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The Hebrew Bible-printed from the Edition of Athias, 1667, for the London Society for promoting Christianity among the Jews-price 16s.

There was a time within the memory of some of our readers, when Hebrew literature was so much neglected in this country,. that the most valuable and high-priced works were considered as mere literary lumber. A very great improvement has since taken place, not in consequence of any increased encouragement from either the University or the Bishops, but arising from the improved character of divinity students. Several popular and useful elementary treatises have been published in Dublin, and books on Biblical literature continue to be eagerly purchased; and we trust the time is not far distant, when candidates for holy orders will receive encouragement to make themselves acquainted with the original language of the Old Testament.

As soon as England was delivered, by the establishment of the Reformation, from the angry polemics of stormy times, Hebrew literature began to flourish, and the English Bibles, the London Polyglott, and the Critici Sacri, were illustrious proofs of England's scholarship during more than half a century; and, although neglected along with every thing good by the second Charles, and kept out of sight in the stirring times of the Revolution, and of the accession of George the first, Hebrew literature began to revive in the last century; and to the researches of Lowth, Secker, and Kennicott, we owe our deliverance from the trammels of Jewish tuition. Their discoveries of the various readings in MSS. and printed editions, overturned the preposterous idea of an unvarying text, in which Walton and Lightfoot had too easily acquiesced. Hence arose Kennicott's collation of MSS. to place the subject beyond doubt; and a valuable addition has been since made to it by the renewed collation of De Rossi.

From these and other sources of information we have learned the history of the Hebrew printed text, and of its earliest editions. At first certain portions only of the Bible were printed for the convenience of being carried to the Synagogue: and, when the manifest advantage of this proceeding was discovered, an entire Bible was printed in 1488. Several others were printed before the end of that century, by different editors, and founded upon different MSS.; and consequently, though it was not suspected at that time, with different texts. In the beginning of the sixteenth century, the wealthy Jews turned their attention to the subject of printing; and Felix Pratensis' Bible appeared in 1518, distinguished by greater pains, and in printing by more critical attention to the text. This man was a converted Jew; and as he, for the first time, printed several Rabbinical commentaries s along with the text, he omitted all the passages in which Christianity was calumniated this was the first of those called Rabbinical Bibles. The Jews were not satisfied with this edition, and they printed another in 1526, which is known as the Bible of Rabbi Chaim. From this celebrated edition, printed according to the rules of the Masorah, all subsequent editions have proceeded: even its typographical errors were copied, until they were corrected by Athias.

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Chaim, the Editor, wishing to have the Masorah in full perfection, rejected ancient MSS. and took his text from a MS. exactly one hundred years older than his edition, because it was considered more perfect: this MS. is marked 319 in De Rossi's collation, and agrees so closely with the text of Chaim, as to leave no doubt of its having been his model.

Athias, a Dutch Jew, was the first editor who was guided by critical principles in forming his text: he corrected the errors of preceding editors, and printed two improved editions of the Hebrew Bible, the last of which, printed in 1667, was esteemed so creditable to his character, that the states of Holland rewarded him with a medal.

The Hebrew Bible before us professes to be an exact transcript of the second edition of Athias; yet we have found some passages which follow Van der Hooght, and not Athias. It is a complete Jewish Masorite Bible, containing all those unmeaning distortions of the text, on which the Jews set so great a value, that they will receive no Bible from which they have been rejected.

The deficiency in critical sagacity which was displayed by the earliest editors of the Hebrew Bible, has not been made up by the exertions of their successors: notwithstanding the abundant sources of correction which are easily and directly applicable to the important task of correction, respect for ancient prejudices prevails, and the Hebrew printed text is suffered to remain in a state which the scholars of Europe would not endure in a Heathen classic. We speak as critics rather than as theologians, when we blame the printed Hebrew text; for there are not more than one hundred and fifty places in which the meaning of the text would be changed by the introduction of undoubted correction. This number is too great, yet small in proportion to the vast number of requisite alterations which relate to the grammatical form of the words.

To the credit of our translators, let it be known, that in nearly six hundred places they have anticipated corrections of the text, by supplying in passages which were manifestly incorrect, words in Italics (which have since been sanctioned by the collated MSS.) exhibiting the deficient Hebrew terms; and whoever critically examines the English Bible, will perceive in almost every page traces of the minute attention which was paid by the translators to the original text. Examples of this are specified by Horne. Introduction, &c. vol. ii. p. 253. Ed. 4th.

We do not pretend that our translation is perfect; but we are sure that none more correct can ever be produced from our present Hebrew text, which continues to be printed year after year with all its acknowledged imperfections, and errors long since made confessedly manifest are repeated, to the great difficulty of the learner, and to the great regret of the scholar. We see no reason why the Bible should be left with an incorrect text, which would not be endured in Virgil or Homer; for though there is an immeasurable difference in the importance of the subjects, the sources of correction are the same.

