Awake my Harp, awake and trace, Grace, through every age and clime, REVIEW OF NEW PUBLICATIONS. An Introduction to the Critical Study and Knowledge of the Holy Scriptures, by Thomas Hartwell Horne, M. A., of St. John's College, Cambridge, Curate of the United Parishes of Christ Church, Newgate-street, and St. Leonard, Foster lane. Second Edition, Revised, Corrected, and Enlarged. Illustrated with numerous Maps and Fac-Similes of Biblical Manuscripts. In four Volumes. Cadell, London: Blackwood, Edinburgh. We know not how we can more effectually discharge our duty to the public, to ourselves, or to the author of this work, than by presenting, in an abbreviated form, his own ac. count of its origin, progress, and execution, and by subjoining his own delineation of the plan, and of the several portions into which it is divided: a mode of proceeding which at once introduces the writer to the reader, and enables the former to explain his intentions more perspicuously than could be effected by any intermediate representation. It may also serve as a sort of syllabus or abstract of the entire work. After expressing his gratitude for the favourable reception of his first edition, he observes that "In addition to the extensive circulation, which his work has received in the Universities and other Theological SemiREMEMBRANCER, No. 40. naries in England, it has recently been adopted as a text-book in the College at Princeton, New Jersey, and also in the Protestant Episcopal Seminary at Newhaven, in North America." "It is designed as a comprehensive MANUAL of Sacred Literature, selected from the labours of the most eminent Biblical Critics, both British and Foreign; and originated in the author's own wants many years ago, at an early period of life; when he stood in need of a guide to the reading of the Holy Scriptures, that might enable him to study the Bible with that attention which its supreme importance demands. At this time the author had no friend to assist his studies, or remove his doubts; nor any means of procuring critical works. At length a list of the more eminent Foreign Biblical Critics fell into his hands, and directed him to some of those sources of information, which he was seeking. He then resolved to procure such of them as his limited means would permit, with the design of first satisfying his own mind on those topics which had perplexed him, and then of laying before the public the result of his inquiries." "The idea thus conceived has been steadily kept in view for twenty years ; and the four volumes of which the work now consists, comprises the following topics: VOLUME I. contains a Critical Inquiry into the Genuineness, Authenticity, Uncorrupted Preservation, and Inspira tion of the Holy Scriptures; including, amongst other subjects, a copions investigation of the testimonies from profane authors, to the leading facts recorded in the Scriptures, particularly a new branch of evidence for their credibility, furnished by coins, medals, inscriptions, and ancient structures. This is followed by a full view of the arguments afforded by miracles and Gg prophecy, for the inspiration of the Scriptures, and by a discussion of the internal evidence for their inspiration, furnished by the sublimity and excellence of the doctrines, and by the purity of the moral precepts revealed in the Bible; the harmony subsisting between every part; the preservation of the Scriptures to the present time, and their tendency to promote the present and eternal happiness of mankind, as evinced by an historical review of the beneficial effects produced in every age and country, by a cordial reception of the Bible; together with a refutation of the numerous objections which have been urged against the Scriptures in recent deistical publications. An Appendix to this volume comprizes a particular examination of the miracles supposed to have been wrought by the Egyptian magicians, and of the contradictions which are falsely alleged to exist in the Scriptures, whether historical or chronological; contradictions in morality; apparent contradictions between the sacred writers themselves, and between sacred and profane writers, or seeming contradictions to philosophy and the nature of things. This discussion is followed by a table of the chief prophecies relative to the Messiah, both in the Old and New Testament, and by an examination of the pretensions of the Apocryphal Books of the Old and New Testament." Mr. Horne then alludes to the extensive circulation of infidel works and tracts, whose avowed object was, by the