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PREFACE.

THE object of this compilation has been to consolidate the matter of the four Gospels so as to form it into one continuous narrative, and at the same time to enable the reader to ascertain with facility the source from which each part has been derived.

In the construction of this narrative, every word of each Gospel has been incorporated, except where the same words are found concurrently in more than one Gospel, or where the forms of concurrent expressions are such as not to admit of their coalescing: in the latter case the words not incorporated in the text are noted in the margin. In this way every word of all the four Gospels will be found either in the text or in the margin.

It has been necessary to add certain words, and been thought advisable to substitute others, in order to preserve the sense, or the grammatical construction: the words added and substituted are, however, carefully noted, and distinguished from those taken from the Gospels.

The nature of the compilation has made crudeness and tautology, in many places, unavoidable; but these defects of style have been thought of less moment, than that loss of authenticity, which would necessarily have resulted from an extensive modification of the text.

The verbal accuracy of the authorised version of the Gospels is assumed, and no criticism or comment is attempted.

The main endeavour has been, by placing the Gospel narrative before the reader in the form in which other narratives are now usually written, to enable him, unconsciously as it were, to receive all the information furnished by the four

Gospels combined, without the labour and distraction of consulting the several Gospels; and, at the same time, to facilitate reference to the Gospels themselves for verification of the text.

The arbitrary division of the Scriptures into chapters and verses, makes a greater demand upon the attention of the reader, than does a narrative in the usual form: and the comparison of different parallel accounts, even with the assistance of a Harmony, involves such additional concentrated attention, as can be looked for only in the earnest biblical student. This compilation, it is hoped, will enable even a casual reader, to follow out the thread of the Gospel history, without effort or distraction.

An explanation of the system of arrangement adopted is subjoined, and a reference table is added, by which it can be ascertained in what part of the work the chapters and verses of the different Gospels are incorporated.

A full Index to the Gospel history is also appended.

South Hampstead, 1869.

F. T. H.

EXPLANATION.

THE figure () in the text indicates that the portion preceding it has been taken from St. Matthew's Gospel. In like manner the figures (2) (3) and (1) indicate the Gospel from which the portions preceding them are taken, (2) indicating St. Mark's, (3) St. Luke's, and () St. John's Gospel.

The figures (1) (2) (3) and (*) after the words in the margin indicate in like manner the Gospels in which such words are found, in lieu of the words to which the notes of reference are appended.

The figure (5) indicates that the words preceding it are not found in any of the four Gospels, but have been either introduced or substituted.

The chapters and verses quoted in the margin shew what portions of each Gospel are incorporated in each particular page.

EXAMPLE.

CHAPTER XXII.

Parables-the Sower-the Tares and the Wheat-the Growing Matt. 13. 1-10. Seed-the Grain of Mustard Seed-the Leaven-the Hid Treasure the Pearl of Great Price-the Net and Fishes.

THE

HE same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side,1 and he began again to teach.2 And" great multitudes were' gathered together unto him,' and were come to him out of every city, so that he went into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude stood on the shore. And he spake many things unto them and 5 taught them 2 in parables, saying 1f unto them in his doctrine,2

2

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Mark 4. 1-10.

Luke 8. 4-9.

And when. 3 there was a great multitude. 2 much people were.3

entered.

d was by the sea on the land. 2 by parables. 2

by a parable,

f and said. 2

3

The figure (1) in the first line indicates that the whole of that line is taken from St. Matthew. The figure (2) in the second line indicates that the words "and he began again to teach" are taken from St. Mark.

The figure (1) in the third line indicates that the words "And great multitudes were gathered together unto him" are taken from St. Matthew.

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