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From Spurgeon's preface: "The reader will please observe that the books most heartily recommended are printed in the largest type with the remarks in italics. Good, but more ordinary, works are in medium type, and the least desirable are in the smallest letter. Thus we hope the eye will be caught at once by volumes best worthy of attention."

577. KEIL and DELITZSCH'S Commentaries. Salomonic Writings. 3 vols. [In preparation], 10/6 each. Edinb., T. & T. Clark.
578. LANGE'S Commentaries. Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon. By Dr. Otto Z/3ckler. Imp. 8vo. 21/-, or to subscribers 15/-Edinb., T. & T. Clark. 1870. We cannot say that we admire Zockler's interpretation of the Song of Solomon. The volume contains much that we do not like, but its value is considerable. It is a pity that the value of the volumes in this series varies so much.
579. NOYES (G. R., D.D.) A Translation of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Canticles, with Notes, &c. 12mo. Boston, US. 1846. Of Noyes upon Ecclesiastes, Dr. Hamilton says:—"This interpretation is clear and straightforward, but the American Professor gives to the. book an air of theological tenuity and mere worldly wisdom which carries neither our conviction nor our sympathy." Noyes is a good literary expositor, but his theological views render him a very poverty-stricken commentator from a spiritual point of view.

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     PROVERBS
580. ALLEN (ROBERT. Puritan). Concordances of the Proverbs and Ecclesiastes 4to. 1612. 2/6. An ordinary concordance will answer the purpose far better; but the wonderfully wise, half-crazy Cruden had not compiled his invaluable work in Allen's days.
581. ARNOT (WILLIAM, D.D. Died 1875). Laws from Heaven for Life on Earth. 2 vols., cr. 8vo. S. 7/6. 1858. Also 1 vol., cr. 8vo. 7/6. Edinb., Nelson. 1869. S. 5/-We wish Dr. A mot had gone steadily through the whole book, ffor his mind was of an order peculiarly adapted for such a task. Those passages which he dilates upon are set in a clear and beautiful light. For a happy blending' of illustrative faculty, practical sound sense, and spirituality, Dr. A mot was almost unrivalled.
582. BRIDGES (CHARLES, M.A.) An Exposition. 2 vols., 12mo. Lond., Seeleys. 1850. S. 6/. The best work on the Proverbs. The Scriptural method of exposition so well carried out by Bridges renders all his writings very suggestive to ministers. While explaining' the passage in hand, he sets other portions of the word in new lights.
583. BROOKS (J. W., M.A.) A New Arrangement of the Proverbs of Solomon. 12mo. Lond., Seeleys. 1860. 1/-We do not see the use of the arrangement; but those who want the Proverbs classified have the work done for them here.
584. CASE (R. J.) A Commentary. 12mo. Lond., 1822. S. 6d. The Proverbs themselves are plainer than this author's exposition of them.
585. DAY (WILLIAM. Formerly Missionary to the South Seas). A Poetical Commentary. 8vo. 14/-Lond., Simpkin, Marshall & Co. 1862, S. 3/' The author says, he has "a taste for building rhymes," and he has here gratified it. That is all we can say for his book.
586. DELITZSCH (FRANZ, D.D.) Biblical Commentary. Translated from the German, by M. G. Easton, D.D. Vol. I. [In progress.] Edinb., T. & T. Clark. 1875.
587. DOD (JOHN. Puritan. Died 1645). A Plaine and Familial Exposition of Proverbs, Chapters IX. to XVII. 4to. Lond., 1608-9. [The comment on Chapters XIIL and XIV. appears to have been the work of Robert Cleaver. In our copy, con-taining Chapters XXVIII.—XXX., the names of both Dod and Cleaver are given, and the last chapter was "penned by a Godly and learned man, now with God."] Both Dod and Cleaver were popular as preachers, and their joint works were widely circulated. This book can rarely be met with entire.
588. FRENCH (W., D.D.) and (SKINNER, G., M.A.) A New Translation, with Explanatory Notes. 8vo. Lond., 1831. S.1/3. These translators endeavor to produce faithful renderings of the text, giving to each word the same sense in all places. They are calm, dispassionate, judicious, and able.
589. HODGSON (BERNARD, LL.D.) The Proverbs of Solomon, with Notes. 4to. Oxf, 1788. 2/6. Darling says:—"A good translation; the notes are chiefly philological." We set no store by this mass of letter-press, and we question whether any one else does.
590. HOLDEN (GEORGE, M.A.) An attempt towards an improved Translation, with Notes, &c. 8vo. Liverpool, 1819. 4/6. Horne says of this work:—"It is one of the most valuable helps to the critical understanding of this book." It is certainly one of the best of Holden's productions. We may be wrong, but we could not conscientiously subscribe to Horne's opinion.
591. JACOX (FRANCIS). Scripture Proverbs, illustrated, annotated, and applied. Thick cr. 8vo. 10/6. Lond., Hodder & Stoughton. 1874. S. 6/-This work illustrates many of the proverbs scattered throughout the Scriptures, and some of those collected by Solomon. Mr. Jacox seems to have read everything good and bad, and hence he pours forth a medley of fact and fiction more entertaining than edifying. He reminds us of the elder Disraeli and his "Curiosities of Literature."
