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. From the fourth corrected edition. Illustrated with numerous Maps and Fac Similes of Biblical Manuscripts. 4 vols. 8vo. Philadelphia: published by E. Littell.

The first edition of this most valuable work was printed in England, something more than seven years ago. Since that time it has, in that country, reached a fifth edition; the last having appeared while this American edition, a reprint of the British fourth, was passing through the press. The great and continued demand for a work so extensive, and of such a nature as that before us, is the best evidence of its uncommon intrinsick excellence. Nor have the opinions of reviewers and criticks, and the recommendations of clergymen and theological professors, been few or feeble in proclaiming its merits. Any such review of it, therefore, as would be proper for a new work, would be manifestly post horam; and indeed would scarcely consist with a decorous respect for publick opinion. Still we feel that on the appearance of this first American edition, we ought not to be altogether silent-We think that we owe it to the enterprising publisher who has stereotyped this voluminous publication, to make known that his work has been well executed; and that we owe it still. more to a very numerous and respectable class of our readers, who we know have not been able to get even a sight of an European copy, to give them some information in re

gard to the nature and contents of this work.-More than this, with a few closing remarks, we do not Propose.

In regard to the execution of the found, after a pretty careful compawork, we have to state that we have rison, that the American copy is, on the whole, superior to the British. The type is better, there are fewer typographical errors, the engravings are rather superior, and the paper, if not entirely equal to the British, is unexceptionably good. The boards of the binding are covered with glazed muslin, handsomely coloured; affording not only a neat appearance, but a degree of durability, nearly equal to a binding in sheep: and the price of the American edition ($12) is about one-third less than the English. The two editions correspond with each other, page for page.

The nature and contents of this work (which we have not read throughout, but have carefully inspected) are, we think, fairly stated by the author, in the following extracts from the preface.

"THE INTRODUCTION TO THE CRITICAL

STUDY AND KNOWLEDGE OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES, now offered to the public, is designed as a comprehensive MANUAL of Sacred Literature, selected from the labours of the most eminent Biblical Critics, both British and Foreign.

"The four volumes, of which the work now consists, will be found to comprise the following topics:

"VOLUME I. Contains a Critical Inquiry into the Genuineness, Authenticity, Uncorrupted Preservation, and Inspiration of the Holy Scriptures; including, among other subjects, a copious investigation of the testimonies from profane authors to the leading facts recorded in the Scriptures, particularly a new branch of evidence for their credibility, which is furnished by coins, medals, inscriptions, and ancient structures.-This is followed by a full view of prophecy, for the inspiration of the Scripthe arguments afforded by miracles and

tures, 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 actually produced in every age and country by a cordial reception of the Bible; together with a refutation of the very numerous objections which have been urged against the Scriptures in recent deistical publica. tions. An Appendix to this volume comprises 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 chronological;-contradictions between prophecies and their accomplishments;-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 follow ed 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.

or

"VOLUME II. in two parts, treats, first, on SACRED CRITICISM; including an Historical and Critical Account of the Original Languages of Scripture, and of the Cognate or Kindred Dialects;-an account (with numerous fac-similes,) of the principal Manuscripts of the Old and New Testaments, together with a bibliographical and critical notice of the chief printed editions; and of the divisions and marks of distinction occurring in manuscripts and printed editions of Scriptures; together with a history of the ancient and modern Versions of the Scriptures, and their application to the criticism and interpretation of the sacred volume, illustrated with fac-simile specimens of the oriental versions executed at the Serampore press. In this part of the work, the history of the authorized English version of the Bible is particularly considered, and the literary character of its venerable translators is satisfactorily vindicated against the cavils of some late writers. The benefit to be derived from Jewish and Rabbinical authors is next discussed, and the genuineness of the celebrated Jewish historian's account of Jesus Christ is vindicated and established. These discussions are followed by dissertations,— On the VARIOUS READINGS Occurring in

⚫ Josephus.

