The Spurgeon Archive
Main MenuAbout SpurgeonSpurgeon's SermonsSpurgeon's WritingsThe Treasury of DavidThe Sword and the TrowelOther Spurgeon ResourcesDaily SpurgeonSpurgeon's Library
Commenting and CommentariesCharles Spurgeon
by Charles H. Spurgeon
Click here for Table of Contents

The e-text for this catalogue is taken from the Ages Spurgeon Collection on CD-ROM. The text was scanned from the original Passmore & Alabaster work and published on the Ages CD-ROM without corrections. Although many of the scanning errors have been corrected for edition, the text has not yet been carefully proofread and formatted. More corrections will be made as time permits. Meanwhile, we believe most users will find this material quite useful despite the minor flaws.

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

PASTORAL EPISTLES

Or, the Epistles of Timothy, Titus, and Philemon.

  1. CALVIN (JOHN). C Sermons on the Epistles of S. Paule to Timothie and Titus, translated out of the French, by L.T. 4to. Lond., 1579. 15/. Quite a different work from Calvin's Commentaries.
  2. FAIRBAIRN (PATRICK, D.D.) The Pastoral Epistles, Greek Text, Translation, Introductions, Expository N ores, &c. Cr. 8vo. 7/6. Edinb., T. & T. Clark. 1874. What with a good translation, full defense of the Apostolic authorship of the Epistles, fruitful comments, and profitable dissertations, this volume is about as complete a guide to the smaller epistles as one could desire.

    I. & II. TIMOTHY

    [See also under Pastoral Epistles.]

  3. BICKERSTETH (E.) (See No. 1386).
  4. PATTERSON (ALex. S., D.D.) Commentary on Timothy and Titus. 18mo. 1848. (See our remarks an No. 1292.)
  5. SLADE (HENRY RAPER., LL.B.) Pulpit Lectures on the Epistles to Timothy. Cr. 8vo. 1837. 1/-Utter rubbish. Dear at a gift.
  6. WIESINGER (L. A.) (See No. 1268).
  7. PINDER (JOHN H., M.A.) The Candidate for the Ministr7. Lectures on 1 Timothy. 12mo. Lond., 1837. 1/-Of no consequence.
  8. BARLOW (JOHN. Puritan.) Exposition of 2 Timothy, I. and II. Folio. Lond., 1632. 4/-to 7/6. By a master in Israel. Thoroughly practical, deeply experimental, and soundly doctrinal.
  9. HALL (THOMAS). Commentary on 2 Timothy III. and IV. Folio. Lond., 1632—1658. 8/. Hall is often found in union with Barlow, completing the Commentary on 2 Timothy, as he completed Amos, (No. 840.)-/are is a masterly expositor, of the old-fashioned school.

    TITUS

    [See also under Pastoral Epistles.]

  10. GRAHAM (W, D.D.) Titus. 12mo. 2/6. Lond., Nisbet. 1860. Dr. Graham endeavors to make criticism intelligible, and the results of learning really edifying. We have our doubts as to some of his critic:isms, and he is quite dogmatic enough, but on the whole good.
  11. TAYLOR (THOMAS, D.D. Puritan. 1579—1632). Commentarie upon Titus. 4to. Camb., 1619. 4/-to 6/. Folio. 1668. 10/. Also in Works. The title-page calls Thomas Taylor "a famous and most elaborate divine." He was a preacher at Paul's Cross during the reigns of Elizabeth and James [., and a voluminous writer. This Commentary will well repay the reader.

    PHILEMON
  12. ATTERSOLL (WILLIAM. Puritan). Commentary upon Philemon. Second Edition. Folio. Lond., 1633. 4/'6. A long comment upon a short epistle. The pious author labors to keep to his text, and succeeds in bringing out of it a mass of quaint practical teaching.
  13. COX (SAMUEL). Philemon. In "The Private Letters of St. Paul and St. John." 12mo. 3/-Lond., Miall. 1867. Such exposition as this adds interest to the epistles, and makes their writers live again before our eyes. Mr. Cox delivered this work in public an certain week evenings. Happy are the people who are thus instructed.
  14. DYKE (DANIEL, B.D. Puritan. Died about 1614). A most fruitful Exposition upon Philemon. Lond. 4to. 1618. 4/-to 7/' Dyke's remarks are memorably practical and full of common sense. He abounds in proverbs. The work is not very valuable as an exposition of the words, but excels in making use of them.
  15. JONES (WILLIAM, D.D., of East Bergholt.) Commen-tary upon Philemon, Hebrews, and x and 2 John. Folio. Lond., 1636. 9/-to 12/. Very lively, sprightly, colloquial lectures, by a Suffolk divine, who thinks the Brownists and Dissenters were not persecuted. "Christ was whipped, that was persecution; Christ whipped some out of the temple, that was no persecution." Despite his intolerance he says some uncommonly racy things.
  16. LIGHTFOOT (J. B., D.D.) See No. 1279.

