on the internal evidences of the genuineness of the Gospels; while that treatise, at the same time, might serve as an introduction to the translation. This intended treatise, though begun many years ago, was never finished. Such portions of it, however, as were left in manuscript have been printed in a separate volume, with other papers relating more or less directly to the same subject.*

The translation was completed and carefully revised for the press some time before the author's death; and during the latter part of his life he was much employed on the notes intended to accompany it. The note on the Temptation (Matthew iv. 1-11) was his latest literary labor; and it was while making a revised copy of this from his original draught, that increasing feebleness compelled him to lay down his pen for the last time.t

The following is the title of the volume referred to: -"Internal Evidences of the Genuineness of the Gospels. Part I. Remarks on Christianity and the Gospels, with particular reference to Strauss's 'Life of Jesus.' Part II. Portions of an Unfinished Work. By Andrews Norton." Boston: Little, Brown, & Co. 1855. 8vo.

†The portion of this note which was transcribed and revised for the press by the author ends near the middle of page 44 of the volume of Notes.

The editorial responsibility as regards the translation has been limited, with very little exception, to the careful superintendence of the press. In respect to the notes it has not been so light. These had been gradually accumulating during many years; and had the author's life been prolonged, there is little doubt that many of them would have undergone revision, and that many others would have been added. Some were left unfinished. Others existed only in the form of memoranda. The editors deemed it best to print most of these unfinished notes and memoranda, notwithstanding their brevity or incompleteness, believing that the thoughts expressed or suggested would be of value to the student of the Gospels.

In addition to what was thus left by the author, the kindness of some of his former pupils placed at the disposal of the editors their manuscript notes of the oral exposition of the Gospels given by him many years ago, while Professor of Sacred Literature in the Divinity School of Harvard University. Such materials were to be used with caution; but a considerable number of

The notes referred to were taken in the years 1826-1830.

notes derived from this source have been printed, as serving to illustrate passages on which the author had left no written remarks. These notes, for the language of which the editors are responsible, are distinguished from the others by being credited to "MS. Notes of Lectures."

Many explanations of passages in the Gospels have been taken from the published works of the author, and a few from a course of Lectures left by him in manuscript. The sources from which they have been drawn are always indicated. It should, however, be observed, that some of the extracts from his published works -particularly from the "Statement of Reasons for not believing the Doctrines of Trinitarians" have been printed with variations or additions by the author, intended to be introduced in future editions. The quotations from the "Evidences of the Genuineness of the Gospels " are all, except where the contrary is expressly stated, from the second edition of that work, published in 1846-48. The selections which form the Preliminary Notes and the Appendix to the volume of Notes have been made by the editors, and the Table of Various Readings at the end of the volume of Text was prepared by one of them.

In a few instances additional illustrations of points treated of in the notes have been given by one of the editors, but all such additions are distinguished by being inclosed in brackets; and it should be understood that, throughout the volume, whatever is so inclosed is editorial, except where brackets are used in the course of quotations.

The cross references, and the references to other works of the author, are also, with few exceptions, editorial. It has not been thought worth while, however, to distinguish these by any mark.

It will be seen that far the largest and most important part of the commentary formed by these notes is of such a character that it may be readily understood by any intelligent man, whether familiar with the ancient languages or not. A small portion is addressed exclusively to scholars; but it is believed that the few notes of this class will not incommode the general reader in his use of the volume.

CAMBRIDGE, April, 1855.

C. E. N.

E. A.