FROM THE NATURAL FORCE OF THE WORDS, THE SIMPLICITY, DEPTH, CONSISTENCY,1
OF THE DIVINE REVELATION THEREIN CONTAINED IS INDICATED.2
1 " CONCINNITAS — SENSUUM ccELESTitiM," literally, "The symphonious harmony — of the heavenly meanings — (I. B.)
2 " Indicatur." — In allusion to, and explanation of the title Gnomon. — See Preface, sect, vii., and note. — (I. B.)
WRITTEN AT THE COLLEGE OF HERBRECHTINGEN, 20TII MARCH A.D. 1742, AND AFTERWARDS REVISED.
I. The WORD OF GOD, written in the books of the Old and
New Testaments, is the greatest of all His gifts. II. It should be rightly handled.
III. Commentaries were not necessary in primitive times.
IV. How far they are useful in later times.
V. The several ages of Scriptural Exegesis distinguished. VI. The origin of the present work. VII. The title, " Gnomon Novi Testamenti," explained ; with
some account of the author's object and design. VIH. Suggestions as to how to distinguish the pure and genuine Text of the New Testament, and to combine it pru dently with the Textus Receptus.
IX. The " CRISIS" of Gerard von Maestricht examined. X. The Text carefully revised, the foundation of the present
Exegesis. XI. And the same Text divided into Sections, and correctly
punctuated.
XII. The Style of the Apostolic Writings vindicated from mis representation.
XIII. The Books of the New Testament reduced into Synoptical Tables.
XIV. The inherent force of words considered ; especially of the Greek words, and that with due regard to Hebraism.
XV. The feelings [affectus, mental affections'] and tone of mind [mores, #0?j, manners] of the Sacred Writers considered. XVI. The various methods of Annotation derivable from
these considerations.
XVII. Previous writers are seldom cited in the present work. XVIII. What has been contributed in the present work espe cially towards the elucidation and illustration of each of the Gospels ?
XIX. What towards that of the Acts and Epistles ? XX. The Apocalypse again treated of: Dr Joachim Lange's agreement and disagreement with the author's views thereon : the Ordo Ternporum. XXI. The Author s Orthodoxy.
XXII. His desire to assist those also, who do not understand Greek.
XXIII. The Style employed in the present work.
XXIV. The Technical Terms introduced.
XXV. The usefulness and moderate size of the Gnomon. XXVI. Concerning the Author's German Interpretation of
the New Testament.
XXVII. An exhortation to the constant and diligent study of Holy Scripture.
GRACE AND PEACE BE MULTIPLIED TO THE CHRISTIAN READER,