of words ; this, the succession of arguments ; this, the emotion of the minds, etc."
He who comprehends the intention of this work, will not ex pect to find differences of opinion carefully enumerated and laboriously refuted, with the names of their advocates and the titles of their works. It is expedient indeed that some should undertake that office, and deduce the history of Scriptural inter pretation from century to centuiy ; few, however, possess the opportunity or the capacity for performing such a task ; though there are many who can search out and bring together many particulars for the general advantage. It is better, however, for the weak to be wholly ignorant of opinions which are in them selves foolish, and would scarcely enter into the mind of any one, than to have them recorded in connection with the passages to which they refer [even though in each instance they be carefully and successfully refuted]. We should fare badly, if, in order to ascertain the royal road of truth, it were necessary for us to obtain an accurate knowledge,1 and make a personal survey of all the tracks which lead away from it. — In fact, the true interpretation is more frequently buried than assisted by a multitude of con flicting opinions. I have, however, guarded the reader against some erroneous interpretations of modern date, without either naming the authors or quoting their words. The reader who is unacquainted with them will not perceive the allusion, nor is it necessary that he should do so ; whereas, he who is acquainted with them will understand what I mean. I touch also upon some rather probable interpretations as yet little discussed ; and where my own opinion might appear paradoxical, I support it by the consent of others, especially the ancients.
1 " In numerate habere," Quint. VI. 3, iii., " To have in readiness." — ED. Said to be an expression of Augustus. The phrase original!)' refers to " numeration argentum" — i.e. money paid down — actually counted out. — See Andrews, Ainsworth, Riddle, etc — (I. B )