Jones, Joel

Jones, Joel a celebrated lay writer on theological subjects, and jurist by profession, was born of Puritan ancestry at Coventry, Conn., Oct. 26, 1795, and educated at Yale College, where he graduated in 1817. He was one of the judges of the Philadelphia District Court, and later mayor of Philadelphia. In 1848 he was elected president of Girard College, and he held that position for two years. He died Feb. 3, 1860. Distinguished for his great legal abilities, judge Jones deserves a place in our work on account of his extended researches in the Biblical department. His acquirements extended far beyond the widest range of professional attainment. Judge Jones wrote extensively for literary journals and quarterlies; he also published largely. Of special interest to the theological student are, Story of Joseph, or Patriarchal Age (originally published for the use of Girard College students): — The Knowledge of One Another in the Future State: — Notes on Scripture (published by his widow, Phila. 1860). He also edited several English works on Prophecy, which he published under the title of Literalist (5 vols. 8vo), enriched with many valuable additions of his own, and translated from the French, Outlines of a History of the Court of Rome and of the Temporal Power of the Popes (to which he appended many original notes). Judge Jones was a ruling elder in the Presbyterian Church, and held positions in various ecclesiastical boards, where his services were greatly prized. See Princeton Review, Index, 2, 219 sq.