ty of Glasgow. London, Cadell. 1803. 8vo. pp. xv. and 104.

THE first proposals of Dr. Geddes, respecting his translation of the Bible, had the effect of an imposition upon the minds of many, who were thereby induced to patronize a work, which, when they were undeceived, they reprobated as, in its tendency, utterly subversive of religion. The author now before us represents him self as one of this number; and in the present work undertakes to vindicate one important text of Scripture from the profane perversion of the infidel commentator.

Dr. Geddes contends, that 2 Tim. iii. 16. should be translated-"Every scripture, or writing, which is inspired by God, is also profitable for doctrine, &c." The latitude allowed by this translation would remove one formidable objection to the Doctor's scheme, and sufficiently comport with his des perate and unsparing excisions of inspired Scripture. It will, however, be thought by all who are acquainted with the character of this critic, that his pains were much misemployed in endeavouring to relieve himself of a difficulty, by the slow and doubtful process of a new translation of a hostile text, or, indeed, by giving any reason at all for his opinion; since the opinions of Dr. Geddes, in common with those of other infidels, lie at a depth which reason cannot reach, and are secure in the inaccessible obscurity of intuitive perception and feel ing.

Dr. Findlay repels the attack upon the authenticity of the copulative xa from its absence in all the ancient versions except the Ethiopic, by proving the laxity with which these versions were made, and the want of evidence that even in their translation of the passage in question, they did not under stand the Apostle as he has generally been understood. The professor produces other arguments for the particle; but what he principally appeals to, and with justice, is the evidence of the MSS.; all of which declare for the genuineness of the conjunction, with the exception only of a single Barberinian MS.; a MS. in a collection not of the highest authority. The Greek commentators, Theodoret, Chrysostom, (Ecumenius, and Theophylact give their decisive testimony in favour of this reading. The next ob

jection is founded on the want of the definitive article before yan: but without relying upon the ambiguous nature of this argument, there are two parallel passages which prove, beyond the possibility of contradiction, that ypan, without the article, may refer restrictively to the Scriptures of the Old Testament: those passages are, 2 Pet. i. 20, 21, and Josephi Ant. l.iii. c. i. § 7. It is only necessary to add, for the purpose of completing the defence of Dr. Finlay, that the preceding context seems almost necessarily to require, that this passage of the Epistle to Timothy should be understood of the Old Testament, the divine inspiration of which it expressly declares. The only question made by commentators till the time of Dr. Geddes was, whether the New Tes tament was not likewise to be understood. But there is no danger of our adversaries availing themselves of this interpretation.

At pp. 86-91, Dr. Finlay has pointed out a misinterpretation of St. Augustine, in Bishop Watson's Apology for the Bible, p. 50, which that candid prelate will, we doubt not, take the earliest opportunity of rectifying.

We should feel little disposition to introduce again to our readers the name of Dr. Geddes, were it not to notice, among many others which we think we have observed, one flagrant instance of plagiarism in that author. In order to discredit the relation which Moses gives of the passage of the Red Sea, he produces three parallel facts: the first related by Josephus of Alexander's army, the second by Livy of the capture of New Carthage by Scipio*, the third by Burnet of the preservation of Holland by means of a tide. See Critical Remarks, first note on Ex. xiv. pp. 225-227. Now if the reader will turn to the Scholia of Rosenmüller on the Old Testament, Ex. xiv. 20, he will find all these three unacknowledged quotations, with some others, alluded to or transcribed at length.

We have thought it the more requisite to remark this derogatory circum❤

*The inanity of the argument from parallels defective in the main point, has been Critical Remarks of Dr. Geddes were reexposed on a former occasion, when the viewed. To weaken the argument still further, it may be observed, that Scipio, according to Livy, was an arraut impos tor. See Hist. 1. xxvi, § 19.

stance, because the services which Dr. Geddes has rendered to impiety, have procured him many extravagant admirers among the enemies of our faith. One particularly, assuming the name of "a man of letters," in a publication devoted to the advance.

* It is no part of our intention to pull to pieces the rhapsody of this man of letters, It is his opinion, we suppose; because, as he says, it is the popular one, "that the Mosaic system or doctrine does not inculcate the idea of a future state." There are difficulties in the question, which this writer seems as little to understand as he is competent to resolve. We refer him, for something on the opposite side, to a Dissertation revised, approved, and enlarged by Michaelis, being the substance of part of his Lectures on the Old Testament, digested by one of his pupils. Sec his Syntag. Comment. Pars i. pp. 80

120. A. D. 1759.

To the Editor of the Christian Observer. AFTER having read the Anti-jacobin Review for the month of April, the apology which its editor had offered in the preceding number for the very reprehensible article noticed in the Christian Observer for February, recurred forcibly to my mind; and I turned to the last page, for the purpose of ascertaining whether the editor were not again attacked by the complaint, which occasioned the admission of the libel on the Church of England, which has given so much offence; for there seems to be such a correspondence between some sentiments broached in the number for April and that libel, that I was afraid lest the conductor, who has (it seems) no coadjutor whom he can safely trust with the management of the work in his absence, should again be incapacitated for literary exertion.

