mily, in more instructive portions than they can be in the common form-the historical and devotional parts being united, will in general illustrate each other. No lesson exceeds a page in length, and for the greater ease of the reader, the numbers of the lessons and pages uniformly correspond. "The reading will thus not only be convenient and regular, but select, as those passages which it must be admitted cannot be publicly read to edification (and some such there are in the Old Testament history), will be either wholly omited, or only slightly referred to. By the supplementary verses, which are selected from other parts of the sacred writings, it may be expected that the mind will have a devotional turn given to it; and by this means, to gether with the hymn which follows, be furnished with materials for a prayer somewhat appropriate to the lesson which has been read. This will give both a unity and a variety to our devotional exercises, which, if conducted with judgment and piety, will render them more impressive than a constant repetition of nearly the same thoughts and phrases. On this account I would recommend that the hymn should be read even where it cannot be sung. "In family reading, the improvement of children, şervants, and less attentive persons, is one grand object, and their benefit has been kept in view through the whole of this work. At the same time I hope, that from the nature of its arrangement, and the various concise notes with which it is illustrated, it will not be found either unpleasant or unprofitable for the more deliberate perusal of the closet. For this purpose several tables, which contain much information in a little space, are interspersed. Chronology has been carefully attended to, and a copious index for the more convenient reference to particular parts, inserted. "In the execution of my plan, I have availed myself of the labours of many valuable writers, who have newly translated or published comments upon the whole, or upon select parts of the sacred volume. The criticisms and variations thus introduced, will, I trust, be found to elu. cidate the passages where they occur. In the Old Testament these are not numerous; and in the New, I have weighed with all the care and impar tiality that I could, every alteration from our common reading, which I have admitted. I can honestly say, that I have endeavoured to elicit truth, at the same time I am not so vain as to suppose, that in every intricate case I have found her. L'embrace this opportunity of avowing the strongest conviction of the general excellence and fidelity of our common version of the scriptures: but language is continually varying, and therefore some alterations of words, and even phrases, are occasionally necessary. The writers to whom I am most largely indebted are Whitby, Doddridge, Campbell, and Wakefield. It would have occupied more room than I could spare, and have answered no particularly valuable end, to have noticed, in all cases, from which writer I adopted every minute alteration; I therefore make this general acknowledgment, observing, that they frequently agree in using the same word, and that on some few occasions I have ventured to differ from them all. "The harmony I have adopted is that of Dr. Doddridge. For the general division of the prophecies relative to the Messiah, I am indebted to Gilpin's valuable exposition of the New Testament. Had I seen Craddock's Old Testament methodized, before a good part of this work was printed, my labour in harmonizing the books of Kings and Chronicles, and some parts of the second book of Samuel, would have been greatly alleviated, and a few alterations would have been made in the order of some of the lessons; particularly, Job would have been placed at the end of Genesis, and Ruth between the lessons now numbered 111 and 112. Percy, Gray, and Harwood, have all been consulted, and have supplied the brief accounts of the several books which I had room to insert; I should with great pleasure have made larger extracts from their learned and truly satisfactory works, if the nature of any plan would have permitted. To various other writers I am more or less indebted, but from those already named my principal assistance has been derived. and distant parts of the sacred writings. Had it been intended, by thus taking passages out of their original connection, to defend any particular views of christianity, or to argue, from passages thus classed, in favour of this or the other set of notions which have obtained amongst the followers of Jesus, I would have been the last man in the world to have made the attempt. All I have designed has been to throw together such portions as were either applied to the events with which they are connected by the sacred writers themselves, or which appeared to me best calculated to give a devotional turn to the narratives to which they are subjoined. The order in which the several passages are placed, has frequently been determined by the manner in which they seemed to read best. Some few passages from the Apocrypha are introduced, their real excellence will, I presume, be esteemed a sufficient apology for their admission. "The hymns, it will be perceived from the names affixed to them, have been collected from a great variety of authors. A large portion of them are from Dr. Watts, whose poetry and devotion, rarely equalled, we may venture to pronounce, will, upon the whole, never be exceeded in our churches. There are, however, in his excellent composures, some exceptionable lines and sentiments: these I have made no scruple of altering; and I embrace this opportunity of acknowledging the help I have received, in this part of my work, from a large volume of Hymns published in London a few years ago, collected by Dr. Kippis, Dr. Rees, Mr. Jervis, and Mr. Morgan, and used by their respective congregations. For those which are marked B. I acknowledge myself responsible. The lessons frequently contain a variety of subject: in such cases it cannot be expected that the hymn should embrace the whole; and the reader will find, that sometimes the supplement, rather than the lesson itself, leads to the hymn. In some few places, where the lesson is very long, the hymn alone will suggest the devotional turn of which the subject is susceptible. "I have only to request the candour of the pious reader in examining this humble attempt to render the perusal of the best of books more engaging and interesting to the generality of professors, than, from their conduct, it appears to have hitherto been. I can honestly say, it has cost me a great deal of labour, and that it is with much diffidence I usher it into the world. May the blessing of God accompany and rest upon it! Should it, in the smallest degree, prove the means of reviving amongst us a love of family devotion, and assist the sincere christian in the discharge of his duties, I shall esteem myself truly honoured and happy in its compilation." p. iii, iv. SPECIMEN LESSON IV. The Fall of Man.