17. The Six and Eleven following Chapters of Genesis, translated from the original Hebrew, &c. &c. By Abraham Dawson, M. A. London, 1786. 4to. For an account of these three elaborate pieces, see the Monthly Review, Old Series, vol. xxix. pp. 293-299.; vol. xlvii. pp. 1–7.; and vol. lxxvii. pp. 140—147. 18. Annotations upon Genesis, with observations doctrinal and practical. By the Rev. Thomas Harwood. London, 1789. 8vo. This is a compilation from various authors; "which, if not a brilliant, may in some degree be considered as a useful performance." (Monthly Rev. New Series, vol. iv. p. 106.) 19. Sacred Literature, or Remarks on the Book of Genesis, collected and arranged to promote the knowledge and evince the excellency of the Scriptures. By James Franks, A. M. London, 1802. Svo. This work is nearly similar in design and execution to the preceding; it consists principally of extracts from other books. The author "has contented himself with forming the arrangement, which is clear and good, and inserting short passages to serve for connection and elucidation. The volume begins with general remarks on the Scriptures, and then proceeds through the book of Genesis in the order of the chapters; containing in the whole three hundred and fifteen remarks upon that book, illustrative of the matter contained in it, and collected from the best authors of all descriptions." (Brit. Crit. O. S. vol. xxi. pp. 680, 681.) 20. Notes on Genesis, Exodus, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, and the Minor Prophets. By the Rev. H. Dimock. Gloucester, 1804. 4to. 21. Expository Discourses on the Book of Genesis, interspersed with practical reflections. By Andrew Fuller. London, 1806. 2 vols. 8vo. The late respected author of this work has long been known by his able publications on the absurdity of deism, and the immoral tendency of Socinian tenets. These "Expository Discourses," which are short and fifty-eight in number, were originally delivered as lectures to Mr. Fuller's congregation at Kettering. "The author selects a paragraph of convenient length, and furnishes a concise exposi tion of its leading circumstances, accompanied with a few practical reflections, and occasionally with a useful criticism. The paragraphs are not inserted at length, but referred to by the initial and final verses. Much originality of critical remark must not be expected, nor must the reader be surprised, if he often meet with a trite and obvious reflection; but we will venture to promise him, much more frequently, a manly, judicious, and useful train of observation, expressed in simple and vigorous language." (Eclectic Review, O. S. vol. ii. part ii. p. 896.) 22. Lectures on the Book of Genesis. By J. Rudge, D. D. F. R. S. London, 1823. 2 vols. 8vo. Though not a Commentary on the book of Genesis, "The Mosaic History of the Creation of the World, illustrated by Discoveries and Experiments derived from the present State of Science, by Thomas Wood," (8vo. London, 1818) deserves a notice in this place as a very elaborate illustration of the first chapter of Genesis. Science is here rendered the handmaid of Revelation. To the work is prefixed a view of the cosmogony of the antients, which exhibits very considerable research. The religious improvements are both natural and scriptural: the doctrine of the Trinity is here scripturally defended, and its authorities are clearly adduced. A philosophical exposition of the first chapter of Genesis is attempted in "The Antient Principles of the True and Sacred Philosophy, as lately explained by John Hutchinson, Esq. Originally published in Latin by A. S. Catcott. Translated, with Notes, and a Preliminary Dissertation on the Character and Writings of Moses. By Alexander Maxwell." London, 1822. 8vo. EXODUS. 23. Exodus; a corrected Translation, with notes, critical and explanatory. By William Hopkins, B. A. London, 1784. 4to. The translator has, in general, executed his task with fidelity; and "where it could be done with propriety, (or where the readings of the Samaritan copy would permit it,) he has adopted,' he says, the English vulgar translation, in order to prevent any prejudices, that might be infused into the minds of the common peo; ple by uncharitable bigots. In the notes we meet with little that can gratify the taste of curious and critical readers; and his severe reflections on the articles and liturgy of the church of England might well have been spared in a work of this nature." (Monthly Rev. O. S. vol. lxxii. p. 412.) JOSHUA AND THE OTHER HISTORICAL BOOKS. 