My reason for this apprehension will be found in the critique on Mr. Archdeacon Law's Charge to the Clergy of the Diocese of Rochester.-Antijacobin Review for April last, p. 430 432. In the citations made from this charge, it is asserted of the thirtynine articles, in contradiction to the

express declaration prefixed to them, that they are merely "articles of peace." The archdeacon then refers to a (supposed) "diversity of opinion" among the reformers, as accounting for that ambiguity in the articles, the existence of which he attempts to prove. But as the articles were drawn up and published for the express purpose of "avoiding diversities of opinions, and for the stablishing of consent touching true religion;' the founders of our church must have greatly erred, if they could have supposed that ambiguous articles would have produced the desired effect, Will the Anti-jacobin Reviewers allow, that the introduction of ambiguity into the oaths of allegiance and supremacy would conduce to the "avoiding of diversities of opinions, and the stablishing of consent touching true" loyalty?

In the next sentence "the contender for justification by faith alone," who is said to "shelter himself" under the eleventh article, (and, happily, it affords him a perfect shelter) is desired to "extend his search to the article" on good works; as though there were some inconsistency between the eleventh article and the

twelfth, in which "good works are termed the natural, nay, the necessary effects of a true and lively faith." But the twelfth article is not surely to be considered as an explanation of the eleventh; but as treating on another subject, connected with the former as effect with its cause, yet distinct from it.

The only consequence, Mr. Editor, which appears to me likely_to result from this paragraph of Dr. Law's charge, is the depression of the credit due to the article, and a disruption of those obligations, which subscription to them lays on the clergy. The following paragraph places our reformers and their articles on still lower ground; for we are there told, that in explaining the articles, "recourse" is to be had "to the controversies that were subsisting at the period when a rule of faith was agreed upon; that "the minds of men were, at that time, much employed upon some abstruse and mysterious matters, little tending, perhaps, to edification;" and that mutual concessions were both demanded and complied with." Now what is the inference intended to be drawn from these observations, (observations which appear to me to be wholly destitute of historical evidence), but that the minds of the compilers of our articles were warped by controversy; and that the articles themselves have, of consequence, received a tincture of error from the unsettled and jarring opinions of those who drew them up*. Yet every clergyman subscribes, willingly and ex animo, "that he acknowledgeth all and every the articles, contained, &c. being in number thirty-nine, besides the ratification, to be agreeable to the word of God."

I cannot help observing, that the remedy which Dr. Law proposes for

"Whosoever shall affirm, that any of the nine and thirty articles are in any part superstitious and erroneous, or such as he may not, with a good conscience, subscribe unto, let him be excommunicated ipso facto, &c." Can. v. But affirmations and insinuations differ from each other, as a sword from slow poison.

66

the relief of tender consciences, will produce an effect diametrically contrary to that which he intends; for the very mode of expression, articles of peace," seems to mean (if it means any thing) that the articles ought NOT to be understood in their natural and obvious, i. e. in their "literal and grammatical sense." If I am mistaken in this, let the true sense of the phrase be clearly ascertained. Besides this, the phrase itself is a dagger plunged into the very throat of his cause: for, if every subscriber is at liberty to understand the articles in a sense that coincides with his own private theological sentiments; and, by necessary consequence, different subscribers will understand them in different senses, they unavoidably become, not "articles of peace," but of strife and contention: and this remark is justified by the history of the present day.

Does it appear to any unprejudiced person, that either Mr. Archdeacon Law, or his encomiasts the Anti-jacobin Reviewers, who have styled his sentiments "manly and correct," do cordially approve our doctrinal articles, or that they take them in "their literal and grammatical sense?" If the pillars on which our episcopacy is built, were assaulted or sapped after the same manner, in which the basis of our established creed is undermined, how loud would the Antijacobin Reviewers be in their complaints of Methodism, Semi-methodism, and other high crimes and misdemeanors! I cannot, Mr. Editor, conceal my conviction, that these gentlemen are hostile to the doctrines of the articles in their present form, as they are enjoined to be taken; and, I believe, that very few candid persons will pronounce me uncharitable for the suspicion I entertain concerning them. Surely it would be more "manly and correct" nobly to stand forward and avow, "I dislike such and such sentimentsTM contained in the creed of the Church of England, and therefore am constrained to be, in a very essential point, a Dissenter from it.'