unblushing re-assertion of old and often-refuted objections, or by specious insinuations, to undermine or subvert the religion of Jesus Christ. "Called upon, by name, from the press, to consider those objections to Divine Revelation, the author felt it his duty not to shrink from the task; and as the antagonists of the Scriptures, have in some degree varied the ground of their attacks, he indulges the hope that a temperate discussion of this subject, accommodated to the present times, may not be unacceptable to the Biblical student, who may, perhaps, be exposed to meet with the enemies of Scripture. This part of the work has engaged so large a portion of his time and attention, as materially to retard the appearance of the present edition. To his own mind, indeed, the result of these laborious inquiries has been highly satisfactory; for not having access to all the numerous and able defences of Christianity against the infidels of former ages, he has been obliged to consider every objection for himself: and in every instance he has found that the numerous contradictions alleged to exist in the Sacred Writings, have disappeared before an attentive and candid examination. It may perhaps be thought that the gross and illiberal manner in which some of the productions in question have been executed, renders them unworthy of notice but nothing surely is unworthy of notice that is calculated to mislead the ignorant or unwary. And though some of the objections are so coarse, as to carry with them their own refutation; yet others are so concisely and so speciously expressed, as to demand several pages-the result of many days laborions search, in order to detect their sophistry and falsehood." The first volume consists of six chapters,-I. On the Necessity of a Divine Revelation: II. On the Genuineness and Authenticity of the Old and New Testaments: III. On their Credibility: IV. All the Books of the Old and New Testament are of Divine Authority, and their AuEvidences of the Inspiration of the thors divinely inspired: V. Internal Scriptures: VI. Recapitulation of the Evidences for their Truth and Divine Authority: and to each chapter are appended very copious Sections of particulars. The former part of Volume II. is divided into eleven chapters, of which the first is entitled, On the Original Languages of Scripture; the second, On the Manuscripts of the Bible; the third, On the Editions of the Old and New Testament; the fourth, On the Divisions and Marks of Distinction occurring in the Scriptures; the fifth, On the ancient Versions of the Scriptures; the sixth, on the modern Versions; the seventh, On the Critical Use of the Jewish and Rabbinical Writings, and the works of profane Authors. The eighth, On the Various Readings occurring in the Old and New Testaments; the ninth, Of the Quotations from the Old Testament in the New, Quotations in the New Testament from the Apocryphal Writers, and from profane Authors; the tenth, On the Poetry of the Hebrews; and the last, On Harmonies of Scripture. The second part of Volume II. consists of twelve chapters, thus denominated; I.On the Senses of Scripture: II. On the Signification of Words and Phrases: III. On the subsidiary Means for ascertaining the Senses of Scripture: IV. On the historical Interpretation of the Scriptures: V. On the Interpretation of the Figurative Language of Scripture VI. On the Spiritual Interpretation of the Scriptures: VII. On the Interpretation of Scripture Prophecies: VIII. On the Interpretation of Types: IX. On the Doctrinal Interpretation of the Scriptures: X. On the Interpretation of the Moral Parts of Scripture: XI. On the Interpretation of the Promises and Threatenings of Scripture and XII. On the Inferential and Practical Reading of Scripture. And these several chapters are likewise supplied with copious and explanatory sections. To this volume is prefixed a fac simile of the BIBLIA PAUPERUM, supposed to have been executed between A. D. 1420 and 1435; another of Ezekiel i. 1, 2, 3. of the Codex Vaticanus made in 1704, and preserved in the Bodleian Library; another, of the Codex Bezæ, a MS. of the Four Gospels and Acts of the Apostles, preserved in the University Library at Cambridge; another, of the Codex Cottonianus of the Book of Genesis, with an engraving representing Jacob delivering his son Benjamin to his brethren, and Jo. seph's subsequent interview with them in his own house, taken from that of the Antiquarian Society; another, of the Codex Argenteus, a Gothick Version of the Four Gospels in the University Library at