    HEBREWS
  17. BROWN (JOHN, D.D.) Exposition of Hebrews. 2 vols., 8vo. 18/-Edinb., 1862. S. 9/6. Dr. David Smith says of this work.' "There is not a single instance of carelessness in investigating the true meaning of a text, or of timidity in stating the conclusion at which the author had arrived." What more could be said in praise of any exposition?
  18. CALVIN (JOHN). Commentary on Hebrews, translated by Clement Cotton. 4to. Lond., 1605. /o/-to 13/. Another edition, 12mo. Lond., 1841. 1/6.
  19. DALE (R. W., M.A.) The Jewish Temple and the Christian Church. Discourses on Hebrews. Cr. 8vo. 6/-Lond., Hod-der & Stoughton. 1871. S. 3/6. Among modern divines few rank so highly as Mr. Dale. Daring and bold in thought, and yet for the most part warmly on the side of orthodoxy, his works command the appreciation of cultured minds.
  20. DELITZSCH (F., D.D.) Commentary on Hebrews. 2 vols., 8vo. 21/-Edinb., T. & T. Clark. 1868. S. 12/-Remarks formerly made upon Delitzsch apply here also. (Nos. 412,,and 724.)
  21. DICKSON (DAVID.) Short Explanation of Hebrews. 8vo. Aberd., 1635; Camb., /649; and Lond., 1839. This is generally to be found in connection with the author's ".Brief Exposition on Matthew." (No. 1033.) We need say no more than—get it, and you will find abundance of suggestions for profitable trains of thought.
  22. DUNCAN (ROBERT, of Tillicultry. 1699—1729). Exposition of Hebrews. 8vo. 1731. 3/6. New edition, cr. 8vo. 2/- (published at 5/-). Edinb., Ogle & Murray. "An excellent condensation of Dr. Owen's valuable work, and giving the pith and marrow of the great commentator."
  23. EBRARD (JOHN H. A., Prof Theol. Erlangen). Commentary on Hebrews. 8vo. 10/6. Edinb., T. &. T. Clark. 1853. s. 5/-This is intended as a continuation of Olshausen, but it is an improve-merit thereon. Ebrard is at once learned and spiritual, and we prefer him to almost any other author whose works the Messrs. Clark have issued.
  24. GOUGE (WILLIAM, D.D. Puritan.) Commentary on Hebrews. 2 vols. Folio. Lond., 1655. [-Reprinted in Nichol's Commentaries. 3 vols., Cr. 4to. 7/6 each. Lond., Nisbet. 1866-7.] We greatly prize Gouge. Many will think his system of observations cumbrous, and so, perhaps, it is; but upon any topic which he touches he gives outlines which may supply sermons for months.
  25. HALDANE (JAMES ALEX. 1768—1851.) Notes on Exposition of Hebrews. 12mo. 4/6. Lond., Nisbet. 1860. A posthumous work, and issued, not as a finished exposition, but as "Notes of an intended Exposition." Very valuable for all that.
  26. HOWARD (J. E.) Hebrews. A Revised Translation, with Notes. Demy 12mo. I/6. Lond., S. W. Partridge & Co. 1872. Contains a few suggestive observations; but is a small affair in all respects.
  27. JONES (W., D.D.) See-No. 1311
  28. JONES (W., M.A. 1726—1800). Four Lectures on the Relation between the Old and New Testaments as set forth in Hebrews. 8vo. 1811. 1/6. Very little of it, and bound up with a work of an ingenious, but fanciful character
  29. KNOX (J. SPENCER, A.M.) The Mediator of the New Cove-nant. Sermons on Hebrews. 8vo. Dublin, 1834. 2/-Thirteen Sermons on select passages. Mediocrity highly polished.
  30. LANGE (J.P.) See No. 1288.
  31. LAWSON (G.) Exposition of Hebrews. Wherein the Socinian Comment is examined. Folio. Lond., 1662. Scarce. 7/-to 10/-Richard Baxter says: "I. must thankfully acknowledge that I learned more from Mr. Lawson than from any divine that ever I conversed with."
  32. LINDSAY (W., D.D., Prof. Theol. Glasgow.) Lectures on Hebrews. 2 vols. Demy 8vo. 21/. Edinb., Oliphant. 1867. 10/. One of those great expository works with which the Scotch ministry has so frequently enriched the Church. We wonder if any one ever read this excellent exposition through; we should not like to be sentenced to do so.
  33. [LUSHINGTON (THOMAS, M.A.).] The Expiation of a Sinner. Commentary upon Hebrews. Folio. 1646. 5/' This work was published anonymously, and is charged with Socinianism.
  34. M'CAUL (JOSEPH B., Hon. Canon of Rochester). Hebrews. A Paraphrastic Commentary, with Illustrations from Philo, the Targums, &c. 8vo. 12/6. /;and., Longmans. 1871. S. 6/-Mr. M'Caul attacks the gentlemen of the higher criticism with great plainness of speech and some asperity. We hardly think his work will attain a great circulation, it has so much Hebrew, Greek, Latin, and German in it, that only men of learning and leisure can use it.
  35. MACLEAN (A. 1732—1812.) Paraphrase and Com-mentary on Hebrews. 2 vols., 12mo. Lond., 1847. 2/. One of the most judicious and solid expositions ever written.
  36. NELSON (ROBERT). Comments on Hebrews. Cr. 8vo. 6/-Lond., Morgan & Scott. 1868. S. 3/6. By a thoughtful and devout man, but we cannot endorse some of his interpretations. The taint of a certain modern school appears in passages such as this: "Had Paul been preaching holiness of life as essential to seeing the Lord, would he not have been advocating the very principle on which the law was based?" We are afraid of this covert Antinomianism; its presence eats as doth a canker.
  37. [NEWTON (ADELAIDE L.)] Hebrews compared with the Old Testament. Cr. 8vo. 3/6. Lond., Nisbet. 1872. S. 1/6. Devout, simple, and instructive. The authoress was an invalid, and died ere she had finished her work. She worked out a good idea with far more of expository matter than could have been expected of her.
  38. OWEN (JOHN, D.D.) Exposition of Hebrews. 4 vols. Folio. Lond., 1668-74. 14/-Also 7 vols. 8vo. Edited by Dr. Goold. f2 2s. Edinb., T. & T. Clark. S. 25/- There is an abridgment of Owen's work, executed by Dr. Williams. 4 vols., 8vo. 1790, &c. 4/6 to 7/6. Out of scores of commendations of t/ds colossal work we select but one. Dr. Chalmers pronounced it "a work of gigantic strength as well as gigantic size; and he who hath mastered it is very little short, both in respect to the doctrinal and practical oaf Christianity, of being an erudite and accomplished theologian."
  39. PARRY (THoMAs, M.A., Bp. of Barbadoes). Hebrews, in a Series of Lectures. 12mo. Lond., 1834. 1/6. So feeble that we wonder how it got through the press. A sermonized paraphrase.
  40. PATTERSON (ALEXANDER SIMPSON, D.D.) Commentary on Hebrews. 8vo. 10/6. Edinb., T. & T. Clark. 1856. 6/. Lectures delivered in the course of the author's ministrations. Excellent for the public; the student should consult other authors for learning; but Patterson has savor and spirituality.
  41. PRIDHAM (A.). Hebrews. Cr. 8vo. 5/' Lond., Nisbet. 186z. Rather mystified with expressions peculiar to "dispensational truth." whatever that may mean; but devout, candid, sober, and sound.
  42. SAMPSON (FRANCIS S., D.D. Prof. Orient. Lit., Prince Edward Va.) Cammentary on Hebrews. 8va. New York, 1856. S. 5/6. A respectable production, but we know many which we value far more. As a set of lectures to a college class these comments would be of great value, but the author did well not to print them, although it was natural and fitting that his surviving colleague should do so.
  43. SAMPSON (G. V.) Translation, with Notes. 8va. Lond., 1828. I/6 Dr. Kendrick says that Sampson is candid and sensible, but scarcely grapples with the dfficult points of the Epistle. Perhaps he was not strong enough.
  44. SAPHIR (ADOLPH). Lectures on Hebrews. First Series. Chapters I—VII. [Second and concluding volume in prepara-tion]. Cr. 8va. 6/6. Lond., J. F. Shaw & Co. 1874. Mr. Saphir has always something to say worthy of the attention of spiritual minds. His mind finds a track of its own, but he is never speculative. We always enjoy his remarks, though he is not specially terse: or brilliant.
  45. STEWARD (GEORGE). Argument of the Epistle to the Hebrews. 8va. to/6. Edinb., T. & T. Clark. 1872. Unhappily the author died before he had quite completed this "argument." The work is most helpful.
  46. STUART (MOSES, M.A.) Commentary on Hebrews. 8va. Lond., 1837. Also 1853. 7/6. Tegg & Co. S. 3/6. We are constantly differing front Moses Stuart, but are bound to consult him. He is one of the greatest of American scholars, and this is one of his best comments.
  47. TAIT (WILLIAM, M.A.) Meditationes Hebraicae. 2 vols. Cr. 8va. Lond., Hamilton, Adams & Co. 1855. S. 6/- A noteworthy series of lectures. If Gouge, Owen, and others, had not done all for Hebrews that one could well need, this would have beer,, of first-class value; and though we have much better it is still a worthy companion to them.
  48. THOLUCK (A. F.) Commentary on Hebrews. 2 vols., 12mo. 12/-Biblical Cabinet. Edinb., Clark. 1842. S. 4/-to 5/6. Delitzsch speaks highly of this work; but, for our part, we understand the Epistle better without Tholuck than with him. Clouds of smoke and volleys of hard words destroy our equanimity.
  49. TURNER (SAMUEL H.,D.D.) Hebrews, in Greek and English; with Commentary. 8va. New York, 1852. S. 4/6. Carefully done. Written for those who really wish to understand the Epistle.
  50. WILLIAMS (H. W.) Exposition of Hebrews. Cr. 8va. 6/-Lond., 66, Patemaster Row. 1872. The author has evidently been a diligent reader and student. Apart from its Wesleyan peculiarities, we can commend this book as edifying and instructive, though we do not place it in the first class.

