can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me;" (Phil. iv. 13;) where we naturally restrain the signification of the words. 1 2. In the Greek, as in some modern languages, the repetition of the negative unquestionably adds emphasis to the expression; but does it add to the abstract sense, so as to change what would otherwise be but a rhetorical negation, into an absolute negation? Now, merely rhetorical emphasis does not change the real meaning; it only impresses that meaning the more deeply. It seems doubtful, therefore, whether the double negative, in Greek, may not, so far as any idiom is concerned, be used with the same restriction of meaning as the single. And if the instances are fewer, the reason may be, that there are not so frequent occasions for the stronger phrases, in their mere rhetorical use, as for the simpler forms of expression. The stronger the figure, the more rarely it is called for. We are inclined to think that the example in Matt. xiii. 14, By hearing ye shall hear, and not [not not] understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not [not not] perceive," is either a case in which the double negative must be taken in the restrained sense, or that the force of the negation, and of the subsequent particle translated "lest at any time," must be confined to that particular period of which the Evangelist was speaking. 3. The sentences, in which a single negative is followed, in the next clause, by the conjunction (alla) answering to but, form a class in some respects distinct. In these, the negation must commonly (perhaps not always) be explained on the ground of mere rhetorical emphasis. Take the following examples: Matt. x. 20, "It is not ye that speak, but the spirit of your Father," &c.—Mark ix. 37: "Whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me."- John xii. 44: "He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me.". Acts v. 4: "Thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God." -1 Cor. xv. 10: "I labored more abundantly than they all; yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.' There are instances, however, in which the repetition of the negative is tantamount to an affirmative; as, when the two negatives qualify different verbs. (See Acts iv. 20.) -1 Thess. iv. 8: "He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God," &c. In all these cases, the negation is evidently but rhetorical, and is employed only for the purpose of throwing the greater force on the following clauses. It is, however, a mode of expression that is readily understood in all languages. To the foregoing examples, we might add John vi. 27, "Labor not for the meat that perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life," &c. were it not uncertain whether Christ does not address it exclusively to those who were then following him for the loaves and fishes; in which case, the negation may be understood as absolute, having reference only to that particular circumstance. We will conclude, by mentioning that many very acute and instructive illustrations of the use of the negative particles in the New Testament, may be found in Winers Grammatik des neutestamentlichen Sprachidioms, (S. 397 -424,) which has recently been translated into English. ART. XXXV. Literary Notice. The Rose of Sharon: a Religious Souvenir, for 1841. Edited by Miss Sarah C. Edgarton. Boston: A. Tompkins, and B. B. Mussey. WHEN we think of annuals, we have in mind books of pretty embellishments, and insipid matter. Such has been the character of most works of this kind, published in our country for half a dozen years past. As in the sale of a book, much depends on its outward appearance, our annual-makers have recently practised on their works the art of gilding and adorning, to a degree hardly justifiable where so little substance is found within. But the taste has been for show, and substance has not been offered; so that, now, these yearly visitants greatly need "internal improvement." If we are not mistaken, this fact was considered, when the Rose of Sharon was first issued. The publishers intended to offer something more than beautiful ornaments upon a mere book-skeleton. How well they succeeded, the public will judge, or rather, has judged. We confess, that, much as we desired to see an annual in which we could feel specially interested, we did not expect to meet with so good a work as the Rose of Sharon for 1840. Its appearance and sale exceeded our anticipations. It had its faults; yet its excellences made them of small account. It was better than most of our other annuals, although its plates were not what they should have been. The Rose of 1841 excels that of last year, not only in embellishment, but in beauty and propriety of thought. The articles of the chief writer are better. She has worked, and worked well in this little volume. Her associates, too, have sought to render their productions worthy the book; and we should think they have no cause of regret in view of their labors. Let the Rose be compared with other annuals-popular ones too—just out of press, and the discriminating reader, and even the searching critic, will be compelled to acknowledge at least its equal claim to favor. That there is no room still for improvement we cannot say. Some of the writers will do well to practise the art of pruning, now and then. It is pleasing to know, that, notwithstanding the theological labors which the writers in our denomination are called upon to perform, there is a disposition with many of them to elevate the standard of literature within our borders. This looks well. We profess to be "children of the light," and therefore should not be behind the age in intellectual cultivation. Faithful though we should be in defence of the "faith which was once delivered unto the saints," we are not to forget that there is something for us to do, besides toiling in theological exposition or illustration all our time. Our vineyard needs cultivation; and we must see that it suffers not from intellectual drought. We have mind with us, as truly noble as can be found in any other class of the Christian public. Let it be led onward by every righteous means. It is to operate in the conversion of the world to the truth; and it should therefore possess all the qualifications to reach man, whether in his high or low estate. We have a hope that this work will be encouraged, not only as it has been by contributions from able pens, but by all who are interested in the spread of a healthy literature in our denomination. This work is ours, although, in almanac phrase, "adapted to other meridians ;" and we should seek its prosperity by correcting its faults, and aiding in its perfection. If it continues to improve, it will soon take the front rank in the yearly train of Love's and Friendship's offerings that greet us in gorgeous array, and cheer us with their bright faces and happy instructions. We still look for improvement in the plates. New scenes ought to be chosen: our painters have them. And, now and then, something that we may claim as peculiar to our denomination might be represented. ART. XXXVI. The Memorial of Mary. "Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, which this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her. Of the Redeemer's truth hath shone; where'er Matt. xxvi. 13. The seas have heard thy name. When the deep tone - all other fame above. And they who journey o'er the desert,— they Within the temples they have reared, — all bear The prattling child, upon his mother's knee, Has learned to lisp thy name; with eager look And of thy deeds, from the dear, holy book We keep thy record, and we love thy name. Indulgent Lord. And may we go, like thee, N. T. M. |