-After giving the history of this event from the book of Genesis, which we need not transcribe, the author adds, "This is the simple narrative, which it has pleased God to give us of the introduction of sin into our world; in whatever light it is understood, whether as real or allegorical, the melancholy result is the same; sin and misery have found their way amongst us: with what unfeigned gratitude should we turn from this gloomy scene, to the glorious light which the Gospel sheds upon us! ring to this first transgression, as by Wherefore, says the Apostle, referone man sin entered into the world, and death by sin*; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence the grace of God, and the gift by of one many be dead, much more grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift. For the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of "Romans v. 12, 14-21. "In this sentence, which to an English reader must appear very confused, the first and should have been rendered so: thus, As by one man sin entered into the world, 'so death by sin.' Our translators themselves have given this sense of the conjunc tion xar, in Luke xi. 2. and John vi. 57.” grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ. Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. For as by one's man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedi ence of one shall many be made righteous. Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound. That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord. "HYMN C. M. 66 THE FALL AND RECOVERY OF MAN. "NOT from the dust affliction grows, Nor troubles rise by chance; Yet we are born to cares and woes; A sad inheritance! "As sparks break out from burning coals, And still are upwards borne; So grief is rooted in our souls, And man grows up to mourn. "Great God, I own thy sentence just: And nature must decay: I yield my body to the dust, To dwell with fellow-clay. From God my Saviour comes. And Death, the last of all his foes, "WATTS." P. 4. mences with an introductory chapter, which states the design of the work, and is thus arranged. The various branches of literature and science considered, with reference to young men in the higher classes of life, as they are, I. CHRISTIANS; 11. as STUDENTS, who enjoy the advantages of a liberal education; III. as MEMBERS OF THE BRITISH CONSTITUTION. The consideration of these important relations in which they stand to society, has suggested the choice of the following subjects. The pursuit of them, carried to such an extent as is compatible with due artention to professional studies, is calculated to improve the faculties of the mind, to inform the understanding, strengthen the judgment, engage the memory in an agreeable exercise, and prepare a young man for the best perfomance of his various duties in life. TABLE OF CONTENTS. "Vol. I. Introductory Chapter.The design of the work. The various branches of literature and science considered with reference to young men in the higher classes of life, as they are, I. Christians; II. as Students, who enjoy the advantages of a liberal education; III. as Members of the British Constitution. The consideration of these important relations in which they stand to society, has suggested the choice of the following subjects. The pursuit of them, carried to such an extent as is compatible with due attention to professional studies, is calculated to improve the faculties of the mind, to inform the understanding, strengthen the judgment, engage the memory in an agreeable exercise, and prepare a young man for the best performance of his various duties in life. CLXXII. ELEMENTS OP GENERAL KNOWLEDGE, introductory to useful Books in the principal Branches of Literature, and Science. With Lists "Class I. Religion. Chap. I. The of the most approved Authors; in- Christian Religion. The reasonablecluding the best Editions of the Clas-ness of instructing children in the prinsics. Designed chiefly for the ju- ciples of religion at an early age. The nior Students in the Universities, and superior excellence of Christian Knowthe higher Classes in Schools. By ledge. Six of the leading proofs of HENRY KETT, B.D. Fellow and Christianity stated. I. The AuthenTutor of Trinity College, Oxford. ticity of the Books of the New Tes In Two Volumes, 8vo. Boards. tament. II. The Character of our Lord and Saviour. III. The Prophecies of which he was the subject, and those which he pronounced. IV. His Miracles. V. His Precepts, THE HE subjects of this work are divided into classes, and these are bdivided into chapters. It com or Christian Ethics. VI. The rapid and extensive propagation of the Gospel at its first preaching, under circumstances the most hostile to its success. Chap. II. The subject continued.-Reasons why the doctrines and precepts of Christianity have been attacked by infidels of all ages. Their cavils shewn to be weak, and their arguments proved to be inconclusive. The character and conduct of modern infidels furnish additional evidence to the truth of Christianity, as they are plainly foretold in Scripture. The absurdity of the opinions of the French philosophists and their followers relative to Universal philan throphy exposed. Genuine Christianity has produced the happiest effects upon the opinions, conduct, and institutions of mankind.