    PARTS OF HEBREWS
  51. DEERING (EDWARD, B.D. Puritan. Died 1576). Twenty-seven Lectures upon Hebrews [chap I.—VI.] 4to. 1590. 5/6. Mainly aimed at the errors of the Church of Rome, and at the practical questions of the Reformation period.,4 learned but antiquated set of lectures.
  52. MANCHESTER (GEORGE MONTAGUE, Duke of). Horae Hebraicae. An Attempt to discover how the Argument of the Epistle to the Hebrews [I—IV. x i] must have been understood by those therein addressed. Royal 8vo. Lond., 1835. 3/-A peculiar book, altogether sui generis, written by a man who did his own thinking. The Duke would be an unreliable guide, but he frequently strikes out new paths, and suggests novel trains of thought.
  53. ANDERSON (JAMES S. M., M.A.) Discourses on the 11th and part of the 12th chapters of Hebrews. 2 vols., 8vo. Lond., 1839-43. 8/6. Good Church sermons. Of very slight value for commenting purposes.
  54. MANTON (T., D.D.) Sixty-six Sermons on Hebrews XI, in vol. III of Manton's Works. Folio edition. Exhaustive. Manton piles up his matter heaps upon heaps.
  55. PERKINS (WILLIAM).-A Cloud of Faithful Witnesses. Com-mentary on Hebrewes XI. 4to. 1622. 2/63 and Works, vol. III. Good in its day, but now superseded. Very many points are discussed which would now be regarded as ridiculous: as for instance, whether a man may travel in a foreign country. It is terribly prosy.
  56. ANDREWS (G.). Sermons upon Hebrews XIL 4to. 1711. 9/' Thoroughly Scotch. Sound, but somewhat prolix and commonplace.
  57. PHILLIPS (W. SPENCER, B.D.) The Triumphs of a Practical Faith. [On Hebrews XI.] 12mo. Lond., 1840. I/- Cloudy discourses on the cloud of witnesses. Will quicken no one's pace.
  58. SYLVESTER (MATTHEW). The Christian's Race and Patience. Sermons on Hebrews XII. 2 vols., 8vo. 1702—1708. 3/6. Not of the first class; yet respectable sermons.

