ble to have written without having sometimes erred. Sensible of this, he wishes to be corrected, being persuaded that truth alone ought to be the aim of an interpreter of the sacred volume. From the very favourable reception which the former edition of this Work has met with, and the opinion which the best judges have been pleased to form of it, the author thinks himself warranted to consider his plan of the Harmony as just. This, joined with his desire to oblige those who wish to see the Paraphrase and Commentary completed, induced him, with the utmost care and accuracy, to finish his design. In this new edition, therefore, the reader will find the whole Gospels, without the omission of a single sentence, paraphrased and commented upon, in such a manner as to explain them to the meanest capacity. And farther, to render the Work as extensively useful as possible, there are now added six discourses of Jewish antiquities; one chronological dissertation; a discourse concerning the regard that is due to opinions derived merely from tradition; and an essay on the demoniacs. These, it is presumed, will be peculiarly acceptable, as they throw great light upon the history of our Lord in general, as well as upon many passages of it in particular. In short, it is hoped that the book will now be found a complete history of the life of Christ, and an accurate explication of his sermons, parables, conversations and miracles; which, together with the indexes, is peculiarly adapted to assist those who desire to study the Gospels with diligence and accuracy. In this study every Christian ought to employ himself, seeing it is universally acknowledged, that the Gospels contain the immutable laws of God, by which men ought to govern their lives here, and by which they will be judged hereafter. THE THE Concerning the order observed, and the connections used by the sacred writers in their histories, Concerning the similar particulars occurring in the sacred Concerning the knowledge of antiquity necessary for under- Of the books of the gospels, Chap. 1. Of the order in which the gospels were pub- 2. Of the time when the gospels were written. 3. Of the plan upon which the gospels were 6 Of the 15th of Tiberius, and of our Lord's age at his bap→ 31 184 185 The angel Gabriel appears to Zacharias in the temple, and Our Lord's genealogy by his supposed father. See § 16. The gospel begins to be preached. The mission, cha- racter, preaching, and reception of John Baptist, Jesus begins his ministry. His genealogy by his mother. Jesus is tempted of the devil in the wilderness, Messengers from the senate in Jerusalem come to John at Jesus and his disciples return from Bethabara into Galilee, Jesus drives the traders out of the temple. Foretels his own sufferings and resurrection the first time, see § 70. and Jesus settles at Capernaum, then calls his disciples to attend him, and makes a tour with them through Galilee, Jesus cures a demoniac in the synagogue of Capernaum, and heals Peter's mother-in-law. He cures many diseases, The woman who had the flux of blood is cured in the street of Capernaum: And in the same town Jairus's daughter Jesus cures two blind men and expels a demon. The Pha- risees ascribe his miracles to Beelzebub, Jesus makes a fourth tour through Galilee. He chuses Jesus preaches the sermon on the plain, Jesus cures a centurion's slave in Capernaum, The apostles receive their commission and instructions in Jesus goes to Nain, and raises a widow's son from the dead, John Baptist sends messengers to Jesus. They find him at Capernaum. Jesus vindicates the Baptist's character, Jesus dines with Simon the Pharisee in Capernaum, see § 87.92. and at table is anointed with fragrant oil for After the second possover, the disciples pluck the ears of corn The Pharisees in Capernaum ascribe Christ's miracles a se- cond time to Beelzebub. See § 35, 36. 86. He con- futes that calumny. They ask the sign from heaven the first time. See § 68. 86. The sign of the prophet Jonas promised the first time. See § 68. Our Lord's mother and brethren visit him. See § 53. 57. |