Billeder på siden
PDF
ePub

AN

ANALYSIS AND SUMMARY

OF

NEW TESTAMENT HISTORY,

INCLUDING

THE FOUR GOSPELS HARMONIZED INTO ONE CONTINUOUS NARRATIVE;
THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES AND CONTINUOUS HISTORY OF ST. PAUL;
AN ANALYSIS OF THE EPISTLES AND BOOK OF REVELATION;

THE CRITICAL HISTORY, GEOGRAPHY, ETC.;

WITH COPIOUS NOTES,

HISTORICAL, GEOGRAPHICAL, AND ANTIQUARIAN.

BY J. T. WHEELER, F. R. G. S.

PROFESSOR OF MORAL AND MENTAL PHILOSOPHY AND LOGIC IN
THE PRESIDENCY COLLEGE, MADRAS.

AUTHOR OF AN ANALYSIS AND SUMMARY OF HERODOTUS,' AND "AN
ANALYSIS AND SUMMARY OF THUCYDIDES," ETC.

[merged small][graphic][subsumed][merged small]

ARTHUR HALL, VIRTUE, AND CO., 25, PATERNOSTER ROW

1859.

101. i. 121.

[graphic][merged small][subsumed][merged small]

PREFACE.

THE present work differs in so many respects from the former volumes of the same Series, that a detailed account of its contents will be necessary for a proper understanding of its scope and object.

In the first place, although the title of an "Analysis and Summary" has been continued, for the sake of preserving its uniformity with the Series, yet the present volume may be regarded more as an "Analysis and Paraphrase;" for instead of an abridged summary of facts, the narrative has been frequently expanded for the more full development of the meaning; and all the discourses and parables of our Lord, which, even in our translation, are often regarded with the same holy veneration as if they had been written in the vernacular tongue of the period, are here given entire in the very words of our authorized English version, but in a smaller type, and divided into paragraphs like the other portions of the work.

From the title thus modified, the reader may conclude that the object of the accompanying work is as follows. First, To reproduce the Gospels and Acts in a typographical form and style the most capable of fixing them in the memory of the

b

English student. Secondly, To incorporate such historical, chronological, geographical, and antiquarian information, either in the sacred narrative itself, or in notes at the foot or margin of each page, as should guide the reader through all the intricacies of the inspired relation, and, as far as possible, render the whole as easy of comprehension as a modern history. Lastly, To store the mind of the student, gradually, and from the very commencement of the volume, with every species of illustration and elucidation necessary for a complete understanding of the narrative, and which, if not sufficient to enable him to master every difficulty, will at least prepare him for more recondite study.

In carrying out this design, the author has studiously avoided all doctrinal points likely to interfere with the general usefulness of his work. Guided, as he hopes, by the great fundamental principles of the Church of England, and of the Reformation, which are duly and faithfully recognised by all true Protestants of every denomination; he has left it to parents and tutors to explain the right view in minor controversial matters. Practical notes, however, will be found on the miracles and parables of our Lord, together with a few of a critical character, as occasion required.

In accordance with the foregoing plan, the author has divided the New Testament History into two parts, viz. the Gospel and the Apostolic; and from the differences of subject and arrangement, it will be necessary to describe these two divisions of the work under separate heads.

I. In compiling the Gospel history, it was found advisable to harmonize and digest the four Evangelical accounts into one continuous narrative, upon the basis of " Greswell's Harmonia Evangelica." This is separated into divisions, and each division into paragraphs; all of which have the contents

appended in a peculiar type ;* these contents are also thrown together at the commencement, and thus form a comprehensive analysis of both the narrative and the discourses in all the Four Gospels. This portion of the work is illustrated by the addition of the chronology and geography in the margin of every page; by a profusion of historical and explanatory notes, and a careful mapping out of the years of our Lord's ministry, and the days in Passion week, on the authority of Greswell; and by the addition of an introductory outline of the political state of the Jews at our Lord's advent, forming a continuation to the Connexion between the Old and New Testament, included in the "Analysis and Summary of Old Testament History.". The author would also draw the especial attention of the student to the Synchronistical Table† at p. 17-19, which comprises the history of Palestine under the successors of Herod the Great, from the birth of our Lord until the destruction of Jerusalem, and is arranged in parallel columns, and preceded by a general view of Herod's family. The apparent discrepancies between the different evangelical accounts are pointed out and explained as they occur; and in

* The prominent black type which I have used for my contents throughout the present Series, and which is technically called Clarendon type, is now being very generally adopted in similar publications, though prior to the appearance of my Analysis and Summary of Herodotus in 1848 it was comparatively unused. Indeed many attempts were then made to dissuade me from using what was thought so vulgar a letter, but its recent adoption in such works as Dr. W. Smith's Classical Dictionary, and the English translation of Freund's Latin Dictionary, and other publications of a similar class, and the universal praises it has received from numerous Reviews, afford a sufficient testimony both to its usefulness and beauty.

This Table, which of course is copyright, was drawn up at a greater expense of time and labour than, at first sight, would be imagined, and whilst the author is willing that it should be rendered as useful as possible, he expects that it will not be appropriated without consent.

« ForrigeFortsæt »