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Library itself, and entered fully in the catalogue. We expected to find the catalogue deficient in German theological literature, but this is by no means the case, the Library having been of late years much enriched in this department.

Four Specimens of a Practicable Method of Teaching Christian Evidences to Bible Classes and Sunday Schools. By the Rev. GEORGE FISK, LL.B., Prebendary of Lichfield, and Minister of Christ Chapel, Maida Hill. Second Edition. Published by the Church of England Sunday School Institute.

WE put this little volume into the hands of the parent of a large family, on whose judgment we can rely, and asked for a candid opinion. It was given as follows:-That presuming it is necessary to teach the evidences of Christianity to young persons, the plan is admirable. This necessity the author lays down as the basis of his proceedings, and if that is in any case established, we can cheerfully recommend this thoughtful little book. Otherwise, the best training is that of so reposing in early life on Christianity as undoubtedly true, that a habit of believing it is formed which no after attacks of scepticism or infidelity can permanently injure. The faith of a child in the Bible, as the book revered and loved by its parents, demands no other proof than that of such authority, and anything that tends to weaken that pious confidence is as the withering blast upon the tender leaves of an opening flower.

The London Quarterly Review. No. 1, September, 1853, pp. 296. London: Partridge and Oakey.

KNOWING how much influence for good or evil is exerted by our periodical literature, we feel anxious as to the tone and temper of every new candidate for public favour. We are happy to be able to welcome this contemporary as a coadjutor in the best sense, because we find all its articles, light and serious, are pervaded by the principles of the Holy Scriptures. The articles of this number exhibit great talent and deep piety; and we hope and believe the combination will secure for the work extensive patronage. Its papers are, Christian population of the Turkish Empire-Wesley and his Critics-Forbes's Memorandums in Ireland-Cryptogamic vegetation-Spirit-rappings and Table-movings-Modern and Medieval Hygiene-Secularism: its Logic and Appeals-Public Education-Ultramontanism; its threatened supremacy in Europe-India under the English. An extract from it will be found in another part of the present number of this Journal.

INTELLIGENCE.

BIBLICAL.

AN interesting and spirited undertaking has just been commenced by the issuing of the prospectus of a 'Society for Exploring the Ruins of Assyria and Babylonia, with especial reference to Biblical Illustration,' under the patronage of his Royal Highness Prince Albert. The light that has been so unexpectedly thrown upon the Bible history of the world by the discovery and interpretation of the Nineveh marbles, and the knowledge that many earlier and more important sculptures remain behind, have awakened an anxious desire among antiquarians and literary men for further acquisitions. Mr. Layard, who has a firman from the Sultan to go on excavating, is of opinion that he has, so to speak, only scratched the surface of the Assyrian mounds, and that the most ancient ruins of this most ancient people have not yet been reached. It is certain that since the publication of his book older monuments have been brought to light, and every discovery gives token, after its kind, of newer biblical light. The goverument not being disposed to give more money, and the British Museum not having funds for the purpose, it is evident that, to secure these valuable historical records to the pride and glory of our country, must be the work of private enterprise. The idea of forming a society among those interested in the matter has been presented to Prince Albert; and his Royal Highness, with a shrewd appreciation of its genuineness and importance, directly sanctioned it with his support. The interest which he so promptly manifested in the undertaking secured at once the co-operation of the most influential noblemen and gentlemen that could be desired, to take part in it; and we question whether it will not be one of the most useful, meritorious, and popular labours with which the honoured name of Prince Albert has been associated. Subscriptions to the amount of 10007., including five of 1007. each, have been contributed privately within the last few days. An expedition will at once proceed to Assyria to carry forward the necessary operations. A photographist will accompany the expedition, and will take copies of all objects of interest discovered. In England facsimilies of the drawings and inscriptions will be issued as often as they come to hand, together with explanatory letterpress, the publication of which Mr. Layard has kindly undertaken to superintend. It will be less the object of the expedition to obtain bulky sculptures than to collect materials for completing the history of Assyria and Babylonia, especially as connected with Scripture. These materials consist chiefly of inscribed tablets in stone, and in clay, bronzes, bricks, and sculptured monuments of various kinds, all illustrating the remarkable advancement of that ancient civilisation. It is confidently believed that the whole history of Assyria may be restored to a very early period, and that discoveries of the most important character will be made in connection with the literature and science of the Assyrian people. It is presumed that the sum of 10,000l. will be required to commence operations at once in various parts of Mesopotamia, and to sustain necessary activity during a period of three years. But as it is of the utmost consequence to proceed with the greatest vigour during the first twelvemonth, it is calculated that up to August, 1854, 50001, of the sum named might be expended. In addition to the donations, it is intended to raise annual subscriptions of a guinea each, the payment of which shall entitle the subscriber to the reports and memoirs issued by the society. The present undertaking being regarded as a continuation of the researches already commenced by the British Museum, it is determined that the monuments shall ultimately become the property of the nation.

