ENTERED, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1870, by GEORGE W. CLARK, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New-York. PREFACE. FIFTEEN years ago, the author became deeply impressed with the want of Notes on our Common Version for Sabbath-Schools and Bible-Classes somewhat different from any then existing. Impressions became convictions, and convictions have been earnestly carried out. One result is the volume now given to the public. The aim has been to write a popular commentary on a critical basis; to explain the meaning of words, idioms, and phrases of the original; to exhibit the drift and object of the discourse or narrative in each particular place, the arguments used, the connection of thought as well as the general scope of the whole Gospel; thus presenting and illustrating the ideas, both doctrinal and practical, of the inspired word. It has also been the endeavor to avoid prolixity on the one hand and great brevity on the other. The mere detailing, therefore, of various views has not generally been attempted, but what has seemed to be the true one stated. Where, however, it seemed necessary, different views have been presented and discussed. Difficult passages have received attention, and no point on which a commonly intelligent Sunday-school teacher might wish light has been intentionally passed over. The latest results of exegetical and textual criticism, and of recent discovery, have been sought and incorporated in the notes. And, to make all as clear to the eye as possible, several kinds of type are used. The Chronology and Harmony of the Gospels have been kept in view, and wherever Matthew has come in contact with the other Evangelists, differences have been noted and difficulties explained. Thus, the individuality and independence of Matthew are really the more clearly seen, while a view of the four sides of the sacred narrative is thus obtained. For those wishing a tabular exhibit of these sides and relations, the Synoptical View of the Four Gospels is given (p. xiii.), presenting the arrangement adopted by the author in his Harmony. Brief Remarks or suggestions are added at the end of each chapter, and the sentiment confirmed by references from other portions of Scripture. Almost every verse is thus remarked upon, the whole forming by itself a brief 5272 56 JAN-31917 379425 |