me go;"" for I am not yet ascending to my father: but go to my brethren, and tell them, I am ascending," i. e. I shall ascend, "to my father," &c. The old version of naloxov, Acts, ii. 46, is improperly retained, as the words are synonimous with εν οίκω, "in the house;" and thus the Syriac and Arabic render them, and the New Testament elsewhere uses it. See Mede's works, vol. i. p. 410. Wolfii Cur. Philolog. vol. iii. p.1048.- -Who can describe that race of men?' Acts, viii. 33, should have been, as Mr. Wakefield has rendered the words, "who will testify to his conduct?" or, agreeably to the translation of Bishop Lowth in his Isaiah, p. 142, "his manner of life who would declare ?"-Separated from Christ,' for a adquа aто т8 Xpire, Rom. ix. 3, should, we apprehend, have been "accursed," i. e. crucified, "after the manner of Christ.” For this sense of the preposition amo, see 2 Tim. i. 3.-We must forbear to multiply instances of this sort, as we shall exceed the limits to which this article ought to be confined.

There are some words in this new translation, which, as we imagine, are not suitable either to the dignity or the simplicity of the evangelical writings: such as, to be stumbled,' Mark, xiv. 27; thrusting out' labourers, Luke, x. 3; bustling,' Luke, x. 42; agonize,' Luke, xiii. 24, &c. We observe also, that the same word is differently translated in the same connection: auxvos, in Matt. v. 15, is translated candle;' in ch. vi. 22. it is light;' in Luke, xi. 34. it is lamp ;' and so it should have been uniformly rendered. The word axes, Matt. ix. 17, is rendered bottles,' in the former part of the verse, with the adjective leathern, and a note to explain the meaning of the term; and when it occurs again in the same verse, it is rendered 'skins.' Kalysha, in Matt. ix. 25, and Mark, v. 40-xxv, in Matt. xvii. 4, and Mark, ix. 5; — ouavdanıDroede, in Matt. xxvi. 31, and Mark, xiv. 27;Ban, in Matt. ix. 38, and Luke, x. 3, furnish instances. to the same purpose. ExCane, in Mark, i. 12, is improperly rendered impels.' This variety is not only needless, but has a tendency to mislead the unlearned reader.

The original names of coins and of public officers are sometimes retained, and sometimes translated, without any sufficient reason; and without those notes which would serve to explain their true meaning: such are, stater, deniers for denarii, &c. Prætors, Lictors, Recorder, &c.

In some cases, the editor and his coadjutors seem to have been restrained from making necessary alterations by their theological creeds; as in all those passages which have been alleged in proof of the divinity of Christ. See Acts, xx. 28; Rom. ix. 5; Philip, ii. 6; 1 Tim. iii. 16; Heb. i. 8; 1 John, iii.

16;

The

16; v. 8. In other cases, they have not altogether escaped the bias of particular opinions. Their uniform translation of Baliw and its derivations seems to decide the controversy about the mode of baptism: but this translation is, in our opinion, without sufficient warrant. See Wall's Defence of the History of Infant Baptism, vol. iii. p. 92, &c. doctrine of universal restoration is also favoured by their version of the term oww and its derivatives. Whatever we may think of this doctrine, we do not perceive that they are justi fied in the distinction between saving and restoring, on which they have laid such great stress: nor are we satisfied with their remarks on the words away and Eonian. By their mode of rendering the former, and their uniform use of the latter, they have introduced obscurity and difliculty into many passages which were sufficiently intelligible.

We shall close this article with observing, that the volume is recommended by the paper and type, by four well-executed and appropriate engravings, and by a table shewing the harmony of Matthew and Luke in their account of Christ's genealogy.

MONTHLY

CATALOGU E,

For SEPTEMBER, 1799.