the Scriptures, with a digest of the chief critical canons for weighing and applying them:-On the QUOTATIONS FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT IN THE NEW, with New Tables of the Quotations at length," in HEBREW, GREEK, and ENGLISH, from new types cast expressly for the purpose; showing, first, their relative agreement with the Hebrew and with the Septuagint; and secondly, whether they are prophecies cited as literally fulfilled; prophecies typically or spiritually applied; prophecies accommodated; or simple allusions to the Old Testament:-ON THE POETRY OF THE HEBREWS; its construction, nature, and genius; different species of Hebrew poe. try; with observations for better understanding the productions of the Hebrew poets:-and ON HARMONIES OF THE SCRIPTURES, including remarks on the principles on which they should be constructed.

"The Second Part of the Second Volume is appropriated to the INTERPRETA TION OF THE SCRIPTURES; comprehending an investigation of the different senses of Scripture, literal, spiritual, and typical, with criteria for ascertaining and determining them;-the signification of words and phrases, with general rules for investigating them; emphatic words,-rules for the investigation of emphases, and particularly of the Greek article;-the SUBSIDIARY MEANS for ascertaining the SENSE OF SCRIPTURE, the analogy of languages; analogy of Scripture, or parallel passages, with rules for ascertaining and applying them; scholia and glossaries; the subject matter, context, scope, historical circumstances, and Christian Writers, both fathers and commentators.

"These discussions are followed by the application of the preceding principles, for ascertaining the sense of Scripture, to the HISTORICAL INTERPRETATION of the Sacred Writings; the interpretation of the FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE of SCRIPTURE, comprehending the principles of interpretation of tropes and figures; together with an examination of the metonymies, metaphors, allegories, parables, proverbs, and other figurative modes of speech occurring in the Bible; the SPIRITUAL or mystical INTERPRETATION of the Scrip

In the first edition, tables of References only were given to the Quotations from the Old Testament in the New: but as these quotations have been frequently made the subject of cavil by the adversahave not the time to find out and compare ries of the Scriptures, and as all students several hundred references, the author

has now given them at length, accompa

nied with the best critical remarks which he could collect.

tures; the INTERPRETATION OF PROPHECY, including general rules for ascertaining the sense of the prophetic writings, observations on the accomplishment of prophecy in general, and especially of the predictions relative to the Messiah ;-the INTERPRETATION of TYPES, of the DOCTRINAL and MORAL parts of Scripture, of the PROMISES and THREATENINGS therein contained; and the INFERENTIAL and PRAC. TICAL READING of the Sacred Writings. A copious Appendix to this volume comprises (among other articles) bibliographical and critical notices of the principal grammars and lexicons of the Hebrew, Greek, and Cognate Languages, of the most remarkable editions of the Septuagint Greek Version of the Old Testament, of the principal writers on the criticism and interpretation of the Scriptures, and a select list of the chief commentators and expositors of the Bible.

*

"In VOLUME III. will be found a SKETCH OF SUMMARY of BIBLICAL GEOGRAPHY AND ANTIQUITIES, in four parts:

"PART I. includes an outline of the Historical and Physical Geography of the Holy Land.

"PART II. treats on the POLITICAL and MILITARY AFFAIRS of the Jews, and other nations incidentally mentioned in the Scriptures.

"PART III. discusses the SACRED ANTIQUITIES of the Jews, arranged under the heads of Sacred Places, Sacred Persons, Sacred Times and Seasons, and the Corruptions of Religion among the Jews, their idolatry and various sects, together with a description of their moral and religious state in the time of Jesus Christ.

"PART IV. discusses the DOMESTIC ANTIQUITIES, or the PRIVATE LIFE, MANNERS, CUSTOMS, AMUSEMENTS, &c. of the Jews, and other nations incidentally mentioned or alluded to in the Holy Scriptures.

"AN APPENDIX to this Third Volume contains (besides chronological and other tables, of money, weights, and measures,) a Geographical Index of the principal places mentioned in the Bible, 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 em

pires.

