ship, Scripture Exegesis, the Spirit of the Times, Doctrinal and Moral Science, Prophecy, the Types of the Old Testament, &c. which will doubtless be read with pleasure by many. Bengel's thoughts upon this variety of subjects are here given just as they were found in his writings; no party or prejudice has been consulted; a true portrait of Bengel, and nothing else, was supposed to be the thing desired by the reader; and for its completion, Bengel's own writings were found sufficient. One very important particular here demands a moment's attention. It was considered but justice to Bengel, that this work should comprise his views on the Apocalypse: for not only has his name been farthest known and most remembered on their account, but, by being misconceived or misrepresented, they have been the innocent occasion of very unfavourable opinions in the minds of some respecting him. Thus it has been confidently asserted in some popular publications, that he predicted the end of the world to happen in the year 1836: an assertion which will be found at variance with every thing he has written. In the present volume it will be seen with what correctness of judgment he contemplated the character of his own times, and with what surprising accuracy he foreshowed that of the times which have since gone by. This surely was a performance which did not entitle him to be ranked with those fanatical prophesiers who at seasons of great excitement and change have suddenly appeared like the fungi of a night's growth, and been nearly as soon forgotten. For though not one thing more than has come to pass of what he anticipated, should be accomplished; though upon all which yet remains of unfulfilled prophecy he should be found to have erred; still he would deserve to be numbered with those whom God from time to time has gifted with more than common insight into Scripture and human nature, were it only for those discoveries and anticipations which events have already confirmed. If we read with unbiassed attention his sentiments and inferences from the Apocalypse, as found in the following pages, (Part III. ch. vii.) we cannot well avoid the conclusion that he was gifted in no ordinary degree, to have spoken as he has done of future and distant times. Nor let it be overlooked that Bengel, as he has expressly told us in these pages, "did not profess to deliver his opinion upon every subject of the kind with equal certainty;" and that he all along exhibits his views "not as articles of faith, but as things which would both admit of and require correction." As the appropriate season for trying their correctness seems nearly to have arrived, so his own anticipation is already fulfilling, that "he should for a time be slighted and forgotten, but by and by be again resorted to." This publication will assist in evincing what further correctness may belong to his views upon prophecy: independently of which, if made use of, not for vain and curious inquiries, but as a repertory of motives to repentance or conversion, to amendment of life, and to patient continuance in well doing, it will be seasonable and useful. Practical, vigorous, and benevolent Christianity is the thing which is everywhere more and more wanted; and for the promotion of this, the compiler of the following Memoir commends it to the special blessing of Him, for whose honour and glory it was undertaken, and by whose gracious power and continual help it has been carried on and completed. J. C. F. BURK. THAILFINGEN, 30th March, 1831. CHAP. I. Introduction.-His own account of the principles he prescribed to SECT. 4. Progress of Bengel's Critical Researches CHAP. IV. His General Principles of Exegesis V. His Chronological Inquiries 251 267 282 311 XI. Controversial Writings on Apocalyptical Chronology 354 361 XIII. Thoughts, Doctrinal and Moral, as a sequel to his Exegesis . THE LIFE AND WRITINGS OF BENGEL. PART I. BENGEL'S EDUCATION. CHAPTER 1. HIS LITERARY EDUCATION. JOHN ALBERT BENGEL was born at Winnenden, a small town of Würtemberg, about five leagues from Stuttgart, on the 24th of June, 1687. He received the first rudiments of learning from his father Albert Bengel, M.A. assistant parochial minister of that town. He never forgot his father's " easy and pleasant manner of instructing" him, but used to speak of it with truly filial gratitude; so different was it from the method which then generally prevailed, and so much better adapted to improve the dispositions and abilities of children. But the kind and familiar tuition of such a father it was not long his privilege to enjoy; for this excellent parent* was suddenly taken from * Of Bengel's parents some account is given in a course of Sermons on the Liturgical Epistles and Gospels, &c. by John Christopher Bilhuber, M.A. chief parochial minister of Winnenden, printed at Stuttgart in 1744; it is as follows: 66 "The Rev. Mr. Bauder was succeeded by the Rev. John Albert Bengel, M.A. from 1681 to 1693, who was a man of piety and good learning, and diligent and punctual in all the duties of his office. He is still affectionately remembered by many an aged member of this church, some of whom have told me that in their early days they received benefit by his ministry which they could never forget. If ever the premature death of any faithful teacher was to be lamented here, it was B |