    CATHOLIC EPISTLES
  59. EBRARD (J.H.A.) See No. 1387.
  60. LANGE (J.P.) Commentary on James, by Prof. Van Oosterzee Epistles of Peter, by Dr. C. F. Fronmuller. Epistles of John by Dr. K. Braune. Epistle of Jude, by Dr. C. F. Fronmuller. Edited by Dr. Schaff. Imp. 8vo. 21/-Edinb., T. & T. Clark. In his comment on the First Epistle of John, Dr. Braune teaches baptismal regeneration in a very decided manner. This plague-spot of sacramentarianism should put the reader on his guard.

    JAMES
  61. ADAM (JOHN, D.D., Adberdeen). Exposition of James. 8vo. 9/-Edinb., T. & T. Clark. 1867. Good, plain discourses, for which the author acknowledges his in-debtedness to various eminent writers who have discussed the Epistle. Our readers had better make similar discourses of their own—if they can.
  62. HEMMINGE (NICHOLAS, D.D.) A Learned and Fruitful Commentarie upon James, translated by W.G. Black Letter. 4to. 1577. 21/-The price which this book fetches is preposterous. It is hard antique reading.
  63. JACOBI (BERNARD, of Petershagen, Prussia). Lectures on James. 12mo. Religious Tract Society. 1838. S. 1/6. A good, simple, practical set of expository Lectures. Safe in doctrine, or the Religious Tract Society would not have issued it.
  64. JOHNSTONE (ROBERT, LL.B. Glasgow.) Lectures on James. Extra cr. 8vo.,7/6. Edinb., Oliphant 1871. A very useful, scholarly, and readable book.
  65. MANTON (THOMAS, D.D.) Commentary on James. 4to. Lond., 1651; 3/. 8vo., 1842; also in vol. IV. of Manton's Works, Nichol's edition. In Manton's best style. An exhaustive work, as far as t/w information of the period admitted. Few such books are written t10711.
  66. MAYER (JOHN, D.D.) Praxis Theologica: or the Epistle of James Resolved, Expounded, and Preached upon. 4to. 1629. 7/6. (Seepages 10 and 11.)
  67. NEANDER (J. A.W.) James, practically explained. Trans-lated by Mrs. Conant. 12mo. New York, 1852. 2/6. See also No. 1261.
  68. NELSON (ROBERT). James. Thin cr. 8vo. 2/6. Lond., Bagsters. 1872. Setting out with the notion that the epistle is only written to the Jews, this author's remarks are too much warped by this and other theories to be of any value to students.
  69. STIER (R., D.D.) See No. 972.
  70. PATTERSON (A. S., D.D.) Commentary on James. 18mo. Paisley, 1851. i/- (See remarks on No. 1292.)
  71. TURNBULL (RICHARD; M.A.) Expositions of James and Jude. Thick 12mo., 1592; and 4to., 1605. 6/-to 14/. Old and occupied with Popish controversies. Good, solid, and tedious.
  72. WARDLAW (RALPH, D.D.) Lectures on James. Cr. 8vo. 3/6. Fullerton & Co. 1862. The lectures are noteworthy specimens of expository preaching', They were Wardlaw's last work, and are fully up to the mark.

