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Commenting and CommentariesCharles Spurgeon
by Charles H. Spurgeon
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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."

Catalogue of Commentaries & Expositions

THE APOSTOLICAL EPISTLES
  1. BENSON (GEORGE, D.D. 1699—1763). Paraphrase and Notes on x & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Timothy, Philemon, Titus, and the Seven Catholic Epistles. 2 vols., 4to. x 734. 6/-to 8/-Benson has closely followed Lock's method, though scarcely with equal footsteps, and has paraphrased those Epistles which Locke did not live to complete. In the consecutive reading of an Epistle Locke and Benson are great assistants, but as Benson was an Arian he must be read with great caution. (See No. 1148).
  2. DENTON (W.) Commentaries on the Epistles for Sundays and Holy Days. 2 vols., 8vo. 36/-Lond., G. Bell & Co. 1869—71. S.21/-Will be a treasure to Churchmen. Denton is a good author.
  3. DICKSON (DAVID). Exposition of all the Epistles. Folio. Lond. 1659. 12/-to 15/- Dickson is a writer after our own heart. For preachers he is a great ally. There is nothing brilliant or profound; but everything is clear and well arranged, and the unction runs down like the oil from Aaron's head. In this volume the observations are brief.
  4. ELLICOTT (CHARLES J., D.D., Bp. of Gloucester and Bristol). Commentary on St. Paul's Epistles. 5 vols., 8vo. Galatians, 8/6; Ephesians, 8/6; Pastoral Epistles, 10/6; Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon, 10/6; Thessalonians, 7/6. Lond., Longmans. 1861—64. S. 3 1/6. Dr. Eadie says, "Ellicott is distinguished by close and uniform adherence to grammatical canon, without much expansion into exegesis." Dr. Riddle thinks £11icott to be in many respects without an English rival. For scholars only.
  5. FERGUSON (JAMES). Exposition of the Epistles to the Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Thes-salonians. 8vo. Edinb., 1659—74. 8/-to 10/6. Re-printed, 1 vol., large 8vo. Lond., 1841. 3/-to 5/6. /re who possesses this work is rich. The author handles his matter in the same manner as Hutcheson and Dickson, and he is of their class—a grand, gracious, savory divine.
  6. GLOAG (PATON J., D.D.) Introduction to the Pauline Epistles. 8vo. 12/-Edinb., T. & T. Clark. 1874. Not an exposition, but an exceedingly valuable introduction, illustrating the design, date, and circumstances of the inspired letters.
  7. JOWETT (BENJAMIN, M.A., Regius Professor, Oxford). Epistles to the Thessalonians, Galatians, and Romans [Greek and English]; with Critical Notes. 2 vols., 8vo. Lond., Murray. 1859. S. f2 2s. to f2 los. Professor Jowett's most unseemly attack on Paul, as an apostle, as a thinker, as a writer, and as a man, only proves his own incapacity for forming a /just judgment either of the apostle or of himself.
  8. KELLY (WILLIAM). Lectures Introductory to the Study of Paul's Epistles, Demy 8vo. 5/' Lond., G. Morrish. 1869. S. 3/' Of' the same character as Mr. Kelly's other works. (See 2Vo. 1220).
  9. LOCKE (JOHN, M.A. 1632—1704). Paraphrase and Notes on the Epistles to the Galatians, Corinthians, Romans, and Ephesians. 4to. Lond., 1733. Also 8vo. editions. 2/6. Anything from such a man is worthy of attention, and this piece, as a protest against rending texts from their connection, is most judicious. The paraphrase, though open to criticism, is executed with great candor, and really illuminates the text. (See Benson, No. 1140).
  10. LYTH (JOHN, D.D.) The Homiletical Treasury. Romans to Philippians. Cr. 8vo. 5/-Lond., Elliot Stock. 1869. The plan of this book is surpassingly useful, but Dr. Lyth does not carry it out to our satisfaction. It is easy to divide an egg by letting it drop on the floor, and in this fashion this author divides texts.
  11. MACKNIGHT (J., D.D. 1721—1800). Translation with Commentary and Notes. 6 vols., 8vo, 1816; also 4 vols., 8vo., and 1 vol., royal 8vo. 10/-To be read with great caution. We do not admire this author.
  12. MARSTON (CHARLES DALLAS, M.A.) Expositions on the Epistles. 12mo. 3/6. Lond., J. F. Shaw & Co. 1868. S. 1/9. Expositions of each Epistle as a whole. An admirable method of instruction. To do this in a popular style is as praiseworthy as it is difficult. Mr. Marston has succeeded.
  13. PAGET (ALFRED T., M.A.) On the Unity and Order of the Epistles of St. Paul. 8vo. Lond., Rivingtons. 1851. 1/-Suggests a rich vein for the student's own working. Few, we fear, will carry it out, but these will prize the Epistles more than others.
  14. PEILE (T. W., D.D.) Annotations on the Apostolical Epistles, for the use of Students of the Greek Text. 4 vols., 8vo. Lond., 1848—52. Anticalvinistic m doctrine, and in style involved, obscure, and terribly parenthetical. The purchase of the volumes would be a heavy investment.
  15. PRICHARD (C. E., M.A.) Commentary. Ephesians, Philip-pians, and Colossians. Lond., Rivingtons. 1865. S. 1/6. Not too diffuse: among the notes are some admirable hints which may be worked out. The book is a small one for so large a subject.
  16. SLADE (JAMES, M.A.) Annotations on the Epistles. For the use of Candidates for Holy Orders. 2 vols., 8vo. Lond., 1836. 5/' This is practically a continuation of Elsley's work (No. 954), which closed with the Acts. Notes dry and sapless, but from a literary point of view respectable.

