X. The period for preaching the Gospel to the devout Gentiles, or Proselytes of the Gate.

XI. Period for preaching the Gospel to the idolatrous Gentiles, and St. Paul's first apostolic journey.

XII. St. Paul's second apostolic journey.

XIII. The third apostolic journey of St. Paul.

XIV. St. Paul commences his voyage to Rome, as a prisoner.

XV. From the commencement of the fifth and last journey of St. Paul, to the completion of the canon of the whole Scriptures.-With a brief survey of the history of the Christian Church to the present time.

In this arrangement, the various epistles are distributed throughout the "Acts of the Apostles," according to their respective dates, and the connection in which they stand will often be found to elucidate most materially many otherwise obscure expressions and allusions. At the head of each epistle, Mr. Townsend has submitted a brief, but generally a satisfactory statement of the proposition which was intended to be established therein, with such an analysis of the epistle itself, that the nature of the arguments by which that proposition is established, may be clearly seen. The notes to each epistle contain a brief account of its origin, date, place, necessity, &c. which greatly increase the value of the work. Contrary to the usual mode of arrangement, Mr. Townsend has placed the epistles of John after the Apocalypse. In this he appears to have been determined, chiefly by the difference of style in the composition of the respective works. In dividing this book, he has chiefly followed the theory of interpretation proposed by Mr. Faber. Throughout the work, the notes are copious and valuable, and are frequently derived from sources which are placed beyond the reach of the generality of students. Among these, we have found some which have not commanded our assent, as might be expected in a theological work so extensive ; but we have never found reason to complain of the manner in which the author has argued a controverted point, or represented the views of the adverse party.

To the compilation of the Index, exhibiting a harmonized view of the contents of the New Testament, Mr. Townsend has evidently given very laborious attention. We could wish to see such a synopsis of its contents attached to every edition of the Bible. But of an additional Index we have found considerable want. We mean one similar to that of Doddridge, in the "Family Expositor," "for the more ready finding any verse of the Evangelists in the Harmony." This is really a very serious omission, which we hope Mr. Townsend will soon have an opportunity of supplying in a second edition of his work. Of the typographical execution of these volumes, we regret that we cannot speak in terms of approbation. As an expensive work, it is printed in a most slovenly manner, and abounds with typographical errors. Upon these matters, however, we are not disposed to dwell. They detract but in a trifling degree from the excellency of the work, which we cordially recommend to the biblical student. In concluding these remarks, we cannot but express a wish that Mr. Townsend had rejected altogether the division of the Scriptures into verses; or only retained them in the margin. The latter plan would have answered every purpose effected by the popular method, while it would have enhanced the value of the work as a continuous history, and have saved no inconsiderable part of its bulk.

A NEW FAMILY BIBLE, and Improved VerSION, from corrected Texts of the Originals; with Notes, critical and explanatory; and short practical Reflections on each Chapter; together with a general Introduction, on the authenticity and inspiration af the Sacred Books; and a complete View of the Mosaic Laws, Rites, and Customs. By B. BOOTHROYD, L.L.D. In 3 vols. 4to. 1824. Price £7 16s. In looking at a publication like the present, a variety of enquiries naturally suggest themselves. Whence has originated the practice of making the Bible so voluminous a work? Is it either expedient or necessary? Does it efficiently promote the pure knowledge and love of the holy scriptures? If the sacred volume must have an apparatus accompanying it, what kind would be the most judicious and useful? Should it not be of a purely literary and scientific character: and to attend every edition of the holy writings?

That the English Bible stands in need of several emendations, is readily admitted by all who are competent to form an opinion on the subject: though all may not be agreed, as to the precise extent of alterations which ought to be introduced. Should not the improvements regard the mode of arrangement, as well as the manner of translation? Is it really needful to have a version entirely new? Would not a revised edition answer every important end, and be more generally acceptable to the public: consisting of very slight and but occasional variations in the present phraseology (such as elegance and perspicuity might obviously require)—a judicious regulation of the italic additions-a discriminating and proper classification of paragraphs, sections, and periods— together with the accompaniment of such indexes and tables of contents as enrich and beautify most of our modern publications?

But, what has Dr. Boothroyd accomplished, by his present extensive work? Does his undertaking intimate any progression in the cause of Biblical translations? May the expenditure of so much money be warranted in procuring his "New Family Bible and Improved Version"? Let the author speak for himself; and, from the selections now to be made, let every reader endeavour impartially to form his own conclusion.

"The work now offered to the public necessarily implies, that, in the opinion of the author, the common version of the holy scriptures admits of improvement. Nor is he singular in this opinion, if any reliance is to be placed on the professions of commentators. They generally assure the public, that the object which they have in view is, to correct the mis-translations- to reconcile the real or apparent contradictions-to explain what is difficult and abstruse; and, in fine, to render the Scriptures more intelligible to the reader."

"The following are some of the causes of the imperfections of the Common Version, and may be regarded as so many reasons for the present attempt to improve it."

1. It is too verbal and literal to be, in all instances, faithful and perspicuous. "2. The frequent change of persons which the Hebrew admits.

"3. Following the order of the original text too closely.

"4. Mistaking the sense of ambiguous terms or phrases.

"5. Attempting to render the tenses and conjugations of Hebrew verbs, in a manner nearly uniform,

"6. The state of the original text, from which it was made."