24. Josua Imperatoris Historia, illustrata atque explicata ad Andrea Masio. Antwerp, 1574, folio; and also in the Critici Sacri. A work of very considerable value, on account of its containing the readings of the Syriac Hexaplar version, the manuscript of which Masius possessed. This manuscript is said to have been written in the year 606, and is the only one that preserves the readings of Joshua, as given by Origen. 25. Joh. Henr. Michaelis, Chr. Ben. Michaelis, et Joh. Jac. Rambachii, Notæ uberiores in Hagiographa. Halæ, 1735—1751. 3 vols. 4to. Of this work, the Elder Michaelis wrote the annotations on the first book of Chronicles, the Psalms, book of Job, and Song of Solomon; C. B. Michaelis was the author of those on Proverbs, the Lamentations of Jeremiah, and the Prophet Daniel; and the notes on the second book of Chronicles, Ruth, Esther, Nehemiah, and Ecclesiastes, were written by Rambach. 26. J. G. Dahler, de librorum Paralipomenorum auctoritate atque fide historica. 8vo. Lipsiæ, 1819. 27. A Critical History of the Life of David, in which the principal events are ranged in order of time; the chief objections of Mr. Bayle and others against the character of this prince, and the Scripture account of him, and the occurrences of his reign are examined and refuted; and the Psalms which refer to him are explained. By the late Rev. Samuel Chandler, D. D. London, 1766. 2 vols. 8vo. A book above all praise; it was occasioned by the publication, in 1762, of a vile and blasphemous tract entitled "The History of the Man after God's own heart." 28. Lectures on the Book of Ruth. By G. Lawson, D. D. Lon don, 1805. 12mo. 29. Lectures on the Book of Esther. By G. Lawson, D. D. 12mo. London, 1809. For accounts of these two works, the reader is referred to the Eclectic Review, vol. i. part ii. pp. 684-691. and vol. iii. part i. pp. 479–483. 30. A. G. F. Schirmer, Observationes Exegetico-Criticæ in Librum Esdræ. Vratislaviæ, 1820. 4to. ON THE POETICAL BOOKS GENERALLY. 31. The Annotations of Michaelis above noticed. 32. A Paraphrase on the Books of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes, with notes, critical, historical, and practical. By Lawrence Holden. 1764. 4 vols. 8vo. "To what class of readers this performance will be useful or agreeable, we really know not; but this we verily believe, that persons of taste, learning, or judgment, will find very little in it to engage their attention." (Month. Review, O. S. vol. xxxi. p. 73.) The public opinion seems to have been in unison with that of the Monthly Reviewers; the book has never been popular, and is to be purchased at a very low price; on which account, this notice is inserted as a caution to the student who may be inexperienced in the real value of books. 33. Critical Remarks on the Books of Job, Proverbs, Psalms, Ecclesiastes, and Canticles. By D. Durell, D. D. London, 1772. 4to. See Monthly Review, O. S. vol. xlvii. pp. 119–129. 34. Joh. Chr. Doederlein Scholia in Libros Veteris Testamenti Poeticos. Halæ, 1779. 4to. JOB. 35. A Translation of the Book of Job, with annotations, arguments, and dialogues on each chapter, is given in the second tome or part of the celebrated Hugh Broughton's works, pp. 246-294. 36. An Exposition, with Practical Observations on the Book of Job. By Joseph Caryl. London, 1669. 2 vols. folio. This work was originally published in six volumes 4to. at different times. I have never had an opportunity of examining it; but Walchius says, that it is one of the best commentaries extant on the Book of Job; and that the author has investigated and explained its meaning with great diligence, and that his practical observations are excellent. (Biblioth. Theol. vol. iv. p. 487.) A late learned divine of our own country has also characterised this as a most elaborate, learned, judicious and pious work, containing a rich fund of critical and practical divinity." (Dr. Williams.) Its bulk, however, prevents it from being generally useful. 37. Francisci Vavassoris Jobus, brevi Commentario et Metaphrasi poetica illustratus. Paris, 1679. 8vo. The best edition of a learned and useful work. 38. Liber Jobi, cum nova versione et commentario perpetuo. Edidit Albertus Schultens. Lug. Bat. 1737. 2 vols. 4to. Of this learned and elaborate work, an abridgment was printed at Halle, in 1773, by Prof. Vogel, entitled Alberti Schultensii Commentarius in Jobum, in compendium redactus, cum observationibus criticis et exegeticis. 