mainder of their contents, to their high antiquity, to their deep interest as containing the record of the very first developement of the human mind, to the striking peculiarities of their history, structure, and language, they gave little attention. They read the Bible, and commented upon it, very much as if it were a modern book, written by some members of their own communion. Yet the great truths of religion are engraved so plainly on its pages, that the strong good sense of our old divines could not fail to perceive them. In their theological writings, the leading doctrines of the Scriptures are clearly stated and eloquently defended, and oftentimes admirably elucidated. Hence, though the great truths of the Bible have long been familiar to the student of English theology, the literature of the Bible is still, to a great extent, enveloped in darkness. We are enriched by the gold, but the delightful region in which the mines are situated, is still unexplored; and other mines yet remain to be opened, and still richer treasures to be discovered. Let no one, however, suppose that he can make any advances in this department of literature without long and thorough study. The first and indispensable requisite is a perfect familiarity with the Hebrew language. To attempt to investigate the literary beauties of the Bible by means of translations, is like attempting to study the great masters of the art of painting by means of wood cuts. To pretend to do it with a halting, imperfect knowledge of the language, is like pretending to an acquaintance with the same great masters by examining the wrong side of their canvass. Here a student must labour and be a student in reality. Oriental languages, feelings, and modes of thought, are not acquired in a moment. The Oriental Muses must be wooed in order to be won. The student must read much, and think closely, and habituate himself to patient and mature reflection; and perhaps have but little to show after all his toil. But that little is pure gold, and he knows its value, and in the silent joy of his heart, blesses God for the possession. To contribute in the smallest degree towards awakening such a spirit and exciting to such effort in a cause so noble, is a privilege for which any mortal man ought to be grateful. Considerations such as these have induced me to undertake the task of preparing for the press a new edition of LowTH's Lectures, much enlarged, and, as I would hope, considerably improved, and properly adapted to the present state of Sacred Literature in our country. To the Class of theological students, by whose request I commenced the work, and to Professor STUART, by whose advice I have been aided in the execution of it, I now cheerfully commit the result of my labours. Theological Seminary, Andover, Oct. 1, 1829. C CALVIN E. STOWE. |