“Convinced of the necessity and of the advantages which would arise to the public in general, from a corrected translation of the Holy Scriptures, I have been led by my particular studies to engage in this work; not that I suppose my self better qualified than many others, but because the avocations of others do not permit them to devote their time to such an undertaking. Nor did I engage in it till I had been repeatedly solicited by persons of various denomin

The depths have covered them:

They sank into the bottom as a stone! Thy right hand, O Lord, is become glorious in power:

Thy right hand, O Lord, hath dashed in pieces the enemy.

They went down to the bottom like a stone.

Thy right hand, Jehovah, is glorious in power;

Thy right hand, Jehovah, hath crushed

the foe.

1 KINGS iv. 29-34.

And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much; and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea-shore. And Solomon's wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt. For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all nations round about. And he spake three thousand proverbs; and his songs were a thousand and five. And he spake of trees, from the cedar-tree that is in Lebanon, even unto the hyssop that springeth out of the wall: he spake also of beasts and of fowls, and of creeping things, and of fishes. And there came of all people to hear the wisdom of Solomon, from all kings of the earth, which had heard of his wisdom.

And God gave to Solomon wisdom and understanding exceedingly great; and largeness of heart, like the sand which is on the sea-shore. And Solomon's wisdom was superior to the wisdom of all the people of the east; and to all the wisdom of Egypt. For he was wiser than all other men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, or Heman, or Chalcol, or Darda, the sons of Mahol and his name was famous among all the nations around. And he spoke three thousand proverbs: and his songs were a thousand and five. And he discoursed on trees, from the cedar-tree which is on Lebanon, even unto the hyssop that groweth out of the wall: he discoursed also on beasts, and on fowls, and on' creeping things, and on fishes. And men from all people came to hear the wisdom of Solomon, from all kings of the earth, who had heard of his wisdom.

In closing the present notice of Vol. I., it cannot be omitted to remark, with becoming deference to the learned translator, that there are many corrections demanding his critical and judicious attention. The numerous italic interpolations which so often obtrude themselves, are by no means an agreeable sight: from whatever sources they are taken, whether from Josephus or elsewhere. Will Dr. B. allow a reference to No. Iviii. of the Class. Jour. for some considerations on this topic, not undeserving of his attention? On the correct historical disposition of several parts, Dr. Lightfoot's Chronicle (especially as materially improved by Townsend) would have given Dr. B. much valuable assistance and had he followed such an illustrious guide, he scarcely would have pronounced such portions as 1 Sam. xvii. 12. 31, interpolations!

The "Notes" are generally meagre and disappointing the "Reflections" exhibit a tiresome sameness, and are scarcely ever above mediocrity — the chapters are without a good analysis of their contents—and we have, in fine, a quarto of 739 pages, destitute of either an index or synopsis of contents! It is sincerely hoped, that we shall find more satisfaction in the two remaining volumes.

[To be concluded in our next.]

The Scripture Almanack

FOR 1826:

PURPORTING TO EXHIBIT

SOME OF THE MEMORABLE EVENTS AND SACRED SEASONS OF THE BIBLE,

TOGETHER WITH

An Arrangement of the Scriptures, in Chronological Order,

TO BE READ THROUGH THE YEAR,

With the respective

PORTIONS OF EACH DAY. 1

How extended was the range of history, through which we passed during the last month! We began with the beginning of time-the Creation of the Universe; and we read, with deepened interest, the only records which are known to exist of the antediluvian world. What a crowd of events and characters are summarily comprehended within these mere, but precious fragments of the earliest narrative! Let every reader peruse them for purposes of individual wisdom and improvement. Rom. xv. 4. What characters of high distinction, "men of renown," were Adam, Cain, Abel, Jabal, Jubal, Tubal Cain, Enoch, Methuselah, and Noah! To whichever of these we are indebted for the preservation and transmission of their history, we owe them a debt of obligation hitherto undischarged. What an era in

the history of all nations, is the Deluge of the Universe: awful storm that the world ever knew!"

"the most

The Scripture reading for January has also conducted us through the greater portion of the Second Chronological Period. After being favoured with the names and families of the postdiluvian fathers, and having witnessed the dispersion of mankind, "over the face of the earth," we were introduced to the society of that mighty man in the East, Job-to his associates and singular circumstances; and there we perceived, "that the Lord is very pitiful and of tender mercy." James v. 11. We have conversed with another celebrated chieftain and a patriarchal missionary, Abraham-of whose pious travels, contemporaries, and descendants, the Sacred story presents us with such interesting details. The close of the month brought us to the time" in which Moses was born." Acts vii. 20.

The present month, then, the month Adar (7) or February, commences with "the birth and commission of Moses;" which is the last section of Period II. or, the times of the Patriarchs. We have now to mark the proceedings of that eminent lawgiver, in his connection with Pharaoh-to behold the dreadful plagues which befel that proud despot and his slaves-and to contemplate the deliverance of Israel out of Egypt, by the hand of the Most High. new era now originates (Exod. xii.) in the memorials of histor and travel onwards we must with the sojournings of the Israeli towards their own country, the land of Canaan. The transaction Sinai we must stay for a time to gaze at, with wonder and struction-nor can we glance at their Levitical and cere stitutions, without perceiving " holiness to Jehovah" them all. With their continued journeyings we proce lowing them in their route, we see them, by the clo "pitched in the plains of M Jordan