8vo. 2 vols. 39. Elihu, or an Inquiry into the principal Scope and Design of the Book of Job. By Walter Hodges, D. D. London, 1750. 4to. This work is written on the Hutchinsonian system, and is designed to show that Elihu was no other personage than the Son of God himself! See Monthly Review, O. S. vol. ii. pp. 219-225. 347-352. 40. A Commentary on the Book of Job, in which are inserted the Hebrew text and English translation, &c. by Leonard Chappelow, B. D. Arabic Professor in the University of Cambridge. 1752. 2 vols. 4to. See Month. Rev. O. S. vol. vii. pp. 197–205. 41. An Essay towards a New English Version of the Book of Job, from the original Hebrew, with a Commentary and some account of his Life. By Edward Heath, Esq. London, 1756. 4to. "It is but justice to this new Essay upon Job, to observe, that the translation is in many places, very different from that in common use; and that, in the notes, there are many observations entirely new-all of them ingenious, and many of them true." (Month. Rev. O. S. vol. xiv. p. 156.) 42. A Critical Dissertation on the Book of Job. By Charles Peters, A. M. London, 1757. 4to. The first edition of this work appeared in 1751. (See Month. Rev. O. S. vol. iv. pp. 401-409.) In it, the author particularly considers Bishop Warburton's account of the Book of Job, vindicates its antiquity, and shows that the antient Jews did believe in a future state. 43. The Book of Job in English verse, translated from the original Hebrew; with remarks, historical, critical, and explanatory. By T. Scott. London, 1773. 8vo. The first edition of this close and exact translation was published in 1773, in 4to. and the commentary is particularly valuable, from the author's "great knowledge of the oriental languages, his diligent study of the original, and his complete acquaintance with the best critics." (Month. Rev. O. S. vol. xlvi. p. 376.) 44. An Improved Version, attempted, of the Book of Job, with a preliminary Dissertation and Notes, critical, historical, and explanatory. By Charles Gardner, D. D. London, 1796. 8vo. A book of great pretensions, but indifferent execution. See an analysis of it in the British Critic, O. S. vol. ix. pp. 168-175. 45. J. Jac. Reiske Conjecturæ in Jobum et Proverbia, cum ejusdem oratione de studio Arabicæ linguæ. Lipsiæ, 1779. 8vo. 46. The Book of Job, metrically arranged according to the Masora, and newly translated into English; with notes critical and explanatory, accompanied, on the opposite page, by the authorised English version. By the Right Rev. Joseph Stock, Bishop of Killala. Bath, 1805. 4to. "We have now finished our remarks on this translation of the Book of Job, and find in it much to praise, and some things to blame. In a vast variety of passages, there is a sense brought out, striking, yet perspicuous, considerably out of the track of the common versions; yet, in most instances, close to the letter of the Hebrew. Of all the versions of the different books of Scripture which have fallen under our notice in different languages, this is the most remarkable for the novelty of the rendering; yet in general exact, having very little supplement, and keeping close in the track of the original." (Brit. Crit. O. S. vol. xxix. p. 507.) 47. The Book of Job, translated from the Hebrew, by the late Miss Elizabeth Smith; with a preface and annotations, by the Rev. T. Randolph, D. D. London, 1810. 8vo. This was a posthumous publication of an amiable and accomplished young lady. Considering the age of Miss Smith, and the circumstances under which she studied the Hebrew language, her translation of the Book of Job may certainly be deemed a very surprising work; and had it not been characterised in the extravagant terms of commendation with which Dr. Randolph has introduced it to the public, it might have borne generally a more favourable report than it will gain from that scrutiny which his eulogium seems to challenge. It was evidently left in an unfinished state; and the editor felt himself bound in honour not to make the smallest correction. We have it, therefore, just as Miss Smith wrote it; and we receive it as a monument of her industry and genius, though we cannot regard it as having effected much towards the elucidation of the Book of Job." (Month. Rev. N. S. vol. lxv. p. 152. See also a similar critique in the Eclectic Review, vol. vi. part ii. p. 780.) 48. The Book of Job, literally translated from the original Hebrew, and restored to its natural arrangement, with notes critical and illustrative, and an introductory dissertation on its scene, scope, language, author, and object. By John Mason Good, M. D. F. R. S. &c. London, 1812. 