    ROMANS

    [Our space does not permit us to repeat the names of authors mentioned under Acts and Apostolical.Epistles, but we urge the student carefully to refer thereto.]

  17. ADAM (THOMAS). Paraphrase on Romans I. to XI. 8vo. 1774; 12mo. 1805. 1/6 to 2/- A poor paraphrase; very correct and evangelical, but thin as Adam's ale. We are disappointed, for the "Private Thoughts" of the same author are highly esteemed.
  18. ANDERSON (ROBERT, of Brighton, 1792—1843). Exposition of Romans. 12mo. Lond., 1837. 2/6. After the manner of Charles Bridges. Full of holy unction and devout meditation.
  19. BROWN (JOHN, of Wamphray). Exposition of Romans. 4to. Edinb., 1766. 10/-to 12/-By a Calvinist of the old school. Heavy, perhaps; but precious.
  20. BROWN (JOHN, D.D., Edinb.) Analytical Expositions of Romans. Large 8vo. 14/-Edinb., W. Oliphant & Co. 1857. S. 7/-to 9/-Dr. Brown's work must be placed among the first of the first-class. He is a great expositor.
  21. CALVIN (JOHN). Commentary on Romans. Trans, lated by Christopher Roodell. 4to., Black Letter, 1583. 9/-Also sm. 8vo., with Life, by Beza. 1834. 2/9.
  22. CHALLIS (JAMES, M.A., F.R.S., F.R.A.S.) Translation o! Romans, with Notes. 8vo. 4/-Lond., G. Bell & Sons. 1871. The translation is made in the current language of the day. The notes are mainly critical.
  23. CHALMERS (T., D.D.) Lectures on Romans. 4 vols., 8vo. 1827. 4 vols., 12mo. Edinb., Edmonston & Co. 1854. S. 8/6. Our preferences as to expositions lie in another direction; but we cannot be insensible to the grandeur and childlike simplicity which were combined in Chalmers.
  24. EDWARDS (TIMOTHY, A.M.) Paraphrase, with Annotations, on Romans and Galatians. 4to. Lond., 1752. 2/6. Watt calls this a judiciously compiled work from the best comments. We judge it to be poor as poverty itself.
  25. EWBANK (W. W.) Commentary, with Translation and Notes. 2 vols., post 8va. Zend., J. w. Parker. 1850. S. 3/-A sound evangelical comment, very good and gracious. In condensed thought this work is not rich: it is adapted for general reading.
  26. FORD (J., M.A.). Romans. Illustrated from Ch. of England Divines. 8va. 12/-Masters, 1862. S. 7/- (See No. 955).
  27. FORBES (JOHN, LL.D.) Analytical Commentary, tracing the Train of Thought by the Aid of Parallelism, with Notes, &c. 8va. 10/6. Edinb., T. & T. Clark. 1868. We think Dr. Forbes carries the idea of parallelism further than it should go. It can only be applied strictly to poetical books, which Romans is not. He tries to bring out the other side of the truths taught in Hodge, Edwards, and Calvin; but we confess our preference of those authors to himself. The work will greatly edify those whom it does not confuse.
  28. FRY (JOHN, B.A.) Lectures. 8va. Lond., 1816. 2/-Having no theory to serve in this instance, Fry writes to edification.
  29. GODWIN (JOHN H., Hon. Prof., New Call., Land.) New Trans-lation, with Notes. 8va. 6/6. Lond., Hodder & Stoughton. 1873. Such a book as students need while studying the Greek text in college.
  30. HALDANE (R. 1764—1842). Exposition: with Remarks on the Commentaries of Macknight and others. 8va. 12/6. Edinb., W. Oliphant & Co. 1874. S. 9/-Dr. Chalmers styled this "a well-built commentary," and strongly recommended it to students of theology. In his "Sabbath Readings" he writes: "I am reading 'Haldane's Exposition of the Epistle to the Romans,' and find it solid and congenial food."
  31. HINTON (J. HOWARD.) Exposition. 8va. 6/-Lond., 1863. S. 1/6. Not believing in the constant parallelism of the Epistles, we care very little for this treatise, much as we esteem the author.
  32. HODGE (CHARLES). Commentary. 8va. Philadelphia, 1835, &c. Reprinted by Rel. Tract Society, 12mo. 3/-Hodge's method and matter make him doubly useful in commenting. He is singularly clear, and a great promoter of thought.
  33. KELLY (WILLIAM). Notes. 12mo. 2/6. Lond.,G. Morrish. 1873. Many of the remarks are admirable, but the theories supported are untenable.
  34. KNIGHT (ROBERT). Commentary. 8va. Lond., 1854. 2/6. Not at all to our mind. The author often seems to us rather to becloud the text than to explain it.
  35. LANGE (J.P., D.D.) and FAY (F. R.) Commentary on Romans. (See page 19, and No. 923).
  36. MARTYR (PETER. 1500—1562). A most learned and fruit. ful Commentary on Romans. Folio. 1568. 3a/-Being in black letter, and very long, few will ever read it; but it can. rains much that will repay the laborious book-worm.
  37. OLSHAUSEN (H., D.D.) Commentary on Romans. 8vo. 10/6. Edinb., T. & T. Clark. 1850. Nobody seems very enthusiastic as to Olshausen, but some authors have borrowed from his pages more than they have confessed. Personally we do not care for him, but many prize and all respect him.
  38. PARR (ELNATHAN, B.D.) A Short View of the Epistle to the Romans. [Chap. I.; II., I, 2; and VIII. to XVI.] This Exposition forms nearly the whole of" The Workes" of Parr. Fourth edition. Small folio. 1651. 10/-The quartos do not contain the Exposition of Chap. I. and II. The style is faulty, but the matter is rich and full of suggestions.:We regret that the work is not complete, and is seldom to be met with except in fragments.