Jahn's Bible, Vienna, 1806, contains the nearest approach to a corrected text that we have seen. The text is Van der Hooght's, and the important corrections are placed at the bottom of the page, accompanied by a reference to the authority on which they rest: the text is pointed and divided into sections, to each of which there is a Latin note of contents: the Books of Chronicles are not given as in other editions, but placed in portions beside the parallel passages in the other books. The edition is in much request in England, and we would recommend it to our learned readers.

FOREIGN RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE.

NORTH AMERICA.

Upper Canada.-Extract of a letter from a Gentleman in Demo, near Peterborough, in Upper Canada: -

"The poor Indians are with us now more frequently than they used to be; they are aware they are under the protection of the British laws equally with the white people; and as I am the only magistrate in this part of the country, they always come to consult me on their little grievances. Indeed there is much pleasure in doing any thing for them; and we always try to have a little present of books for them, which gratifies them more than any thing we could give them. I hope you will be able to send us books-particularly we want Testaments and spelling-books.

"I visited their school at Rice Lake in December, and was much pleased with what I saw. I put up my home at the inn, and walked about half a mile into the woods, accompanied by two young Indian men in a short time I came in view of several wigwams, and after passing them, saw the School-house, which is a log building, in a most romantic situation, with a small river in front, and a beautiful view of the Rice Lake and islands.

"I walked up to the door, and listened for a few moments, when I heard a voice in broken English reading aloud. I thought there could not be many children, as there was so little noise, when after knocking at the door I was told to come in; great and agreeable was my surprise indeed, to find almost as many as the house could contain, nearly sixty Indian boys and girls, and about ten white children, all attentive and diligent; three or four were at a desk writing-one class standing up and reading.

"The first thing I did was to examine their books, as I had been informed that improper books had been given to them, but I could see nothing of the kind.For want of books many of the children had boards, with the letters and small words cut on them; when these were removed, and they were given books or sheets of paper in their stead, their delight was great.

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"I had not before seen the master; but when he understood who I was, he promised to send me a report of his school, which I now enclose to you. told the master I should do all in my power to procure books for them from my friends in Ireland; so you see I am engaged, therefore do all you can for

me.

The master said he knew it had been reported to me that he had been using improper books in the school, but assured me it was false. What is here meant by improper books are those which are printed in the United States, and are unfavourable to the British government, and every thing that is English.

"After I left the school I walked over to the wigwams to see some of my old friends; I received a hearty wel come, but all the chiefs were out hunting. I remarked how clean the women were in comparison of what they used to be; even the dogs appeared to partake in the civilization, as they did not bark as formerly.

"As the men are obliged to go out to hunt for about half the year for support, they leave their children and wives, with a few young men to fish and hunt, for the purpose of feeding the children at school. Can any thing shew more their anxiety for education than this arrangement: they are naturally lazy and indolent, yet

are now exerting themselves, and acquiring habits of industry and cleanliness; and this in consequence of their desire to have their children educated.

"I know you are much interested about these poor people ; and as I intend going to the neighbourhood of the school next week, I propose calling there again. In the mean time I shall collect every book I can find for them. You need not send us many Bibles in the first instance, Testaments are more needed just now. I hope to be able to tell more about our Indians when I next write."

The following letter from the master of the Rice Lake School is the Report referred to above:

، Rice Lake, 7th Feb. 1828. "DEAR SIR-I have now the pleasure of transmitting to you a short statement of the Indian school at Rice Lake.

"This school commenced the 13th of November last. I came to this place about the 1st of October, but could not commence the school on account of the house not being finished. During the first month I frequently went into their camps, and, when any of the children were present, endeavoured to teach them the alphabet; at this time there were not to exceed a dozen children here. When the school began I had twentyfive native children; there were two or three families which moved here a few days previous to the school's commencing: the number of scholars increased every week, till the number amounted to forty; the last week of December I had sixty, the Indians having returned from their hunting, and some of the Mud Lake children come here to school. Since that time, the number has been frem forty to fifty. A few of the larger Indians could not attend regularly, as they have been obliged to hunt to procure food; though notwithstanding these various inconveniences, they have attended much more regularly than was expected. The Indiam women have been very industrious in making brooms and baskets, which they carry to the frontier and there dispose of them for provision to support their children at school. When the school commenced I do not think there was to exceed half a dozen who knew the alphabet; I have double that number now reading in two syllables. I think the progress has been as great as in any school of whites that ever I attended, although I may be prejudiced, and therefore leave it for others to judge. They seem very anxious to learn, and every advice given is received with thankfulness: they are easy to govern; I have had but one case

in which I was obliged to correct for stubbornness.

"They have at times been scant for food; such a body of them consumes a great quantity, though the Indians have laboured hard in hunting to procure meat, yet, being settled in one body, it requires more labour than if they were scattered; but I hope they will be better provided against another winter, as it is the intention to cultivate the islands the ensuing season.

