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cuts, admirable, no doubt, as works of could be available only to those whose art, but imperfect as representations of sight was neither naturally defective, manners and costume." He observes nor deprived of its pristine vigour by that, "In an edition of the bible which long continued exertion. There was a aimed at the accurate illustration of time when some would have delighted such particulars, this class of engrav-in it for the very qualities which now, ings was considered by many objection-alas! will cause them to turn from it able," and that their place is supplied with a sigh, or to ask, Did the Commit"by a large addition of real landscapes, tee of the Religious Tract Society intend and objects of natural history and it as a delicate admonition to persons of antiquities." a certain standing-a hint that, however little they might have suspected it, old age was beginning its operations upon them, and it behoved them to renounce the fancy that they were still in the full possession of their powers? There is, however, a very large class-a class which if it is losing some of its members is always being replenished by the accession of others, to whom it will be highly acceptable. The following

For family use, we know of no exposition or commentary that we should so cordially recommend as the Standard Edition of the Pictorial Bible; and, in preparing for the pulpit, we know of none that we should be inclined more frequently to consult. For intelligent young people, sabbath school teachers, and public instructors of every class, it is invaluable. We trust that the persons on whom it devolves to select books as presents for ministers, will never forget it; and we heartily wish that every emigrant to a distant land could carry with him a copy.

The new Paragraph Bible, though a work of very different character from the Pictorial, is one for the publication of which it is probable that many thousands of readers will have cause to be thankful. It would not be fair, however, to speak of its excellencies without adverting to a fact which will render its use impossible to some. The gentlemen engaged in its production have evidently sought the accomplishment of two purposes: one, to cause it to comprehend a large amount of instruction; the other, to make it very convenient for the pocket. Both objects have been attained. It is of small weight, and small bulk, very easy to be carried from place to place; but it was impracticable, even with the blackest ink and the thinnest paper, to comprise so much in a book of its dimensions without using a type which

extract from the Preface describes correctly the peculiarities of the work.

"It only remains to point out the distinguishing features of this edition of the Holy Scriptures. While it is a correct reprint of the authorized version, it differs in the arrangement of the text from the common editions in two particulars:-1. Like other books, it is divided into paragraphs, according to the changes in the subject or pauses in the narrative; the chapters and verses being marked in the margin for facility of reference. 2. The poetical parts, such as the Book of Job, the Psalms, and the greater part of the prophecies, are printed, according to the natural order of the original, in Parallelisms; by which the meaning is often more perfectly ascertained, and the spirit and beauty of this divine poetry more fully exhibited. (See the General Preface to the Poetical Books at pages 351, 352.) It is well known that the divisions into chapters and verses are no part of the original form in which the scriptures were given. The present division into chapters was made by cardinal Hugo about the year 1250; and the present arrangement of verses originated with Robert Stephens, a celebrated printer of Paris, who thus divided an edition of the New Testament printed by him, A.D. 1551: but he placed the figures in the margin, as in the present edition, without forming every verse into a distinct paragraph. The method now commonly in use was first

exhibited in the Geneva English Bible, printed | viously necessary to their being read with about the year 1560.

"It will also be observed, that changes in the argument, and in the time or place of the narrative, are marked by the first word of the paragraph being placed in capitals.

"This edition is further distinguished by an entirely new selection of References to Parallel and Illustrative Passages. Such references are of great use to all who desire to study the scriptures accurately and deeply; making scripture its own interpreter ; frequently throwing a satisfactory light upon the meaning of disputed passages; and, in many cases, bringing out, in a surprising manner, striking coincidences. Experience has shown how much proficiency may be made in that knowledge which makes wise unto salvation simply by a prayerful study of the scriptures in this manner, without any other commentary than what the different parts of the sacred volume mutually furnish. In the present work, while merely verbal illustration has not been neglected, the principal aim has been to give those references which exhibit similarity in sense, and which, by comparison, tend to illustrate the

truth of the text.

“As a further aid to the reader, the Marginal Readings and translations of many of the Hebrew names, which formed part of the original work of our English translators, have been inserted:-such of them as appear to convey a

materially improved rendering, or to illustrate the passage, being incorporated within brackets in the text, so as to meet the reader's eye in the most convenient form; and the remainder being introduced among the references and notes at the foot of the page.

"The Short Notes interspersed throughout the volume, though occupying no very considerable bulk, have not been compiled without great care and labour. Their general object has been, so far as the space would allow, to give improved renderings in many instances where the authorized version is conceived to be defective, to elucidate difficult passages, and in other ways to afford explanation and illustration. They will be found to be more numerous and extensive upon the New Testament, especially the Epistles, than upon the Old.

"The Prefaces to the respective books have been designed to furnish brief but comprehensive introductions, embracing a short analysis of each book: in preparing which, one aim, amongst others, has been to attain the objects described by bishop Percy in the preface to his Key to the New Testament:'- 'A clear introductory illustration of the several books, showing the design of their writers, the nature

understanding, is a work that, if well executed, must prove the best of commentaries, and frequently supersede the want of any. Like an intelligent guide, it directs the reader right at his first setting out; and thereby saves him the trouble of much after inquiry: or, like a map of a country through which he is to travel, if consulted beforehand, it gives him a general view of the journey, and prevents his being afterwards lost and bewildered.'