592. JERMIN (MICHAEL, D.D. Died 1659). Paraphrastical Medi-tations upon the Book of Proverbs. Folio. 1638. 9/6. Very antique, and full of Latin quotations. Jermin does not err in excessive spirituality, but the reverse. Those who can put up with his style will be repaid by his quaint learning.
593. LANGE. (See No. 578.)
594. LAWSON (GEORGE, D.D. 1749—1820). Exposition of the Book of Proverbs. 2 vols., 12mo. Edinb. 1821. 6/-to 7/-A thoroughly sound and useful commentary. Lawson wrote popularly and vigorously.
595. MILLER (JOHN. Princeton, N.J.) A Commentary, with a New Translation, and with some of the Original Expositions Re-examined. Demy 8vo. 7[' Dickinson & Higham. 1875. This author's interpretations are new, and in our judgment very far removed from accuracy. Certainly the old interpretations are better in many ways. His theory that the' Proverbs are spiritual and not secular will not hold water. He needs reading with very great discrimination: if read at all "Too great innovation" is the author's own suspicion of his work, and we quite agree with him, only we go beyond mere suspicion.
596. MUFFET (PETER). A Commentary on the whole Book of Proverbs. 8vo. 1596. [Reprinted, with Cotton's Commen-taries on Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon, in one of the volumes of Nichol's series. Cr. 4to. 7/6. Lond., Nisbet. 1868.] Homely, but not very striking. Mr. Nichol's choice of commentators for reprinting was not a wise one.
597. NEWMAN (WILLIAM., D.D. Formerly President of Stepney Theol. Institution). An improved version. 18mo. Lond., 1839. x/-Merely the corrected text. A very small affair.
598. NICHOLLS (BENJAMIN ELLIOTT, M.A.) The Book of Proverbs, explained and illustrated from Holy Scripture. 12mo. Lond., Rivingtons. 1858. I/3. Contains very sensible suggestions for the interpretation of proverbs, anti gives instances of explanations by geography, natural history, &c. It is a somewhat helpful work.
599. NOYES. (See No. 579.)
600. STUART (MosEs). A Commentary on the Book of Proverbs 8vo. New York, 1852. 4/-to 5/-We have not met with any English reprint of this useful volume. Dr. Stuart purposely adapted his work to beginners in Hebrew study. He has set himself to prepare a commentary of explanation only, believing that a hortatory and practical comment every minister ought to be able to make for himself Stuart's introductory matter is highly instructive, though no reader should blindly accept it all.
601. TAYLOR (FRANCIS, B.D.) Observations upon the three first chapters of Proverbs. 4to. Lond., 1645. An Exposition [as above] upon The 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 Chapters, &c. 410. 1657. 18/-to 25/-Two volumes (in one) of rich, old-fashioned Puritan divinity.
602. THOMAS (DaviD, D.D.) The Practical Philosopher. Thick8vo. 12/6 nett (published at 17/6). Lond., Dickinson. 1873. Dr. Thomas of the "Homilist" is a well-known writer, and a man capable of great things. This work does not equal his "Genius of the Gospel." It contains a large amount of practical comment, written in a rather grandiose style. We can hardly fancy men of business reading this book from day to day as the author proposes.
603. WARDLAW (RALPH, D.D.) Lectures. 3 vols., cr. 8vo. 3/6 each. Edinb., Fullarton. 1861. S. 6/6. Wardlaw is diffuse, and his views upon "wisdom" are peculiar; but he always repays the reader, and neither Bridges nor A mot have rendered him obsolete, for he works a different vein, and expounds in a manner— peculiar to himself.
604. WILCOCKS (THoMAs, Puritan. 1549—1608). A Short yet Sound Commentarie. [ Works. See No. 336] . . Wilcocks briefly sums up the teaching of the verses, and so aids in suggesting topics; in other respects he is rather wearying.

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     ECCLESIASTES
605. ANNOTATIONS on the Book of Ecclesiastes. [12mo.] Lond. Printed by J. Streater. 1669. By no means remarkable, except for extreme rarity.
606. BEZA (THEODORE.). Ecclesiastes. Solomon's Sermon to the People, with an Exposition. Small 8vo. Cam&, [1594]. 7/6. Sure to be weighty and instructive. It is exceedingly rare.
607. BRIDGES (CHARLES, M.A.) Exposition of Ecclesiastes. Sq. 8vo. 6/-Lond., Seeley & Co. 1860. S. 3/-After the manner of other works by this devout author, who is always worth consulting, though he gives us nothing very new.
608. BROUGHTON (HUGH. 1549—1612). A Comment upon Ecclesiastes, framed for the Instruction of Prince Henry. 4to. 1605. Broughton was a far-famed and rather pretentious Hebraist whom Dr. Gill quoted as an authority. His work is nearly obsolete, but its loss is not a severe one.
609. BUCHANAN (ROBERT, D.D.) Ecclesiastes; its Meaning and its Lessons, explained and illustrated. Sq. 8vo. 7/6. Loud., Glasg., & Edinb., Blackie & Sons. 1859. S. 3/6. Dr. Buchanan has endeavored in every instance to give the true meaning of the text. His explanations were composed for the pulpit and delivered there. The work is most important, but strikes us as lacking in liveliness of style.
