Pfander's argument that 'Wisdom' in Prov. viii. 12-31, denotes Christ (chapter i, section iii), as being at least very doubtful. It does not do to bring forward in controversy
in the mission-field doubtful or fanciful or forced explanations of the holy Scriptures. Muslim and Hindu readers are apt to hold that the strength of the chain is that of its
weakest part.
Scriptural quotations I have taken from the Revised Version, for obvious reasons.
My revision and translation are based on the Urdu version of Pfander's original German work, principally because the Urdu had received his latest corrections and amplifications,
especially in reference to Hindu doctrines. I have also, however, consulted the Turkish version (London, 1861). My attempts to obtain a copy of the Arabic version have been
unsuccessful. I regret this, because it leaves me in some uncertainty regarding a few words in the Arabic passage given in the appendix, and of which a translation appears in
chapter ii. section ii (pp. 174-6). These as they appeared in the Urdu and Turkish versions were full of blunders of the press. I have tried to correct them, so as to give an
intelligible text.
It is hardly necessary to explain that to make a literal English translation of the book, though easy, would have been mere waste of time. Valuable as the Miftahu'l-Asrar
was when it first appeared, the lapse of time and progress of |