course of monthly lectures was preached in London, at Ely chapel, professedly to the Jews, or on subjects which in general had an especial reference to that interesting people. These lectures had been established and preached for several years previously, by various clergymen, who were desirous of using means for promoting the conversion of the Jews to christianity. The subject proposed for the last lecture. was, "A concise and connected view of the Book of Revelation." The clergyman who engaged to deliver it, was a diligent student of this mysterious book, and well qualified to execute the office he had accepted at the desire of his brethren. But before the period arrived in which he was to fulfil his engagement, he was compelled to decline it, in consequence of ill health; and I was requested to preach this lecture, in place of my clerical friend. This circumstance led me to deliver a course of lectures on the book to

my own congregation." It was begun in April 1819, and brought to a close in May, the following year. My father then revised and prepared the lectures for the press; but in the course of revision, he judged that it would be on the whole an advantage to give his work the form of an Exposition. It was published by subscription; and to the favourable reception of his proposals, the author thus alludes in the preface:“It would have afforded me satisfaction, if this book, in respect to the abilities of the author, had been more worthy of the patronage with which it has been unexpectedly honoured. With regard to the matter contained in it, I make no apologies. The volume

is full of interesting and momentous truth. It contains a comment, which, I trust, will be found to give a sober and fair exposition of the sacred text; agreeably to the analogy of faith, the general doctrines of scripture, and the facts and events of history. "It is my earnest prayer, that 'the Author of every good and perfect gift,' may grant his blessing to this volume, so that it may promote the spiritual benefit of those who have subscribed to its publication, and of its readers in general. This is my earnest and chief desire. My labour in writing it, has already been more than repaid in the delivery of those lectures which contained the materials of the book, and in the sensations which have been awakened in my mind by letters from my former connexions, my present friends, and others, who, though personally unknown to me, have a high claim on my esteem and respect."

Numerous as was the list of subscribers, the demand for the work was so much greater than had been anticipated, that it rapidly passed through three editions; a proof at once of its value, and the estimation in which its author was held.

A few extracts are subjoined, from a large number of letters received by my father on the publication of this work. The late Rev. S. Greatheed, who was connected in some measure with Olney by his marriage with a daughter of Mr. Stephenson, and who was himself an earnest and devout student of prophecy, wrote on this occasion:

"MY DEAR SIR,

"Since my last, I have read through your very valuable work with close attention, and with much gratification. Your interpretation appears to me judicious; and where you differ from former expositors, I think it to be commonly with great propriety. In such points as I entertain any difference of opinion, you have incomparably more authority on your side, than I have; on the principal point I do not know that I have any, and therefore though not in danger of being misled, I am evidently of being mistaken. I will frankly though briefly state my sentiments to you, and if at your leisure you feel any inclination to correct my view, I hope you will do it."

And subsequently

"Your work has led me into a closer study than ever before of its admirable subject, and has yielded me a very high degree of pleasure, and I trust also of spiritual profit. It is delightful to contemplate the plans of divine providence and grace gradually expanded and accomplished, and to compare the word of God with his past and present, and (by the light of prophecy shining amidst darkness) even his future conduct. What will be the joy of all who love God, at the last great day, when the whole of the divine counsels will be manifest by their consummation! *** I am indeed surprised, that in the midst of avocations so numerous and important as yours, you could pursue your researches to the extent evinced in your publication. I hope its success will compensate your labours.

"May you, my dear Sir, enjoy much aid and blessing from our Lord in his service. My own capacity for public exertion has long ceased; but I thank God that he affords me any degree of usefulness by other means. My temporal horizon is greatly limited. In fact, I seldom think of the morrow. To-day is every thing with me. My mental enjoyment arises from the belief that "God is love!" I have for several years past derived daily comfort from magnified (and consequently more distinct) conceptions of the length and breadth, the depth and height of that love, which, in its perfection, surpasses all created comprehension, and must, I apprehend, surpass it for

ever. God, as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, appears to be infinitely amiable. The love that I feel to God, therefore, is not merely that of gratitude for innumerable and unspeakable mercies that he has vouchsafed to me, but that of admiration of all that he has done, and has promised to do for sinners. All my concern is, that so little is rendered to him for his benefits, and above all by me.

I

Committing you and yours to Him, and to the word of his grace, am, my dear Sir,

"Yours, very sincerely,

"S. GREATHEED."

Another valued clerical friend, in a letter dated December 12, 1821, says "I consider your book as being the best on the subject of which it treats; and it affords me great pleasure to learn that your laborious researches, and truly excellent execution, have been so well rewarded. I sincerely hope you will long enjoy in comfort, the fame and benefit of your exertions. I know your grand object is the glory of God, and the welfare of your fellow-beings, and there is great reason to anticipate that result.” It would be easy to multiply similar extracts. The following refers to the general acceptance of the Exposition" I have received repeated expressions of approbation and commendation, from many of the subscribers, as to the performance and excellence of your valuable work; and I trust it is designed by our adorable Lord, to be instrumental in promoting his own glory and the edification of his people." Another correspondent, some years after, says that no book in his library "has been more read or more

lent."

Such repeated testimonies to the excellence of this work from a numerous and superior class of readers, were extremely gratifying to the author. Its publication was at the same time useful to himself; as by it, he realized about 7001.-a sum which for a time effectually relieved him from pecuniary embarDifficulties of this nature, arising from the necessary expenditure required by a large, rising family, and a very limited income, he more or less struggled with for many years.

rassments.

In consequence of the growing prevalence of an opinion that the millennium is to be characterized by the personal reign of Christ upon earth during that period; and especially as this sentiment had been adopted by several clergymen of the Church of England; one of whom, under the signature of Basilicus, had defended it in the Jewish Expositor; my father was requested by several friends to write more particularly upon the subject; and he accordingly appended to the second edition of this volume, a brief refutation of the arguments brought forward by Basilicus. In this appendix, my father considers that the hypothesis in question cannot be true, because it supersedes the numerous predictions respecting the spiritual reign of Christ; contradicts the declarations of scripture, which assert that Christ will come the second time to judge the world; stands in direct opposition to the doctrine of the church of England; and is encumbered with impossible consequences. His statements were now assailed with some warmth in the Jewish Expositor; but the