610. CHOHELETH, or "The Royal Preacher, a Poem." First published in the year 1768. 4to. 3/-Reprinted, 8vo., 1830. 1/6. This is the work of which Mr. Wesley wrote:—"Monday, Feb. 8, 1768. I met with a surprising poem, intituled Choheleth, or the Preacher: it is a paraphrase in tolerable verse on the Book of Ecclesiastes. I really think the author of it (a Turkey merchant) understands both the difficult expressions and the connection of the whole, better than any other, either ancient or modern, writer whom I have seen." We defer to Mr. Wesley's opinion, but it would not have occurred to us to commend so warmly.
611. COLEMAN (JOHN NOBLE, M.A.) Ecclesiastes. A New Trans-lation, with Notes. Imp. 8vo. 5/-Lond., Nisbet. 1867. S. 2/6. A scholarly translation with important observations.
612. COTTON (JOHN. 1585—1652). A briefe exposition, with practical observations. Small 8vo. Loud., 1654. [Reprinted in Nichol's series of Commentaries. See Muffet, No. 596.] By a great linguist and sound divine. Ecclesiastes is not a book to be expounded verse by verse; but Cotton does it as well as anyone.
613. COX (SAMUEL). The Quest of the Chief Good: Expository Lectures. Sq. 8vo. 7/6. Lond., Isbister. 1868. S. 3/6. We should find it hard to subscribe to Mr. Cox's views of Ecclesiastes, for, to begin with, we cannot admit that its author was not Solomon, but some unnamed Rabbi: nevertheless, "The Quest of the Chief Good" is full of valuable matter, and abundantly repays perusal.
614. DALE (THOMAS PELHAM, M.A.) Ecclesiastes. With a running Commentary and Paraphrase. 8vo. 7/6. Lond., Rivingtons. 1873. This author makes all that he can out of the errors of the Septuagint, which he seems to value almost as much as the correct text itself. The new translation is a sort of stilted paraphrase, which in a remarkable manner darkens the meaning of the wise man's words. Mr. Dale says he is a man of one book, and we are glad to hear it: for we should be sorry for another book to suffer at his hands.
615. DESVOEUX (A. V.) A Philosophical and Critical Essay on Ecclesiastes. 4to. Lond., 1760. 2/6. A curious and elaborate production. Neither in criticism, nor in theology, is the author always sound, and his notes are a very ill-arranged mass of singular learning.
616. GINSBURG (CHRISTIAN D.) Coheleth, or Ecclesiastes; trans-lated, with a Commentary. 8vo. Lond.,Longmans. 1857. S. 12/-The author does not believe that Solomon wrote the book, and his view of its design is not the usual, nor, as we think, the right one. His outline of the literature of the book is very complete.
617. GRANGER (THOMAS). A Familiar Exposition, wherein the World's Vanity and the true Felicitie are plainly deciphered. 4to. Lond., 1621. 5/-to 7/6. Very antique, containing many obsolete and coarse phrases; but pithy and quaint.
618. GREENAWAY (STEPHEN). New Translation. 8vo. Leicester, 1781. 3/6. Confused, eccentric, and happily very rare.
619. HAMILTON JAMES, D.D. (1814-1867). Royal Preacher: Lectures on Ecclesiastes. Cr. 8vo. 3/6. Also 12mo., 1851; 16mo., 1854. Lond., Nisbet. S. 1/6 to 2/6. We have had a great treat in reading this prose poem. It is a charming production.
620. HENGSTENBERG (E. W., D.D.) Commentary on Ecclesiastes. To which are appended: Treatises on the Song of Solomon; on the Book of Job; on the Prophet Isaiah, &c. 8vo. 9/-Edinb., T. & T. Clark. 1860. S. 4/6. Scholarly of course, and also more vivacious than is usual with Hengstenberg.
621. HODGSON (BERNARD, LL.D ) New Translation. 4to. Oxf., 1791. 4/' Notes neither long, numerous, nor valuable.
622. HOLDEN (GEORGE, M.A.) An Attempt to illustrate the Book of Ecclesiastes. 8vo. Lond., 1822. 3/6. Bridges says that Holden "stands foremost for accuracy of critical exegesis," and Ginsburg considers his Commentary to be the best in our language. We may therefore be wrong in setting so little store by it as we do, but we are not convinced.
623. JERMIN (MICHAEL, D.D.) Ecclesiastes. Folio. 1639. 6/6. The school to which Jermin belonged delighted to display their learning, of which they had no small share; they excelled in wise sayings, but not in unction. The fruit is ripe, but lacks flavour.
624. KEIL & DELITZSCH. (See Books of Solomon. No. 577.)
625. LANGE. (See Books of Solomon. No. 578.)
626. LLOYD (J., M.A.) An Analysis of Ecclesiastes: with reference to the Hebrew Grammar of Gesenius, and with Notes; to which is added the Book of Ecclesiastes, in Hebrew and English, in parallel columns. 4to. 7/6. Lond., Bagsters. 1874. This will be esteemed by men who have some knowledge of the Hebrew. The repeated references to Gesenius would render the book tedious to the ordinary reader, but they make it all the more valuable to one who aspires to be a Hebraist.
