ture, books, &c. 9. Of the natural, civil, and military state of Judea. 10. Concerning Egypt, the adjoining wilderness, and the Red Sea. 11. Miscellaneous matters. When the two additional volumes were published, the Observations were classed under a new series of the same heads. Dr. Clarke, in his edition, undertook, with much labour, to amalgamate this double series; so that his four volumes are all arranged in one series. 2. Dr. Clarke had become the possessor of a copy of the first two volumes, which had belonged to Dr. Russell; of whose writings Mr. Harmer had made such a copious use. Dr. Russell had carefully read those volumes, and enriched them with many marginal notes; the principal of which, Dr. Clarke has transferred into his edition. 3. Dr. Clarke has also introduced the Hebrew and Greek quotations, where Mr. Harmer had given only the English. 4. He has also given many quotations from Shaw, and other travellers; which Mr. Harmer, from an adherence to his principle of originality, had omitted. 5. He has, in innumerable places, revised and retouched Mr. Harmer's style. 6. The Doctor has introduced a likeness of Mr. Harmer, engraved from an original painting, and also an engraving of the Lithostrotum Prænestinum. From this account, it will appear, that Dr. Clarke's edition contains many valuable improvements. But it must, at the same time, be confessed, that it detracts somewhat from the genuineness of the work; and the edition, which the author left at his death, does, perhaps, for that reason, still retain its value undiminished. Every examination which this work has undergone, has only served to establish the soundness of the principles on which it was undertaken, and the extraordinary care and ability with which it was executed. The acuteness and penetration of Mr. Harmer's mind were only equalled by the patience of his attention, and the accuracy of his conclusions: so that this work, a mere series of observations from books of travels, has raised its author to the rank of an original writer, and his authority is now judged sufficient to determine the manners and customs of the East. A very intelligent and learned foreign traveller, declared to Dr. Clarke, that Mr. Harmer's observations coincided exactly with those he had himself made, during his long and extensive travels in the East; and that they were founded on facts the most correct. As soon as Mr. Harmer had published the first edition of his Observations, he began to apply the principle he had adopted, to the illustration of the Song of Solomon. This work he brought out in the year 1768; and the title sufficiently marks its object. "The Outlines of a new Commentary on Solomon's Song, drawn by the help of instructions from the East; containing-1. Remarks on its general nature. 2. Observations on detached places of it. 3. Queries concerning the rest of the poem." It was intended to prove, by this commentary, that the personal descriptions in that book, applied to the parts of Eastern dresses; and that it was a poem, composed on the marriage of Solomon. This commentary, though, of course, not so popular as the Observations, yet was so well received as to call for a second edition in the year 1775. There were some smaller pieces published by Mr. Harmer, which have been lately formed into a volume; together with some posthum-ous sermons, prepared by himself for publication; and a selection of letters. This volume was published in 1823, under the title of "The Miscellaneous Works of the late Rev. Thomas Harmer, author of Observations on various passages of Scripture, &c.; containing, his Letters and Sermons-remarks on the ancient and present state of the congregational churches of Norfolk and Suffolk-some account of the Jewish doctrine of the Resurrection of the Dead-and two addresses on partaking of the Lord's Supper." The intellectual and religious character of Mr. Harmer may be better understood from this volume, than from any of his other works. The letters afford many pleasing specimens of his religious and critical opinions; and of his earnestness in enforcing the prin ciples and duties of religion on the minds of others. They especially shew his unabating anxiety to procure any information which might be useful to his principal work. The sermons, unfortunately, are but a part of those which he prepared for publication; but, like the leaves of the Sibyl, the diminution of their quantity, has but served to augment their value. The work on the Congregational Churches, contains, perhaps, the best account extant of the principles of that denomination of Christians; and throughout