  39. PLUMER (WILLIAM S., D.D., LL.D.) Commentary, with Introduction on the Life, Times, Writings, and Character of Paul. Imp. 8vo. 14/-Edinb., W. Oliphant. IN. D.] Plumer is a laborious compiler, and to most men his works will be of more use than those of a more learned writer.
  40. PRIDHAM {ARTHUR). Notes. Cr. 8vo. 5/-Lond., Yapp. 1862. Sound and gracious, but somewhat dull.
  41. PURDUE (E., A.M.) Commentary on Romans. 8vo. Dub., 1855. 1/6. Not important.
  42. ROBINSON (T., D.D.) Suggestive Commentary on Romans. [ Van Doren Series of Commentaries.] 2 vols., cr. 8vo. 8/-nett. Lond., Dickinson & Higham. 1871. A good book in a good style. Worth any amount to preachers.
  43. STEPHEN (JOHN, A.M.) Expositions on Romans. A Series of Lectures. 12mo. Aberd., 1857. 2/6. Sound in doctrine, practical in tone; above mediocrity.
  44. STUART (MosEs.) Commentary on Romans. 8vo. 6/-Lond., W. Tegg & Co. S. 3/6. Moses Stuart is judged to have been at his best in Romans and Hebrews. The present work is in some points unsatisfactory, on account of certain philosophico-theological views which he endeavors to maintain. Mr. Haldane denounced him as by false criticism "misrepresenting the divine testimony in some of the most momentous points of the Christian scheme." The charge was too true.
  45. TERROT (C. H., A.M., B P. of Edinburgh). Romans [in Greek], with Introduction, Paraphrase, and Notes. 8vo. Lond., 1828. x/6. Anti-Calvinistic. Why do not such writers let Romans alone?
  46. THOLUCK (A. F.) Exposition of Romans. 2 vols., fcap. 8vo. 8/-Bib. Cabinet Series. Edinb., T. Clark. 1842. S. 4/-Moses Stuart confesses his great obligations to this eminent divine, who far exceeds the most of his German brethren in spirituality, and is not behind them in scholarship; yet even he is none too orthodox nor too reverent in his treatment of Holy Scripture.
  47. VAUGHAN (CHARLES JOHN, D.D.) Romans. The Greek Text, with English Notes. Cr. 8vo. 7/6. Lond., Macmillan & Co. 1874. S. 4/-Very valuable to students of the Greek. The result of independent study and honest labor.
  48. WALFORD (W.) Curae Romaine. 12mo. Lond., 1846. x/6. Walford makes comments of considerable value; he does not stand in the front rank, but his mediocrity is respectable.
  49. WARDLAW (RALPH, D.D.) Lectures on Romans. 3 vols., cr. 8vo. 3/6 each. Lond., Fullarton & Co. 1861. Wardlaw interprets with great sobriety and spirituality, and we never consult him in vain, though we do not always agree with him.
  50. WILLET (ANDREW). Hexapla: that is, a Sixfold Commentary upon Romans. Folio. 1611. 6/-to 7/6. (See No. 142.)
  51. WILLIAMS (H. W., Wesleyan 3finislet). Exposition. Cr. 8vo. 6/-Lond., 66, Paternoster Row. 1869. S. 2/6. This epistle has a fascination for Arminian writers; it affords them an opportunity for showing their courage and ingenuity. Mr. Williams's book is instructive.
  52. WILSON (THOMAS. Puritan. Died 1621). Commentary on Romans. 4to. Lond., 1614. Folio, 1627 and 1653. 3/6 to 5/6. Intended for the less-instructed among the preacher's hearers, and put into the form of a dialogue. It is very solid, but does not contain much which is very striking or original.
  53. SCLATER (W., D.D. Died 1626). A Key to the Key of Scripture;or an Exposition, with Notes, upon the Romans, Chap. I., II., III. 4to. 1611 and 1629. 4/ An antique, but precious book.
  54. MORISON (JAMES, D.D.) Exposition of the Third Chapter of Romans. 8vo. 12/6. Lond., Hamilton. 1866. S. 7/6. .4. scholarly and exhaustive exposition. When we do not agree with Dr. Morison, we pay homage to his great learning and critical skill.
  55. FRASER (JAMES. 1700—1796). The Doctrine o! Sanctification. Explication of Romans VI. to VIII. 1—4. 8vo. Edinb., 1830. Offered, new, by Ogle & Murray, 2/6. Dr. John Brown says: "Fraser's Scripture Doctrine of Sanctification is well worth studying. 2'he old Scotch divine is rude in speech, but not in knowledge."
  56. ELTON (EDWARD, B.D.) Sundry Sermons upon Romans VII., VIII., and IX. Folio. Lond., 1653. 8/-to m/-The style is plain and homely, but the matter is aye the choicest kind. This old folio is like an old skin bottle, with a rough exterior, but filled within with the product of the rarest vintage. Such boo/es as this we never tire of reading.
  57. KOHLBRUGGE (H. F., D.D., of E1berfeld). Romans VII., paraphrased, 12mo. Lond., 1854. S. 1/6. An instructive rendering of this deeply experimental chapter.
  58. BINNING (HUGH. 1627—1653). The Sinner's Sanctuary. Forty-eight Sermons on Romans VIIi. 4to. 1670. Also Vols. I. and II. of his Works. 3 vols., 12mo. Edinb., 1839. 3/-to 4/6. The writer of Binning's Memoir says: "There is a pure stream of piety and learning running through the whole, and a very peculiar turn of thought, which exceeds the common rate of writers on this choice part of the Holy Scriptures."
  59. HORTON (THOMAS, D.D.) Forty-six Sermons on Romans VIII. Lond. Folio. 1674. 3/' Full of matter, well, but rather too formally, arranged. The sermons are very prim and orderly.
  60. WINSLOW (OCTAVIUS, D.D.) No Condemnation in Christ. [On Romans VIII.] Cr. 8vo. 7//-Lond., Shaw. 1860. Dr. Winslow is always sound and sweet; but his works are better adapted for general readers than for students. He is extremely diffuse.