The division of the sacred text into chapters and verses, as in our common bibles, often interrupts the reader's view of the connexion, and conduces to the baneful practice of contemplating the dictates of inspiration in small broken fragments, without regard to the scope of the passage in which they occur. The Tract Society published an edition, a little more than ten years ago, giving the version in common use without any other alteration than the division of the text into paragraphs only, the figures denoting the chapters and verses being dismissed to the margin, and the printing of the metrical parts in parallelisms, according to the original. edition we gave, at the time, our cordial recommendation; but it does not possess the accompaniments which impart to this work its peculiar value. The plan sketched above appears to have been executed with great care and sound judgment. The labour bestowed upon it must have been immense. The Prefaces to the various books of scripture, especially, will be found valuable; as will also the occasional notes, the chronological tables, and the maps.

To that

The Bloudy Tenent of Persecution for Cause of Conscience Discussed: and Mr. Colton's Letter Examined and Answered. By ROGER WILLIAMS, Edited for the Hanserd Knollys Society, by Edward Bean Underhill. London: Printed for the Society. 1848. 8vo., pp. 439.

THOUGH this work is not to be pur

of their contents, and whatsoever else is pre-chased separately, yet as it and another

of the same size may be obtained by | christian consciences and worships, be the payment of one year's subscription granted to all men in all nations and to the society-a sum not larger than countries, and they are only to be fought that usually charged for one octavo against with that sword which is only, volume-and as we desire for it an ex- in soul matters, able to conquer, to wit, tensive circulation, it seems to us quite the sword of God's Spirit, the word of consistent with the design of this de- God;"-that "the state of the land of partment of the Magazine to introduce Israel, the kings and people thereof, in it here to the attention of our readers. peace and war, is figurative and cereWe have thought, however, that nothing monial, and no pattern or precedent for we could say in its commendation would any kingdom or civil state in the world be so calculated to promote a desire for to follow ;" and that "God requireth its perusal as to exhibit its author to not a uniformity of religion to be view in the scenes described in our first enacted and enforced in any civil state," article this month, and in those which but that "enforced uniformity, sooner we hope will appear in February. or later, is the greatest occasion of civil war, ravishing of conscience, persecution of Christ Jesus in his servants, and of the hypocrisy and destruction of millions of souls."

The Hanserd Knollys Society has, in this case, interposed to save from extinction pieces which obtained a limited circulation two hundred years ago, but of which it is believed that there are but three copies in this country, and but three others in America. The first was published in 1644; it is entitled, "The Bloudy Tenent of Persecution for Cause of Conscience, discussed, in a Conference between Truth and Peace; who, in all tender affection, present to the High Court of Parliament (as the result of their discourse), these (amongst other passages) of highest consideration." The leading principles it was intended to establish are these "That the blood of so many hundred thousand souls of protestants and papists, spilt in the wars of present and former ages, for their respective consciences, is not required or accepted by Jesus Christ the Prince of peace ;”— that "all civil states, with their officers of justice, in their respective constitutions and administrations," being essentially civil, "are not judges, governors, or defenders, of the spiritual, or Christian, state and worship;"-that "it is the will and command of God, that since the coming of his Son, the Lord Jesus, a permission of the most paganish, Jewish, Turkish, or anti

Mr. John Cotton, an independent minister of ability and influence at Boston, endeavoured to confute the doctrine of unrestricted and universal liberty in religion for which Williams pleaded, confining the toleration which he advocated, as did most of his brethren in England at that time, to those who were "sound in fundamentals." His language was, "We readily grant you liberty of conscience is to be granted to men that fear God indeed, as knowing they will not persist in heresy or turbulent schism, when they are convinced in conscience of the sinfulness thereof. But the question is, whether an heretic, after once or twice admonition, and so after conviction, or any other scandalous and heinous offender, may be tolerated, either in the church without excommunication, or in the commonwealth without such punishment as may preserve others from dangerous and damnable infection."

The arguments of Mr. Cotton in favour of this doctrine and its concomitants, Williams, respectfully and kindly, but, as it appears to us, most triumphantly refutes. He introduces into the discus

with many kindred opinions, such as "the power of the magistrate to compel all men within his grant to hear the word," and "to reform things in the worship of God in a church corrupted, and to establish the pure worship of God, defending the same by the power of the sword against all those who shall attempt to corrupt it," is answered by Williams in a masterly style. We are delighted to find so much consistency in his views, and such developments of noble principles, to which at the present time a large portion of mankind is beginning to show a willingness to hearken, and with which it becomes all who de

sion, also, an examination of "A Model of Church and Civil Power, composed by Mr. Cotton and the Ministers of New England," in which they maintain, among other propositions, that the magistrate "hath power to forbid all idolatrous and corrupt assemblies, who offer to put themselves under their patronage, and shall attempt to join themselves into a church-estate, and if they shall not hearken, to force them therefrom by the power of the sword; for," they add, "our tolerating many religions in a state in several churches, besides the provoking of God, may in time not only corrupt, leaven, divide, and so destroy the peace of the churches, but also dis-sire to be benefactors to their generation solve the continuity of the state, espe- to make themselves familiar. cially ours, whose walls are made of the stones of the churches, it being, also, contrary to the end of our planting in this part of the world, which was not only to enjoy the pure ordinances, but to enjoy them in all purity." All this,

We cordially thank the editor for his labours, and renew our advice to all who can afford it, if they have not done so already, to enrol themselves among the supporters of the useful society from which this publication emanates.