AFFAIRS OF FRANCE.

some

Art. 16. Historical and Political Survey of the Losses sustained by the
French Nation, in Population, Agriculture, Colonies, Manufactures,
and Commerce, in consequence of the Revolution and the present
War. From the French of Sir Francis D'Ivernois. To which
is added, A Supplement. 8vo. 7s. Boards. Wright. 1799.
IN
N the Appendix to our xxviiith volume, [1798,] we gave
account of the original from which the present translation has
been made. The supplement, mentioned in the title-page of the
volume now before us, is intended to observe that, 'In the short interval
which has elapsed since the publication of the original of this work,
the Directory have renewed the war; and in less than six weeks, their
armies have been compelled to repass the Rhine, and to retreat as far
as the foot of the Alps; that the Archduke Charles, General Kray,
and Marshal Suwarrow, are but at the beginning of their career;
and that all Bonaparte's brilliant exploits are already blotted out;' &c.
The great object of the author, in this last work, was to evince that
the resources of France are EXTINCT * ; and he now concludes, that

In brief, the whole performance of Sir Francis may be considered as a political sermon, or comment, on his motto;

"Les ressources de la République sont Entiéres :"

Message of the Directory, 19th June 1797 which assertion he considers, throughout every division and branch of his discourse, as an impudent and groundless falsehood.

Re.s.

the

.

the Republican Government can no longer subsist otherwise than through the means of war: but how, under such deplorable circumstances, they can think of persisting in the war, even for so short a space of time as six weeks, we are unable to conceive.-It should seem, according to the representations of this able investigator, that PEACE is now within our reach! God send it!

NAVAL AFFAIRS.

Art. 17. A Vocabulary of Sea Phrases and Terms of Art used in Seamanship and Naval Architecture. In Two Parts: I. English and French: II. French and English. Carefully collected from the best Authorities written and oral, aided by a long and intimate Acquaintance with the Nautical Language of both Countries; and containing all the Orders necessary for working a Ship, and carrying on the Duty on Board, as well at Sea as in Port. By a Captain of the British Navy. I2mo. 2 Vols. 8s. Boards. Debrett. 1799.

6

This is evidently the work of an experienced professional man; who, in his preface, acquaints his readers that it has been his endeavour to omit no term or phrase that could be useful either to the sea-officer, the naval architect, the ship-owner, the reader of voyages, or the translator.'- Being,' he says, from time to time, led to believe that a new Encyclopédie de Marine, which had been undertaken by some of the most scientific characters in France, would soon make its appearance, I postponed my intention, till I found that a combination of circumstances had completely interrupted their labours.'-The author has not neglected to consult the best printed authorities, and he acknowleges himself to have been favoured with important communications from French officers of distinguished talents. His work is executed with great ability, and in a small compass, the terms in each language being both concisely and well

explained; and we strongly recommend it to all our naval officers. Capt. B....y.

NOVELS.

Art. 18. The Spirit of the Elbe, a Romance.

Boards. Longman. 1799.

12mo. 3 Vols. 9s.

The scene of this romance is laid in Saxony, and it is written very much in the German taste, for it abounds in wild and extravagant sentiments, expressed in inflated language; and it presents a succession of scenes of horror, with a representation of human passions not only indulged to a dangerous excess, but pushed beyond those bounds which Nature seems to have prescribed to the actions and feelings of mankind.-That species of eloquence, which may be termed the false pathetic, pervades the whole work. The events

are improbable, if not impossible; the spirits of the night are called to exercise their ghostly functions; and the characters are such as bear no similitude to any beings that we have ever known. Little instruction, therefore, for the conduct of life, can be derived from the work; and it would not have been easy to discover what moral truth was meant to be inculcated, had not the author said, in the dedication to Miss Gunning; that Heaven is the proper champion of the injured, is what I would inculcate.'

Art.

Ban

Art. 19. The History of my Father; or how it happened that I was
born. A Romance. In 12 Chapters. Translated from the
German of Kotzebue. 12mo. 3s. 6d. Boards. Treppass.
This tale, though not written like the Candide of Voltaire to
ridicule any particular system, has a faint resemblance to that work
in the cast of its sentiments, in its style, and in the abrupt manner
with which we are led from one event to another. Like Voltaire,
too, the author lets fly his shafts against religion; shafts which
either miss their object or rebound from it, for they are neither aimed
with skill, nor pointed by wit. It has been said, and with truth,
that wit is immutable; that it wants not adventitious aid; and that
it must please in all times and in all places:-but, with humour,
(taking these words in their common signification,) the case is dif-
ferent to know whether it be likely to please, a reference must be
made to the taste of the people, the nature of their pleasures, and
the degree of their refinement. That which excites hearty laughter
in Rotterdam may fail in its effect at Paris; and what a German
calls sprightly and poignant, an inhabitant of London might deem
ridiculous buffoonery. We cannot deny that the present work affords
some entertainment, though it possesses not exquisite humour and
refined pleasantry. Some part of the wit (if wit it really be) is
lost on us, either from the obscurity of the allusions, or through

the fault of the translator.