Upsal; another, of a Codex Rescriptus of St. Matthew's Gospel, in the Library of Trinity College, Dublin; another, of a MS. of the Acts of the Apostles, preserved in the Bodleian Library at Oxford; ano ther, of the Codex Ebnezianus, a MS. executed in A. D. 1391; and several specimens of the versions of the sacred Scriptures in the Eastern languages, chiefly translated by the brethren of the Serampore mission; viz. in the Sanscrit, or Sungskrit; in the Bengalee; Mahratta; Kashmiree, or Kashmeer; Ooriya, or Orissa; Telinga, or Teloogoo; Brij-Bhossa; Pushtoo, or Affghan; Sikh, Sheek, or Punjabee; Hindostanee; Uhumiya, or Assamese; Barman; Bulocha, or Buloshee; Chinese Version; and Kurnata, or Canarese, all of which are executed with admirable precision. Volume III. contains a Summary of Biblical Geography and Antiquities, divided into four Parts, comprehending several Chapters, which are subdivided into Sections. Part I. is denominated a Sketch of the Historical and Physical Geography of the Holy Land, which occupies two chapters. Part II. treats on the Political and Military Affairs of the Jews, and other nations incidentally mentioned in the Scriptures, and consists of seven chapters*; the first of which describes the Different Forms of Government from the Patriarchal Times to the Babylonish Captivity; the second, the Political State of the Jews, from their return from the Babylonish Captivity, to the Subversion of their Civil and Ecclesiastical Polity: the third, the Courts of Judicature, Legal Proceedings, and Criminal Law of the Jews; the fourth, the Jewish and Roman Modes of computing Time, mentioned in the Scriptures; the fifth, the tribute and taxes mentioned in the Scriptures; the sixth, the Treaties, or Covenants, and Contracts of the Jews; and the seventh, the Military Affairs of the Jews, and other nations mentioned in the Scriptures. Part III. treats on the Sacred Affairs of the Jews, and Erroneously numbered in the Preface to the Third Volume, as eight. other nations, and is divided into six Chapters; of which, the first is denominated, Of Sacred Places : fourth, Sacred Times and Seasons observed by the Jews; the fifth, Sacred Obligations and Duties; the the second, Of Sacred Persons; the third Of Sacred Things; the sixth, On the Corruptions of Religion by the Jews. Part IV. discusses the Private Life, Manners, and Customs of the Jews, and is divided into Eight Chapters; 1. On the Dwellings of the Jews; 2. On the Dress of the Jews; 3. Jewish Customs relating to Marriage; 4. On the Condition of Slaves, and the Customs relating to them, mentioned or alluded to in the New Testament; 5. Domestic Customs and Usages of the Jews; 6. On the Occupations, Arts and Sciences of the Hebrews; 7. Festivities and Amusements of the Jews, and of other nations mentioned in the Scriptures; 8. Jewish Mode of treating the Dead, Funeral Rites. An Appendix to this Volume contains (besides chronological and other tables of weights and measures) a Geographical Index of the principal places mentioned in Scripture, especially in the New Testament; including an abstract of profane Oriental History, from the time of Solomon to the Captivity, illustrative of the history of the Hebrews as referred to in the prophetic writings, and presenting historical notices of the Assyrian, Chaldee, Median, and Persian empires. It also contains a Map of the Holy Land, with the Divisions into Tribes, a Map of Judea adapted to the Gospel-history, a Plan of Jerusalem from D'Anville, and of the Temple of Jerusalem according to Lamy and Calmet. Volume IV. is appropriated to the Analysis of Scripture, containing copious critical prefaces to the respective books, and synopses of their several contents, and is divided into two Parts; of which, the former consists of Eight Chapters. Part I. comprehends an Analysis of the Old Testament. Chapter 1. treats on the Pentateuch; 2. On the Historical Books; 3. On the Poetical Books: 4. On the Prophets; 5. Of the Prophets who flourished before the Babylonish Captivity; 6 Of the Prophets who flourished near to and during the Captivity; 7. Of the Prophets who flourished after the return of the Jews from Babylon; and 8. On the Apocrypha. The second Part comprehends an Analysis of the New Testament, divided into Five Chapters; 1. On the Classification of the Books, and 2. On the Historical Books; 3. On the Epistolary or Doctrinal Writings particularly those of St. Paul; 4 On the Catholick Epistles; and 5. On the Apocalypse. To these are affixed a General Index of Matters, an Index of Texts Illustrated, and