extended to such a degree, that some opinions have passed for undoubted truths, in the great theological world, which yet have no foundation, save what they receive from the wit and the persuasive power of their author; and that, by this means, some inquiries have passed over, almost entirely, from the historical ground into the department of hypothesis. Recently, too much deference has been paid to this spirit, which weakens the healthy force of genuine historical investigation; and thus the burden of hypotheses, under which Biblical Introduction languishes, has been much increased in recent times. In opposition to such a method of inquiry, I have endeavored, above all, to adhere firmly to the pure matter of fact, or to bring back inquiry to this point, when it had wandered therefrom. For example, the history of the canon-which, since Semler's time, has not been able to extricate itself from the confusion of ideas into which it has fallen - has been brought to the light for the first time; and the history of the Alexandrian version has been at least restored to the place whither Hody had previously advanced it. Since his time, no actual progress has been made in this department, though many vain hypotheses have been added. So, in the history of other versions, the reader will not find direct and new investigations, but this same adherence to what is a matter of fact, and capable of proof. Similar hints for conducting us back to the true path are also afforded by the history of the text, in its present new arrangement, which harmonizes with the results of Gesenius's investigations in the history of the Hebrew language and character.

In the inquiries on the separate books, I have often opposed the theory which has been carried too far-that they are composed of separate portions. This is the case with the book of Daniel and the book of Wisdom." I am indebted to the hints of my friend Gesenius for the reasons which induce me to abandon Bertholdt's view of the former; and, in offering the

a

[Here the author refers to his introduction to the Apocrypha, not translated in the present work.]

theory that the book of Wisdom is composed of successive fragments, I have gratefully availed myself of a public lecture of my friend Lücke, delivered here in Berlin. With these exceptions, my readers may expect to find my views of some books of the Old Testament - which have long been decried still unchanged in their essential features. And, since here they are given in connection with my views of the whole Old Testament, it will at least be conceded that they afford a connected historical picture, which is consistent with itself, and with the rest of history; and also that the valuable results of Gesenius's labors in the criticism of language coincide therewith in important points.

The highest point to which the historical criticism of the Bible aspires, and to which it should at least clear the way, is to render the productions of biblical literature intelligible in their historical relations and peculiarities. I have conscientiously endeavored to effect this. The point of view which I have taken for this end will not be preferred by all. Certainly it will surprise some, that, with the exception of a few spurious productions, I consider the predictions of the prophets which have hitherto been commonly regarded as disguised historical descriptions as actual presentiments of the future, though without denying their limited extent in history, or without attributing to their authors a superhuman degree of infallibility. It is certainly one-sided to judge these old seers by the spirit of our times, and to deny that they made even the attempt to foretell. It is self-evident that it is of great importance to the criticism and exposition of the prophets, which supposition is followed.

Since all literature must be conceived of as a whole, and taken in connection with other history, I have therefore endeavored to classify the books of the Old Testament according to the views of the Hebrews, and to observe the relation to their manner of life at different periods of history, and, to that effect, have considered each book in reference to the place it bears in the canon. On the supposition that there is the closest connection between form and substance, I have

attempted to designate accurately the rhythmical peculiarities of each book, and to connect them with the other peculiarities : I have also been attentive to their æsthetic value. I trust scholars acquainted with the subject will not overlook these and other attempts, and will examine them with candor.

Since I have often contradicted my predecessors, and without any circumlocution, so it is but candid here to declare that I am grateful to them, notwithstanding the contradiction, for the service they have rendered me. This is true especially of Bertholdt, whose opinions I often reject, but whose diligence in collecting has always afforded me a strong support, and whose critical sagacity, even when it has not conducted him to the truth, has yet excited and directed me. I have throughout referred to his manual, and those who possess it may profitably compare the passages where I contradict and correct him. That I am sensible of the merits of Eichhorn, no one will doubt, who knows how much the Introduction to the Old Testament rests on his previous labors. But I am not blind to his faults; I even reprove them. May his admirers forgive me. The friends of truth will justify the freedom I have taken.

THE AUTHOR.

BERLIN, at the end of June, 1817.

TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE.

THE translation of De Wette's Introduction to the Old Testament, now offered to the public, was undertaken several years ago, at the suggestion of an eminent theologian, of the Orthodox denomination, who thought the work would be valuable to the American public; though he by no means coincided with the author in all his opinions respecting the Scriptures. Dr. De Wette stands at the head of the liberal school of German critics. He is already known to a portion of American readers, by translations of two of his minor and less important works."

The work here translated is his most laborious and most valuable production. The first edition was published in 1817, and the fifth, which has been followed in this translation, in 1840.' It imbodies the results of the critical labors of the whole world upon the Scriptures, and exhibits, in a brief space, the opinions of the great critics of past and present times. Besides this, it refers to all the most valuable literature, ancient and modern, respecting the Old Testament. In his successive

• Theodore, or the Skeptic's Conversion, translated by J. F. Clarke, (2 vols. 12mo., Boston, 1841;) Human Life, or Practical Ethics, translated by Samuel Osgood, (2 vols., Boston, 1842;) published in Ripley's Specimens of Foreign Standard Literature. For a brief account of the author and his works, see Encyclopædia Americana; Krug's Encyclopäd. und Philosophisch. Lexicon, article De Wette.

Lehrbuch der historisch-kritischen Einleitung in die kanonischen und apocryphischen Bücher des Alten Testamentes, von Wilhelm Martin Leberecht de Wette, der Theologie Doctor und ordentlichem Professor an der Universität zu Basel; fünfte, verbesserte und vermehrte Ausgabe; Berlin, bei G. Reimer, 1840, p. xviii. and 444.