history. Even in this respect the reader will have noticed progression in the successive Volumes of this Bible

History. Otherwise also, it is hoped, he will mark it in these pages and in the notes, in the fuller and more

critical treatment of all questions. A new feature here is the introduction of a few Jewish and Rabbinical

notices, which may prove interesting and useful. In general, while I have endeavored to make my

investigations thoroughly independent, and, so far as I could, original, it will, I trust, be also found that I

have not neglected any sources of information within my reach. But above all, I would ever seek to keep

steadily in view, as my main object, the practical and spiritual interest of this history. It all leads up to the

Person of Christ, the Miracle of Miracles - the Miracle which gives meaning and unity to all others, and

which is the truest evidence of them all. Thank God, we have sufficient and most firm historical ground for

our faith in Him, as well as the inward teaching and the assurance of the Holy Ghost; sufficient, not indeed

to supersede the necessity of faith, but to make that "blessed faith," so well grounded, so glorious, so

joyous, and so transforming in its power, not only reasonable to us, but of obligatory duty to all men.

ALFRED EDERSHEIM.

LODERS VICARAGE, BRIDPORT Easter, 1880.