Originals, with various readings, explanatory notes, and critical remarks. By Alexander GEDDES, LL.D. 4to. London, vol. j. 1792. vol. ii. 1797. Critical Remarks on the Hebrew Scriptures, 4to. London, 1800. vol. i. on the Pentateuch.

The two volumes of Dr. Geddes's version include the historical books from Genesis to Chronicles, and the book of Ruth. Of the doctor's heterodox commentaries and version, the reader may see an ample examination and refutation in the 4th, 14th, 19th, and 20th volumes of the British Critic, old series. Some learned and able animadversions on Dr. Geddes's Critical Remarks on the Hebrew Scriptures were published at London in

1803, in 8vo. they were reprinted from the British Critic for the year 1802. The learned doctor's work is here noticed, lest the author should be charged with designedly omitting it.

[ii.] Commentators on Detached Books of the Old Testament.

ON THE PENTATEUCH.

1. Hora Mosaicæ: or a Dissertation on the Credibility and Theology of the Pentateuch. By George Stanley FABER, B.D. Second Edition. London, 1818. 2 vols. 8vo.

This elaborate Treatise contains the substance of the eight Bampton Lectures delivered by Mr. Faber before the University of Oxford, and published in 1801. "Those who have not the means or leisure to consult the very valuable works of Mr. Bryant, Mr. Maurice, and Sir W. Jones, in this line, will find in these volumes many of the most striking facts brought together, and so arranged as jointly to corroborate and confirm the events recorded in the Pentateuch. The references to other authors are numerous; nor are these confined solely to the antients. Additional notes and illustrations are to be found at the end of each volume." (Brit. Crit. vol. xix. O. S. pp. 382. 388.) The second edition, published in 1818, is very materially enlarged and greatly improved by its learned author.

2. Principles for the Proper Understanding of the Mosaic Writings stated and applied. By the Rev. J. J. BLUNT, B.D. London, 1833. 8vo.

2. The Character of Moses established for Veracity as an Historian, recording Events from the Creation to the Deluge. By the Rev. Joseph TOWNSEND, M.A. Vol. I. London, 1813: Vol. II. Bath, 1815, 4to.

For an analysis of this work, see the Quarterly Review, vol. xiv. pp. 96–112. and the Eclectic Review, O. S. vol. x. pp. 32-49.

3. The Laws of Moses viewed in connexion with the History and Character of the Jews, with a defence of the Book of Joshua against Professor Leo, of Berlin: being the Hulsian Lecture for 1833. To which is added an Appendix, containing Remarks on the Arrangement of the Historical Scriptures adopted by Gesenius, De Wette, and others. By Henry John ROSE, B.D. London and Cambridge, 1834. Svo.

For an analysis of this most able vindication of the Pentateuch and Book of Joshua from the attacks of German Neologians, see the British Critic, No. xxxiv. for April 1835, pp. 310-332.

3.* Annotations upon the Five Books of Moses, the Book of Psalms, and the Song of Songs or Canticles. By Henry AINSWORTH. London, 1639, folio.

This work "is a good book, full of very valuable Jewish learning; and his translation is in many places to be preferred to our own, especially on the Psalms." (Dr. Doddridge.) It was translated into Dutch in 1690, and is highly esteemed on the Continent.

4. A Commentary on the Five Books of Moses, with a Dissertation concerning the Author or Writer of the said Books, and a general argument to each of them. Ry Richard KIDDER, Bishop of Bath and Wells. London, 1694. 2 vols. 8vo.

A learned and valuable work, though now not often to be met with.

5. Johannis MARCKII in præcipuas quasdam partes Pentateuchi Commentarius: seu ultimorum Jacobi, reliquorum Bilhami, et novissimorum Mosis, quæ leguntur Genes. xlvii. 9. Numer. xxii-xxiv. et Deut. xxix-xxxiii. Analysis Exegetica. Lugd. Bat. 1713. 4to.

6. A Critical and Practical Exposition of the Pentateuch; with Notes, theological, moral, critical, philosophical, and historical. To which are subjoined two Dissertations:- 1. On the Mosaic history of the creation, and 2. On the destruction of the seven nations of Canaan. London, 1748. folio.

This Exposition is complied with considerable industry from the labours of the best interpreters, antient and modern. It was originally published in numbers, and was designed to nave been a complete commentary on the entire Bible: but not meeting with sufficient encouragement, the author (a Mr. JAMESON) proceeded no further than the Pentateuch. It is not of common occurrence.

7. A New and Literal Translation, from the original Hebrew, of the Pentateuch of Moses, and of the Historical Books of the Old Testament to the end of the second book of Kings; with Notes critical and explanatory. By the late Rev. Julius BATE. London, 1773. 4to.

"It is most certainly a new translation, and so very literal, as to be really unintelligible to a plain English reader." (Monthly Rev. O. S. vol. i. p. 106.)

8. The Pentateuch, or the Five Books of Moses illustrated; being an Explication of the Phraseology incorporated with the text, for the Use of Families and Schools. By the Rev. S. CLAPHAM. London, 1818. 12mo.

"As a substitute for expensive commentaries on the Bible, and as the means of providing in many interesting respects for the instruction and edification of those persons who may not have leisure to procure more copious volumes, the present work will be acceptable. The plan of it is judicious, and the execution is on the whole respectable, and must have cost the editor no inconsiderable expense and labour." (Eclectic Review, N. S. vol. xiii. p. 74.)

9. An Analytical Exposition of the whole First Book of Moses, called Genesis, and of xxiii. Chapters of his Second Book, called Exodus. Wherein the various readings are observed; the original text explained; doubts resolved; Scriptures paralleled; the Scripture Chronology from the Creation of the World to the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai cleared; and the whole illustrated by doctrines collected from the text. Delivered in a Morning Exercise on the Lord's Day. By George HUGHES, B.D., late Minister of the Gospel in Plymouth. (Plymouth) 1672. folio.

