and I still flatter myself with the hope of getting on faster presently, and of reducing some parts into a narrower compass: but this has not hitherto been the case. The language is throughout abridged; but then new ideas are added. . . . I do not think any of you, that make remarks on the different parts of the work, can possibly conceive what it is to keep the whole in view, and to finish any chapter as a part of this whole. Had I known and felt this formerly as I now do, I should never have dared to engage in a work, for which every day makes me more and more feel my incompetency. Yet, as it has pleased God to give it so much of an establishment, I must now go on, and do what I can. But I must deprecate criticism, especially that of those who are disposed to judge of a chapter as of a short essay, instead of considering of what a vast whole it forms a part. I am however very glad of your observations, sent in the manner they have lately been. They very often suggest improvements beyond what you, perhaps, had in view.... Your remarks on Leviticus x. made me, at least, a hard day's work and yet I do not think you will be satisfied with what I have done. Here especially I note that you seem to have forgotten how I wrote, sick or well, in spirits or out, lively or dull: the tale of bricks must be delivered. I agree with you, that great points give the best occasion to practical observations; but that is when a man has the genius, and is in frame to improve them: and I often feel a sad deficiency in both respects. Indeed, my maturer judgment may correct and improve what I formerly wrote; but I verily believe I am now inca

pable of writing, de novo, so much to the purpose, and so rapidly, as I then did. I would however query, whether leading the ordinary reader from verse to verse, with useful observations, though not striking to persons of superior cultivation, may not be as beneficial in teaching him to think, and dedúce instruction for himself.-But enough of this."

The close of this passage may be considered as the author's reply to those who have thought, that it might have been an advantage had the Practical Observations, after all particulars had been explained in the notes, taken up the more general topics which a review of the whole suggested, rather than again have retraced the passage from verse to verse, which not unfrequently (especially in the Epistles,) leads to a repetition of what had occurred in the explanation. In the historic parts, the plan alluded to is fre quently adopted: and hence the most interesting reflections not uncommonly occur on apparently unpromising chapters.'

January 27, 1803. I am obliged to you. for your hints on some of the Psalms, particularly the xvth and xxiid. I write a great part of the notes over again. I was very ill, and very much discouraged, when I hurried over this part of the work; and, as I am vastly desirous of doing something less inadequate on this most delightful part of scripture, I wish you, with all freedom, to give me your sentiments. A man who reads at leisure, and has a tolerable measure of taste and judgment, will strike

See for example, the Practical Observations on Genesis v. -the catalogue of antediluvian patriarchs.

out thoughts, and ways of stating things, which his equal or superior, in labouring through his daily task, would not hit on."

The observation here made is one to the benefit of which every commentator is certainly entitled The preacher, or the writer of remarks on particular passages, selects those parts of scripture which strike his mind, and on which he has something, perhaps, more than common to offer: the regular commentator must travel through all alike; and may thus perhaps rise to a less height on many given passages than even inferior men may attain.

In 1807, before the edition in hand was completed, all the earlier volumes were so nearly sold off, that it became necessary to commence a new one. On this occasion the question recurred, whether my father should undertake the publication on his own account, or dispose of the work to the booksellers; and it was again decided in favour of the former plan, for the same reason as before,-that he might be at full liberty to give it every improvement in his power. "It would certainly," he says, " be more agreeable to me to pay all the sums which I owe, and to have no further concern with the trading part of the service: but I do not at present feel this much of a burden to me; and I am conscious that I have property sufficient, and more than sufficient to discharge all in due time; and that both the debts and the dealings were the result of a wish to do my best to promote the cause of true religion, and proceeded not either from the desire of worldly lucre or honour, or from a scheming spirit. It was the only possible plan at the time."

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The same letter (dated March 11,) gives the following notice of the progress which the work was making on the other side of the Atlantic, and of “ mark of esteem and regard" there conferred upon the author, of which, though he would meet it with a return of respect and gratitude, he never thought it proper further to avail himself." I had two letters from North America about three weeks since, in one of which I am informed by a bookseller, that he has twelve hundred subscribers for the Bible, and expects a great many more; and that it is read with approbation by the religious people of all descriptions. As a proof of this approbation, the packet contained a parchment by which I am constituted D. D. by the Dickensonian College, Carlisle, Pensylvania, by persons whose names I never before heard. What use I What use I may make of this honorary distinction is a subsequent consideration: but the whole encourages me to hope that my labour is not in vain."

The letters referred to (which are now before me,) assured him that, "if he could know half the extent of good which had already resulted to the interests of our glorious Redeemer's kingdom in that country, from his Commentary and other works, his joy would be full."

In April 1809, we find the third edition advanced about half way towards its completion. "I was not aware," the author writes, " at the beginning of the former edition, that the nature of the work would render the printing so tedious; (for it never stopped for me one day, except when I lost the preface ;) and nine years was far more than I looked forward to:...

but three years, that is, a year and a half from this time, may without difficulty finish the present edition.... On the whole, I believe few persons would have found courage and pertinacity to struggle through all the difficulties of so vast an undertaking, as compared with my circumstances: and, though many may see, or think they see, mistakes in my manner of conducting the work, on the most careful review, I cannot see how I could, consistently with my principles, and with reserving the copy-right, have done materially better. I have accomplished my object; and am more disposed to rejoice and be thankful, than to complain.'

At the close of 1810, my father contracted with the present proprietors for the sale of the copy-right, for which he eventually received 2,000l., and for the remaining copies of the third edition. The following

year they proceeded with a new edition and near the close of 1812 the injunction against them was obtained, by representations which could not be substantiated. My father wrote concerning it, as follows, January 22, 1813.

"Could it be established, the consequences would be, the sweeping away of all my little property; the locking up of 5000l. expended by the purchasers of the copy-right, besides the money paid me, -which they would have a right to reclaim; and the perpetuating of the first edition, with all its imperfections on its head, to the exclusion of all subsequent improvements; unless some compromise could be submitted to.... It is wholly in the breast of one man (the Chancellor) to decide: but that man's heart is in the hand of the Lord!.... Pray that I may be