    I. & II. CORINTHIANS

    [See also under Apostolical Epistles.]

  61. BILLROTH (DR. Gustav. 1808—1836). Commentary on the Epistles to the Corinthians. 2 vols., 12mo. 8/-Bib Cabinet Series. Edinb., T. & T. Clark. S. 2/9. To be prized for its criticism. The author tries to bring forth from each passage the sense which the Apostle intended it to convey. Observations and reflections there are none; but we are not among those who throw away "the dry bones of criticism "—bones are as needful as meat though not so nourishing.
  62. CALVIN (JOHN). Commentarie upon Corinthians. Translated by Thomas Tymme. 4to. 1577. 15/- Tymme seems to have been constantly occupied in translating the Reformers, and to have done his work well.
  63. HODGE (CHARLES, D.D.) Exposition of I. Corinthians. Post 8vo. 5/-1868. Exposition of II. Corinthians. Post 8vo. 5/-1869. Lond., Nisbet. The more we use Hodge, the mare we value him. This applies to all his commentaries.
  64. LANGE (J.P.) Commentary on I. and II. Corinthians, by C. F. Kluig, D.D. (Seepage 19.)
  65. LOTHIAN (W.) Lectures on I. & II. Corinthians. 8vo. Edinb., 1828. This work must have done good service in its day, as in some degree an antidote to Macknight; it is good and sound; but the student need not distress himself if he cannot procure it, for it is not indispensable.
  66. OLSHAUSEN (H., D.D.) Commentary on I. and II. Corin-thians. 8vo. 9/-Edinb., T. & T. Clark. 1851. Dr. Lindsay Alexander says that this comment is highly esteemed for its happy combinations of grammatico-historical exegesis, with spiritual insight into the meaning of the sacred writers.
  67. PRIDHAM (ARTHUR). Notes and Reflections on I. and II. Corinthians. 2 vols., cr. 8vo. 5/' each. Lond., Nisbet. 1866. We do not always agree with Mr. Pridham, but we always admire the quiet, candid, and unaffected manner in which he writes.
  68. ROBERTSON (FREDERICK W., M.A. 1816—1853). Exposi-tory Lectures. 12mo. 5/-Lond., King. 1872. Robertson's doctrinal vagaries are well known; yet he is a great thinker and a prompter of thought in other men. Read with discretion.
  69. STANLEY (ARTHUR PENRHYN, D.D., F.R.S., Dean of West-minister.) Corinthians. 8vo. 18/-Lond., Murray. 1876. We do not advise the purchase of these volumes; for although Dean Stanley is an instructive writer, our perusal of his notes does not impress us with any sense either of their value or soundness.
  70. COLET (JOHN, D.D., Dean of St. Paul's. 1466-1519). Treatise on I. Corinthians. With Translation. Demy 8vo. 10/6. Lond., G. Bell & Sons. 1874. A curiosity and nothing more. This same ancient Dean Colet, the friend of Erasmus, wrote also on the Romans.
  71. PEARCE (ZACHARY, D.D.) Translation of I. Corinthians, with Paraphrase and Notes. In Vol. II. of Commentary. (No. 966.) We ought to value this work greatly, for the author was a renowned scholar; but we confess we do not think much of his productions. ['The writers on small portions of these Epistles are too numerous to be mentioned in our short Catalogue. Burgess, Branston, Thomas Fuller Sibbes, Manton, Watson, and other masterly writers have all left a contribution to the expository stores of the Church of Christ.]

    GALATIANS

    [Do not forget to consult works from No. 1140 to 1155.]

