The following treatise consists, in part, of lectures delivered to the students of the Xenia Theological Seminary. Some things appropriate only to the theological class-room have been omitted, and additions have been made.

In discussing points that have been much discussed before, and keeping in view the wants of theological students as well as of readers in general, it is necessary, of course, in some cases to say what has already been said by others.

I am indebted to many authors, which will be readily perceived by the learned reader.

It has been thought proper, in quoting from French and German authors, to accompany the quotations with an English translation. Not being acquainted with the Dutch language, I have used Wicksteed's translation of Kuenen's "Hexateuch."

D. MacDill.

Xenia Theological Seminary, August 1, 1896.