    I. & II. PETER
  73. AMES (WILLIAM, D.D. 1576—1633). Exposition of the Epistles of Peter. 4to. Lond., 1641. 5/-Too much divided and subdivided, chopped up and cut into dice pieces and laid in order; for, after all, there is very little meat in it. It is an analysis, and little more.
  74. BENSON (GEORGE.) Epistles of Peter. 4to. 1742. 2/6. The author was an Arian. "Benson possessed considerable learning, but no great portion of genius." This is a paraphrase with notes.
  75. LILLIE (JOHN, D.D. Kingston, N.Y.) Lectures on x and 2 Peter. 8vo. 8/6. New York, 1869. Lond., Hodder and Stoughton. S. 5/6. Dr. Schaff says:—"Though very different from the immortal work of Archbishop Leighton on the First Epistle of Peter, these lectures breathe the same reverential spirit and devotional fervor, while they are much more full and thorough as an exposition."
  76. LUTHER (MARTIN). Commentarie upon the Two Epistles of St. Peter and that of St. Jude, gathered out of the lectures of Martin Luther. Translated by Thomas Newton. 4to. Lond., 1581. Black letter. 15/. In Luther's racy style. One of his best productions. Copies are scarce as white elephants, and consequently expensive.
  77. NISBET (ALEXANDER). Exposition of I and 2 Peter. 8vo. Edinb., 1658. 5/-to 7/6. A judicious and gracious Scotch commentary, after the style' of Dickson and Hutcheson.

    I. PETER
  78. ALLEY (WILLIAM, B P. of Exeter. Died 1571). Exposition of I Peter. [In "Poore Man's Librarie." Folio. Lond., 1560]. 18/-Very rare. A curious old Black Letter Folio. The exposition on Peter is mainly occupied with the questions and controversies of the Reforming period. Do not buy it.
  79. BROWN (JOHN, D.D. Edinburgh.) Expository Discourses on I Peter. 3 vols. Cr. 8vo. 18/. Edinb., W. Oliphant & Co. 1866. S. 10/6 to 12/6. The epistle is divided into paragraphs, and these are made the themes of discourses. Thus Dr. Brown produced what is substantially a commentary, and one of the best. It affords us a grammatical interpretation, together with an exposition, at once exegetical, doctrinal, and practical. It is a standard work, and the indices increase its value.
  80. BYFIELD (NICHOLAS). Commentary upon 1 Peter I. II. III. Folio. 1637. 9/-to 15[-Byfield is an able and pious divine, but he is not very vivacious, and neither in manner nor matter is he at all original.
  81. KOHLBRUGGE (H. F., D.D., of Elberfeld). Sermons on x Peter. 12mo. Lond., 1853. 2/-Strictly orthodox and deeply spiritual. No German neology may be expected from this author. He is very happy in his practical remarks.
  82. LEIGHTON (ROBERT, D.D. Abp. of Glasgow. 1613—1684) Commentary upon 1 Peter. 2 vols. 18mo. 3/6. Royal edition, with Portrait, 5/. Rel. Tract Soc. Dr. Henry Mills thus wrote of Leighton's works:—"There is a spirit in them f never met with in any other human writings, nor can I read many lines in them without being moved." We need scarcely commend this truly heavenly work. It is a favorite with: all spiritual men.
  83. ROGERS (JOHN, A.M. Puritan. Died 1636.) Fruitful Exposition upon all the First Epistle of Peter. Folio. Lond., 1650. 14/-to 16/. Very rare. Rogers was a true Boanerges. His style is earnestly practical and wisely experimental. This is one of the scarcest and liveliest of the Puritan expositions.
  84. STEIGER (WILHELM, Prof. Theol. Geneva. 1809—1836). Ex-position of x Peter. Translated by Dr. Fairbairn. 2 vols., 12mo. 8/-Biblical Cabinet. Edinb., T. & T. Clark. 1836 3/-Steiger was a sound German divine. His criticism is good, but like all the Germans he is far too fond of dragging in learned names.
  85. GOMERSALL (R.) Sermons on St. Peter [chap. It. 13—16]. 4to. 1634. 5/" Teaches absolute submission to rulers. Only worth notice from its age.

    II. PETER
  86. ADAMS (THOMAS). Commentary upon the2nd Epistle of Peter. Folio. Lond., 1633. New Edition, revised by Rev. James Sherman, in imp. 8vo., 1839; now included in Nichol's Commentaries; 10/6. Lond., Nisbet. 1862. Full of quaintnesses, holy wit, bright thought, and deep instruction. We like Adams better in commenting than in preaching. His great work is quite by itself, and in its own way remains unrivalled. We know no richer and racier reading.-
  87. SYMSON (ARCHIBALD). Exposition upon the Second Epistle Generall of St. Peter. 4to. Lond., 1632. 6/-Abundance of matter, pithily expressed. Symson is among the oldest and rarest of the English divines.
  88. BROWN (JOHN, D.D.) Parting Counsels; an Exposition of 2 Peter I. 8vo. 8/-Edinb, Oliphant. 1856. S. 4/-We always think of Brown as a Puritan born out of due time..Everythin6 he has left us is massive gold. He is both rich and,:lear, profound and perspicuous.
  89. WILSON (WILLIAM, of Musselburgh ). Second Epistle of Peter. 12mo. 5/-; offered at 2/6 by Ogle & Murray, Edinb. "Thoughtful and fresh in its matter, fine and polished in its style, laying hold of us at once, and tightening its grasp on our sympathies the longer we read."—B, and For. £van. Review. [Too laudatory.]

