Frederick Justus Knecht - A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture

A Practical
Commentary on
Holy Scripture

Frederick Justus
Knecht, D.D.

Imprimatur: Dr. Mutz
Vicar General
Freiburg-im-Breisgau
July 28, 1923

Published in 1923 by B. Herder, London and St. Louis, Missouri, Publisher to the Holy Apostolic See, as A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture For the Use of Those Who Teach Bible History. All rights reserved.

Reprinted from the Fourth English Edition by TAN Books in 2003.

Cover photo of stained-glass window "Moses and the Ten Commandments" copyright 1998 Alan Brown. Cover photo of Our Lord from stained-glass window "Last Suppervery close" copyright 1993 Alan Brown. Both photos used by arrangement with Al Brown Photo, 3597 N. Roberts Rd., Bardstown, KY 40004.

TAN Books
Charlotte, North Carolina
www.TANBooks.com

2003

Chapel of the Holy Sepulchre at Jerusalem

(Phot. Bruno Hentshel, Leipzig)

SOME APPROBATIONS.

We strongly recommend Bishop KNECHT'S "Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture". It contains an Appendix, called a Concordance of Scripture Aids to the Catechism, by reference to which the teacher will find himself in possession of Holy Scripture to illustrate every part of the Catechism. The work has gone through 19 editions, and is the most complete and the most valuable book for its purpose in any language. The English translation has been exceedingly well done, and is preceded by a Preface by the Rev. M. GLANCEY, of the Diocese of Birmingham, in which there are valuable hints on teaching Holy Scripture in combination with the Catechism.

Lenten Letter 1903.

HERBERT CARDINAL VAUGHAN,
ARCHBISHOP OF WESTMINSTER.

I have devoted as much time as I could afford occasionally to a perusal of this admirable work, and always felt that my spare moments were well spent. The method adopted in explaining the Holy Scripture is plain and simple, and consequently can be easily understood by any one of ordinary capacity. The division of each Chapter into Narrative and Explanation, Commentary, and Application, will render the work of the highest utility to those who are engaged as Catechists or as Teachers in Schools. I can recommend the work strongly, as affording, in the simplest form, a great amount of information on the History of the Old and New Testament.

Catholic Cathedral, Madras, September 20. 1894.

J. COLGAN,
ARCHBISHOP OF MADRAS.

The translation of Dr. KNECHT'S celebrated " Practical Commentary" is a most valuable and welcome addition to our English literature. Brimful of interest and practical instruction, it should be in the hands not only of every Priest and Catechist, but of the heads of every Catholic family. In a few days we shall have our annual Retreat and Synod. I shall not fail to recommend it strongly to all my Priests and Religious Communities. Wishing the admirable work all the success it deserves,

Christchurch, New Zealand, December 27. 1894.

J. J. GRIMES, S. M.,
BISHOP OF CHRISTCHURCH.

I have perused Dr. KNECHTS "Commentary" with much pleasure, interest, and profit. I have no hesitation in pronouncing it to be a most useful hand-book for teachers and priest, and to supply a want in English Catholic literature. No doubt, Bible History, bearing as it does on the doctrines of faith, is capable of rendering most valuable service to the teacher of Religion, as proof, illustration, and expansion of doctrinal truth, It becomes an object-lesson, nay a pictorial catechism, setting forth the isolated texts of Scripture found in the Catechism in the full light of their context and surroundings, exhibiting religious truth in its practical bearing on the varied states and conditions of life. To effect all this, it must be read not as a mere story-book, but in close connection with the Catechism, hand in hand with itCatechism being the guide and Bible History the hand-maid. Dr. KNECHTS" Commentary" seems to have been composed with such objects in view, and hence I feel sure of its receiving a most hearty welcome in English-speaking countries, and of its proving to be of the greatest service to priest and catechist by pointing out so ably the bearing of the Bible History on faith and morals. Catholics need more than esteem and love for the Holy Scripturesthey should know how to use them to the best practical advantage; and Dr. KNECHTS work is a valuable aid in that direction. I expect it will have a wide circulation, and I should like to see it in the hands of all my priests and teachers, to whose notice I shall bring it by an official channel.

St. Mary's Cathedral, Wellington, N. Z., August 31. 1894.

FRANCIS REDWOOD, S. M.,
ARCHBISHOP OF WELLINGTON.

I beg to assure you that I shall bring Dr. KNECHTS " Practical Commentary" under the favourable notice of the Clergy of Cashel, at the earliest opportunity that offers.

The Palace, Thurles, August 9. 1894.

J. W. CROKE,
ARCHBISHOP OF CASHEL.

The plan of Dr. KNECHTS " Practical Commentary" seems excellent and the execution no less so. Whatever system may be adopted by the individual Catechist, he cannot fail to find this Scripture Narrative and Commentary of great practical utility. I shall be very happy to recommend it to my clergy.

42, Greenhill Gardens, Edinburgh, August 9. 1894.

ANGUS MACDONALD,
ARCHBISHOP OF ST. ANDREWS AND EDINBURGH.

I hope Dr. KNECHTS Commentary on Holy Scripture may meet a wide and ready sale. I am sure it will be found most useful in Catholic families and schools.

Wexford, August 11. 1894.

JAMES BROWNE,
BISHOP OF FERNS.

I have read a good portion of the second volume of Dr. KNECHTS "Practical Commentary", and I am more than pleased with the work. It deserves the title "celebrated", which you give to it. It will be a most useful book for Teachers as well as for the Clergy. I shall have great pleasure in recommending it strongly to both.

Bishop's House, Leeds, July 23. 1894.

WILLIAM,
BISHOP OF LEEDS.

I like very much the plan of Dr. KNECHTS "Practical Commentary", and think it well adopted to attain the end in view an intelligent acquaintance with Scriptural History and Doctrine and a practical application of their lessons to the duties of life.

I shall be happy to recommend it to my clergy as a valuable aid to Religious Teaching in our schools.

Spring Hill, Claughton, Birkenhead, July 22. 1804.

EDMUND,
BISHOP OF SHREWSBURY

The "Commentary for the use of Catechists and Teachers" by Dr. F. J. KNECHT, now Auxiliary Bishop of Freiburg, Baden, has been received with the greatest welcome by the Clergy in Germany. It is considered by them as one of the best and most useful works for Catechists and Teachers. I am glad to learn that an English translation of this most excellent work is to be published by you, and I do not hesitate to say that the English edition will become as popular as the original German. It deserves strong recommendation.

Belleville, Ill., April 5. 1894.

JOHN JANSSEN,
BISHOP OF BELLEVILLE.

I like extremely the Chapters I have read of Dr. KNECHT'S Bible Narrative and Commentary. With an admirable method he combines with the Narrative brief explanatory notes, which he follows up with suitable reflections. To a Catechist in want of a Manual for teaching Bible History this work will be found invaluable