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and proceedings, beyond the fact, that it has done itself credit by issuing this able publication. We by no means sympathize in the alarms of those who view the spread of knowledge and the activity of the press, with dismay, as a portentous sign of the times; but still, we feel deeply anxious that Christian instruction, properly so called, should be made as accessible, and presented in as advantageous a form, as the elements of mathematical science or of mechanical philosophy. The present publication is a model for the lucid clearness of its statements, the candid and temperate style of its argumentation, and the firm and dignified manner in which the unprincipled misrepresentations of the Manifesto-writer are repelled. The following remarks on the nature of the various readings, and the inferences to be drawn from them,' will be a sufficient specimen of the valuable information comprised in these pages.

Previously to the invention of the inestimable art of printing, about the year 1440, books could be multiplied only by the tedious and laborious process of taking copies in hand writing. The method of publishing, in the classical ages, consisted in an author's having his work read among his friends, and sometimes in large assemblies of people and, if it met with general approbation, persons were permitted or procured to write out copies for distribution or sale. From each of these, other transcripts were made; and so on, from one generation of men to another. In this way have been preserved the works of Homer, Herodotus, Hippocrates, Euclid, and an illustrious host of Greek writers besides, the eldest of whom belongs to the ninth century, at least, before the Christian era; and those of Cicero, Cæsar, Virgil, Tacitus, and the rest of the Roman classics. Now, whoever has any experience of the toil and liableness to mistake which attend the transcribing of even a short pamphlet, will easily understand the difficulties necessarily accruing, when this was the only way of multiplying the hundreds and thousands of books that existed in the world; when persons, fond of knowledge, were obliged to spend a large part of their lives in copying the books which they had borrowed, (often by pledging their most valuable possessions as a security for the loan,) unless they were immensely rich, so as to hire transcribers; when a modern library was, in pecuniary value, worth a barony or a duchy; and when the possessors of these costly treasures had not the means, nor perhaps were expert in the method, of comparing two or more copies together, in order to ascertain the correctness of each. In the transcribers themselves, many of whom got their livelihood by this labour, obvious causes must have been in continual operation to produce variations from the original copy; generally in a manner involuntary and purely accidental, but sometimes from design. Haste, carelessness, wandering of the attention, weak eye-sight, bad light and feeble lamps, difficulty of making out the hand writing of the copy before him, and sometimes the idea of

correcting a hastily-supposed mistake in that copy; were among the numerous circumstances which were likely to betray a transcriber into errors in letters, syllables, and words. These differences would be detected, when two or more copies were carefully compared ; they were called by the very proper term Various Readings; they became, in due time, an object of anxious study; and the art, acquired by long practice, united with extensive learning and solid judgement, of determining the True Reading out of several variations, in a manner impartial and satisfactory, formed a most important branch in the art of Criticism.

From this collection of circumstances, the following facts naturally and necessarily ensued.

1. That, of those books which were the most frequently copied, in all periods of time and in different countries, the number of various readings is the greatest; and yet the settlement of the true or genuine reading in each instance is the easiest, on account of the multitude of copies, each one being a kind of check upon the others. For example; the writings of Terence, those of Horace, and some of Cicero's, are in the best-evidenced state of purity, because the. number of old manuscript copies, and consequently of various readings, is greater than in the case of most of the other classics.

2. That, on the other hand, when very few manuscripts of a work are known to exist, the variations are indeed few; but obscurities and difficulties attach to the text, which criticism cannot remove, except, in some instances, by the adventurous hand of conjecture. This is the case with the writings that have come down to us, of Paterculus, Hesychius, and some others.

3. That, if, in addition to manuscript copies of any ancient work; quotations from it are found in other writings of great antiquity, and ancient translations of it exist in any other language, these two are new sources of evidence, and may be, in some respects, equal, and even superior to that of manuscripts. Thus the late Mr. Porson very happily, in several instances, confirmed or corrected the Greek text of Euripides, by adducing translations of passages from Latin authors who lived two or three hundred years later.

4. That, in proportion to the multitude of various readings, their individual importance becomes less and less; for they are found to refer almost entirely to very little matters, many of which could not be made apparent in a translation, and, of the rest, very few produce any alteration in the meaning of a sentence, still less in the purport of a whole paragraph. The reason of this is, that the greater multiplicity of copies, though it occasions a greater number of trifling mistakes, furnishes at the same time a strong barrier against such as would affect the meaning, and especially such as might proceed from design.' pp. 19-22.

ART. XI. SELECT LITERARY INFORMATION.

Professor Lee's Lectures on the Hebrew Language, which have been so long in preparation, are now nearly ready for publication, and will appear in the course of the ensuing month.

The Rev. Greville Ewing has just completed a new edition of his Scrip. ture Lexicon, very considerably enlarged and adapted to the general reading of the Greek Classics. A copious Grammar is also prefixed, which may be had separate.