all the different pieces, the most striking indications are perceptible, of a clear and commanding intellect, of indefatigable industry, and of a mind constantly governed by the principles of virtue and religion. Scripture Discussions. “ Rightly dividing the Word of Truth," PAUL. NO. IX. YOUTH REMEMBERING THEIR CREATOR. ECCLES. XII. 1. זכר את בוראיך בימי בחרותיך. Remember thy Creator in the days of thy Youth. THE Book of "Ecclesiastes" has received a most appropriate name for designating its true character. It is, indeed, among all other parts of Scripture, the divine Ecclesiastes the "preacher" of Heaven to man. And if it really was the production of Solomon, in VOL. IV. D his old age, we may regard it as presenting the counsel of the maturest experience of men and of the world. The voice of the Almighty addresses us here on the vanity of the present world, and admonishes us to be prepared for the future. Nor is it possible to listen to any part of its language, without a deepened impression of the uncertainty of the one, and the necessity of securing a portion for the other. Perhaps it might be difficult to make selections in this book, for preference and admiration; because it abounds with many of the most beautiful descriptions and the very weightiest exhortations on the subjects of human life and labour. By readers who have understood the preacher's" own language, the highest commendations have been bestowed, for beauties of the sublimest philosophy, as well as the excellencies of vital religion. We should, probably, run no hazard were we to pronounce the present context as not surpassed, if even equalled, by any other portion of the Bible! The last two verses of chap. xi. and the first seven of chap. xii. comprise one of the finest and most complete moral allegories extant, in any writings. 1 It is a description of man-of his mind and his person, his talents and his strength, his abilities, his infirmities, and his death. By the words chosen for the present text, man is addressed" in the days" of his " youth"-of his happiness and vigour; and every part of this figurative representation is well calculated to enforce this most reasonable and seasonable admonition. Its scriptural intent and meaning, we should endeavour to ascertain the preacher's reasons for urging it, we can readily gather from various parts of the context and then we shall be prepared to mark its instructive application to ourselves, and to youth in particular. O that every memory may be enabled to "remember;" and every mind suitably to feel the serious truths of heavenly instruction! Then First, The meaning of this Scriptural exhortation? To understand the character of this requirement, we may particularize, and explain the several parts thereof, according to their natural order. 66 Thy Creator," "remember," "in the days of thy youth"-exhibit the subject, the practice, the time, for our present consideration. Remark, then, 1. What is the main subject?" Thy Creator"! "Lo With peculiar propriety is the Almighty to be the subject of man's recollection in this relation: for He originally created man in his own likeness, &c. Gen. i. 26, 27. This well-known fact, "the preacher" himself declares at no great distance from the text. this only," &c. Eccles. vii. 29 a sentiment, which he expresses in connection with the disappointment he deservedly suffered among all the women of his seraglio! Should not man, therefore, of all other The wholejis beautifully arranged in metrical lines, in "Scripture Illustrated by Natural Science," p. 155. creatures, best remember his Maker-the most alike, the nearest akin to his Former and his Lord? Besides, He created man for his own glory. He chose this medium for the development of His energies and excellencies; and to the praise of His glory, Eph. i. 6-has he made subservient, every exhibition of his power and every dispensation of his grace. The religion of the Gospel confirms the requirements of that of Nature. "Whether," &c. 1 Cor. x. 31!1 Has he constituted you intelligent beings; and is he not therefore deserving of your remembrance? Who is the Father of your spirits, as well as the Framer of your bodies? "There is a spirit," &c. Job xxxii. 8. Whence and wherefore your elevation of being above the beasts, &c. Ps. 49. 