agined, we think, that an inquiry made of Mr. W., in consequence of a recommendation from the persons complaining of an injury, would be perverted, by the friends of these very persons, to stigmatize the gentleman who made the inquiry, as a person who went about to collect stories. Yet this single inquiry is the only circumstance which could have given occasion to such an attempt to fix a stigma; for no other inquiries were made by that gentleman, and no facts were published in consequence of that inquiry, except the fact in relation to the hundred copies,* which Mr. W. related without being asked, and which was entirely new to the gene tleman alluded to. After Mr. W. had mentioned the fact of the hundred copies being imported by a single person, and that he supposed a part of this hundred were sold at the sale of a deceased clergyman's library, he was asked, Who was the importer? to which question he replied with a smile, "I won't tell." If Mr. W. had related to his friends the Reviewers the whole that passed at the interview, they would have been saved the expression of much wonder at 'our convenient degree of knowledge, and convenient degree of ignorance.'t When Mr. W. was asked, whe the importer of the hundred copies was, he was not urged to tell, nor was the gentleman who made the inquiry, at all anxious to know. course, he did not know, or suspect, who the gentleman was, till he learned by seeing the

*Pan. for Ap. p. 503. † Gen. Repos. p. 221. VOL. IX.

Of

said importer of the hundred copies ostentatiously lugged by the head and shoulders into the last Repository, for the double purpose of making an awkward encomium on him, and bringing forward a dark, insidious, and ungentlemanly attack on the person who made the inquiry; an attack which had no imaginble connexion with the subject under discussion, and which was, in every view of it, perfectly gratuitous and wanton, besides laboring under the incureable. defect of being unsupported by truth. This attack, and one contained in a preceding number of the Repository, will be notic ed by the gentleman attacked, in such time and manner as he thinks fit, if he deems them worthy of any notice at all. In the mean time, we shall not pay his character so poor a compli ment, as would be implied by foisting into our pages a highly wrought encomium, which would have no connexion with our subject.

We now come to an insinua tion to which we have more than once alluded, and which is expressed as follows: "In some of the stories produced by the editor of the Panoplist, there appears to be a convenient degree of knowledge, and a convenient degree of ignorance." If by this sentence the Reviewers do not mean to insinuate, that our declarations were regulated by a regard to what would suit our purpose, and not by a regard to truth, there is neither point nor force in the sentence; and if this is their meaning, we have not the least doubt that our readers, and the public generally, will

23

unite with us in despising the insinuation and its authors. We stated, in our number for April,* that a gentleman had imported a hundred copies; and we then expressly affirmed, that we did not know who the gentleman was. Had we known who the gentleman was, the above affirmation would have been a direct falsehood. We did not even suspect the gentleman pointed out in the Repository, nor did any idea of him once enter our mind. How should it? The only information we had of the hundred copies came without solicitation from Mr. Wells himself, and he expressly refused to tell who the importer of them was.

Possibly the Reviewers will say, that they did not mean to insinuate that we were guilty of a direct falsehood; but that they intended, as seems to be afterwards implied, to let the charge rest upon the person whom they denominate "the collector of the stories." The fact is, however, that the insinuation lies in their pages against both. But wheth er the Reviewers intentionally directed it against both, or either, is immaterial. In either case, it is perfectly groundless; and is here noticed only as an instance of their candor, in harboring and publishing a malignant insinuatien totally without evidence. Although we did not know who the gentleman in question was, we thought ourselves justified in saying, that we had no yery serious doubts whether he belonged to the liberal party or not. Our reasons were stated to be "the nature of the fact itself," and 'the fact that a part of these p. 503.

very copies were probably deposited for distribution with a clergyman of the liberal party.' We might have added, that all our information came from Mr. Wells, a member of that party.

The Reviewers say, that the story, 'the relation of which begins at the bottom of the last column of the 503d page of the Panoplist; they have accidentally received assurance, from the best authority, is not correctly related.' As they have not pointed out the incorrectness to which they refer, we can only say, that we assert, from the best authority, that the relation in dispute is substantially, and we believe it to be verbally, cor

rect.

We seize this occasion to cor. rect an error of the press but lately discovered in the Editori al article in the Panoplist for April. Toward the bottom of p. 505, for "completely learned" read "competently learned."