PHILO-HONESTAS.

GREAT BRITAIN. We have been requested by a correspondient to publish the following queries, with a view to ascertain, whether the lower classes of people in this kingdom are properly furnished with Bibles, viz.-1. Can the poor in your neighbourhood generally read?— 2. To what extent are they furnished with the Holy Scriptures? Should it appear that the distribution of the Scriptures has been, as is suspected, extremely partial, little doubt can be entertained that the benevolence of the public will contrive some adequate expedient for remedying so great an evil. Private communications with real signatures may be left with the Publisher of this Work.

A new edition greatly improved of Mr. GRANVILLE SHARPE'S excellent work on the Greek Article is in the Press, and will speedily be published.

A new edition of Mr. ASTLE's work on the Origin of Writing, will soon be published, much augmented and improved.

A Translation of FROISSART's Chronicle, by Mr. JOHNES, M. P. for Cardiganshire, is printing at that gentleman's seat at Hafod.

An English Diatesseron, or a Digest of the Four Gospels into one regular narrative, from the Greek, lately arranged by Professor WHITE, of Oxford, will soon appear, with historical and explanatory notes, by the Rev. Mr. WARNER. A Latin edition has been already published; chiefly compiled from the translation of Castalio.

An Account of Voyages made in the Southern Ocean has been written by Captain BURNEY, the first volume of which will soon appear.

Mr. GRANT, a lieutenant in the navy, has in the Press the Narrative of a Voyage of Discovery, which will contain a particular description of the new passage north of Van Dieman's Land, and other interesting

matter.

The CHANCELLOR'S Prizes at Oxford have been adjudged to the Rev. DANIEL WILSON, B. A. of St. Edmund's-Hall, for the English Essay on Common Sense; and to Mr. PHILIP SHUTTLEWORTH, of New College, for the Latin Verses on Byzantiam. An additional prize this year has been obtained by Mr. REGINALD HEBER, of Brasennose College, for a copy of English Verses, the subject Palestine.

Mr. KIRWAN has furnished the follow ing Prognostics of the Weather. When the barometer falls, and the hygrometer rises, rain is announced: when the barometer rises, and the hygrometer falls, we may expect fair weather, if farther changes do not appear in these instruments, as some.

times there suddenly do. If both the barometer and hygrometer fall, windy wea ther will probably follow, particularly if the barometer falls much below its natural height. In the morning the hygrometer is generally higher than at noon, by reason of the difference of temperature; but if it stand lower at noon than the difference of temperature will account for, it prognosticates fair weather; on the contrary, if at noon it be higher than it stood in the morning, rain may be expected.

The same philosopher has laid down the following Prognostics of change in the Darometer. Observe it at seven o'clock in the morning, and afterwards at nine and at ten.

If it remain steady, its next motion will probably be downwards: so also if it fall within that interval of time, the probability is that it will sink still lower; but if it rise within that interval, the probabili. ties of a greater rise or of a greater fall are equal. Observe it again at one, and again at three; if it remain unmoved, it is probable that it will rise; but if it have fallen, the probabilities of a farther rise or fall are equal.

FRANCE.

This

Astronomers for a long time suspected there was an error in the measurement of a Degree of the Meridian, effected in 1736 in Lapland, by Maupertuis, Lemonier, Outhier, and Celsius. M. Swanberg, and three other Swedish Astronomers, have lately measured a degree, and found it to be 57,209 toises, which gives 196 toises less than by the French measure. agrees with other circumstances, and proves that the figure of the earth is not so irregular as it was believed to be after the first measurement. M. Mechain set out from Paris, April 26, for Spain, where he will measure a triangle of 93,000 toises, terminating at the Balearic Isles; and which will complete the great and important measure of the Meridian, which has been for some years carrying into execution by Mechain and Delamere.

RUSSIA.

Dr. BUTTAZ, known for his Treatise on Phosphorus, has been commissioned by the Emperor to travel through Russia, for the purpose of extending the Vaccine Inoculation. The Emperor has presented him with a gratuity of 1200 roubles, and a considerable sum for travelling expences. After staying several weeks at Moscow, Dr. Buttaz proceeded to visit the principal towns in the South of Russia, with the intention of afterwards visiting the other governments of the Empire.

