DELINEATIONS

OF

SCRIPTURE CHARACTERS,

&c. &c.

MINISTER OF TRINITY CHAPEL, CONDUIT STREET, AND CHAPLAIN TO
THE RIGHT HON. THE EARL OF BANDON.

LONDON:

JAMES NISBET AND CO. BERNERS STREET;

HATCHARD AND SON, PICCADILLY; AND LONGMAN AND
CO. PATERNOSTER ROW.

1839.

213.

PREFACE.

THERE are two propositions set forth by Solomon, in the first and twelfth chapters of the book of Ecclesiastes, which-independently of their authority as the statements of Divine inspiration-demand the solemn consideration and attention of men of deep thought and philosophical minds. The first is, that "in much wisdom is much grief; and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow." Now, were this the axiom of some heathen sage, or the sentiment of some christian moralist, could these words be quoted upon the authority of a Seneca or a Johnson, how often should we have them brought forward by the advocates of mere secular instruction and literary erudition, in justification of their failure, to increase the amount of human happiness in proportion to the exten