In sending forth the first volume of a new expository- work upon the Gospels, I feel it necessary, in order to prevent misapprehension, to offer some explanation of the character and design of the work.
The " Expository Thoughts," which are now before the reader, are not a learned, critical commentary. I do not profess to exjDound every verse of the Gospels, grapple with every difficulty, attempt the solution of every hard text, and examine every disputed reading or translation.
The " Expository Thoughts" are not a continuous and homiletic exposition, containing practical remarks on every verse, like the commentaries of Brentius and Gualter.
The plan I have adopted in drawing up the " Expos- itory Thoughts" is as follows. I have divided the sacred text into sections or passages, averaging about twelve verses in each. I have then supplied a continuous series of short, plain " Expositions" of each of these