THEOLOGY.

A new Translation of Paschal's Thoughts on Religion, and other important Subjects. To which are added Memoirs of his Life and Writings. With a Portrait. 7s. boards. A Sermon preached in Lambeth Chapel, the 27th of March, 1803, at the Consecration of the Right Reverend George Pelham, Bishop of Bristol. By John Garnett, M. A. 1s. 6d.

A Dissertation concerning the Writer of the Fourth Gospel, tending to shew that John the Apostle and John the Evangelist were different Persons. By the Reverend James M'Conochie. 8vo. 3s.

Practical Discourses. By the Reverend Richard Warner. 8vo. 7s. boards.

A Vindication of the Protestant Dissenters from the Charges of the Rev. Thomas Robinson, in a Pamphlet entitled, "A Serious Call to a constant Attendance on the stated Services of the Church of England. By a Dissenter. 6d.

Sermons on various Subjects. By John Grose, A. M. Curate of St. Margaret Pattens, Lecturer of St. Olave, Southwark, and Chaplain to the Right Honourable Countess Dowager Mexborough. 8vo. 8s.

A Course of Advice to all Church Reformation-mongers, containing Strictures on two recent Publications. 8vo.

The Churchman's Remembrancer; being a Collection of scarce and valuable Treatises, in defence of the truly primitive Doctrines and Discipline of the established Church. 8vo.

The good effects of sincere and constant Prayer, exemplified in the History of the Dobson Family. 12mo.

A Vindication of Scriptural Unitarianism, and some other primitive Christian Doctrines, in Reply to Vindex's Examination of an Appeal to the Society of Friends. 8vo. 3s.

The Advantages of Female Friendly Societies considered; a Sermon preached November 11, 1802. By the Rev. John Lowe, M. A. 8vo.

MISCELLANIES.

The Gazetteer of Scotland, containing a Description of the Counties, Cities, &c. with an Account of the Political Constitution, of the State of Agriculture, Population, Natural History, Seats of the Nobibility, &c. with a Map. 8vo. 10s. 6d.

Travels in the United States of America in 1798, 1799, 1800, 1801, and 1802. By J. Davis. 8vo. 8s. boards.

A History of the Wars which arose out of the French Revolution, from their Commencement in 1792, until the Peace of 1802. To which is prefixed, a Review of the Causes and early Progress of the French Revolution. By Alexander Stephens, Esq. Two large volumes, medium 4to. illustrated with Maps. £.3. 13s. 6d.

A Treatise on Mathematical and Mechanical Inventions for Chimney-sweeping; with a Disquisition on the different Forms of Chimnies, and shewing how to cure smokey ones. By George Orr, Esq. 1s.

A plain Discourse on the Causes, Symp toms, Nature, and Cure of the Epidemical Disease, termed Influenza. By John Herd. man, M. D. 2s.

Remarks on the late War in St. Domin. go, with Observations on the relative Situations of Jamaica; and other interesting Subjects. By Colonel Chalmers. 2s. 6d.

Considerations on the Laws of Honour, occasioned by a late melancholy Event. By a Military Gentleman. 1s.

The British Essayist, containing the Spectator, Tatler, and Guardian, the Rambler, Adventurer, World, Connoisseur, Idler, Mirror, Lounger, and Observer. With Prefaces Historical and Biographi cal. By Alexander Chalmers, A. M. Forty-five volumes, royal eighteens, with Portraits. £.9. boards.

A Series of Views, in or near the Park of Weston Underwood, accompanied with Descriptions, and a Sketch of the Life of Cowper. Demy 8vo. 10s. 6d. royal 8vo. 15s. to. 16s.

Asiatic Researches, or Transactions of the Society instituted in Bengal for enquir ing into the History and Antiquities, &c. of Asia. Volume VII. 4to. £.1. 4s. 8vo. 10s. 6d.

An Address to Lord Grenville, in behalf of the inferior beneficed Clergy. Is.

Beneficence, or Verses addressed to the Patrons of the Society for bettering the Condition of the Poor. By Thomas Alston Warren, B. D. 2s. 6d.

Scenes of Youth, or Rural Recollections; with other Poems. By William Holloway. With cuts. 8vo. 4s.

Essays on the Population of Ireland, and on the Characters of the Irish; by a Member of the last Irish Parliament. 2s.

Annals of Public Economy, compre hending Statistics, or whatever relates to Agriculture, Commerce, and Industry, Foreign Literature, Manners, including public Amusements, and to History, on general Policy. Collected by Henry Redhead Yorke, Esq. 2 vols. 8vo. 12s. boards.