"VOLUME IV. is appropriated to the ANALYSIS of SCRIPTURE. It contains copious critical prefaces to the respective books, and synopses of their several contents. In drawing up these synopses the utmost attention has been given in order to present, as far as was practicable, at one glance, a comprehensive view of the sub

jects contained in each book of Scripture. How necessary such a view is to the critical study of the inspired records, it is perhaps unnecessary to remark.

"In executing this part of his work, the author has endeavoured to steer between the extreme prolixity of some analysts of the Bible, and the too great brevity of others: and he ventures to hope, that this portion of his labours will be found particularly useful in studying the doctrinal parts of the Scriptures.

Throughout the work references have been made to such approved writers as have best illustrated particular subjects: and critical notices of their works have been introduced, partly derived from the author's knowledge of them, partly from the recorded opinions of eminent biblical critics, and partly from the best critical journals and other sources:the preference being invariably given to those, which are distinguished by the acknowledged talent and ability with which they are conducted. The late opening of the Continent, and the sales by auction of several valuable divinity libraries, have also enabled the author to procure many critical works that would otherwise have been inaccessible.

"Of the works cited in the notes to the following pages, care has been taken to specify the particular editions. They are all referred to as authorities, for the statements contained in the text; many of them furnish details which the limits of the present volumes would not admit; and some few give accounts and representations which the author thought he had reason to reject. All these references, however, are introduced for the convenience of those readers, who may have inclination and opportunity for prosecuting more minute inquiries.

"Such are the plan and object of the work, now submitted to the candour of the public. The author has prosecuted his labours under a deep sense of the responsibility attached to such an undertaking; and though he dares not hope that he can altogether have avoided mistake, yet he can with truth declare that he has anxiously endeavoured not to mislead any one."

We regard the Indexes and Appendices of these volumes as greatly enhancing their value. They enable the reader to turn so readily to any article he may wish to consult, that he is not discouraged from seeking what he desires, by any difficulty in finding it.

Those who have been deeply

versed in biblical studies and inquiries, will doubtless find in these volumes much with which they are already familiar. Were it otherwise, the work would certainly be less valuable than it is; for its avowed design is to communicate biblical and theological knowledge of the most useful kind. Erudite theologians, however, will here find not a little, which, if not absolutely new in its substance, is frequently presented under a new aspect; and much in a condensed form, which probably they had gleaned from the laborious perusal of many volumes. They will likewise find a reference to recent writers, of the highest authority in certain parts of biblical criticism, by which their further researches will be facilitated.

But to the young biblical student, whether layman, clergyman, or candidate for the holy ministry, these volumes will prove an invaluable treasure. If carefully read, they will furnish him at once with the most useful part of knowledge, on the subjects to which they relate ; they will greatly aid him in the choice of other books for his library; and whenever information is desired, more particular and extensive than that which the volumes impart, they will direct him to the authors which he may most advantageously consult. Supposing a theological student to possess the originals of the sacred scriptures with the usual helps for studying them, Cruden's Concordance, and one good English commentator, we have no hesitation in giving it as our judgment, that the next money which he expends for books, would better be laid out in the purchase of these volumes than of any other with which we are acquainted.

Mr. Horne's work abounds, as it ought to do, with quotations from writers of eminence. His own style is easy and perspicuous; his sentiments, so far as we have been able to collect them, are pious and evanVOL. IV. Ch. Adv.

gelical, but not peculiarly Calvinistick. He is a minister in the established church of England, and his attachment to it is apparent; yet he is not bigotted or sectarian. He appears as ready to bestow merited praise on writers of other communions, as on those of his own. He states that it was his own want of such assistance as, in this work, he has endeavoured to furnish, which first put him (and principally with a view to his own improvement) on making the inquiries and researches, the result of which he has here given to the world. We should have deemed ourselves fortunate to have met with such a publication in our early years, and we therefore feel it to be a duty to recommend it to our younger clerical brethren, in terms of no equivocal import.