627. [LUTHER]. An Exposition of Salomon's Booke, called Eccle-siastes, or the Preacher. 8vo. Printed by J. Day. Lond., x 513. Even the British Museum authorities have been unable to find this octavo for us, though it is mentioned in their catalogue
628. MACDONALD (JAMES M., D.D. Princeton, iV. J.) Ecclesiastes. Thick 12mo. New York. 1856. S. 4/6. Thoroughly exegetical, with excellent "scopes of argument" following each division: to be purchased if it can be met with.
629. MORGAN (A. A.) Ecclesiastes metrically Paraphrased, with Illustrations. 4to. 2 i/-Lond., Bosworth. 1856. This is an article de luxe, and is rather for the drawing-room than for the study. A graphic pencil, first-class typography, and a carefully written metrical translation make up an elegant work of art.
630. MYLNE (G. W.) Ecclesiastes; or, Lessons for the Christian's Daily Walk. 16mo. Lond., 1859. 1/6. The author in this little publication does not comment upon the whole Book; but the passages he touches are ably explained.
631. NISBET (ALEXANDER. Died about 1658). An Exposition, with Practical Observations. 4to. Edinb., 1694. 4/6 to 10/6. One of those solid works which learned Scotch divines of the seven teenth century have left us in considerable numbers. In our judgment it is as heavy as it is weighty.
632. NOYES. (See No. 579).
633. PEMBLE (WILLIAM, M.A 1591—1623). Salomon's Recanta-tion and Repentance; or, the Book of Ecclesiastes briefly and fully explained. Thin 4to. Lond., 1628. 3/6. Anthony a Wood calls Pemble "a famous preacher, a skillful linguist, a good orator, and an ornament to society." Moreover, he was a learned Calvinistic divine. This "Recantation" is a minor production. The style is scholastic, with arrangements of the subjects such as render it hard to read. We confess we are disappointed with it.
634. PRESTON (THEODORe, M.A.) A translation of the Commentary of Mendelssohn from the Rabbinic Hebrew; also a newly-arranged English Version, 8vo. Lond., 1845. 5/-A book more prized by linguists than by preachers. We might with propriety have named this Mendelssohn's Commentary, for so it is.
635. PROBY (W. H. B., M.A.) Ecclesiastes for English Readers. Thin 8vo. 4/6. Lond., Rivingtons. 1874. S. 2/3. About 45 pages, and these are quite enough. What has come to a man's brain when he prophecies that Antichrist will take away the daily sacrifice, that is, "forbid the eucharistic bread and wine," and then adds: "To this awful time there is probably a mystical reference in the words of our present book (XII. 6), 'While the silver cord is not loosed, or the golden bowl broken, or the pitcher broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern.' For silver and gold signify respectively, in the symbolic language of Scripture, love and truth: thus the loosening of the silver cord will mean the love of many waxing cold, and the breaking of the golden bowl will mean the failure of truth from the earth; and we understand, then, that in the last awful time there will be no longer any speaking of the truth in love. And as the 'wells of salvation' in Isaiah XlI. 3, are the sacraments and other means of grace, so the breaking of the pitcher and the wheel may signify the cessation of those ministries by which the sacraments and other means of grace are dispensed."
636. REYNOLDS (EDWARD, D.D. Bishop of Norwich, x 599—1676) Annotations. Works. Vol. IV. 8vo. Lond., 1826. Reprinted, by Dr. Washburn. 8vo. Lond., 1811. 2/6. See Westminster Assembly's Annotations (No. 2), for which Reynolds wrote this: he is always good.
637. SERRANUS, or, DE SERRES (JOHN. 1540—1598). A Godlie and Learned Commentary upon Ecclesiastes, newly turned into English, by John Stockwood, Schoolmaster of Tunbridge. 8vo. Lond., 1585. 7/6. Serranus was a Protestant pastor at Nismes, of such moderate opinions, and such objectionable modes of stating them, that he was about equally abhorred by Romanists and Protestants. He is said to have been very inaccurate in his learning.
638. STUART (MOSES). A Commentary on Ecclesiastes 12mo. 6/-New York., 1851. S. 3/-Full and minute, with most instructive introductions. It is unnecessary to say that Moses Stuart is a great authority, though not all we could wish as to spirituality.
639. TYLER (Triowas, M.A.) Ecclesiastes; a Contribution to its Interpretation. 8vo. 7/6. Lond., Williams & Norgate. 1875. This writer is no doubt a profound thinker, but we do not set much store by the result of his thinkings. He maintains that the writer of Ecclesiastes was a Jew who had. traveled abroad, and heard the Stoic philosophers and their opponents at Athens. He seems to think that his point is proved, but it is the merest surmise possible. The work is not at all to our taste.
640. WARDLAW (RALPH, D.D.) Lectures on Ecclesiastes. 2vols.,8vo. 1821. 2vols., 12mo. 1838. Oliphant & Co.'s edition, in 1 vol., 8/6. 1871. S. 4/6. Wardlaw is always goad, though not very brilliant. He may be relied upon, when not critical, and he generally excites thought.