In regard to the silence of the Anthology respecting the Improved Version, after it had been formally taken up as an article to be reviewed, the Reviewers say, "that the editor of the Panoplist has forgot to state to his readers, that the review of Griesbach alone was completed only in the very last number of the Anthology which was published." We merely ask the Reviewers, whether they have not forgotten to state, that the three works, of which Griesbach was one, and the Improved Version another, were taken up in the Anthology with the express intention of reviewing them together, and because it would be inconvenient to review them separately. For the infer

ences made from this course of proceeding, the reader is referred to the Panoplist for April, p. 505.

A few words with Mr. Wells and we have done. This gentleman, in his letter to the Reviewers, has stated some facts, and brought forward some arguments, to prove, that the liberal party did not exert themselves to circulate the Improved Version. So far as these facts and arguments are concerned, we deem no reply necessary; but some incidental remarks in this letter deserve a little attention. In order to understand the case, it will be necessary to quote two short paragraphs from Mr. W's letter.

"Once more―The opinion of a "res pectable literary gentleman" is adduced, to prove that the Improved Version is "a fraud," "because it professes to be upon the basis of Archbishop Newcome's translation, whereas in fact it rejects many doctrines which the Archbishop held."

If any person will read the title page of the Improved Version, he will perceive, that it is not Archbishop Newcome who is to answer for its contents, and in the first chapter of the Introduction, he will find a full and true account of the matter.

I never heard of any one who made the mistake of attributing to Archbishop Newcome the doctrines of the Improved Version. If such a one there be, his understanding is in no danger of being perverted by "Improved Versions." Though he may be one,

Posset qui rupem, aut puteum vitare patentem,

yet his friends should not let him go far out of sight." p. 220.

Mr. W. is mistaken in supposing that the opinion of the gentleman alluded to was introduced to prove that the Improved Version was a fraud. We take that point to have been proved long ago. The conversation, in which that opinion was expressed, was introduced

to prove a very different point; viz. tha the liberal party circulated this Version. Mr. W. volunteers his services, however, to prove that the Improved Version is not a fraud, in the sense intended. Now we have read the title page of this Version, and have found it to be as follows: "The New Testament, in an Improved Version, upon the basis of Archbishop Newcome's new translation with a corrected text, and notes critical and explanatory. Published by a Society for promoting Christian knowledge and the practice of virtue by the distribution of books." In what part of this title page does it appear, that it is not Archbishop Newcome, who is to answer for the contents of the work? If the

Archbishop is not responsible, who is? If he is partially responsible, how far? Let this title page be advertised where the work is not known, and we do not believe one man in a thousand would hesitate to say, that it was the Archbishop, and he only, who was to answer for the contents of the book; but we are especially curious to know by what optics any person can perceive the opposite of this, and can feel himself justified in asserting from the title page alone that the Archbishop was not to answer for the contents of a work, of which it is said that his translation was the basis. If Mr. W. can prove, that one work may be truly said to be on the basis of another, when the great object of the former is to undermine all the principal foundations of the latter, he will prove that the title page of the Improved Version is the happiest that could have been invented. Till

lieved the powder to be an im

It is added by Mr. Wells, that in the first chapter of the introduction, the reader will find a full and true account of the matter.' But Mr. W. will recollect, that long introductions are not usually published in advertise ments; and that the specific charge of fraud is founded principally on the attempt to decoy unsuspecting purchasers.

It is common with physicians, if we mistake not, to speak of different medicines as formed on the same basis, when the most operative ingredients are the same in both, though the form and appearance of the medicines may, or may not, be different. Suppose a quack to advertise an Improved Powder on the basis of James's Powder, and an unsuspecting purchaser to send for it, and administer it to his child. The powder proves to be a malignant poison, and, though resembling James's Powder at first sight, contains corrosive ingredients of an entirely different character from any to be found in the genuine medicine. The child dies, perhaps, under the efficacy of the improved powder, and the afflicted father complains of the deadly fraud which had been practised upon him. To this complaint the vender of the powder coolly replies, that he knew the purchaser would discover the true nature of the powder at the very first operation! Let the case supposed apply to the subject under discussion no further than

it applies naturally and fairly. We are perfectly willing to suppose that the vender really be

fectly acquainted that the prin cipal ingredients were changed.