From the Church Missionary Intelligencer for September we extract the following, as the result of a consideration of the various reports and statements respecting the leader of the extraordinary movement in China:-That he is probably still alive, and about 40 years of age; that his name is certainly Hung

seu-tseuen; that he is a native of the Hwa district, some 25 miles from Canton; that he took the first, if not the second, literary degree, but found his way to office barred; that he then turned his attention to the doctrines of Christianity, and was for a time in a direct connection, more or less intimate, with a Protestant medical missionary at Canton; that he afterwards established in Kwang-se a community of Christians, composed of both Kwang-tung and Kwang-se men; that persecution compelled him and his co-religionists to take arms in self-defence; and that, after this, a sense of double injustice and injury from the government, acting on an ambitious mind, strong feelings, and an enthusiastic temperament, gradually brought him, as the success of his arms increased, to the belief that he was the recipient of a Divine mission to exterminate the Mantchoos, abolish idolatry, and found a new Christian dynasty.'

From the 61st (1853) Report of the Baptist Missionary Society we learn that the revision of the Bengalee New Testament, announced last year as in progress, has been completed. An 8vo. edition has already been published, and the reprint of it in a smaller form, as a pocket Bible for the use of the native Christians, has reached the Acts of the Apostles. The Bengalee version continues at present, and is likely for years, to be the only one in circulation in Bengal. In its revision Mr. Wenger has kept in view, in the numerous alterations he has made, the desirableness of following the original as closely as a due regard to the idiom of the Bengalee language will allow, at the same time retaining the elegance stamped upon it by the late Dr. Yates. In Sanskrit the second volume of the Old Testament, containing the historical books from Judges to Esther inclusive, has been completed. A revised edition of Genesis, with the first 20 chapters of Exodus, has also been published. The Hindooee Gospels, in the Kaithi character, have been undertaken and carried through the press to John viii., by the joint labours of Mr. Leslie and Mr. Parsons of Monghir; and some little progress has also been made in printing the Hindoostanee version in the Roman characters.

From the Report of the Foreign Translation Committee of the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge we learn that the works completed during the past year are eight in number:-1. A new and revised edition of the Society's French Version of the Bible. 2. A Spanish Translation of the Bible. 3. A Polish Version of the New Testament. 4. A new edition of Diodati's Italian Translation of the New Testament. 5. A new edition of the Society's French Version of the Book of Common Prayer. 6. A new and revised edition of the Spanish Version of the Liturgy. 7. A new and more complete edition of the New Zealand Prayer-Book. 8. A new edition, revised, and with all former omissions supplied, of the Book of Common Prayer in Dutch and English. The following seven works are at present in progress:-1. The new Translation of the Bible into Arabic. 2. The new and completely revised edition of Diodati's Italian Bible. 3. A new revision of the Irish Bible. 4. The printing of the Greek New Testament at Athens. 5. The completion of the Ogibwa Translation of the New Testament. 6. A Translation of the Gospels of St. Mark and St. Luke, of the Acts, and of part of the Book of Genesis, into the Arawak language; and translations of portions of the New Testament and of the English Liturgy into the Loochooan Japanese dialect.