641. WEISS (BENJAMIN). New Translation and Exposition, with Critical Notes. 12mo. 4/-Lond., Nisbet & Co. 1856. S. 1/6. It is pleasing to find a converted Jew engaged upon this Book. Mr. Weiss says many good things, but frequently his interpretations and remarks are more singular than wise.
642. YCARD (FR. Dean of Achonry). Paraphrase. 8vo. Lond., 1701. I/6. The clean supposes the Royal Preacher to have been interrupted by an impudent sensualist, and so he gets rid of the difficulty of certain passages by putting them into the scoffer's mouth. The theory is not to be tolerated for a moment.
643. YOUNG (LOYAL, D.D.) Commentary, with introductory Notices by McGill and Jacobus. 8vo. Philadelphia, 1865. This American comment is high& spoken of by eminent judges. and appears to have been carefully executed. It is able and solid, and at the same time enlivened with originality of thought, vivacity of,expression, and practical pungency.
644. SMITH (JOHN, M.D., M.R.C.P.L.) King Solomon's Portraiture of Old Age, wherein is contained A Sacred Anatomy both of Soul and Body, with an account of all these Mystical and Enigmatical Symptomes, expressed in the six former verses of the 12th Chap. of Ecclesiastes, made plain and easie to a mean Capacitie. 8vo. Lond., 1666. 2/6 to 5/-A curious book by a Physician, who brings his anatomical knowledge to bear upon the twelfth chapter of Ecclesiastes, and tries to show that Solomon understood the circulation of the blood, &c. Matthew Poole introduced the substance of this treatise into his Synopsis, and in that huge compilation he speaks eulogistically of the author, with whom he resided. We mention it because of its singularity.

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     SONG OF SOLOMON
645. AINSWORTH. (See under-Pentateuch, No. 72).
646. AVRILLON (JOHN BAPTIST ELIAS. 1652—1729). The Year of Affections; or, Sentiments on the love of God, drawn from the Canticles, for every day of the year. Fcap. 8vo. 6/6. Lond. and Oxf, Parker & Co. 1847. S. 4/-One of the series of Romish authors, issued by Dr. Pusey. It is a deeply spiritual work, after the manner of the mystics. It might have been written by Madame Guyon. Despite its occasional Popery and sacramentarianism, it contains much choice devotional matter.
647. BEZA (THEODORE). Sermons upon the three first chapters of Canticles, translated out of the French, by' John Harmar. 4to. Oxf.., 1587. These thirty-one sermons are a well of instruction, very precious and refreshing. The unabbreviated title indicates a controversial use of the Song, and we were therefore prepared to lament the invasion of the dore's nest of the Canticles by the eagle of debate; but we were agreeably disappointed, for we found much less of argument, and much more of the Well-Beloved, than w,: looked for.
648. BEVERLEY (T.) An Exposition of the Divinely prophetick Song of Songs, which is Solomon's; beginning with the reign of David, and ending in the glorious Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. 4to. 1687. 5/' This maundering author finds in Canticles the history of the church from David to our Lord, and rhymes no end of rubbish thereon. Truly there is no end to the foolishness of expositors. We suppose there must be a public for which they cater, and a very foolish public it must be.
649. BRIGHTMAN (THOMAS). A Commentary on the Canticles, wherein the Text is Analised, the Native Signification of the Words Declared, the Allegories Explained, and the Order of Times whereunto they relate Observed. 4to. Lond., 1644. [See under Daniel and Revelation.] Brightman was a writer of high renown among the prophetic students of the seventeenth century. With singular strength of the visionary faculties he sees in the Canticles "the whole condition of the church from the time of David, till time shall be no more." Expounding on this theory needs an acrobatic imagination.
650. BURROWES (GEORGE. Pro/. Lafayette Coll. U.S.) Commentary. Cr. 8va. Philadelphia, 1853. 3/6. Mr. Moody Stuart says '—"The excellent work of Dr. Burrowes is specially fitted to remove the prejudices of men of taste against the Song of Solomon, as the medium of spiritual communion between the soul and Christ. We welcome it as a valuable contribution to us from our transatlantic brethren."
651. BUSH (JOSEPH, M.A.) The Canticles of.the Song of Solomon. A Metrical Paraphrase, with Explanatory Notes and Practical Comments. Post 8va. Lond., Hatchards. 1867. S. 1/6. A good compilation, with a helpful translation. For popular use.
652. CLAPHAM (ENOCH). Salomon; his Songs expounded. 4to. Lond., ,603. Clapham was a voluminous author of very remarkable attainments. He wrote also on the first fourteen chapters of Genesis. This work is rare as angels' visits.
653. COLLINGES (JOHN, D.D. 1623—1690). The Intercourses of Divine Love betwixt Christ and his Church, metaphorically expressed by Solomon in Canticles I. and II. 2 vols., 4to. Lond., 1676. 10/-to 14/-Nine hundred and nine quarto pages upon one chapter is more than enough. The materials are gathered from many sources and make up a mass of wealth. On the second chapter there are five hundred and thirty, pages. It would try the constitutions of many modern divines to read what these Puritans found it a pleasure to write. When shall we see their like?
