" Preservative against Popery," which he has translated into the vernacular tongue, under the title of " Mantissa1 Apocali/ptica." The " Critical Examination" however, coincides with what the author has said on the subject in his Latin Commentary on the Glory of Christ. I have thought it expedient, therefore, to take the present opportunity, to examine the principal sinews of his commentary, and reply to his " Critical Examination." As soon as I heard of the appearance of that " Critical Examination," I determined to yield to truth, if established by that most accom plished commentator, with no less delight than that with which I should defend it, if found on my own side. Having made myself master of the treatise, I found some things culled from my work and touched upon, which either pleased or displeased this author. I in my turn will explain, in what portion that distinguished man has delighted me by his assent, or by his dis sent invited me to reconsider my opinion ; and as he has exer cised the greatest courtesy towards me, so will I maintain the greatest respect towards an old man, whose hospitality I shared in 1713, and whose friendship I have enjoyed ever since.
1. He disagrees with me especially concerning the Beast, and the Whore.— See pp. 371-405.
Answer. — There is, I grant, a great difference between them : but in what that difference really consists, we have considered in our annotations on Revelation xiii. 1.
2. He infers thence (referring the reader to his former com mentaries), that I, no less than Vitringa, am generally mistaken in the interpretation of the Seven Seals, and Seven Trumpets, and, therefore, of the whole book. — See p. 405.
Answer. — My interpretation of the Beast and the Whore, being vindicated, reciprocally supports, and is supported by the remaining portions of my exposition. There are many things, of which the " Critical Examination" has given plausible ex planations (pp. 371, sqq., 394, sqq., 400, sqq.), but they do not interfere with me ; for I myself acknowledge them as true. A discussion of the matters in dispute would have been much more desirable. I find, however, something which astonishes me. I had examined in my book, pp. 500—504, the main features of the Apocalyptic system set forth by Dr Lange, mentioning the 1 Mantissa, a Tuscan word : a make-weight, and so, a gain. — ED.