A very elaborate and curious work; it is not of common occurrence.

10. The Hebrew Text of the Parallel Prophecies of Jacob and Moses, relating to the Twelve Tribes, with a translation and notes, and the various lections of near forty MSS., &c. &c. By D. DURELL, D.D., Principal of Hertford College. Oxford, 1764. 4to.

GENESIS.

11. Joannis MERCERI Commentarius in Genesin. Geneva, 1598. folio. 12. Hexapla in Genesin: that is, a Sixfold Commentary upon Genesis, wherein six severall Translations are compared, where they differ, with the Originall Hebrew, and Pagnine and Montanus' Interlinearie Interpretation. Together with a sixfold use of every chapter, shewing, 1. The method or Argument; 2. The Divers Readings; 3. The Explanation of Difficult Questions, and Doubtfull Places; 4. The Places of Doctrine; 5. Places of Confutation; 6. Morall Observations. By Andrew WILLET. London, 1608. folio.

13. A Few and New Observations upon the Book of Genesis; also a Handful of Gleanings out of the Book of Exodus. By John LIGHhtfoot, D.D. Works, vol. i. p. 698. Lond. 1684. folio.

14. A Specimen of an Universal View of all the Eminent Writers on the Holy Scriptures: being a Collection of the Dissertations, Explications, and Opinions of learned Men, in all ages, concerning the difficult Passages and obscure Texts of the Bible; and of whatever is to be met with in profane authors which may contribute to the better understanding of them. By the Rev. Jonathan SMEDLEY, Dean of Clogher. 1728. folio.

This Specimen contains only the first chapter of Genesis; the work which it announces never having been published. The author proposed, 1. To exhibit at length the words of the inspired authors; 2. To quote the chief commentators in Pool's Synopsis, on every

subject, as they are ranged by him; 3. To set down the judgment of antient historians, philosophers, poets, &c.; and to reserve the last place for moderns, especially English and French Divines. A copy of this specimen is in the library of the British Museum.

15. A New English Translation, from the original Hebrew, of the Three First Chapters of Genesis, with marginal illustrations, and notes critical and explanatory. By Abraham DAWSON, M.A. London, 1763. 4to.

16. A Fourth and Fifth Chapter of Genesis, translated from the original Hebrew. By Abraham DAWSON, M.A. London, 1772. 4to.

17. The Sixth, and Eleven following Chapters of Genesis, translated from the original Hebrew, &c. &c. By Abraham DAWSON, M.A. London, 1786. 4to.

For an account of these publications, see the Monthly Review, Old Series, vol. xxix. pp. 293-299.; vol. xlvii. pp. 1-7.; and vol. lxxvii. pp. 140-147.

18. Annotations upon Genesis, with Observations doctrinal and practical. By the Rev. Thomas HARWOOD. London, 1789. 8vo.

This is a compilation from various authors," which, if not a brilliant, may in some degree be considered as a useful performance." (Monthly Rev. New Series, vol. iv. p. 106.)

19. Sacred Literature, or Remarks on the Book of Genesis, collected and arranged to promote the knowledge and evince the excellency of the Scriptures. By James FRANKS, A.M. London, 1802. 8vo.

This work is nearly similar in design and execution to the preceding; it consists principally of extracts from other books. The author has contented himself with forming the arrangement, which is clear and good, and inserting short passages to serve for connexion and elucidation. The volume begins with general remarks on the Scriptures, and then proceeds through the book of Genesis in the order of the chapters; containing in the whole three hundred and fifteen remarks upon that book, illustrative of the matter contained in it, and collected from the best authors of all descriptions." (Brit. Crit. O. S. vol. xxi. pp. 680, 681.)

20. The Book of Genesis with Explanatory and Practical Observations. By the Rev. R. W. SIBTHORP, B.D. London, 1835. Imperial 8vo.

20*. Hermanni VENEMA Dissertationes Selectæ ad Sacram Scripturam Veteris et Novi Testamenti: quarum Tom. I. Pars. I. continet Dissertationes quinque ad Librum Geneseos: Pars II. continet Commentarium ad Gen. xlix. 1-27. Leovardiæ, 1747–50. 4to.

21. Critical and Explanatory Notes on Genesis, Exodus, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, and the Minor Prophets; together with some Dissertations on several difficult Passages of Scripture, &c. &c. By the Rev. Henry DIMOCK. Gloucester; 1804. 4to.

22. A Dissertation on the Fall of Man; in which the Literal Sense of the Mosaic Account of that Event is asserted and vindicated. By the Rev. George HOLDEN, M.A. London, 1823. 8vo.

The Scripture History of the Fall of Man has met with many strenuous adversaries, who have endeavoured to explain it away in various ways; while it is utterly rejected by many of those who have rejected the doctrine of the atonement. In the fourth volume of this work (Chap. I. Sect. II. pp. 6-8.), the literal sense of the first three chapters of Genesis is briefly vindicated; but it has been reserved for Mr. Holden to consider the subject most fully and distinctly. All the efforts of perverted criticism to reduce the Mosaic History of the Fall of Man to allegory, fable, or mythos, are here examined in detail; and the objections of its adversaries to the literal sense of that history are minutely and satisfactorily refuted.

23. Two Dissertations:-1. On the Tree of Life in Paradise, with some Observations on the Fall of Man. 2. On the Oblations of Cain and Abel. By Benjamin KENNICOTT, M.A. Oxford, 1747. 8vo.

24. An Essay towards a Vindication of the vulgar Exposition of the Mosaic History of the Fall of Man. By John WITTY. London, 1705. 8vo.