    JOHN'S EPISTLES
  90. BICKERSTETH (EDWARD. 1786—1850). Exposition on the Epistles of John and Jude, and of Paul to Timothy. 12mo. Lond., 1853. 1/6. Notes taken by his children of Mr. Bickersteth's expositions at family prayer. Simple, devout, soundly evangelical, and, we must add, superficial and commonplace.
  91. EBRARD (J. H. A.) Commentary on the Epistles of St. John With an Appendix on the Catholic Epistles. 8vo. 10/6. Edinb., T. & T. Clark. 1860. S. 5/. Dr. Candlish, in his Exposition on I John, says: "I must acknowledge my obligation to Dr. Lucke. But it is Dr. Ebrard who has helped me most. Ebrard is especially valuable, and for an English reader, acquainted with theology, very easily intelligible."
  92. HAWKINS (THOMAS). Commentary on John's Epistles. 8vo. Halifax, 1808. 2/ Very excellent. The writer has upon every verse something to say worth the saying'.
  93. LUCKE (G. C.F. Bonn). Epistles of John. 12mo. Biblical Cabinet. Edinb., T. & T. Clark. 1837. S. 2/6. Dr. Graham, of Bonn, says that "Lucke is impartial, learned, and critically in earnest; yet the attentive reader soon discovers a very decided anti-evangelical tendency. I say anti-evangelical in our sense of the word, for in Germany he has done much to overthrow the cold kingdom of rationalism and unbelief." Graham is severe, and a discount may be allowed from this judgment. Let it serve as a warning.
  94. SHEPHERD (R.) See No.,069.

    I. JOHN
  95. APOSTOLIC INSTRUCTION, exemplified in the First Epistle of John. [Anon.] 12mo. Lond., 1840. 2/. Upon two chapters only, but thoroughly good, and full of sweetness and light.
  96. BINNING (HUGH. 1627—1653). Fellowship with God, or Twenty-eight Sermons on I John I and II, I—3. In his Works, vol. II (See No. 1197). Reprinted in 18mo. by Religious Tract Society. 1833. Milk for babes, and meat for men; calls to backsliders, and comforts for mourners. "There is no speaking," says Durham, "after Mr. Binning; truly he had the tongue of the learned, and knew how to speak a word in season."
  97. CALVIN (John). Commentaries upon the First Epistle of John, and upon the Epistle of Jude. Translated by W.H. 8vo. [1560.]
  98. CANDLISH (ROBERT, D.D.) First Epistle of John, expounded. 2 vols. Sin. cr. 8vo. 10/6. Edinb., A. & C. Black. 1870. S. 5/-to 7/6. We set great store by these lectures..4 man hardly needs anything beyond Candlish. He is devout candid, prudent and forcible.
  99. COTTON (JOHN, B.D., Pastor of Boston, 2V.£. 1585—1652). Commentary upon the First Epistle of John. Folio. Lond., 1656. 6/-to 9/-Calamy puts his imprimatur upon this book, and speaks of the author's name as "deservedly precious among the saints of God." In doctrine and experience he is a noble teacher.
  100. GRAHAM (W.) The Spirit of Love. Commentary on I John. Sm. 8vo. Lond., 1857. S. 2/-Graham is sound and vigorous, and does not mince matters in dealing with semi-sceptics; hence he brings upon himself violent reviews from opponents. The Literary Churchman denounces his book as containing "controversy without argument, criticism without proof, citation without reference, a show of scholarship without the fruits of it, and denunciation without decorum." To say the least of it, this review is far too severe.
  101. HANDCOCK (W.J.) Exposition of I John. Cr. 8vo. 3/6. Lond., Hamilton, Adams & Co. 1861. The author has carefully studied the original, and has his own ideas as to its meaning; but either he has not the power of communicating them, or else we are slow of apprehension. Very frequently we are at a loss to know what he means.
  102. HARDY (NATHANIEL, D.D. 1618—1670). First Epistle of John unfolded and applied. 2 vols. 4to. 1656-59. 7/6 to 10/-Reprinted in Nichol's Commentaries. Cr. 4to. 7/6. Lond., Nisbet. 1865. The Editor of Nichol's Edition says, "This Exposition is only a fragment. It was intended to consist of five parts, corresponding generally with the five chapters of the Epistle; but only two of them were accomplished. In matter, the sermons are purely evangelical; in spirit, they are earnest and affectionate; in manner, they are eloquent and impressive." This is rather too ardent a commendation.
  103. MORGAN (JAMES, D.D., Belfast). Exposition of x John. 8va. 9/-Edinb., T. & T. Clark. 1866. S. 4/6. Dr. Candlish says that t/ds is a work "of great practical interest and value," and that had it appeared at an earlier date, "he might have abstained from issuing" his own Lectures on this Epistle. We are glad to possess both works.
  104. NEANDER (J. A.W.) First Epistle of John explained. Translated by Mrs. Conant. Sin. 8va. New York, 1852. 5/' Mrs. Conant in her preface says: "The treasures of genius and learning which enrich his more scientific works, here seen a vivified by a:new element, and melt, under the fervor of his inner spiritual life, into a glowing stream of eloquent practical instruction."
  105. PATTERSON (A. S., D.D.) Commentary on x John. 18mo. 1842. See 2Va. 1292.
  106. PIERCE (SAMUEL EYLES). Exposition of x John, in Ninety-three Sermons. 2 vols., 8va. Lond., 1835. 7/-This devout author was highly Calvinistic, but withal full of spiritual power and unction. He loved the deep things of Gad, and '.'.rote upon them in a gracious manner.
  107. STOCK (JOHN, M.A., of Finchingfield). Exposition of I John. 8va. 10/-Lond., Rivingtons. 1865. S. 5/-Written by a well-instructed man of Gad. For spiritual teaching the work is second to none. Dr. Candlish prized it greatly.
  108. COX (SAMUEL). St. John's Letter to Kyria, and St. John's Letter to Caius. See No. 1309.
  109. JONES (W., D.D.) See No. 1311.

