THE

WORKS

OF THE

RIGHT REVEREND FATHER IN GOD,

THOMAS WILSON, D. D.,

LORD BISHOP OF SODOR AND MAN.

VOL. VI.

NOTES ON THE HOLY SCRIPTURES.

OXFORD:

JOHN HENRY PARKER.

MDCCC LIX.

ADVERTISEMENT.

THIS edition of Bishop Wilson's Notes on the Bible is printed from the original manuscript, which is preserved in the Bodleian Library. The notes are contained in a quarto Bible, printed at Oxford in 1697, to the marginal references and readings of which Bishop Wilson frequently alludes. They are written in the margins, the fly-leaves, and on slips of paper; these are sometimes inserted between the leaves, sometimes attached to the leaf in the space between the two columns. Some of the slips have unfortunately been lost.

The notes were first printed after the Bishop's death in three quarto volumes, in which, besides the authorised Version of the Bible, the variations of the different English translations were given. The work was sent out under the Editorship of the Rev. Clement Crutwell, and published by subscription at Bath, in the year 1785; it has never been reprinted.

In that edition the notes were altered more or less throughout, by occasional additions, especially in the Psalms, by some omissions, by combining two or more notes in one, and by a general revision of the style, in which the plain, antique, and sometimes not strictly grammatical language of the Bishop was altered to bring it into accordance with the taste of the day.

In cases where there is any reason to believe that the notes which are found in Crutwell's edition, and not in the Bodleian copy, had been originally in the Bible, but since lost from it, they have been retained in this edition, but printed between brackets [ ], to indicate that they cannot

be relied on as exactly Bishop Wilson's words. In the same way any verbal additions which the present editor has thought it necessary to make in the text are indicated by the same marks.

It ought to be kept in mind that these notes were not designed for publication. They were written at various times, apparently for the Bishop's own use. They are sometimes inaccurate in expression, sometimes incomplete, sometimes hints, or heads of thought. They would not be referred to as of special authority in historical, chronological, or verbal criticism, or even in exact exposition. They shew, indeed, that Bishop Wilson himself studied, read, and made copious notes from the most recent and esteemed writers of his own day on these subjects, and that to him the understanding of the Holy Scriptures was matter of most careful thought and study. His reflections illustrate the principles for a profitable study of Scripture set down in the Prefatory Thoughts; and will be found to have the qualities which have made his Sacra Privata and Maxims so highly valued, earnest practical piety, sobriety, and good sense.

To avoid multiplied references, it may be stated that the Targums and Oriental Versions are cited from Walton's Polyglott; in the dates of events, Bedford's Scripture Chronology is followed in the early books of the Old Testament, and after that Abp. Usher, and Lloyd, Bishop of Worcester. The French translation, frequently indicated by Fr. in the New Testament, is that in Quesnel.

[PREFACE.]

He that would read the Scriptures to any saving purposes, must read them with this view, that he may become wise unto salvation.

He will then see the spiritual meaning and design of the Scriptures, which are designed to enlighten the mind, sanctify the affections, and make men holy rather than learned.

He "shall be beaten with many stripes," who reads the Scriptures, and yet lives in contradiction to what is there set down.

Criticisms, finding out the meaning of difficult places, &c. are not so edifying as establishing the heart with practical truths.

Let a man first approve his sincerity by doing the will of God where it is plain, and then he may expect God's assistance in other points, but not till then.

To read the Scriptures with profit, we should ever look inward, and apply to ourselves the reproofs we meet with; the directions, the warnings, &c.

The main end of God's giving us the Holy Scriptures, is to make known to us His purpose of redeeming us by His Son that believing and closing with this merciful design, we "might have life through His Name."

Human reason, though never so highly improved, can never see the true meaning of Scripture without a principle of grace.

Read the Scriptures, that you may be truly good: let your reading be ever attended with prayer for light to see,

B