-It was darkened by superstition, and intermixed with error by the papists-but was refined and brought back more nearly to the apostolical standard by the Reformation-particularly by the Protestant Establishment of the Church of England. Summary of the sublime truths of Christianity.It comprehends the last Revelation of the divine will to mankind—establishes the certainty of a future state-reconciles man to the dispensations of Providence-and qualifies him by a life of faith and obedience for the rewards of eternity. son, and Mr. Horne Tooke-Is both Chap. III. The subject continued.-Some of the purest writers of English recommended. - AschamRaleigh Speed -Taylor-Clarendon-Temple Barrow - Locke→→ Dryden-Swift-Addison-PopeMelmoth.-The excellence of the English translation of the Bible.—The practice of writing gives to conver sation, correctness, and elegance. The standard of the English lan guage.-Disagreement between our orthography and pronunciation→ how they ought to be regulated. The excellence of our language, when considered as the vehicle of some of the most instructive and delightful productions of the human mind. The settlement of the English colonies in North America and the East Indies will probably contribute to its perpetuity. "Class II. Language. Chap. I. Language in General.-Advantages resulting from a knowledge of various languages.-The theories of Lord Monboddo and Adam Smith relative to their origin examined. All lan- "Chap. IV. The Latin Language. guages derived from one original Its utility-It was formerly the source. The most rational system of general language of all persons of the origin of speech accords with the education for conversation as well as Scriptural account of Moses.-Alpha- writing. Its. origin. — Inferior to betical characters are the most per- Greek.-Its beauties and discrimifect. Representation of ideas-their nating features. The progress of its origin and progress-those of modern improvement. Sketch of the purest Europe may be traced to one source. writers-Terence-Lucretius-CiceThe distinctions between ancient and ro-Nepos-Cæsar--Livy-Virgil— modern languages. Origin of the Horace-Ovid-Catullus-Tibullus Italian and French languages. The Phædrus. Points in which Latin rise of the modern languages forms a are inferior to Greek writers. curious part of the history of the dark ages. 46 Chap. II. The English Language. Its origin and progress. The simplicity of its grammatical construction-Has been brought more nearly to a regular standard by the writings of Bishop Lowth, Dr. John. A de generacy of style remarkable in Ta- imitation for writers of Latin are "Chap. V. The Greek Language. Chap. VI. Eloquence. Fine encomium on eloquence by Cicero.Four different beads under which the productions of eloquence may be considered. I. The Sources of Argument, II. The Nature of Style. III. The Arrangement of the different parts of a Discourse. IV. Proper Action and Delivery, The Eloquence of ancient and modern Times. What Examples to be proposed for the Imitation of a public Speaker Demosthenes Lord Chatham-Lord Mansfield Cicero Burke, &c. - "Class III. History. Chap. I. History in General.-Historical information is calculated to gratify that curiosity which is common to all periods of life. The methods adopted in the early ages of the world to transmit the knowledge of events to posterity-The defects of such methods completely remedied by history. The advantages of a knowledge of history. Its most important branches, 1. The History of the Jews. IL Of Greece. III. Of Rome, IV. Of Modern Europe, England. Statistics, biography, and V. Of the letters of eminent persous, are highly useful and pleasing in an historical point of view. Chronology and Geography are the lights of history. Coins, medals, and laws, furnish it with strong auxiliary evidences. Jews. The accomplishment of some "Chap III. The History of the remarkable prophecies, relating both Christian Revelation, and the evito the affairs of the Jews, and to the dent proofs, that the Jews were selected as the peculiar people of God, render their sacred books highly in. teresting. I. The remote Antiquity of these Books-the proofs of their Authenticity-the sublime nature of their contents. II. The Institutions, Manners, and Customs of the ancient Jews. The Knowledge and Worship them from all other Nations in the of the One True God discriminated World. Opinions and Institutions upon their III. The Effects of their literary Compositions. The Characters of Moses-David-Solomon Isaiah-Jeremiah-Daniel. The Accuracy of the Scripture Chronology proved by Sir Isaac Newton. IV. AdStudy of the Holy Scriptures in genevantages to be derived from the ral.-Praise of the English Translathe Holy Bible. tion. Sir William Jones's Opinion of 66 Greece.-Origin of the Greeks. The Chap. IV. The History of descriptions of Homer correspond with the most authentic accounts of Athens and Sparta the most eminent their early manners and condition. and government. The influence of of the Grecian states-their religion their respective institutions upon manners and characters. The most splendid era of Athenian greatness. Characters of some illustrious perPausanias sons during that period-MiltiadesAristides-Socrates. The sufferings Cimon-Themistoclesof patriots and philosophers under a democratical form of government. Degraded state of the fair sex. Hard condition of slaves.-Digression on the treatment of slaves in ancient moderns to the West Indies. Contimes, and of those conveyed by the trast between the Greeks and Persians. "Chap. V. The subject continued. emulation upon the elegant arts and -The great influence of liberty and literature of Greece. The peculiar Chap. II. The subject continued. Sappho-Pindar-Eschylus-Soexcellence of Grecian poets-Homer -Comparison between ancient and phocles-Euripides-Aristophanesmodern historians-sketch of a complete writer of history given as a orators-Pericles-Demades-Hypestandard whereby to ascertain the ridesEschines Demosthenes merits of historians. Menander Theocritus. Grecian Historians-Herodotus-Thucydides |