TO THE REV. JOSEPH HOLDEN POTT, ARCHDEACON OF LONDON, AND VICAR OF ST. MARTIN'S IN THE FIELDS. IN looking back to those sentiments of regard which I addressed to you in the former impressions of this work, it is gratifying to me to find the friendship of my earlier days confirmed by the reflections of maturer age; and to renew, at a more advanced period of life, the expression of the most lively feelings of attachment and respect. The repeated proofs of approbation which this volume has experienced, have led me to endeavour to render the present edition more deserving of the public sanction and more useful as well to students in divinity as to the general reader. With this view I have introduced additional remarks and corrections in various parts of the work, and have carefully (iv) revised the authorities produced, noting as accurately as possible, the references, and accommodating them to the best editions, particularly to those of the Fathers, and early writers. The extensive encouragement which the work has received, will afford, I trust, some subject of satisfaction to you; especially from the recollection of the favourable opinion which you expressed on its appearance, conferring a value upon the first fruits of my application to those studies which you had assiduously encouraged me to cultivate; and countenancing an early tribute of veneration for those Scriptures, of which, by your learned and judicious remarks, you have often pointed out the perfections, and of which you uniformly illustrate the beneficial influence by the distinguished example of your conversation and life. I remain, with very sincere regard, Your most faithful friend, ROBERT GRAY, DURHAM, April 22, 1822. PREFACE. THE Useful Key to the New Testament, by Doctor Percy, Bishop of Dromore, suggested the idea of the present work, first published in 1790. It was apprehended that a similar assistant to the perusal of the Books of the Old Testament, would prove equally convenient to those who might not have either leisure or opportunities to consult larger publications, for scattered information. A difference in the description of the books here treated of, has compelled the Author to adopt a more diffusive and discursive method of conducting his subjects than that which is followed by the learned Prelate. The uncertainty of the dates and authors of some books, the objections to opinions generally established, and the mixed character, and miscellaneous con tents of the works considered, have necessarily occasioned complicated and extended discussions. The Author was desirous of exhibiting in one point of view, the probable period of each book, the character and design of its writer, and the proofs of, or grounds of disputing its inspiration. He wished to present the reader with a general sketch of the respective importance of each, of its intrinsic pretensions and external sanctions; and to impart, in a compendious description, whatever might contribute to illustrate its history and contents. This, He has done in a manner as concise as possible, considering it consistent with his plan to prefix general information and remarks as introductory, and separately to examine such questions as were immediately connected with the particular scope of the individual book. He judged it also improper to deliver opinions, without stating the reasons on which they were founded, or to adopt decisions on disputed or doubtful points, without producing, at least, the most considerable objections that might be urged against them, least the Reader should be led to decide on partial grounds. |