    JUDE
  110. BICKERSTETH (E.) See No. 1386.
  111. GARDINER (F., M.A.) The Last of the Epistles. Commentary on Jude. Cr. 8vo. Boston, U.S. 1856. 2/6. An interesting, straightforward, instructive commentary.
  112. JENKYN (WILLIAM. 1612—1685). Exposition of Jude. 2 vols., 410., 1652, 4/-; folio, 1656, 3/6. Rev. J. Sherman's reprint, imp. 8vo. 1839. See No. 1251. Earnest and popular, but very full, and profoundly learned. A treasure-house of good things.
  113. LUTHER. See No. 1372.
  114. McGILVRAY (WALTER). Lectures on Jude. 8vo. Glasg., 1855. 3/-Scarce. Vigorous, popular addresses by a Free Church divine.
  115. MANTON (THOMAS, D.D.) Commentary on Jude. 410. Lond., 1658. 4/-Manton at first gave up all idea of printing this book on Jude, when he found that Jenkyn had taken up the subject; but he afterwards changed his mind. He tells us: "I consulted with my reverend brother's book, and when I found any point at large discussed by him, / either omitted it or mentioned it very briefly; so that his labors will be necessary to supply the weaknesses of mine." Manton's work is most commendable.
  116. MUIR (WILLIAM, D.D.) Discourses on Jude. 8vo. Glasg., 1822. 2/6. Sermons which do not rise above mediocrity.
  117. OTES (SAMUEL, the elder). Explanation of Jude in forty-one Sermons. Folio. Lond., 1633. 5/-to 8/-Of the conforming Puritan style, full of quaintnesses and singularities of learning. A book by no means to be despised.
  118. PERKINS (WILLIAM, D.D.) Exposition of Jude. 410. 1606. 5/6. Perkins was regarded by his cotemporaries as a paragon of learning, but his writings fail to interest the generality of readers.
  119. TURNBULL (RICHARD, M.A.) Exposition of Jude. See No. 1367.
  120. WILLET (ANDREW). A Catholicon; gathered out o[ the Catholike Epistle of Jude. Folio. Lond., 1614. This book is in the Museum, but we cannot procure a copy.

    THE REVELATION

    The works upon REVELATION are so extremely numerous (Darling's list contains 52 columns), and the views entertained are so many, so different, and so speculative, that after completing our List we resolved not to occupy our space with it, but merely to mention a few works of repute. As for the lucubrations upon parts of the book, they lie at the booksellers' "thick as leaves in Vallambrosa." Numbers of these prophecyings have been disproved by the lapse of time, and others will in due season share their fate. The following remarks may help the, student, and at the same time prove the difficulty of making a selection.
    Davidson distinguishes a fourfold manner of apprehending Apocalyptic Prophecy.
    I. Preterists. The prophecies contained in the Apocalypse were fulfilled with the destruction of Jerusalem and the fall of heathen Rome. This is the view of Bossuet, Grotius, Hammond, Wetstein, Eichhorn, Ewald, De Wette, Lucke, and others, among whom is the American expositor, Moses Stuart.
    2. Continuists. The Apocalyptic prophecies are predictive of progressive history, being partly fulfilled, partly unfulfilled. Thus Mede, Brightman, Isaac Newton, Woodhouse, Cunningham, Birks, Elliott (and many Germans).
    3. Simple Futurists. According to these, only the first three chapters relate to the historical present of the Seer, all else having reference to the absolute future of the Lord's Appearing. Thus, Burgh, Maitland, Benjamin Newton, Todd, and others.
    4. Extreme Futurists. Even the first three chapters of Revelation are a prophecy relative to the absolute future of Christ's Coming—being a prediction of the condition of the Jews after the first Resurrection. Kelly, and some Irish authors.