Mrs. Gilbert, (formerly Miss Ann Taylor,) one of the Authors of Original Poems for Infant Minds, Hymns for Infant Minds, &c. &c., is preparing for publication, in a cheap form, Original Hymns adapted to Anniversary and other Public Services of Sunday Schools and Sunday School Unions.

Preparing for the press, Memoirs, including correspondence and other remains, of Mr. John Urquhart, late of the University of St. Andrews. By W. Orme.

In the press, Sixteen Sermons, doctrinal, practical, and occasional; with illustrative notes and authorities. By

the Rev. John Noble Coleman, M. A. late of Queen's College, Oxford. 1 vol. 8vo.

Preparing for publication, a 'Translation of the Second Edition of Niebuhr's Roman History; undertaken in concert with the Author, by the Rev. Julius Hare, and C. Thirlwall, Esq. Fellows of Trinity College, Cambridge.

This Second Edition will now be published in a few weeks in Germany ; in the mean time the Author forwards the shects as printed to England, and will himself contribute corrections and additions to the translation. The Author writes to a friend in England, that he is anxious it should be known as early as possible, that this New Edition is not a Reprint of the Old Work with Additions and Improvements, but absolutely a New Work, in which few pages of the former have been retained.

The First Number of a Work, to be entitled The Quarterly Juvenile Review; or, a Periodical Guide for Parents and Instructors in their selection of New Publications, is in the press, and will appear in the course of the present nionth.

Mr. Bowring has in the press, a vo

lume of Ballads translated from the Servian language, with other specimens of the popular poetry of that people. To this interesting literature, attention has lately been much directed by articles in the Quarterly and Westminster Reviews.

The copious Greek Grammar of Dr. Philip Buttman, so justly esteemed on the Continent, is nearly ready for publication. Faithfully translated from the German, by a distinguished scholar,

Just published, Vol. 2, of Scriptural Geology, os Geological Phenomena consistent only with the literal interpretation of the Sacred Scriptures, upon the Subjects of the Creation and Deluge; in answer to an " Essay on the Theory of the Earth," by M. Cuvier, Perpetual Secretary of the French Institute, &c. &c. and to Professor Buckland's Theory of the Caves, as delineated in bis" Reliquiæ Diluvianæ," &c. &c.

***The above publication professes, both upon Scriptoral and Physical Prin ciples, to have demonstrated that there is not a Fossil Bone or a Fossil Shell in existence, that has been proved, or can be proved, to be more ancient than the Noahic Deluge, &c. &c.

In the press, A Course of Lectures on the Evidences of Christianity, deliver d at the Monthly Meetings of the Con gregational Union. By the Rev. W. Orme, Dr. Collyer, H. F. Burder, Stratton, Walford, Dr. J. P. Smith, A. Reed, Curwen, Philip, Dr. Winter, J. Morrison, and Joseph Fletcher, A.M. 1 vol. 8.0.

In the press, The Birth day Present, By Mrs. Sherwood.

In the press, The Elements of the History of Philosophy and Science. By the Rev. Thomas Morell, Author of Studies in History. 1 vol. Svo.

In the press, The Pocket Road-Book of Ireland, on the plan of Reichard's Itineraries; intended to form a Companion to Leigh's New Pocket Road-Book of England and Wales.

Godfrey Higgins, Esq. of Skellow Grange near Doncaster, author of a Treatise entitled, Hora Sabbaticæ, bas nearly ready for publication a work called the Celtic Druids. It will consist of one volume quarto, and be elucidated by upwards of Fifty highly finished Lithographic Prints of the most curious

Druidical Monuments of Europe and Asia, executed by one of the first French Artists in that branch of the graphic

art.

Mr. Gilchrist, of Newington Green, is preparing for the press a work, to be entitled Unitarianism Abandoned, or Reasons assigned for ceasing to be connected with that description of Religious Professors who designate themselves Unitarians.

The Life of Napoleon Bonaparte, Emperor of the French, by the Author of Waverley, will be ready early in May. - Preparing for publication, a volume of Plain Discourses on Experimental and Practical Christianity. By the Rev. William Ford Vance, M. A., Assistant Chaplain of St. John's, Bedford-row.

In the press, The Age Reviewed. A Satire. 8vo.

In the press, Missionary Anecdotes for Children and Young Persons. By Robert Newland.

In a few days will be published, A Summary of the Laws peculiarly affecting Protestant Diesenters. With an Appendix containing Acts of Parliament, Trust-deeds, and Legal Forms. By Jos. Beldam, of the Middle Teinple, Esq., Barrister at Law.

In the press, Memoirs of the Life of the Right Honourable Lord Byron. By Thomas Moore, Esq.

In the press, Travels of the Russian Mission through Mongolia to China. By George Timkowski; with Notes, by M. J. Klaproth. 2 vols. 8vo. illustrated by Maps, Plates, &c. &c.

