PREFACE

ABOUT three years ago, I undertook the publication of a Commentary, in one volume, of the Gospels of St. Matthew and St. Mark, a work which has been received with unexpected favour, as the Second Edition is now nearly exhausted. A second volume containing a Commentary on the Gospels of St. Luke and St. John, together with the Acts of the Apostles, was promised at the time. Those who may have been expecting its appearance, will hardly be surprised that its issue has been so long deferred, if they take into account the arduous and numerous duties of my office, which I could neither neglect nor overlook, and the vast amount of time and labour required for Scriptural researches, particularly with a view to publication. I am now partly redeeming my promise by giving to the public, as a companion volume to the Commentary on the two other Synoptical Gospels of St. Matthew and St. Mark, an Exposition of the Gospel of St. Luke, which may, if so desired, be conveniently bound with the former.

Neither time nor pains has been spared in its composition, according to my humble ability. How far I may have succeeded in my design to produce a useful work, I must leave to others to determine. I purpose publishing, at a future day, should Providence so will it, my notes on the Gospel of St. John and on the Acts.

In the meantime, in the hope that the present work may be received with the same favour that has been accorded to its predecessors, I confidently submit it to the indulgence of the pious Student of Holy Scripture.

X JOHN MACEVILLY.

GALWAY, Feast of our Lady, Help of Christians, 1879.