Wood...e

Art. 20. The Orphan Heiress of Sir Gregory. An Historical Fragment, of the last Century. 12mo. 45. sewed. Low, Law.

1799.

The pretended editor's advertisement, prefixed to this volume, is so justly characteristic of the work in some respects, that we shall give it to our readers:

Almost every Book is prefaced by an apology. Perhaps no Publication ever required one more than the present. Its apology, however, if it be capable of any, must be found in itself. I shall only request of the Reader, to keep in recollection the Time and the Characters of which it treats: and that it is a Fragment from the pen of Sir Gregory's Chaplain; a man of strong prejudices, and not free from certain superstitions. Hence, indeed, it may afford ample subject for the wit of Ridicule, and the fastidiousness of Criticism. The opinion of a Reader, however, is often influenced by the temper in which he happens to read; and as I do not find this Fragment contains any thing injurious to the interests of morality, I submit it, with proper deference, to the candour and protection of the public.' The point of time is during the commonwealth of England under Oliver Cromwell, whom the writer cordially hates, and most severely stigmatizes; the scene is laid in a beautiful and romantic country; the narrative relates events always interesting; the historic chaplain is indeed a man of strong prejudices,' and under the dominion of certain superstitions'; free use is made of the agency of supernatural beings, ghosts, and awful warnings and omens: but it may be truly said that the tendency of the relation is conducive to the interests of morality;' that pious, virtuous, and loyal sen

timents

timents are everywhere expressed and inculcated; and that the composition altogether displays considerable talents.

Art. 21. Sketches of Modern Life; or Man as he ought not to be. 12mo. 2 Vols. 75. sewed. Miller. 1799.

The moral tendency of this novel is entitled to praise; for it exhibits, in a striking manner, the dreadful effects of gaming, duelling, coquetry, and illicit love. The manners of fashionable life seem to be well described; and the character of Miss Burgess is drawn with great strength of colouring: we should hope, indeed, that such a monster never existed; yet it is difficult to set limits to the corruption of a heart contracted by selfishness, and depraved by luxury and vanity. Though successful for a long time in all her schemes, she is at length severely punished: but we wish that the author had contrived some means less violent, to bring her to a sense of her guilt.

Many objections might be made to the texture of the story; probability and consistency are frequently violated, and the catastrophe is perhaps too shocking. Though severe justice might say that Lord Arrowsworth's pride and neglect of his offspring, and the frantic passion of Meredith, deserved punishment, we believe that most readers will lament the fate of Forester. Miss M'Allister seems to be made an object of ridicule without any reason; and the scene on Marlborough Downs might have been omitted without any injury to the reputation of the author. The character of Hartlebury is highly interesting:-possessed of considerable knowlege, acute discernment, great experience, unblemished integrity, and uncommon generosity and benevolence, he is not exempt from the contagion of fashionable manners, and he indulges himself in the practice of gaming; not from a motive of avarice, but to supply a fund for relieving distress; the fatal consequences of this (very singular) mistaken principle are properly exposed.

Art. 22. Albert; or the Wilds of Strathnavern. By Elizabeth Helme, Author of Louisa; or, the Cottage of the Moor, &c. &c. 12mo. 4 Vols. 14s. sewed. Low. 1799.

Mrs. Helme is become (as a novellist) our old acquaintance, and we have frequently offered our estimate of her literary abilities: in regard to which our opinion has undergone no alteration, from the perusal of the work now before us. We still think that she ranks, with a degree of respect, as a "second rate :" but we fear that she must not flatter herself with any expectation of figuring among the foremost of our literary country-women.

With respect to the present novel, we are pursuaded that it will generally, and deservedly, (in despite of little blemishes,) be regarded by its readers as an agreeable and interesting performance. Art. 23. The Jesuit; or The History of Anthony Babington, Esq. An Historical Novel. By the Authoress of More Ghosts, The Irish Heiress,' &c. 12mo. 3 Vols. 10s. 6d. sewed. Dilly. 1799.

The subject chosen for these volumes does not, in appearance, promise much of the species of entertainment in which the lovers

of

Ban
G.2.

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