  72. BAGGE (HENRY T. J., B.A.) Galatians. 8vo. Lond., 1856. S. 3/ Simply a revised text and critical notes.
  73. BAYLEY (SIR E.) Commentary on Galatians. Thick post 8vo. 7/6. Lond, Nisbet. 1869. S. 3/-Upon each portion there is a commentary, a paraphrase, and a sermon, and thus the author conveys a considerable amount of instruction. He is thoroughly evangelical, and his style clear.
  74. BROWN (JOHN, D.D. Edinburgh). Exposition of Galatians. 8vo. Edinb., 1853. S. 6/-Brown is a modern Puritan. All his expositions are of the utmost value. The volume on Galatians is one of the scarcest books in the market.
  75. CALVIN (JOHN). Forty-two Sermons on Galatians. 4to. Lond., 1574. [A different work from his Commentary.]
  76. EADIE (JOHN, D.D.) Commentary on the Greek Text of Galatians. 8va. 10/6. Edinb., Clark. 1869. S. 7/6. This is a most careful attempt to ascertain the meaning of the Apostle by a painstaking analysis of his words. The author is not warped by any system of theology, but yet he does not deviate from recognized evangelical truth. As a piece of honest grammatical exegesis the value of this commentary is very great, though there is room to differ from it here and there.
  77. EDMUNDS (JOHN, M.A.) Galatians. With Explanatory Notes. Crown 8va. Edinb., Oliver & Boyd. 1874. Thoroughly ritualistic. See remarks on this author's work on Thessalonians.
  78. GODWIN (JOHN H.) Galatians. Translation, with Notes and Doctrinal Lessons. Cr. 8va. 3/-Lond., Hodder. 1871. A helpful translation, with good textual notes.
  79. HALDANE (JAMES ALEXANDER. 1768—1851). Exposition of Galatians. 12mo. 1848. 2/6. This work has never been popular, because the author in the third chapter discusses the question of baptism. This is a fault of which we may say as the Papist said of venial sin: "It deserved to be forgiven."
  80. HAWKER (JOHN, M.A.) Bible Thoughts in Quiet Hours. Commentary on Galatians. 2/-Lond., Yapp & Hawkins. 1874. These "thoughts" are sound and edifying. The book does not profess to be a thorough exposition.
  81. KELLY (WILLIAM). Lectures on Galatians. 12mo. I/6 and 2/-Lond., G. Morrish. [N.D.J Mr. Kelly's authoritative style has no weight with us. We do not call these lectures expounding, but confounding.
  82. LANGE (J.P.) Commentary on Galatians, by Otto Schmoller, Ph.D. Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians, by Karl Braune, D.D. (Seepage 19.)
  83. LIGHTFOOT (J. B., D.D., Canon of St. Paul's). Gala-tians. Revised Text, with Introductions, Notes, and Dissertations. 8va. 12/-Lond., Macmillan. 1874. The Spectator says: "There is no commentator at once of sounder judgment, and more liberal, than Dr. Lightfoot."
  84. LUSHINGTON (THOMAS. Died 1661. The Justification of a Sinner: the Main Argument of the Epistle to the Galatians. Folio. 1650. 5/6. A translation from Crellius, a Socinian divine, made by Lushington, who was far gone towards the same error. We mention the book to warn our readers of its character; for bad works of the Puritan period are few.
  85. LUTHER (MARTIN). Commentary on Galatians. [Numerous editions—folio, quarto, and octavo.] "I prefer this book of Martin Luther's (except the Bible) before all the books that / have ever seen, as most fit far a wounded conscience."— Bunyan. This is a great historic work, and is beyond criticism, on account of its great usefulness. As a comment its accuracy might be questioned; but for emphatic utterances and clear statements of the great doctrine of the Epistle it remains altogether by itself, and must be judged per se.
  86. OLSHAUSEN (H., D.D.) Commentary on Galatians, Ephe-sians, Colossians, and Thessalonians. 8vo. 10/6. Edinb., T. & T. Clark. 1851 (For remarks, see No. 964.)
  87. PEARSON (SAMUEL, Minister of Gt. George St. Chapel, Liver-pool). Sermons on Galatians. Cr. 8vo. 3/6. Lond., Clarke. 1874. Discourses worthy of the successor of Spencer and Raffies.
  88. PERKINS (WILLIAM. 1558—1602.) Commentarie on the First Five Chapters of Galatians, with a Supplement on the Sixth Chapter, by Ralfe Cudworth. Thick 4to. 1604. 2/6 to 4/-Perkins was justly esteemed by his cotemporaries as a master in theology. This commentary is deeply theological, and reads like a body of divinity: truth compels us to confess that we find it dull.
  89. PRIDHAM (A.) Galatians. Cr. 8vo. 5/-Lond., Nisbet. 1872. Pridham is, we suppose, of the moderate Brethren school, but he is not carried away by any theory, being essentially a man of sober mind.

    EPHESIANS

    [See also under Apostolical Epistles.]