654. COTTON (JOHN, B.D. 1585—1652). A Brief Exposition, describing the estate of the Church in all ages thereof, both Jewish and Christian, and modestly pointing at the gloriousness of the restored estate thereof. 8va. Lond., 164a. [Reprinted in Nichol's Series. See Muffet, No. 596.] Cotton explains the sacred love-song historically, and misses much of its sweetness by so doing. We should never care to read his exposition while Durham, and Gill, and Moody Stuart are to be had.
655. DAVIDSON (WILLIAM, ESQ.) A Brief outline of an Examina-tion of the Song of Solomon. 8va. Lond., 1817.:2/-to 3/6. A precious work by one whose heart is warm with the good matter. He sees in the Song the history of the Church of Christ.
656. DOVE (JOHN, D.D.) The Conversion of Solomon, a Direction to holiness of Life; handled by way of Commentarie upon the whole Booke of Canticles. Profitable for young men which are not yet mortified, for old men which are decrepit and have one foote in the grave, and for all sorts of men which have an intent to renounce the vanities of this world, and to follow Jesus Christ. 4to. Lond., 1613. 6/-to 8/-A quaint old work. The student will do better with the modems. Moreover, this Dove is rare, and seldom lights on poor men's shelves.
657. DURHAM (JAMES. 1622—1658). Clavis Cantici; or, an Exposition of the Song of Solomon. 4to. Lond., 1668 and 1723. Also 12mo., Aberdeen. 1840. 2/6 to 6/-Durham is always good, and he is at his best upon the Canticles. He gives us the essence of the good matter. For practical use this work is perhaps more valuable than any other Key to the Song.
658. FENNER (DUDLEY). The Song of Solomon, in Verse, with an Exposition. Middleburgh. 8vo. 1587. 4to. Moody Stuart says:—"This is a faithful and excellent translation, accompanied by an admirable exposition. There is no poetry in it, but the renderings are often good, arid the comment valuable." We have not met with it.
659. FLEMING (ROBERT. Died 1716). The Mirror of Divine Love unvail'd, in a Poetical Paraphrase of the Song of Solomon. Sm. 8vo. 1691. 3/6. The poetry is after the same manner as that of Quarles, and though not without merit, it is too antiquated to be admired in the present day. This is the Fleming who interpreted the Apocalyptic vials, and was fortunate enough to hit upon the date of the French revolution and other events connected with the decline of the Papal power. His prophetic work has been reprinted, but not this limping poetry.
660. FRANCIS (ANN. Died 1800). A Poetical Translation; with Note% Historical, Critical, and Explanatory. 4to. Lond., 1781. I/5 to 2/6. Framed on a fanciful theory. Verses flowing and feeble. Insignificant.
661. FRY (John, A.B.) New Translation, with Notes, and an attempt to interpret the sacred allegories. 8vo. Lond., 1811. 2/-to 3/-Fry's work may be called the supplement and complement of Dr. Goods. He divides the Songs into idyls, and gives notes in the same manner as Goad; but he also plunges into the spiritual meaning of the blessed Song, and so far is to be preferred,
662. GIFFORD (MR.) A Dissertation on the Song of Solomon. 8vo. Lond., 1751. Worthless rhymes. This man dares to say that the Song is a pastoral, composed by Solomon for the amusement of his lighter hours, before God had given him the divine wisdom for which he was afterwards so eminent.
663. GILL (JOHN, D.D.) An Exposition of the Book of Solomon's Song. Folio. Lond., 1728. 5/-Not contained in the author's Exposition of the Old and New Testament. An 8vo. edition was published by Coilingridge, Lond., 1854. S. 3/6. The best thin6 Gill ever did. He could not exhaust his theme, but he went as far as he could towards so doing. He is occasionally fanciful, but his work is precious. Those who despise it have never read it, or are incapable of elevated spiritual feelings.
664. GINSBURG (CHRISTIAN D.) A Translation, with a Commentary, Historical and Critical. 8vo. 10/-/-.and., Longmans. 1857. 5/' to 6/-Written upon an untenable theory, viz., that the Song is intended "to record an example of virtue in a young woman, who encountered and conquered the greatest temptations, and was eventually rewarded." This grovelling interpretation needed the aid of great liberties with the text, and a few interpolations, and the author has not hesitated to use them. However learned the book may be, this vicious theory neutralizes all
665. GOOD (JOHN MASON, M.D., F.R.S.) Song of Songs; or, Sacred Idyls translated; with Notes, Critical and Explanatory. 8vo. Lond., 1803. 4/-By a man of great learning. It is not at all spiritual, or even expository, in the theological sense, but treats the Canticles as an Oriental drama, explaining its scenery and metaphors from a literary point of view.
666. GREEN (WILLIAM, M.A.) Song of Solomon. In "The Poetical Parts of the Old Testament translated, with Notes." 4to. 1781. Critical only. Orme says, "the translations are in general very accurate and elegant specimens of biblical interpretation."
667. GUILD (WILLIAM, D.D. 1586t—1657). Love's Intercourse between the Lamb and his Bride. 8vo. Lond., 1658. 5/-to 7/-A rare old work: but we prefer Durham. The author was one of the better sort of the Scotch Episcopalians.
668. GYFFARD (GEORGE.). Fifteen Sermons upon the Song of Solomon. 8vo. 1598 to 1612. We have several times met with this writer's name coupled with that of Brightman as in his day regarded as a very learned writer, but we cannot procure his work. Possibly some reader of this Catalogue may yet present us with it. We beg to assure him of the gratitude which we already feel, in the form of "a lively sense of favors to come."