Mr. W. sneers, in classical style at the understanding of one who should make "the mistake of attributing to Archbishop Newcome the doctrines of the I proved Version." The question is not, be it remembered, respecting a mistake which would be made by a person after perusing this Version, but res pecting the fraud of assuming a false title page. On this subject we cite, for the consideration of our readers, a paragraph from the Quarterly Reviewers. Their Review of the Improved Version was republished in the Panoplist for November and December 1810. After a brief character of the work, the article thus proceeds:

"Much as we reprobate the matter of this publication, and the plan on which it is conducted, the means which are employed to insinuate it into public notice, strike us as yet more reprehensible. The assumption of the name of a respected prelate of the Church of England for the sanction of a work, in which every doctrine professed by that church, and by that respected member of it, is directly attacked, is something more than an artifice; it is a falsehood and a fraud. It can have circulation by drawing in unsuspecting no other object than that of procuring a purchasers. It is the dagger of an enemy under the cloak of a friend!

Pp. 265.

dimensions, that the wearer may turn round and round in it, without disturbing its shape, or depriving himself of its shelter. And like that too, it has been used as a disguise to muffle the assassin, and to conceal the dagger.

The Editors of this work have not, it must be observed, conducted themselves in the publication of it, with that manly boldness, which they are at all times so ambitious to put forward as their distinguishing characteristic. They have on the contrary not scrupled to adopt one of those pious frauds, which they are pleased to consider the ordinary_expedients of their orthodox opponents. The name of a Bishop of the Established Church was calculated to lull suspicion, and to contribute to a more extended circulation, and according ly this Improved Version, which they have now sent abroad, they profess to found upon the basis of Archbishop New

come's translation of the New Testament; whilst in truth they adopt no part of that translation which in any degree shackles them in point of doctrine, but abide by it in such places only as are of a nature perfectly indifferent. They have thus contrived to give a respectable name to their Unitarian blasphemies. They

thus hold out deceitful colors to the unwary, and vend their poisons under a false label. Magee on the Atonement, pp. 491, 492.

If Mr. W. feels disposed to amuse himself by hinting, that the Quarterly Reviewers, and

Dr. Magee are so stupid as to be barely able to avoid running against a post, (to Anglicise the proverb.) or falling into an open well, in broad day-light, he certainly shall not be interrupted in his mirth by us; and all his frends who are disposed to join in the laugh, will certainly enjoy the right of laughing as long and as loud as they please.

As to the Improved Version, it is now openly and warmly the General Repository. We editors of patronized by the are very willing that they should sink or swim with that Version. We think it scarcely more probable, that the Improved Version will survive for any considerable time, the trial and condemnation which it has received at the bar of sound and impartial criticism, in the work from which our last quotation was made, than that a man would escape drowning, if plunged, with a millstone fastened to his neck, into the midst of the Atlantic.

ANNUAL MEETING OF THE BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY.

THE following account of the late annnal meeting of a Society which has excited the admiration of the world, and receives the warm approbation of every intelligent Christian, is taken from the Instructor, a London weekly paper, issued the 12th of May last. We doubt not it will be found very interesting to our readers, though the speeches are obviously reported in a very brief, and, in some respects, a rather careless manner. The interest which the British public take in these meetings is evident from the fact, that such a vast number of persons, of every rank, are willing to stand eight hours in an immense crowd, for the sake of being present. We have added notes to several of the names, for the satisfaction of

those who may be little acquainted with the characters of the men who take a lead in this work of benevolence.

ED. PAN.

"Can ye not discern the signs of the times?"" THE MESSIAH. THE past week has presented to our view a spectacle, which was truly grand and dignified; not a display of imagery, which could merely gratify the eye, and leave the soul unaffected, but a sublime, intellectual, and moral repast; a feast in which the understanding and the heart could at once partake. It must have been highly satisfactory to the most refined and intelligent mind, to have shared in the enjoyment of this assembly. Never has the BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY delighted us more than at this last Meeting. Here we beheld in the same