20? Is an earthly parent entitled to the first and highest respect: on the same principles of right and reason and religion, claims your heavenly Father, "your Creator," to be “remembered"! Has he not also provided for your spiritual creation; for to effect such a purpose, is the intention of the glorious Gospel, &c. 1 Tim. i. 11. O, let the young carefully understand the nature and design of Christianity. “New man," &c. Eph. iv. 24; Col. iii. 10. “We are his workmanship," &c. Eph. ii. 10. "God, who commanded," &c. 2 Cor. iv. 6: a significant and most momentous connection! O, forget Him not in this character. Thus, has He rendered you accountable: for-"For all these things," &c. Eccles. xi. 9. And is it possible that such considerations should ever be banished from your recollections? Thy Creator" -thy Judge, remember! 2. What is the true requirement ! "Remember." 66 Consider the memorials unnumbered, which the world exhibits of "your Creator:" for, whither can you look without tracing, either the impress of his feet, or the operation of his hand? Ten thousand intimations of His power, His wisdom, His glory, encompass you on every side. Survey the boundless operations of the universe, and exclaim" These are thy works," &c. &c.! Beautifully and significantly expressed in Ps. xix. 1-4! But, remember the Volume of his Revelation; the Word of his testimony. "God never meant that man should scale," &c. &c. !— What a remembrance should this excite—a revelation of grace and salvation to guilty man! "Here, indeed, His whole name appears complete," &c.! Yet, though so elevating, how much forgotten! Profit we may from the instances of general forgetfulness and depravity, witnessed in our rebel world. Let them teach us what human nature is; and what need we have of being put in remembrance. Guard, likewise, against the deceitfulness of your own hearts; for treacherous memories we still have to deplore. "Whoso trusteth," 1 The reader is requested to consult in his Bibls the texts referred to in these discussions. &c. Prov. xxviii. 26. With what propriety have we often sung — "He knows what wandering," &c. Nor let us be satisfied with less than practical evidences of our recollection. A friend and father certainly expects to be remembered with substantial proofs of friendship and esteem. The wicked say-" Depart," &c. Job xxi. 14. "God is not in all," &c. Ps. x. 4."There is no fear," &c. Rom. iii. 18. The reverse is here demanded, of what is noticed in Eccles. ix. 15. It is the remembrance of 1 Chron. xvi. 9, and of Gal. ii. 10. 3. What is the specified time! "In the days of," &c. The words of "the preacher" are much more expressive than these, and may evidently convey two different ideas. In the days of thy choice "-while thou art capable of choosing. An affecting contrast, indeed, to the decrepitude of old age; when "desire shall fail.” There is then no alternative-the infirmities of age unnerving every faculty and enfeebling all the powers, enjoyment appears lost! O ye young persons! while you can choose-can be wise, free, happy; be it yours to possess and enjoy it. "Be not entangled," &c. Gal. v. 1. "He is the free man," &c. It is indeed most true, what one of our divine songs declares- -" "Tis easier work if we begin," &c. How seldom are aged persons converted to God! "Can the Ethiopian," &c. Jer. xiii. 23? "Redeem your time," &c. Eph. v. 16. "Now or never," for wisdom, happiness, heaven! And is not this the most eligible period of idea is likewise intimated here by Solomon. approve, and would choose these "days?" seniors, and sometimes, perhaps, by your juniors. Days of "your choice" they are truly! O, they are golden ones-precious timespregnant with deepest consequences for both states, for time, and eternity! But, །་ human life? For this Who does not admire, Envied you are by your Secondly, The preacher's reasons for this deportment? Correctly we should read- Therefore, remember," &c.; connected, as it seems to be, with the last two verses of the former chapter. The following verses, to the close of the allegory, in ver. 7, present us with the considerations by which this address is so powerfully urged on our notice. Have we not a metaphorical attack and subversion of a fortress, in this description? A fortress, well provided with guards, well stored with provisions, well supplied with water; but the guards are in time enfeebled, the stores are exhausted, and the means of procuring water are worn out. Examine it more closely. This attack was in winter, when the sun is obscured by clouds, and when torrents of rain, pouring down repeatedly, leave no interval of repose: and this siege continues till spring, when the almond-tree flourishes, when 1 Becher properly denotes, to behold with admiration, to choose; and hence, a choice man.-Parkhurst's Hebrew Lexicon, p. 61. 2 According to the late ingenious Editor of Calmet, C. Taylor, in his production already cited, pp. 155, 156. |