Perhaps our readers may feel interested in a few details respecting these works. The French Bible in 16mo. is a careful revision of the 4to. and 8vo. editions mentioned last year. In this some errors both of translation and the press, as well as certain discrepancies with regard to proper names, have been corrected, The Spanish translation has been carefully compared with former translations and revised by the Hebrew and Greek originals. It is hoped that it will be found to represent honestly and impartially, in correct and appropriate language, the full sense of the sacred originals. It has been carried through the press under the superintendence of the Rev. Juan Calderon. The Polish translation of the New Testament is the Dantzic printed in Roman characters. M. Jakowski, recommended by Count Krasinski as a gentleman well qualified to superintend the work, has modernised the orthography, and replaced some few obsolete words and expressions by others more in accordance with the usage of the present day.

The Arabic translation of the Old Testament is still in progress. Long ago the late Dr. S. Lee formed the design of devoting the last years of his useful and laborious life to a great and most important achievement, never probably attempted before, but for which, by his peculiar talents and remarkable acquirements, he appeared to be eminently qualified, that, namely, of accomplishing a faithful and uniform Arabic translation, from the Hebrew and Greek originals, of the entire volume of Holy Writ. The Foreign Translation Committee gladly accepted his proposals to engage in the work. Faithfully and hopefully did he devote himself to it; and it was his ardent wish, not unfrequently expressed, both in verbal communication and in writing, to be allowed to live to see his task completed. But, in the all-wise dispensations of Providence, his heart's desire was not to be accomplished; and some months before his death he was obliged, in consequence of increasing infirmity, to resign to other hands the superintendence of the work. He had been permitted, however, not only to complete and to witness the publication of the New Testament, but to hear from time to time of the good fruits already produced, under the Divine blessing, by the dissemination of this version in the East; while, under his own care and supervision, the rough draft of the translation of the whole of the Old Testament was accomplished, and the greater part of the Pentateuch, having been carefully revised by the original Hebrew, was set up, corrected, and stereotyped. He had therefore the comfort and satisfaction of living to see that, in this last work of his hands, his labour had not been in vain. Others have now entered upon his labours. At his own desire his share of the work was transferred, during the last months of his life, to his pupil and friend, Professor Jarrett, who, since the death of Dr. Lee, has consented, at the request of the Foreign Translation Committee, to undertake the office of principal editor; and upon the same plan, and with the aid of the same able assistants as heretofore, the work is steadily and satisfactorily advancing.

The somewhat difficult and delicate task of revising and printing Diodati's Italian Bible is progressing satisfactorily. The revised edition of the Scriptures in Irish has been undertaken under the sanction and advice of his Grace the Primate of Ireland.

The Rev. Dr. O'Meara has completed the second volume of his version of the New Testament, containing the Acts, the Epistles, and the Revelation, into Ogibwa; and Mr. Brett has completed the translation of the Gospels of St. Mark and St. Luke, and Acts, together with the first eleven chapters of Genesis, into Arawâk, but the copy from neither of them has yet come to hand.

There has been recently formed in London a Society entitled The AngloBiblical Institute, for the promotion of Biblical criticism; having more especially in view a superior translation of the Bible into the English language.' The Society does not give any pledge for the production of such a work; it only aims at promoting it. The advantages of such an institution will be immediately appreciated by all persons engaged in the study of the Scriptures. The Journal of Sacred Literature, to some extent, and it is every day becoming increasingly so, serves as a means of communication among Biblical students; but such a medium is imperfect in comparison with immediate personal communication. During the year, monthly meetings of the members have been held, papers have been read on different subjects, specimens of English translations of Scripture have been presented for general discussion, and correspondence maintained, not only with the distant members, but with kindred institutions, and with eminent Biblical scholars in various parts of the world. The Treasurer is Dr. Lee, Hartwell House, Aylesbury. Our publishers will supply more detailed information.

The first public meeting to commemorate the labours of Evangelical Christendom for the conversion of the world, was held at Constantinople on the 13th of June last. It took place on account of the jubilee of the British and Foreign Bible Society. There were present about two hundred persons, chiefly English and American. Lord Stratford de Redcliffe presided. His Lordship warmly commended the zeal and discretion that had characterised the agents employed in spreading the Bible in Turkey, and alluded especially to the labours of the English, American, and German missionaries, who had all acted in beautiful harmony in carrying forward the work.

