Now what the Evangelist Philip was then to this devout Ethiopian, that, spiritual and gospel commentators are to us now. For though the grand lines of our christian faith and practice, are written in such plain and legible characters, “that he who runs may read;” yet if we duly search the scriptures, we shall find many things both in the Old and New Testament, into the due knowledge of which, we have need of some men, or of some good men’s works, to guide us. Various and abundant are the helps of this kind, with which the present age and people of this land are favoured; but amongst them all, in my poor opinion, next to holy Mr. Mathew Henry’s incomparable comment upon the Bible; the Reverend Samuel Clarke’s Old and New Testament with annotations, seem to be the best calculated for universal edification. For they contain, though a short, yet (generally speaking) a full and spiritual interpretation of the most difficult words and phrases. A great many parallel scriptures, both as to matter and words, are most judiciously inserted. To this is added, an analysis, or the contents not only of near every book and chapter, but of almost every verse of every chapter in the whole Bible: and yet the notes and references are so disposed in the manner of printing, that the reader, if he hath no time for a further enquiry, may read the bare text without any interruption, or if but little time, he may almost with a single glance, see the meaning of any particular word, phrase, or passage, as he goes along. It must be confessed, indeed, that in the former editions, a few expressions in the explanatory notes seemed not so unexceptionable; but then it must be observed, that they were but few, and those in this edition, as I am informed, are for the most part corrected. It may be, that the curious and very critical reader may meet with some few that may have escaped present notice. But alas! if we forbear reading any book or comment, ’till we meet with one that will suit every taste and is liable to no exception, I fear we must never read at all. The best of mens books, as well as the best of men, are but men and the books of men, at the best: it is the peculiar property of thy life, and of thy book, O blessed Jesus! to be exempt from all real imperfections. Happy they who both in their writings and conduct come nearest to thy divine copy, and most blessed example!
If it should now be enquired who this Reverend Samuel Clarke might be? Must I tell thee? He was one of the many worthies who were ejected by the black Bartholomew act. But let not this startle thee, courteous reader; for thou wilt here find no disputes about church government, no controversy about rites or ceremonies; but (as far as I am capable of judging) the mind of the ever-blessed God, opened and explained in a manner equally necessary and useful for all serious christians of all denominations. As such, I have spoken of it, both from the pulpit, and in private conversation, many years ago; and if any thing I have said, hath been, or shall be, in the least instrumental in promoting its present publication, or future usefulness, whatever exceptions may be made by persons of different sentiments, I shall look upon it as an honour conferred upon me, by our great and common Lord.
At the same time, I must confess, it gave me pleasure about a year ago, to find this very book recommended in the strongest manner, in the second volume of Dr. Calamy’s lives. His words are these, “I cannot forbear here adding a particular account of the Bible which he published. He first formed the design in his younger years, in the university; and made it the work of his most retired leisure, and solemn thoughts. It ripened with years and experience, and was the result of great reading and consideration, both of the best practical writers and the most celebrated criticks. It is a work of great exactness and judgment; commonly fixes on the true sense of the place; diligently observes the connection of things; freely represents the principal matters that [♦]occur; and contains the fullest account of parallel places, of any other extant.” He was so happy in this performance, as to obtain the concurring testimony of two great and excellent men, who were thought to have different sentiments of some points of religion; viz. Dr. Owen and Mr. Baxter in their respective epistles before the quarto edition of the New Testament. The words of the former are remarkable. “But this I must say, that to the best of my understanding, he has made his choice of the especial sense which he gives of the word, in all places, with great diligence and judgment. And it is evident, that in the whole, he has so carefully and constantly attended to the analogy of faith, that the reader may safely trust to him, without fear of being led into the snare of any error, or unsound opinion.” The words of the latter are: “And I especially commend it as orthodox, in explaining those texts which meddle with justification, remission of sin, with faith and works, and such great and practical points of doctrine; so that the reader need not fear the corrupting his understanding, by any secret insinuation of errors, or dangerous mixture of private, and unsound opinions.” Since both of them, herein freely expressed their proper sentiments, it is scarce conceivable how there could be any very important difference remaining between them. But be it as it will as to that; this was in a manner the work of Mr. Clarke’s life, and bears the lively signatures of his exact learning, singular piety, and indefatigable industry; and has been valued by good judges of different sentiments and persuasions, considering the brevity of the parts, and intireness of the whole, as the best single book upon the Bible in the world.
[♦] “occcur” replaced with “occur”
To these may be added the joint opinions of Dr. Bates and Mr. How, who thus expressed themselves. “Having seriously perused this laborious work, we cannot but judge, the usefulness will answer the author’s great industry; whose excellent skill hath with that conciseness, and yet clearness, given the mind of God in the sacred oracles of the New Testament, that we cannot doubt, but God will render it serviceable, to the edifying of conscientious and humble readers, in knowledge, faith and obedience.” If it should be objected that these were Dissenters, Dr. Calamy adds, to our author’s honour, “that his annotations on the Bible were so highly valued by some of the most eminent of the clergy of the Church of England, that one of the learned body declared them to be so useful (especially that part that contained parallel scriptures) that he could not compose his sermons without them. Another said, that if they could not be had under fifty pounds, he would give that sum rather than not have them. And one of the highest rank thought fit to recommend them to young divines, at their ordination.”
In respect to Mr. Clarke’s personal character, Dr. Calamy further informs us that, “He was a man of very considerable learning; a good critic; especially in the scriptures; a great textuary, an excellent preacher; a great enemy of superstition and bigotry: yet zealous for unaffected piety. He was one of great moderation, both in his principles and temper, lived usefully, and in much esteem; and in his last hours had great peace and serenity.” After such encomiums from such tall cedars in our Lebanon, any further recommendation from one of so small a growth, or such a shrub as I am, can be but of little weight. I shall therefore detain the intelligent and religious reader no longer, than whilst I subjoin my hearty prayers, that whether he or I, or any other christian of any denomination, read this or any other comment, or the pure scriptures, without any comment, that we may in such wise read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them; that by patience and comfort of God’s holy word, we may embrace, and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which he hath given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Christian reader,
Thine in our common Lord,
George Whitefield.
London, October 1, 1759.