a Bibliographical Index; and the volume contains a Map of the Journeyings of the Children of Israel from Egypt through the Desert to the Land of Canaan, and a Map of the Travels of the Apostles, including the more remote places from the Holy Land, which are mentioned in the New Testament. The above view indicates a large extent of inquiry, and evidently demanded a considerable share of ability and perseverance. The whole outline is well filled up with direct and collateral information, derived from various sources, and may prove equally useful to the reader who is not conversant with such subjects, and to the biblical student who consults it for professional instruction. Nor is the work to be considered as a mere compilation. The extracts and selections which Mr. H. has made from other authors, he has interspersed and connected with original accessions of his own ingenuity, so as to effect one uniform whole. Amongst the curiosities which he has introduced in his vast mass of information, may be reckoned the Jewish prototype, as it is presumed, of the Prayer which our Lord hath left us, and which appears to have been formed by him on the model of one of the Jewish euchologies. It was translated by the learned John Gregory, and is frequently alluded to by Dr. Lightfoot, Whitby, Hales, &c. "Our Father, which art in heaven, be gracious unto us! O Lord our God, hallowed be thy name, and let the remembrance of thee be glorified in heaven above, and upon earth here below. Let thy kingdom reign over us now, and for ever: The holy men of old said, remit and for give unto all men whatever they have done against thee. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil thing. For thine is the kingdom, and thou shalt reign in glory for evermore." Mr. H. is also clearly of opinion, that the celebrated phenomenon, on which the French have affixed the name of mirage, existed in the days of Isaiah, and is expressly described by that prophet, in xxxv. 7. The glowing land shall become a pool, "And," he adds, "it is not improbable that Jeremiah refers to the serâb, or mirage, when in pouring forth his complaint to God, for mercies deferred, he says, • Wilt thou be altogether unto me as waters that be not sure,' (marginal reading of Jer. xv. 18.) that is, which have no reality, as the Septuagint translators have rendered it, υδωρ ψευδές ουκ έχον πιςιν.” The true extent of the Holy Land Mr. H. demonstrates to have been nearly 200 miles in length, 80 in breadth about the middle, and 10 or 15 where it widens and contracts. His testimony to the truth of the Mosaic deluge, derived from the celebrated Assamæan medal, is well worthy of observation. This invaluable relick of antiquity was struck at Assamæa, in the reign of Philip the Elder, and is thus described by the laborious Mr. Bry vancing out of it to dry land, while two other persons remain within. Above it flutters a dove, bearing an olive branch; and another bird, possibly a raven, is perched upon its roof. In one of the front pannels of the chest is the word NOE, in ancient Greek characters." We have now given a competent idea, and sufficient specimens of the nature of this work and its execution. It certainly abounds with information, and on the whole is well arranged. Mr. H. has executed his laborious task with ardent zeal. The work which he has produced is, in many parts, too voluminous; yet wheresoever it is opened, it will present to the reader valuable information, and supply him with instruction well calculated to render the Holy Scriptures intelligible and delightful, to remove those difficulties which time and other causes have inevitably brought upon those Sacred Writings, and to confirm his mind in the credibility of Divine Revelation, and of the Gospel. Sermons on the Christian Character, with occasional Discourses. By the Rev. C. J. Hoare, A.M. Rector of Godstone, and late Vicar of Blandford Forum. 8vo. pp. 353. Hatchard. 1821. THERE is not upon earth a more important and interesting relation, than that which subsists between the pastor and his flock. In many cases it has no termination or conclusion but in the death of one of the parties, and no case can be con. ceived, in which it does not involve the welfare of immortal souls. Improvement in righteousness, with confirmation and instruction in faith and hope, are the natural fruits and tendency of the pastoral office, and in the day of account it will appear, as it will be demanded, with what faithfulness and constancy the minister has watched, and in what reverent esteem and account his mi |