  121. BENGEL (JOHN ALBERT). Introduction to his Exposition of the Apocalypse, with his preface to that work, and the greatest part of the conclusion of it, and also his marginal notes on the text, which are a summary of the whole Exposition. Translated from the High Dutch, by John Robertson, M.D. 8vo. Lond., 1757. This great author was rather too precise in his dates. The end of the forty-two months was settled for the 21st of May, 1810, and the destruction of the beast for June 18th, 1836. When so princely an expositor maunders in this fashion it should act as a caution to less able men.
  122. BONAR (H., D.D.) Light and Truth, vol. V. (See No. 6.)
  123. BRIGHTMAN (THomas). The Revelation of St. John. Thick 8vo. Leyden, 1644. 4to. Amsterdam, 1611. [See Nos. 649 and 775-] Brightman's admirers called him "the English Prophet," and this work they styled the "Apocalypse of the Apocalypse;" but it survives only as a noteworthy monument of the failure of the most learned to expound the mysteries of this book. Elliott says "his Commentary is one of great vigor both in thought and language, and deservedly one of the most popular with the Protestant Churches of the time."
  124. BURGH [or, DE BURGH] (WILLIAM, M.A.) An Exposition of the Revelation. 12mo. Dublin, 1857. 2/-Good in its own line.
  125. COWPER (WILLIAM, of Galloway. 1566—1619). Pathmos; or, a Commentary on the Revelation. 4to. Lond., 1619; and in Works, folio, 1629. The simple piety and vigorous style of Cowper have preserved his old-fashioned work, and will preserve it.
  126. CRADOCK (SAMUEL, B.D. 1620—1760). Exposition. 8va. 1696. Dr. Doddridge and yah Orton were very fond of this old author. We are not.
  127. CUMMING (J.) Apocalyptic Sketches. 2 vols., 12mo. S. 5/. Here the views of Elliott are admirably popularized.
  128. DAUBUZ (CHARLES. 1670—1740). A Perpetual Commentary on the Revelation. Abridged by Peter Lancaster, A.M. 4to. Lond., 1730. 3/6. Subsequent writers have drawn much from this work; we have heard it highly commended by competent judges. There is also a larger unabridged edition, which we have not seen. This is said to be still more valuable.
  129. DURHAM (JAMES. 1622—1658). A Learned and Complete Commentary. 4to. Glasg., 1788. Original edition, folio, 1658. After all that has been written, it would not be easy to find a more sensible and instructive work than this old-fashioned exposition. We cannot accept its interpretations of the mysteries, but the mystery of the gospel tills it with sweet savor.
  130. ELLIOTT (C. B., A.M. Died 1875). Horae Apoc-alypticae; or, a Commentary on the Apocalypse, critical and historical. 4 vols. 8va., Lond., Seeleys. 1862. S. iS/-The standard work an the subject.
  131. GARRATT (SAMUEL, M.A.) Commentary. 8va. 7/6. Lond., Seeleys. 1866. S. 2/-to 3/6. This author mainly follows Elliott, but differs as he proceeds. He is an esteemed author.
  132. FULLER (ANDREW. 1754—1815). Expositor)' Discourses. 2 vols., 8va. 1815. Also in Works. Fuller is too judicious to run into speculations. The work is both condensed and clear. Fuller called Faber "the Fortune-teller of the Church,:' and there are others who deserve the name.
  133. GLASGOW (JAMES, D.D.) Apocalypse Translated and Ex. pounded. 8vo. 2 (6. Edinb., T. & T. Clark. 1862. We do not care much for the translation, and think some of the interpretations speculative and forced; yet the work is important.
  134. HENGSTENBERG (E. W., D.D.) The Revelation expounded for those who search the Scriptures. Translated by Patrick Fairbairn, D.D. 2 vols., 8vo. Edinb., 1851-52. S. 14/6. Scarce. Highly esteemed by the best judges.
  135. MEDE (JOSEPH, B.D., 1586—1638). A Key to the Apocalypse; [-a Translation of Mede's Clavis Apocalyptica. By R. Bransby Cooper, Esq.] 8vo. Lond., 1833. 3/6. There are several other works on the Apocalypse by this author, who, says Elliott, "was looked upon and written of as a man almost inspired for the solution of the Apocalyptic mysteries. Yet I think his success was at first over-estimated as an Apocalyptic expositor."
  136. NEWTON (BENJAMIN WILLS.) Thoughts on the Apocalypse. 8vo. Lond., 1853. S. 3/-Of the Futurist School. Condensed and instructive.
  137. ROGERS (GEORGE, Principal of the "Pastors' College.") Lec-tures on the Book of Revelation. 4 vols., 12mo. 1844-51. 6/-Not half so well known as it ought to be: a mass of judicious remarks. We do not subscribe to the author's system of interpretation, but his expositions always command our respect.
  138. STUART (MOSES). A Commentary on the Apocalypse. 2 vols., royal 8vo. Lond., 1845; 1 vol. 8vo. Edinb., 1847; 1 vol. 8vo., 8/-Lond., W. Tegg and Co. 1850. S. 3/6. Stuart rejects the historical interpretations generally given; but his textual criticism and his preliminary disquisitions are very helpful. This work has laid us under great obligations.
  139. VAUGHAN (C. J., D.D.) Lectures on the Revelation. 2 vols. Fcap. 8vo. 9/-Lond., Macmillan & Co. 1875. Does not grapple with the difficulties, but inculcates the lessons of the book. A sensible course.
  140. WILLIAMS (ISAAC). The Apocalypse, with Notes and Reflec-tions. Cr. 8vo. 5/-Lond., Rivingtons. 1873. S. 3/-Considering the High Church School to which he belongs, this author is marvellously rich in exposition. The whole is tinged with the mediaeval spirit.
  141. WOODHOUSE (JOHN CHAPPEL, D.D., Dean of Lichfield. 1751—1834). Translation, with Notes. Roy. 8vo. 1805. 2/6. Bishop Hurd says, "This is the best book of the kind I have seen." We give no opinion, for we are too much puzzled with these Apocalyptic books, and are glad to write

    FINIS.

    Alabaster, Passmore, & Sons, Fann Street, Aldersgate Street, E.C.

Go back to Phil's home page E-mail Phil Who is Phil? Phil's Bookmarks

. . . or go back to

main page.

Copyright © 2001 by Phillip R. Johnson. All rights reserved. hits