MILTON'S TREATISE OF CHRISTIAN

DOCTRINE.

An introduction to the remarks in our number for last month, following the review extracted from the Evangelical Magazine, was prepared by us and sent to the printer. It was by oversight omitted, and we now give it as follows.

Our readers will of course be curious to know the evidence, on which the work before us is received as unquestionably the production of the author of Paradise Lost. It may be briefly stated thus-Several of the biographers of Milton are known to have mentioned, that after his retirement from publick business, as Latin Secretary, under Cromwell's protectorate, in April 1655, he entered on the composition of three great works; an Epic Poem, a Latin Thesaurus or Dictionary, and a Body of Divinity, compiled from the Holy Scriptures. The epic poem we have in Paradise Lost. Anthony Wood, the celebrated biographer and antiquary,

R

who was cotemporary with Milton, and who is quoted by Mr. Sumner, has stated in his far famed Fasti Oxonienses, published shortly after Milton's death, that of the two other works of the great British bardthe Latin Thesaurus and the Body of Divinity-the former was in the hands of Milton's nephew, Edward Phillips, and the latter "in the hands of the author's acquaintance, Cyriack Skinner."--With the Latin Thesaurus we have at present no concern. It appears that after Wood, two other writers, Toland and Dr. Symmons, mention the Body or System of Divinity; and the former says, "It was in the hands of his friend Cyriack Skinner, but where it is at present, is uncertain." Now the work before us was found" enclosed in an envelope superscribed To Mr. Skinner, Mercht." The same envelope also contained a large number of original letters, informations, examinations, and other curious records, relative to the Popish plots in 1677 and 1678, and to the Ryehouse plot in 1683. The same parcel likewise contained a complete and corrected copy of all the Latin letters to foreign princes and states, written by Milton while he officiated as Latin Secretary." This parcel was found in "The Old State Paper Office, by Robert Lemon, sen. esq. Deputy Keeper of his Majesty's State Papers," while he was searching for documents to complete an entire series of the "Order Books" kept by the Council of State under Cromwell. As to the inquiry, how this parcel of papers came to be placed in the situation in which it was found, we shall only state very summarily, that the investigations of Mr. Lemon and Mr. Sumner led to this result-that from the known republican principles of Mr. Cyriack Skinner, he was probably suspected of being concerned in the numerous plots and conspiracies, that prevailed during the last ten years of Charles

the Second; and hence that his papers were seized, and eventually lodged in the "Old State Paper Office;" or that Cyriack Skinner, knowing his own suspicious character, committed these papers to his brother William Skinner, who was then out of the kingdom; and that the papers, being left in Holland by this William Skinner, were there ferretted out and found by British agents, transmitted to the government, and eventually lodged in the place where they were discovered. Mr. Sumner, the translator, states a number of circumstances, why he rather inclines to this latter opinion. But for ourselves, we are ready to say, that the internal evidence that Milton was the author of this treatise of Christian doctrine, is so strong and palpable, when its contents are compared, as Mr. Sumner has compared them, with his other works, that we should not retain a shadow of doubt that the work is Milton's, if it had been found in an uninhabited island. His Latin style itself would go far to establish the point; and he once explicitly refers to one of his former publications. Besides, this manuscript, as the translator states, consists of three kinds of hand-writing, of which fac similes are given; and one of these hands bears a very strong resemblance to the reputed hand-writing of Milton's youngest daughter, as it appears in some manuscripts preserved in the University of Cambridge, and of which a fac simile is also given. The manuscript from which the translation has been made is stated to "consist of 735 pages, closely written on small quarto letter paper."

Within the last month we have read the reviews of Milton's treatise contained in the Quarterly, Edinburgh and Eclectick Reviews

The last has not yet completed the article. They are all able papers, and all dissent from Milton's most objectionable notions; and yet