  90. BAYNE (PAUL, A.M. Puritan. Died 1617). Commentary on Ephesians. Folio. 1643, &c. 6/-[Reprinted in Nichol's Commentaries. Cr. 4to. 7/6. Lond., Nisbet. 1866.] Sibbes says of this Work: "The greatest shall find matter to exercise themselves in; the meaner, matter of sweet comfort and holy instruction; and all confess that he hath brought some light to this Scripture."
  91. CALVIN (JOHN). Sermons on Ephesians, Translated by A. Golding. Black Letter. 4to. Lond., 1577. 9/' Not the same as the exposition. The Sermons are priceless.
  92. EADIE (JOHN, D.D.) Commentary on the Greek text of Ephesians. 8vo. 14/. Lond., Griffin. 1861. S. 7/6. "This book is one of prodigious learning and research. The author seems to have read all, in every language, that has been written upon the Epistle. It is also a work of' independent criticism, and casts much new light upon man7 passages."
  93. GRAHAM (WILLIAM, D.D., of Bonn, Prussia). Lectures on Ephesians. Cr. 8vo. 7/6. Lond., Partridge & Co. 1870. Dr. Graham is an earnest opponent of the German Neologians anti frequently writes with their negations be/ore his eye. He is a commentator of considerable learning and much spirituality of mind.-
  94. HEMMINGE (NICHOLAS, D.D.) Commentary on Ephesians, translated. 4to. Lond., 1581 (See No. 553.)
  95. HODGE (CHARLES, D.D.) Commentary on Ephesians. Cr. 8vo. 3/6. Lond., Nisbet. 1870. Most valuable. With no writer do we more fully agree.
  96. KELLY (W.) Lectures. 12mo. 2/-Lond., G. Morrish. (See No. 1256).
  97. LATHROP (JOSEPH, D.D., of America. 173t—1820). Expo-sition of the Epistle to the Ephesians, in a Series of Discourses. Thick 8vo. Philadelphia, 1864. These discourses are sure to be of the highest class. We have not been able to procure a copy.
  98. M'GHEE (R.,A.M., M.R.I.A.) Lectures on Ephesians. 2 vols., 8vo. Fourth edition. Lond., Saunders & Otley. 1861. S. 10/6. Lively, warmhearted, extemporaneous sermons, full of good teaching. The preacher aimed to edify the many, rather than to write a critical work for the few, and he has succeeded.
  99. NEWLAND (HENRY, M.A) A New Catena of St. Paul's Epistles. Commentary on Ephesians, in which is exhibited the Results of the most learned Theological Criticisms, from the Age of the Early Fathers down to the Present Time. 8vo. 7/6. Lond., J. Parker & Co. 1866. S. 3/-Used discreetly, this Catena of patristic, mediaeval, and modern Church interpreters, may be very helpful; without discretion it will mislead.
  100. PATTISON (R.E., D.D., late Pres. of Waterville Col.) Commentary on Ephesians. 8vo. Boston, U.S. 1859. A book to instruct intelligent, experienced believers. It is a model for a class-book, plain and yet profound.
  101. PERCEVAL (A. P.) Lectures on Ephesians. 12mo. Lond., 1846. 1/6. Good, but not likely to produce headache by overloading the brain with thought.
  102. PRIDHAM (A.) Ephesians. 12mo. 4/6. Lond., Yapp. S. 2/6. Style heavy, matter weighty.
  103. PULSFORD (JohN). Christ and his Seed; Central to all things: being a Series of Expository Discourses on Paul's Epistle to the Ephesians. 4to. 8/6. Lond., Hamilton, Adams & Co. 1872. Contains a great deal of deep thought, but is too mystical and often too cloudy to be of much service to those who wish to explain Scripture.
  104. RIDLEY (LANCELOT. About 1540.) Commentaries on Ephesians, Philippians, and part of Jude. [Reprinted in Richmond's Fathers.] John Bale wrote in 1543: "The Commentary which that virtuous, learned man, Master Lancelot Ridley, made upon St. Paul's Epistle to the Ephesians, for the true erudttion of his Christian brethren, hath my Lord Bonner here also condemned for heresy. But what the cause is I cannot tell, unless it be for advancing the Gospel as the thing whereby we are made righteous." Our author is equally fierce against Anabaptists and Papists, but is not much of a commentator.
  105. TURNER (SAMUEL H., D.D.) Ephesians, in Greek and English; with Analysis and Commentary. 8vo. New York, 1856. A learned American work; good, but not very attractive.
  106. EVANS (JAMES HARRINGTON, A.M. 1785—1849). Christian Solicitude, as exemplified in Ephesians III. 16mo. Lond., J. F. Shaw. 1856. S. 1/3. Harrington Evans was a great teacher. A more sound, earnest, and instructive divine never lived. This book consists of notes of sermons preserved by a hearer. It is well worthy of study. His Memoir contains fragmentary remarks upon Ephesians I.
  107. ROLLOCK (ROBERT. 1855—1598). An Exposition of part of the rift and sixt chapters of S. Pavle's Epistle to the Ephesians. 4to. Lond., 1630.!In a volume containing sundry fragments of Expositions.] 12/ This renowned Scotchman's writings generally come to us as translations from the Latin, and have been made preternaturally dull in the process of interpretation; but this appears to have been written in English by himself. It is practical to a high degree, and goes into minute details of the married life, &c. It will not be much appreciated in these days, though Dr. McCrie styles Rollock's works "succinct and judicious."

    PHILIPPIANS

    [See also under Epistles.]