، The school has not been sufficiently supplied with books, as the number bas so far exceeded what was expected. Our wish is to teach them from Mavor's late edition, until they are able to read the Bible. Mavor's Spelling Book and the New Testament would be thankfully received, or any other good book; and I hope all will contribute to the advancement of so glorious a work."

PRUSSIA.

The

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Berlin. Extract of a Letter from an Irish Clergyman, now a Missionary on the Continent, dated Whitsunday, May 27tb 1828:-" This morning we went to the King's Chapel to hear the famous Strauss. It was a great treat. church is much the shape of our College chapel, only on a larger scale. must bold at the least 2000 persons, and was filled to excess. Opposite to us in the gallery, sat the pious king; to his right his two sons; to the right of them the court. The service began with the old hymn, "Come Holy Ghost," and the whole congregation, the king and his sons included, sang out manfully as if they were in earnest : then followed the liturgy, which, though not equal to ours, is a fine bold declaration of all the truths of Christianity; then a few verses of a hymn, and then a sermon; which was a good specimen of manly Christian eloquence. When I looked at the great congregation, and remembered that the king built the church, composed the liturgy, called hither a faithful minister, acknowledged the Lord as his God himselfand thus furnished means of grace to a multitude of his subjects, 1 could not help blessing him in my heart. After the sermon, Strauss gave out that there would be a collection at the door for the Bible Society, and addressed the congregation on the necessity and duty of distributing the word of God. You may guess how I was delighted to bear this in the king's chapel before the king."

POLAND.

Friend of Israel Society.-Another school of Hebrew children has been

formed at Firchtiegal, her Serene Highness, the Princess Reuss, Patroness.Firchtiegal is seven miles from Pinne, and not far from Margonin. The three schools are within a circle of ten miles distance from Posen. Margonin school has opened, Mr. Bode has removed to take the superintendance of it from Pinne, and is succeeded by Mr. Noah, of whom a high character has been received from Professor Tholock. The total expense of each school, is about £34 10s. Od. Extract of a letter from Hernn Von Rappard, received 3d June.

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"Our first examination took place today though the progress of the children in reading is as yet small, we heard with joy and thankfulness, from their lips, the Psalms of David, very well learned by heart, which may the Lord bless to them.

"Our school has been, by the grace of God, continually visited by Jewish children, the names of whom I add ; but the Industry School did not yet begin. I fear that in our poor Poland it will never be sufficient to support the whole school, as you mention in your last, it is possible in Ireland. By the sewing School we do experience, that the earnings of one girl scarcely amounts to three or four shillings in the year; and the expense for linen, &c. being discounted, there was no more than Is. 6d. remaining for the most diligent girl, which we gave them for a reward. We are resolved to reflect well on this point before we embark in such an undertaking."

The subject of the Annual Prize Essay, has been sent to the Rabbi of Pinne, in the hope that he would write on it; by which much valuable information would be obtained. The subject is, "What is the best practical mode of improving the moral condition of the Jews in Poland ?"

Letter from General de Witzleben,

Aid-de-camp to the King of Prussia, dated May 21st 1828.

"I am rejoiced to be able to confirm, the very satisfactory intelligence which you have already received from Mr. Focke. Your letters have all duly come to hand, and I will not delay any longer to tell you that his Majesty, most gratefully and thankfully acknowledges the active and very zealous participation which, in word and deed, you make manifest for the conversion of the Jews to Christian doctrines. It is not to be denied, that the salary of £75 per annum, as fixed for the clergyman, is not conformable with his situation; but your kind offer is, nevertheless, a most honourable one, and it is an easy matter with the Lord, from a small beginning to produce the most beneficial consequences in great abundance, and to cause an increase. Thus we, in our beginning, to promote the Gospel of Jesus, will also, with moderate claims, prudent measures, and Christian ideas, have cause to rejoice in a prosperous issue."

Extract of a letter from the Rev. M. John Mayers, dated May 22d 1828.

"As soon as I shall have lelt Mrs. Mayers, at Geneva, I shall undertake a tour in Switzerland and adjacent parts, to visit various scattered Jewish communities, of whom no accounts have yet appeared in public. There are in Switzerland but three large Jewish communities, one at Basle, and the others at Endingen and Langman: of the former, some statements have appeared, of the two latter, nothing is known, being in a remote and secluded part of the country. I was there about fifteen years ago, when quite a youth, and only know the communities are large; but hope, please God, to know more of them shortly, as well as of others in the adjacent parts of Bavaria and Wirtemburg. Write to me to Geneva."

DOMESTIC RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE.

IRELAND.

The

SLIGO. The Reformation. following extracts of a letter from a correspondent in Sligo, we have no doubt will be read with interest: the facts it details have been already referred to in the leading article of the present number.

"It would be an endless task to recapitulate all the cases of opposition to

individuals, and persecution for reading Scripture or for recantation which I have learned for some time, but I will try to mention a few. A man named Cin the parish of St. John's, was induced by neighbours, (Methodists,) to hear Scripture read, and sometimes to visit class-meetings. He was a poor illiterate labourer, but at length he gave up

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