Now what the Evangelist _Philip_ was then to this devout _Ethiopian_, that, spiritual and gospel commentators are to us now. For though the grand lines of our christian faith and practice, are written in such plain and legible characters, “that he who runs may read;” yet if we duly search the scriptures, we shall find many things both in the Old and New Testament, into the due knowledge of which, we have need of some men, or of some good men’s works, to guide us. Various and abundant are the helps of this kind, with which the present age and people of this land are favoured; but amongst them all, in my poor opinion, next to holy Mr. _Mathew Henry’s_ incomparable comment upon the Bible; the Reverend _Samuel Clarke_’s Old and New Testament with annotations, seem to be the best calculated for universal edification. For they contain, though a short, yet (generally speaking) a full and spiritual interpretation of the most difficult words and phrases. A great many parallel scriptures, both as to matter and words, are most judiciously inserted. To this is added, an analysis, or the contents not only of near every book and chapter, but of almost every verse of every chapter in the whole Bible: and yet the notes and references are so disposed in the manner of printing, that the reader, if he hath no time for a further enquiry, may read the bare text without any interruption, or if but little time, he may almost with a single glance, see the meaning of any particular word, phrase, or passage, as he goes along. It must be confessed, indeed, that in the former editions, a few expressions in the explanatory notes seemed not so unexceptionable; but then it must be observed, that they were but few, and those in this edition, as I am informed, are for the most part corrected. It may be, that the curious and very critical reader may meet with some few that may have escaped present notice. But alas! if we forbear reading any book or comment, ’till we meet with one that will suit every taste and is liable to no exception, I fear we must never read at all. The best of mens books, as well as the best of men, are but men and the books of men, at the best: it is the peculiar property of thy life, and of thy book, O blessed JESUS! to be exempt from all real imperfections. Happy they who both in their writings and conduct come nearest to thy divine copy, and most blessed example!
If it should now be enquired who this Reverend _Samuel Clarke_ might be? Must I tell thee? He was one of the many worthies who were ejected by the _black Bartholomew act_. But let not this startle thee, courteous reader; for thou wilt here find no disputes about church government, no controversy about rites or ceremonies; but (as far as I am capable of judging) the mind of the ever-blessed GOD, opened and explained in a manner equally necessary and useful for all serious christians of all denominations. As such, I have spoken of it, both from the pulpit, and in private conversation, many years ago; and if any thing I have said, hath been, or shall be, in the least instrumental in promoting its present publication, or future usefulness, whatever exceptions may be made by persons of different sentiments, I shall look upon it as an honour conferred upon me, by our great and common LORD.