The reading of a literal, or verbal, trans lation of Paul's letters is attended by many difficulties. The apostle's carelessness of form, his vehemence in utterance, his use of complex figures, and his involved and elliptical style, are among the peculiarities Which often render his meaning obscure. Now a translation can only represent in English words the form of the origi nal; it is debarred not only from introducing explanatory words, but even, to a great extent.