PREFACE. THE Author's intention originally was to have published in a single volume a series of Lectures which should, in their subject-matter, cover the entire Book of Genesis. But having completed the fifth Lecture, it occurred to him that he had reached a natural division of the series, and that it might be better to send to the press what he had already written; reserving the second half of the series, which would embrace the lives of the Patriarchs from Noe to Joseph, to form a second volume, should the publication be called for. The importance of the subjects treated in the present volume can hardly be overrated, and must be the Author's apology for presenting himself before the Catholic public. If it should induce any of his brethren in the Priesthood, more fitted for the work than himself, to follow his example and enter on the same field, one great end will certainly have been gained, viz. the increased study and knowledge of the Holy Scriptures on the part of the Catholic laity. It may be well to say, that there is very little in these Lectures that is original. The nucleus of the entire work consists of notes taken during the Author's collegiate life, the ideas of which have been developed or modified, as it happened, by his own reading during the last ten years. In conclusion, the Author begs to submit most unreservedly every word that he has written to the infallible judgment of the Church of God. Exton House, Feast of the Annunciation, 1873. |