In the press, Historical Researches on the Conquest of Peru, Mexico, Bogota, Natchez, and Talomico, in the 13th Century, by the Mongols, accompanied by Elephants; and the local Agreement of History and Tradition with the Remains of Elephants, &c. found in the New World, &c. By John Ranking,

Author of "Researches on the Wars and Sports of the Mongols and Romans."

In the press, A History of Ireland. By John O'Driscol. 2 vols. 8vo.

In the press, A Chronological History of the West Indies. By Captain Thos. Southey, R. N. 3 vols. 8vo.

In the press, Personal Narrative of Travels in Colombia. By Baron de Humboldt. From the original French, by Helen Maria Williams. Vol. VII.

The Odd Volume. Second Series. By the Authors of the "Odd Volume."Will be ready early in April.

In the press, The Pelican Island, and other Poems. By James Montgomery. Foolscap 8vo.

Miss Edgeworth has in the press, a volume of Dramatic Tales for Children, intended as an additional volume of Parent's Assistant.

In the press, a volume of Sermons, by the Rev. W. Dealtry, of Clapham.

In the press, Memoirs, including correspondence and other remains, of Mr. John Urquhart, late of the University of St. Andrews. By William Orme, of Camberwell.

In the press, Sixteen Sermons, Doctrinal and Practical, elucidating the Study of Prophecy; with Notes and Authorities. By the Rev. John Noble Cole. man, M. A. late of Queen's College, Oxford. 1 vol. 8vo.

In the press, A concise History of the Transmission of Ancient Books to Modern Times; or an Account of the Means by which the Genuineness and Authenticity of Historical Works espe cially, and of Ancient Literature in general, are ascertained. By Isaac Taylor, Junior.

In the press, Original Hymns for Sunday School Anniversaries. By Mrs. Gilbert.

ART. XII. LIST OF WORKS RECENTLY PUBLISHED.

MISCELLANEOUS.

Essays on the Perception of an External Universe, and other Subjects 'connected with the Doctrine of Causation. By Lady Mary Shepherd, Author of "An Essay upon the Relation of Cause and Effect." 12mo. 8s.

POETRY.

The Female Missionary Advocate: a Poem. 18mo. 1s. 6d.

Orlando Furioso, in English Prose, from the Italian of Ludovico Ariosto; with Notes, by Christopher Johnson. Vol. I. Post 8vo. 9s.

** Vol II. is in the press. Ancient Scottish Ballads, recovered from Tradition, and never before published; with Notes, historical and explanatory; and an Appendix, containing the Airs of several of the Ballads. Post 8vo. s. 6d.

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The Authenticity and Inspiration of the Holy Scriptures considered, in opposition to the Erroneous Opinions that are circulated on the Subject. By Robert Haldane, Esq. 8vo. 1s. 6d.

Critica Biblica: comprising Remarks, Illustrative, Critical, and Philological, on the Sacred Scriptures; the Outlines of a Scripture Encyclopædia on a Philosophical Plan; Biblical Biography; Scripture Geography and Bibliography; a Scripture Almanack; Characteristic Notices of Biblical Works; Sacred Poetry; a Digest of the Principles of Biblical Translation; and a variety of other matter, adapted for the assistance of Ministers and Students. Edited by William Carpenter. 4 vols. 8vo.

Christ All and in All; or several significant similitudes, by which the Lord Jesus Christ is described in the Holy Scripture, being the substance of Forty Seven Sermons, preached in the time of

the Commonwealth, by the Rev. Ralph Robinson. at St. Mary Woolnoth, London. Edited by the Rev. T. Sharp, A.M. of Union Chapel, Woolwich. 121. Religious Characteristics. By Thos. Aird. 12mo. 6s.

The Youth's Biblical and Theological Companion. By the Rev. T. Wood, of Jewin-street, London. 12mo. 7s. 6d. The Apocalypse of St. John, or Pro phecy of the Rise, Progres, and Fall of the Church of Rome; the Inquisition; the Revolution of France; the Universal War; and the Final Triumph of Christianity. Being a new Interpretation. By the Rev. George Coly, A.M. H.R.S.L. 8vo. 12s.

Selections from the Works of Bishop Hopkins. By the Rev. W. Wilson,

D.D. 18mo. 3s. Gd.

The Bible Teacher's Manual. By Mrs. Sherwood. Part V. Joshua and Judges. Is.

A Treatise on the Divine Sovereignty. By Robert Wilson, A. M. 8vo, 6s. 6d.; 12mo. 3s.

The Essence of Religious Controversy, contained in a Series of Observations on a Protestant Catechism, and in a Letter to a Noble Lord. By the Rev. Wm. Henry Coombes, D.D. 8vo. 12s.

An Essay on the Limits of Human Knowledge, designed, from a Consideration of the Powers of the Understanding, to promote their most legitimate and advantageous Exercise. By W. H. Bathurst, M.A. Rector of Barwick in Elmet, &c. &c. 8vo. 1s. 6d. sewed.

The sequel to the Article on Diet, &c. is unavoidably postponed till the next Number, owing to the Writer's professional engagements.

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