669. HARMER (THOMAS. 1715—1785). Outlines of a New Com-mentary on Solomon's Song, drawn by the help of instructions from the East. 8vo. Lond., 1768. 2/6 to 2/6. "This book is not well arranged, but is otherwise one of the most ingenious, modest, and interesting of all the treatises on the outward sense of the Song."—Moody Stuart.
670. HENGSTENBERG. (See under Ecclesiastes, No. 620.)
671. HODGSON (BERNARD, LL.D.) 80lomon's Song translated from the Hebrew. 4to. Oxf., 1786. 2/6. Moody Stuart says that this is "a good translation," and therefore we suppose it is so, but we do not admire it. It does not even refer to the mystical sense, and it mars the poetry of the Song. Dr. Hodgson renders ch. vi. ver. 9:—" My pigeon, my undefiled is but one." This is an alteration, but certainly not an emendation. The name of the bride's mother he discovers to have been Talmadni. Wonderful!
672. HOMES (NATHANIEL. Died 1678). A Commentary on the Canticles. Works. Folio. 1652. 6/-to 10/-This goes to the very marrow of spiritual teaching, and uses every word and syllable in a deeply experimental manner with great unction and power. ]font es, however, spiritualizes too much, and is both too luscious in expression and too prolix for these degenerate days.
673. HOUGHTON (WM.) Translation. 8vo. 2/6. Lond., Trubner. 1865. Useless. The Song is viewed as a secular poem on chaste love.
674. IBN EZRA (ABRAHAM). Commentary on the Canticles, after the first recension. Edited from two MSS., with a Translation, by 1-I. J. Matthews, B.A. 12mo. Lond., Trubner & Co. 1874. The original Hebrew of the Song, with a Jewish comment, which conveys but little instruction. In this small book the student will have a specimen of Jewish exposition.
675. IRONS (JOSEPH, of Camberwell. 1786—1852). Nymphas. A Paraphrastic Exposition. 16mo. Lond., 1844. S. x/6. Outside of his own circle we fear that this work by the late Joseph Irons is little known. It is a paraphrase in blank verse, rendered in a very spiritual manner. We confess that we look upon the little book with admiring eyes, though we know that the critics will sneer both at us and it.
676. KEIL & DELITZSCH. (See Books of Solomon, No. 577.)
677. KRUMMACHER (F. W., D.D.) Solomon and the Shulamite. Sermons on the Book of Canticles. 16mo. Lond., 1838. S. x/-Touches only upon a few portions. Short and sweet.
678. LANGE. (See Books of Solomon, No. 578.)
679. LITTLEDALE (R. F.) A Commentary. From Ancient and Mediaeval Sources. 12mo. 7/-Lond., J. Masters. 1869. S. 4/6. Littledale is a close follower of John Mason Neale, and here reproduces the beauties and the deformities of mediaeval spiritualizing. Great judgment will be needed to extract the good and true from the mass of semi-popish comment here heaped together. If discretion be used, jewels of silver and jewels of gold may be extracted.
680. MACPHERSON (PETER, A.M.) The Song of Songs shown to be constructed on Architectural Principles. Post 8vo. Edinb., 1856. 4/-" His supposition that this song consists of verses written round an archway, is so entirely gratuitous, that it is only misguiding and deceptive." —A. MOody Stuart.
681. METRICAL MEDITATIONS on the Canticles. [Anon.] 16mo. Lond.,Wertheim. 1856. S. I/-Exceedingly well rendered: noteworthy both from a literary and religious point of view. The author seizes the meaning" of the Song, and repeats it in well-chosen words.
682. MILLER (ANDREW). Meditations. 12mo. 1/6. Lond.,Morrish. First published in the Plymouthite magazine, "Things New and Old." Devotional, and glowing with the light of fellowship with Jesus.
683. MOORE (DANIEL, M.A.) Christ and his Church. A Course of Lent Lectures on the Song of Solomon. Sm. cr. 8vo. 3/6. Lond., H. S. King & Co. 1875. These lectures treat upon the first chapter only, but they do so in an admirable manner. Moore has evangelized Littledale.
684. [NEALE (JOHN MASON, D.D.)] Sermons on-the Canticles, preached in a Religious House. By a Priest of the Church of England. 12mo. Lond., Masters. 1857. S. 2/6. By that highest of high churchmen, Dr. Neale. These sermons smell of Popery, yet the savor of our Lord's good ointment cannot be hid. Our Protestantism is not of so questionable a character that we are afraid to do justice to Papists and Anglicans, and therefore we do not hesitate to say that many a devout thought has come to us while reading these "sermons by a Priest of the Church of England."
685. NEWTON (ADELAIDE L.) The Song of Solomon compared with other parts of Scripture. Cr. 8vo. 3/6. Lond., Nisbet. 187x. [The earlier editions were published anonymously.'] Miss Newton's book is very dear to spiritual minds; it is full of that quiet power which comes from the Spirit of God through deep experience and precious fellowship with the Well-Beloved.
