Book of Enoch Henok

INTROD UCTION.
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English readers, except those who may possess or
have access to copies of the English translation last
issued in 1838. On this aspect of the question
Archbishop Laurence writes :
" The fate of the Apocryphal writings in general
has been singular. On one side, from the influence
of theological opinion or theological caprice, they
have been sometimes injudiciously admitted into
the Canon of Scripture ; while on the other side,
from an over-anxiety to preserve that Canon inviolate,
they have been not simply rejected, but
loaded with every epithet of contempt and obloquy.
The feelings perhaps of both parties have on such
occasions run away with their judgment. Eor
writings of this description, whatever may or may
not be their claim to inspiration, are at least of
considerable utility, where they indicate the theological
opinions of the periods at which they were
composed. This I apprehend to be peculiarly the
the case of the Book of Enoch ; which, as having
been manifestly written before the doctrines of
Christianity were promulgated to the world, must
afford us, when it refers to the nature and character
of the Messiah, as it repeatedly does so refer,
credible proof of what were the Jewish opinions
upon those points before the birth of Christ ; and
consequently before the possible predominance of
the Christian creed."