THE CHRONOLOGY OF SACRED HISTORY, FROM THE CREATION OF ADAM TO THE FINAL DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM BY TITUS; ACCORDING TO THE TEXT OF THE AUTHORIZED VERSION OF THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS, IN OUTLINE; WITH EXPLANATORY EXTRACTS FROM JOSEPHUS, AND SIR ISAAC NEWTON'S PROPHECIES OF DANIEL. An entirely Original and Independent Calculation. BY ROBERT KING. LONDON: HOULSTON AND WRIGHT, 65, PATERNOSTER ROW. 1860. (The author reserves the right of translation.) 101.4.230. PREFACE. IT is nearly twenty years since the Work, of which an outline is now presented to the reader, was commenced. The objects of this work are:-1st. To save the time of the student of Scripture Chronology, by leading him to a direct reference to the text of one Version, as the more safe, satisfactory, and expeditious course, rather than that of endeavouring to reconcile the perplexing discrepancies between Chronologists who follow various Versions.-2nd. By commencing from the creation of Adam, and allowing that geological facts are not contrary to the Mosaic account of the Creation, to treat the Chronology of Scripture in such manner as to remove the erroneous impression, that our planet and its contents, together with our first parents, as well as the whole material universe, were all created within a period of six days of twenty-four hours.-3rd. To furnish the means (in the smallest possible compass) of comparing sacred history, as recorded in our authorised version, with secular history; and to lead to the devout study of fulfilled and unfulfilled Prophecy in connection with the events which occurred at the date of its delivery; and also to lead to a connected view of the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, in order of date. Although the Author's views, with regard to the call of Abraham, on account of confining himself to one Version, and in some minor points, may be thought by some to be peculiar, yet he is gratified at finding his calculations confirmed by repeated examinations (which prove the general consistency of the Version followed), and at being able fearlessly to invite the unprejudiced reader to the closest comparison of this Work with the authorised Version of the Holy Scriptures, and with the most accurate records of the periods of secular history referred to. The arrangement is such, that the student can test any portion of the calculation, without waste of time, by a direct reference to the authority quoted, and need take no statement for granted. The marginal dates in our Bibles, generally, are not easily tested, and are often so placed as to mislead rather than assist. Most tabular statements are confusing, and some are not independent calculations, vouched by texts, &c., in a manner calculated to satisfy the student, but arbitrary and compiled. This Work was originally prepared with much more explanatory matter, and also with full quotations of most of the Scripture texts referred to; but being found too bulky for publication in that state, it has been repeatedly tested and condensed, and written the third time in its present form. The Author hopes, however, that the time may come when a complete edition of the Holy Scriptures in chronological order, and suited for general use, will be produced at a moderate price. ROBERT KING. FULHAM, Dec. 1859. CONTENTS. General Remarks on the connexion between the Old and New Testament Chronology, and the Period subsequent to the Ascension of our Lord. THE OUTLINE, DIVIDED INTO FIVE PERIODS. |