BRIEF NOTICES.

The Way of Faith; or the Abridged Bible; containing Selections from all the Books of Holy Writ. By Dr. M. BUDINGER; translated from the Fifth German Edition by David Asher. Specially sanctioned by the Rev. Dr. Alder, Chief Rabbi of the United Congregations of the British Empire. Intended for the use of Jewish Schools and Families. London: S. Bagster and Sons. 8vo., pp. xvii., 374.

The compiler of this work observes that the sacred writers have been for a considerable time "sealed up, as it were, to Jewish females;" that if we consider the important functions which woman exercises in human society, as wife, mother, and first and best instructor of her children, we must allow a knowledge of the bible to be necessary for her; and that for the juvenile members of the Jewish community, especially of the female portion, a suitable selection from the sacred volumes is sufficient. With these views he has compiled an epitome of sacred history, for the most part in the words of scripture, and, for the mere purposes of history and

It has been

morals, judiciously executed.
translated into the English language at the sug-
gestion of the highest ecclesiastical authority
among the Jews of this country, and, issuing
from the press under his sanction, may be re-
garded as a concession to the spirit of the age.
But what strikes us as most remarkable in it
is, that we cannot find in it a single sentence
having reference to "the Hope of Israel."
Neither in the text nor in the notes do we find
anything to excite or cherish the expectation of
a Messiah. There are some sentences which we
interpret as having reference to him and his
kingdom, but as they are here introduced they
would not have suggested the thought of a De-
liverer had we not previously entertained it.
The hope so long cherished by the descendants
of Abraham appears to have faded away.
There is something melancholy in the thought;
and yet, perhaps, the renunciation of the delu-
sive expectations that have existed may prepare
the way for the recognition of him whom they
have pierced and perseveringly rejected, but
who still waits to be gracious to them.

BRIEF NOTICES.

Curiosities of Animal Life; with the recent
Discoveries of the Microscope.
London:
R. T. S. 16mo., pp. 192. Cloth.

RECENT PUBLICATIONS

Approved.

[It should be understood that insertion in this list is not a mere announcement: it expresses approbation of the works

Many remarkable portions of natural history are developed and explained in this volume, enumerated,-not of course extending to every particular, but

which, though illustrated by very numerous woodcuts, is not a book for mere children, but for young persons of fourteen years old and upwards. It treats of the Phenomena of Life, Sponges, Corallines, Anemonies, Corals, Parasites, and Animalcules of various kinds, bringing to view, in the minute works of the Creator, wonderful tokens of his power, wisdom, and goodness.

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an approbation of their general character and tendency.]

The Sunday School Union Magazine. Conducted by the Committee of the Sunday School Union. Vol. V., 1848. cloth, 18. 6d.

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The Church. Vol. II., 1848. Leeds: John Heaton. 8o., pp. 338.

Green's Illustrated Sheet Almanack for 1849.

don: Werd and Co.
The Eclectic Review for December, 1848.
Lon-
Contents: I. The Progress,
Circumstances, and Character of Crime in England.
II. Views in the Indian Archipelago. III. History
of the Jews of Spain and Portugal. IV. Our Scot-
ish Clergy. V. Can Religion or Government help
Society?
VI. The Autobiography of a Working
Review and the Anti-State Church Association.
Man. VII. Demerara Martyr. VIII. The English
&c., &c., &c.

The Christian Treasury for December, 1848. Containing contributions from Ministers of various Evangelical Denominations. Edinburgh: Johnstone and Co.

The Herald of Peace, for December, 1848. London: Ward and Co.

Bunhill Memorials. An Account of nearly Three Hundred Ministers who are buried in Bunhill Fields, of every denomination. With the Inscriptions on their Tombs and Gravestones, and other historical information respecting them, from authentic sources. Edited by J. A. JONES. Number V., December, 1848. London: James Paul.

A Word to a Wesleyan Methodist Elector, on the Evils of the Church Establishment Principle. By Common Sense. 12mo. London: B. L. Green. pp. 16.

Addresses to Young Men, by Revs. W. W. Champ-
neys, James Sherman, John Branch, Wm. Arthur,
R. W. Dibdin, Dr. Cumming, and Thos. Mortimer.
With an Abstract of the Report presented at the
Fourth Annual Meeting of the Young Men's Chris-
tian Association, Nov. 17th, 1848
Green.
London: B. L.

Recreations, Physical and Mental, Lawful and Unlawful, A Lecture by THOMAS AVELING. 24mo., pp. 59.

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