686. NOYES. (See No. 579.) This author sees in the Canticles nothing but a collection of amatory songs, written without express moral or religious design. Blind!
687. PERCY (THOMAS, D.D. Bishop of Dromore. 1729—1811). New Transla-tion: with a Commentary and Annotations. [Anon.] 8vo. Lond, 1764. 6/-His theory of the sacred Song is dead, and not worthy of a monument in our pages. We trust that not a relic will remain. Percy did very well with his ballads, but he had better have let the Song of Songs alone.
688. POWER (PHILIP BENNET, M.A.) Failure and Discipline: Thoughts on Canticles V. 16mo. 1/6 £and., Wertheim. Upon the fifth chapter only. Mr. Power always writes attractively. His book is "linked sweetness," but not "long drawn out."
689. REFLECTIONS ON CANTICLES; or, the Song of Solomon, with Illustrations from Modern Travellers and Naturalists. [Anon.] 12mo. Lond., S. W. Partridge & Co. 1870. S. 1/3. Has much sweetness, and a fair measure of freshness.
690. ROBOTHAM (JOHN). Exposition. 4to. Lond., 1652. 6/-to 8/-Very solid; but not to be compared with Durham, No. 657. It is just a little dull and commonplace.
691. ROMAINE (WILLIAM, M.A.) Discourses upon Solomon's Song. 8vo. Lond., 1789. 2/6. Twelve excellent sermons from verses taken out of the Song. They do not summarize the book, nor form a commentary, but are simply a selection of spiritual discourses by one of the most eminent Calvinistic divines of the last century.
692. SIBBES (RICHARD, D.D. 1577—1635). Bowels Opened; or, a Discovery of the Neere and Deere Love, Union and Communion betwixt Christ and the Church. Sermons on Canticles IV., V., and VI. 4to. 1639, &c. 6/-to 9/-[ Works If. Nichol's edition.] Sibbes never writes ill. His repute is such that we need ottO, mention him. His title is most unfortunate, but in all else his "discovery" is worthy of our commendation.
693. SKINNER (JOHN. Bishop of Aberdeen. 1721—1806). Essay towards a literal or true radical Exposition. Works II. 2 vols., 8vo. Aberdeen, 1809. 4/' Not very important. The Bishop doses his exposition with the following prayer for those who do not believe in the mystical sense:—"God forgive the fools and open, their eyes." Pretty strong for a Bishop!
694. STUART (A. MOODY, M.A.) Exposition, with Critical Notes. 8vo. 12/-Lond., Nisbet 1860. S. 6/-Although this admirable author expounds the Song upon a theory which we do not quite endorse, we do not know where to find a book of equal value in all respects. He has poetry in his soul, and, beyond that, a heart like that of Rutherford, fired with love to the.4,!together Lovely One. We thank him for this noble volume.
695. THE BRIDE OF CHRIST; or, Explanatory Notes on the Song of Solomon. [Anon.] 18mo. Lond., Seeleys. 1861. S. 6d. A little book for general use; not for students.
696. THE THREEFOLD MYSTERY: Hints on the Song of Songs, viewed as a Prophecy of the Double United Church of Jew and Gentile. By the author of"The Gathered Lily." 12mo. 3/6. Lond., Partridge & Co. 1869. It seems to us to be a wild fancy that all ecclesiastical history is condensed into the Canticles; hence we do not value this book.
697. THRUPP (JOHN FRANCIS). New Translation, with Commentary. Cr. 8vo. 7/6. Lond., Macmillan. 1862. We are highly pleased with this work. It defends the usual Christian interpretation by the conclusions of sober criticism, and shows that the spiritual sense is confirmed by the investigations of modern scholarship. In the introduction the author deals heavy blows at the sceptical school, and at those who, like Ginsburg, content themselves with imputing a merely moral meaning to the blessed Canticle of love.
698. WEISS (BENJAMIN). The Song of Songs unveiled: a New Translation and Exposition. Cr. 8vo. W. Oliphant & Co. 1859. S. 1/6 to 2/6. This author believes that the Song sets forth the history of Israel and her relation to the Covenant Angel from Horeb to Calvary. Beyond a few Eastern illustrations, nothing of value is contributed to existing materials. The work is thoroughly evangelical.
699. WILCOCKS (THOMAS). Exposition. Works. Folio. 1624, 12/-Short, and somewhat in the manner of a paraphrase. This venerable author gives a doctrinal summary of each verse, and from this we have frequently been directed to a subject of discourse.
700. WILLIAMS (THOMAS). A New Translation, with a Commentary and Notes. 8vo. Lond., 1801. Second edition, 1828. S. 2/-This volume is little known, but its value is above the average of Canticles literature. We have read many of the remarks with pleasure, but most of them are to be found in the standard commentaries.
701. WOODFORD (SAMUEL, D.D.) Paraphrase in Verse. 8vo. 1679. I/6 to 3/' Better than many poetical paraphrases, but still below the mark of true poetry.
702. WRIGHT (M.) The Beauty of the Word in the Song of Solomon. Cr. 8vo. 6/-Lond., Nisbet & Co. 1872. A purely spiritual commentary, casting no light, upon the text, but drawing much from it. More devotional than expository. The figures of the allegory are pressed as far as they should be, perhaps further.