8vo. "On the whole, we regard this work as a valuable accession to our stock of sacred literature; and we can recommend it with confidence to the biblical student, as containing a great mass of useful information and valuable criticism." (Christian Observer, vol. xii. p. 306.) 49. Henr. Middeldorff, Cure Hexaplares in Jobum, e Codice Syriaco-Hexaplari Ambrosiano Mediolanensi. 4to. Vratislaviæ, 1817. 50. Le Livre de Job, nouvellement traduit d'après le texte original non ponctué et les anciennes versions, notamment l'Arabe et la Syriaque; par. J. Louis Bridel, Professeur de Langues Orientales, et de l'interprétation des Livres Saints, dans l'Académie de Lausanne. Paris, 1818. 8vo. PSALMS. 51. Paraphrases and Annotations upon the Book of Psalms. By Henry Hammond, D. D. London, 1659. folio. Dr. Hammond's notes are exceedingly valuable, and contain many learned observations that had escaped preceding commentators on the Book of Psalms. They are also to be found in the fourth volume of his collected works, published at London in 1684, in folio. 52. David's Harp Strung and Tuned; or an Easie Analysis of the whole Book of Psalms, cast into such a method, that the Summe of every Psalm may be quickly collected and remembered. With a de vout Meditation or Prayer at the end of every Psalm, framed for the most part out of the words of the Psalm, and fitted for several Occasions. By William [Nicholson] Bishop of Gloucester. London, 1662. folio. In this work every verse of the Psalms is divided and subdivided with great minuteness; it is wholly practical and explanatory. In his explications, the Rt. Rev. Author steers between the two extremes of literal and spiritual interpretation. The prayers at the end of each Psalm are expressed nearly in the very words of the inspired authors. Though the quaint and scholastic mode which obtains in this work is somewhat repulsive, it may nevertheless be consulted with advantage by those who cannot command other and more critical commentaries; especially as the book may be occasionally met with at a low price. 53. The Book of Psalms, with the argument of each psalm, and a preface giving some general rules for the interpretation of this sacred Book. By a Divine of the Church of England. London, 1701. 8vo. 54. Martini Geieri Commentarius in Psalmos Davidis, fontium Ebræorum mentem, et vim vocum phrasiumque sacrarum sensumque adeo genuinum, adductis copiose locis parallelis, collatis etiam (ubi opus) versionibus interpretumque sententiis, et enodatis difficultatibus, cum curâ eruens. Leipsic, 1681 or 1697; Amsterdam, 1695; Dresden, 1709. folio. Geier was an eminently learned divine of the Lutheran church, and Professor of Hebrew at Leipsic, where the substance of his commentary on the Psalms was delivered in lectures to the students. It is very little known in this country; but on the continent it is very highly esteemed for its erudition and piety. (Walchius, vol. iv. p. 495.) 55. An Essay towards a new English Psalms. By the Rev. Zechariah Mudge. Version of the Book of This work is now so exceedingly rare, that we have not been able to procure a sight of it, nor have we met with any notice of it in the literary journals of that time. How highly Mr. Mudge was esteemed by Dr. Johnson, may be seen in the character of him drawn by the latter, in Boswell's Life of Dr. Johnson, vol. iv. pp. 82-84. 56. A new English translation of the Psalms, from the original Hebrew, reduced to Metre by the late Bishop Hare; with notes critical and explanatory; illustrations of many passages drawn from the classics; and a preliminary dissertation, in which the truth and certainty of that learned prelate's happy discovery is stated and prov ed at large. By Thomas Edwards, A. M. London, 1755. 8vo. The design of this learned work was "to make Bishop Hare's discovery of the Hebrew metre better known; to show its truth and certainty; and to prove that, by a judicious application of it, great light may be thrown upon the poetical parts of the Holy Scriptures." (Monthly Review, O. S. vol. xii. pp. 485-487.) Mr. Edwards was of opinion that Dr. Hare's hypothesis was rejected by many persons, partly from an over hasty determination, and partly from too scrupulous a veneration for the Hebrew text. Of Dr. Hare's system a short account is given. 57. The Psalter, in its original form; or the Book of Psalms reduced to lines, in an easy and familiar style, and a kind of blank |