The Jewish Intelligencer for September states that a complete Hebrew Bible printed by Jews is very seldom to be met with. Every learned Jew is familiar with different editions of the Talmud, which have been printed at a vast expenditure of time and money by members of the Hebrew nation; and editions of parts of the Hebrew Bible, accompanied by the commentaries of Rashi and other rabbis, have been multiplied to an extraordinary extent; but how many, or rather we may ask how few, have been the Jewish editions of the complete Hebrew Bible? The book usually met with among the Jews, and that which the common people seem often to regard as if it were really a complete Bible, contains the Pentateuch, accompanied by the Chaldee Targum, the comment of Rashi, and, as a sort of appendix, the Megilloth, or the books which are read at their great festivals, Song of Solomon, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, and Esther, and the Haphtoroth, or lessons from the prophets, which are read in the synagogues on the different sabbaths in the year.

M. de Saulcy, the French Eastern traveller, has presented the Louvre at Paris with a sarcophagus extracted from the tombs of the old kings of Jerusalem.Literary Gazette, Sept. 10.

Mr. Robert Young, of Edinburgh, continues his meritorious labours on behalf of Biblical literature. During the past five years he has issued twenty-six separate publications. Want of room prevents us giving a list of them; but our readers will find them in the advertising sheet. They are all valuable contributions.

The United Presbyterian Magazine' for May contains an illustration of the slothful hunter, of Proverbs xii. 27, by the Rev. H. M. Waddell, derived from his experience at Old Calabar. He observes that the Hebrew word here is the same as is used in Daniel iii. 27, Nor was a hair of their head singed;' and he says that if it were so rendered in Proverbs, 'He singes not that which he took in hunting,' the sense of the verse would be better brought out than it is by the present translation. In Calabar, and perhaps also in other countries, small animals used for food-sheep, goats, deer, pigs, &c., are not skinned: the hair is burned off, and the creature is cut up and dried or dressed in the skin; and almost all fish or flesh meat that comes to market is partially roasted and smoke dried. A diligent man going into the wilds to hunt, if he snares or spears a deer or wild pig, perfectly dries over the fire of his hut, what he does not immediately require for his own use, proceeding on his hunting operations, curing as fast as he takes, till he has obtained as much as he can carry home. Not so the indolent man: as long as his first beast lasts him, he idles his time, eating, sleeping, and lounging about his hut, and probably losing half the animal by not quickly or perfectly smoke-drying it. At last he returns, with little to show for the time he has been away; and the little that he has brought, being only half dried, is half rotten.

At the Royal Society of Literature (July 20th), Sir John Doratt, V.P., in the chair, Mr. Greenwood's paper, 'On certain Epochal Periods of Papal History,' was concluded. Mr. Greenwood commenced his paper by a careful revision of the theories of the two principal modern writers on prophecy, Mr. Faber and Mr. Elliott, with regard to that period of 1260 years, the reign of the Dragon or Antichrist,' commonly known as the 'prophetical period of St. John.' The first of these writers supposed this period to commence with the edict of the Emperor Phocas. A.D. 606, which, he says, conferred on the Bishop of Rome the title of 'Universal Bishop.' Mr. Elliott, on the other hand, adopts a double commencement for the 'Reign of the Beast,' dating the first from the edict of the Emperor Justinian, A.D. 533, and the second from the edict of Phocas. The object of Mr. Elliott would seem to be to guard against the uncertainty of any single date: while he, at the same time, contends that about the year 533, the Roman Papacy commenced the adoption of those principles of domination over the 'ten kingdoms,' which enabled the pontiffs subsequently to establish their universal rule. Mr. Greenwood objects that the number of ten Gothic kingdoms cannot be proved upon any sufficiently historical grounds, either within the area or at the time which Mr. Elliott's theory requires; while there is an ambiguity in the use of the word 'Gothic,' inasmuch as the Goths were only one branch of the great Teutonic

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