  108. ACASTER (J.) Expository Lectures on Philippians. 8va. Lond, 1827. 2/-Useful in showing the preacher how not to do it. By a violent effort we forced ourselves to read one lecture; but we have done nothing to deserve to read another. The author was domestic chaplain to an earl, meant well, and did his little best.
  109. AIRAY (HENRY. 1559—1617). Lectures on Philippians. 4to. Land, 1618. 5/6. [Reprinted, with Cartwright on Colossians, in Nichol's Commentaries. Cr. 4to. 7/6. Lond., Nisbet. 1864.] Mr. Grosart says: "You will look in vain in this commentary for erudite criticism or subtle exegesis in the modern sense: but there seems to us to be an instructively true following up of the Apostolic thoughts, and a quick insight into their bearings and relative force.
  110. CALVIN (JOHN). Commentarie on Philippians. Translated by Wm. Becket. 4to. Lond., 1584. 10/6.
  111. CALVIN AND STORR. Expositions of Philippians and Colossians. By J. Calvin and Gottlob Starr. Translated by R. John-ston. 12mo. 4/-Bib. Cabinet. Edinb., Clark. 1842. 3/-A sort of sandwich, with Calvin for the meat, and Starr for very hard black bread. Students who can enjoy both spiritual exposition and stern criticism with equal relish will make fine expositors.
  112. DAILLE (JEAN. 1594—1670). Exposition of Philippians. Translated by Rev. James Sherman. Imp. 8va. Lond., 1841. [This Exposition, together with Daille on Colossians, and Jenkyn on Jude, have been issued in one thick volume by Mr. Nichol of Edinburgh. 10/6. Lond., Nisbet. 1863..'] Written in a deliciously florid style. Very sweet and evangelical: after the French manner.
  113. EADIE (JOHN, D.D.) Commentary on the Greek text of Philippians. 8vo., 10/6. Lond., Griffin. 1859. S. 6/. A standard work. Essential to the scholarly student.
  114. EASTBURN (M.) Lectures. 8vo. New York, 1853. 2/6. Designed for family reading. Moderately good.
  115. HALL (ROBERT, A.M. 1764—1831). Exposition of Philip-pians, in twelve Discourses. 8vo. Lond., 1843. 2/6. Robert Hall does not shine so much upon the printed page as he did when he blazed from the pulpit. These discourses were published after his death, from the notes of a hearer. They are good as sermons, but not remarkable as expositions.
  116. JOHNSTONE (ROBERT, LL.B., of Glasgow). Lectures on Philippians, with revised Translation, and Notes on the Greek text. 8vo. 7/6. Edinb., Oliphant. 1875. .4 noble volume. A real boon to the man who purchases it.
  117. KELLY (W.) Philippians and Colossians. 12mo. 2/-Lond., Morrish. 1869. Much that is excellent placed in "darkness visible."
  118. LANGE (J.P.) See No. 923, and also page 19.
  119. LIGHTFOOT (J. B., D.D.) A revised text, with Note:,. &c. 8vo. 12/. Lond., Macmillan & Co. 1873. Deservedly regarded as a standard work. The more instructed student will appreciate it.
  120. MEYER (DR. H. A.W.) Critical and Exegetical Handbook to the Epistles to the Philippians and Colossians. (See No. 928). No doubt wonderfully learned, but we cannot get on with it. Quotations from heretics we have happily never heard of before are of no great use to simple believers like ourselves.
  121. NEAT (CHARLES). Discourses from Philippians. Sm. 8vo. Lond., 1841 1/6. Strongly Calvinistic, and correct to a hair; but utterly devoid of originality either of thought or expression.
  122. NEANDER (JOHANN AUGUST WILHELM. 1789—1850). Philip-pians and James, practically and historically explained. Post 8vo. 3/-Edinb., T. & T. Clark. 1851. S. 1/9. Without dwelling upon the wording of the Epistle, Neander reproduces its spirit in other language, and so expounds it. The little work will be greatly appreciated by a certain order of minds.
  123. NEWLAND (H., M.A.) New Catena. Philippians. 8vo, 7/6. J. Parker. 1860. S. 2/6. (See No. 1238).
  124. PEIRCE (JAMES. Died 1726). Paraphrase on Philippians, Colossians, and Hebrews. 4to. Lond., 1733. Had he but known the Lord, his writings would have been admirable. He con ceals his Arianism, but it is fatal to his acceptance with believers. He wrote after the manner of Mr. Locke.
  125. ROBERTSON (.J.S.S., M.A.) Lectures on Philippians. 12mo. Lond., 1849 Lectures which will never set the Thames on fire.
  126. TODD (JAMES F., M.A.) Apostle Paul and the Church at Philippi. Acts XVI. and Philippians. 8vo. 9/. Lond., Bell & Daldy. 1864. A respectable work. The author is sound in doctrine and valorous in controverting error, and he says many good things; but he rather uses the text than expounds it. He deserves a reading3 but men with whom money is scarce need not purchase this book.
  127. TOLLER (THOMAS). Discourses on Philippians. 12mo. Lond., 1855. 2/-A very favorable specimen of plain, popular exposition. Nothing either deep, or new, or critically accurate; but sensible and practical.
  128. VAUGHAN (C. J., D.D.) Lectures on Philippians. Extra Fcap. 8vo. 5/-Lond., Macmillan. 1864, &c. Deservedly esteemed. Dr. Vaughan gives a literal translation of his text from the original Greek, and then expounds it, believing' it, as he says, "to be the duty of every Christian teacher to assist his congregation in drinkings not of the stream on& but at the spring of revealed truth."
  129. WIESINGER (LIC. AuGust). Commentary on Philippians, Titus, and 1 Timothy; in continuation of the work of Olshausen. 8vo. 10/6. Edinb., T. & T. Clark. 1851. S. 4/6. Many mistake this for Olshausen's. It is of the critical and grammatical school, and bristles all over with the names of the German band. We prefer the Puritanic gold to the German silver which is now in fashion.

    COLOSSIANS
  130. BAYNE. (PAUL, A.M.) Commentary on Colossians I. and II. 4to. Lond., 1634. 6/. On the two first chapters only. Edifying' and very rare.
  131. BYFIELD (NICHOLAS, Puritan. 1579—1622.) Exposition upon Colossians; being the Substance of near seven years' week-day sermons. Folio. 1615 and 1617. 6/6 [Reprinted in Nichol's Commentaries. Cr. 4to., 7/6. Lond., Nisbet. 1869.] The author lived in intense pain, and died at 44, yet he produced quite a mountain of literature. He writes like an earnest, faithful man, resolved to keep back nothing' of the counsel of God; but he too little studies brevity, and consequently he wearies mort readers. lie is always worth consulting'.
  132. CALVIN. (See Nos. 1249, 1250).
  133. CARTWRIGHT (ThoMAs, B.D. Puritan. 1535—1603). Commentary on Colossians. 4to. Lond., 1612. 7/6. IRe-printed in Nichol's Commentaries. See-No. x 248.] This is but a small affair, consisting of scanty and second-rate "notes" by a hearer. Yet what there is of it has the true ring, and is rich in spirituality.
  134. DAILLE (J.) (See No. 1251).
  135. DAVENANT (JOHN, Bp. of Salisbury. 1572—1641.) Exposition of Colossians. Translated from the Latin, by Josiah Allport. 2 vols., 8vo. Lond., 1831. 4/-to 6/6. "/know no exposition upon a detached portion of Scripture (with the single exception of Owen on the Hebrews) that will con&are with it in all points. Leighton is superior in sweetness, but far inferior in depth, accuracy, and discursiveness."—C. Bridges.
  136. EADIE (John, D.D.) Commentary on the Greek text of Colossians. 8vo., 10/6. Lond., Griffin. 1856. S. 6/. Very full and reliable. A work of the utmost value.
  137. ELTON (EDWARD, B.D.) Exposition of Colossians. Third edition. Folio. Lond., 1637. 7/-to 9/. ,4 Puritan work; strongly Calvinistic, popular, and very full.
  138. GISBORNE (Thomas, Prebendary of Durham. 1758—1846). Exposition of Colossians. 12mo. Lond., 1816. x/-Sermons which very much remind us of those of Henry Melvill, but with less of the Gospel in them. Gisborne was a preacher of considerable repute, but he was more at home upon moral than spiritual topics.
  139. GUTHRIE (THOMAS, D.D.) Christ the Inheritance of the Saints. Discourses from Colossians, Cr. 8vo. 7/6. Edinb., A. & C. Black. 1859. S. 4/-Not so much an exposition as a series of brilliant discourses, or l:,rose poems. Dr. Guthrie has only touched upon the first chapter.
  140. LIGHTFOOT (j. B., D.D.) Colossians and Philemon. A revised Text, with Introductions, Notes, &c. 8vo., 12/. Macmillan & Co. 1875. For remarks, see No. 1258. Lightfoot writes for scholars.
  141. MILNER (Joseph, M.A.) Sermons on Colossians, 1 Thessa-Ionians V., and James I. 8vo. Lond., 1841. 3/' Respectable sermons by the Church historian.
  142. ROLLOCK (R.) Lectures on Colossians. 4to. Lond., 1603. 10/-It is said that when this great divine died the entire population of Edinburgh attended his funeral. His Lectures on Colossians were once very popular, but are now extremely scarce. The style is very simple and colloquial, and the matter far from profound.
  143. SPENCE (JAMES, D.D.) Discourses on Colossians. Cr. 8vo. 7/6. Lond., Hodder. 1875. .4 flood specimen of honest, popular expounding'. Intended for a congregation, but useful to the student.
  144. WATSON (THOMAS, B.A.) Discourses on Colossians. 8vo. Lond., 1838 2/& Thoroughly evangelical and remarkably commonplace.
  145. WILSON (DANIEL, D.D., Bp. of Calcutta). Explanatory Lectures on Colossians. 8vo. Lond., 1845. 2/6. By a famous modern evangelical, who shows much ability in wielding this Scripture against Tractarians and others. The work contains little original exegesis.
  146. LOCKYER (NICH., Puritan. 1612—1684-5). England Faithfully Watcht with in her Wounds. [Lectures on Colossians I.] 4to. Lond., 1646. 5/. Rich, full, simple.,4 fair specimen of plain Puritan preaching.

