If I do not at once begin by stating my reasons for the plan I have adopted in the composition of this Work, it will undoubtedly incur the censures of many … [S]ome … will think that I have inconsiderately and therefore unnecessarily altered the order which the Holy Spirit himself has prescribed to us. Now, there cannot be a doubt that what was dictated to Moses was excellent in itself, and perfectly adapted for the instruction of the people; but what he delivered in Four Books, it has been my endeavour so to collect and arrange, that it might seem I was trying to improve upon it, which would be an act of audacity akin to sacrilege … [But] I have no other intention than, by this arrangement, to assist unpracticed readers, so that they might more easily, more commodiously, and more profitably acquaint themselves with the writings of Moses; and whosoever would benefit from my labours should understand that I would by no means withdraw him from the study of each separate book, but simply direct him by this compendium to a definite object; lest he should, as often happens, be led astray through ignorance of any regular plan.