ADVERTISEMENT TO THE FOURTH EDITION. THE present Edition has been carefully revised and corrected throughout. By further enlarging the pages, as well as by condensing that part which treats on the interpretation of Scripture, the Author has obtained room, without increasing the price of the volume, for numerous additions; which, he trusts, will be found to render this Manual more permanently useful as a Compendious Introduction to the Study of the Bible, and not unworthy a continuance of that patronage with which his labours have hitherto been honoured. PREFACE. THE little Manual, now offered to the Public, has been undertaken in consequence of requests long since communicated to the Author, and frequently repeated, that he would prepare an ANALYSIS or Abridgment of the four octavo volumes of his larger "Introduction to the Critical Study and Knowledge of the Holy Scriptures;" as an assistant to the Studies of Gentlemen at the Universities and other Seminaries of Theological Literature, as also of those individuals who may respectively possess that work, and to whom such an auxiliary would be acceptable. At the same time, the present volume has been so arranged, as to form a Comprehensive Guide to the Study of the Bible, adapted to the use of GENERAL READERS: it will be found to contain, I. A Summary of the Evidences of the Genuineness, Inspiration, &c. of the Holy Scriptures, refuting the most modern objections of Infidels ; II. An Outline of the Literary History, Criticism, and Interpretation of the Bible; III. A Compendium of Biblical Geography and Antiquities; and IV. Introductory Prefaces to the several Books of Scripture. In preparing this Manual for the press, the order of the larger Introduction has generally been followed; the Parts and Books, into which it is divided, corresponding with the volumes and parts of volumes in that work. Those bibliographical, critical, and other details only have been omitted, which either would not admit of abridgment, or which would be uninteresting to the generality of English readers. In lieu of the copious Lists of Books on every department of Sacred Literature contained in his larger work, the Author has subjoined, in an Appendix, a Catalogue of the most valuable books on the study of the Scriptures, principally those which are most easily to be procured, with occasional bibliographical notices, and with their current prices. And he has also given a List of Select Chapters of the Bible, forming an Epitome of the Old and New Testaments, adapted to perusal in the family or in private, together with chronological and other Tables; which he trusts, with the Divine blessing on his labours, will contribute to facilitate the devout and attentive reading of "the Holy Scriptures, which ALONE are able to make us wise unto salvation, THROUGH FAITH which is in Christ Jesus." |