    I. & II. THESSALONIANS
  147. EDMUNDS (J., M.A.) Commentary on I and 2 Thessalonians. Cr. 8vo. Lond., Bell & Daldy. 1858. S. 2/-For school Teachers. The author's notion of a Commentary, which he fully carries out, is contained in his preface. "My idea of the Middle-class Commentary is, that it should be in strict accordance with the doctrine and ritual of the Church, should illustrate her ritual, and should recommend her to the esteem and affection of her children, by proving her adherence to the Word of God."
  148. JEWEL (JOHN, Bp. of Salisbury. 1522—1571). Expositions upon I. & II. Thessalonians. Sin. 8vo. Black Letter. Lond., 1583. Reprinted 1811 and 1841. 1/6. Also in his Works. Hooker calls Jewel "the jewel of bishops." This work is in the usual style of the first Reformers, but rather more lively than most of them. Many of the topics touched upon were peculiar to the times in which the exposition was written. It will serve as a good specimen of the preaching of the Fathers of the English Church.
  149. LANGE (J.P.) Commentary on Thessalonians, by Drs. Auberlen and Riggenbach. Translated by Dr. Lillie Timothy, Titus and Philemon, by Prof. Von Oosterzee. Hebrews, by Dr. C. B. Moll. Edited by Dr. Schaff. Imp. 8vo. 21/. Edinb., T. & T. Clark. 1869. "Lillie's Thessalonians will be found to be one of the best executed portions of the American edition of Lange. The trans-lotion is remarkably accurate and elegant, and the additions from his own researches, and the best English Commentaries, are care. fully selected and valuable."—Dr. P. Schaff
  150. LILLIE (JOHN, D.D., Kingston, New York. 1812—1867). Lectures on Thessalonians. Large 8vo. 9/. Edinb., W. Oliphant & Co. 1863. Remarks on the preceding will apply here.
  151. ROLLOCK (ROBERT). Lectures on the Epistles to the Thessalonians, preached by R.R. 4to. Edinb., 1606. For remarks, see No. 1246.
  152. SCLATER (WILLIAM, D.D.) Exposition upon 1 and a Thessalonians. 4to. Lond., 1627. 3/6 to 7/-Sclater is antique; but, in the usual Puritanic manner, he gives very instructive disquisitions upon a vast variety of topics suggested by the text.
  153. PATTERSON (ALEXANDER SIMPSON, D.D., Glasgow). Commentaries on x Thessalonians, James, and 1 John. 12mo. Edin5., 1857. 2/6 to 4/6. Notes of discourses, with much in them. Hints may be gleaned here in abundance by students who open their eyes.
  154. PHILLIPS (J.) The Greek of Thessalonians explained. 4to. Lond., 1751. Short, but not particularly sweet. Very scarce.
  155. BRADSHAW (W., Purr?an. 1571—1618). A Plaine and Pithy Exposition of 2 Thessalonians; published since his decease by T. Gataker. 4to. 1620. 3/6. As we cannot get a sight of this, perhaps some reader will present us with a copy.
  156. MANTON (THOMAS, D.D.) Eighteen Sermons on 2 Thessalonians II., concerning Antichrist. 8vo. 1679. 4,/. Here Manton smites heavily at Popery. Richard Baxter wrote a commendatory preface to this valuable exposition.
  157. SQUIRE (JOHN, M.A.) A Plaine Exposition on 2 Thessalonians II., 1—13, proving the Pope to be Antichrist. 4to. Lond., 1630. 5/-to 8/-Squire works out the point of the Pope's being Antichrist with very great cogency of reasoning. The exposition of the Epistle is lost in the point aimed at; but that point is of the utmost importance.

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