along with the Society. With our present views, we believe, had we been in their circumstances, we should have acted differently; but we do not, on this account, think them less entitled to honour for their firm and conscientious conduct.

In consequence of these circumstances, Dr. Henderson published his appeal. Some have disapproved of this act of apparent hostility to the Society. But we are convinced the good likely to result from the critical discussion of the principles of Biblical translation, in the present state of the world, will be far greater that any damage which the Society can sustain from the publication.

In answer to this appeal, Dr. Lee published his remarks, with the appendix, containing the opinions of the foreign Turkish scholars, on which the Society's Committee acted. This has been followed by Dr. Henderson's vindication. The outline of the whole affair, is now before our readers. The controversy is one of the most important which has lately occurred, and the publications before us contain some of the gravest matters which can be submitted to the Christian public. Who are the proper persons to be intrusted with the work of translating the Word of God? On what principles ought these translations to be conducted? are questions of the first consequence in the operations of the Bible Society, and on their being properly met, must, in a great measure, depend the confidence which will be reposed in the Society's foreign undertakings.

We have examined the documents on our table with all the attention in our power, and are now prepared to submit the result of that examination to the public. Our limits prevent us from enlarging, and we are almost precluded from giving extracts, by

the perpetual occurrence of Turkish and other oriental characters; but we have a decided opinion, as to the merits of the two writers, and the case which has been made out.

We think in Dr. Henderson's two works there is a portion of hypercriticism, and that some of the faults which he charges upon Ali Bey's version, will apply to other translations which are held in some esteem, and which do not materially affect their value as versions of the word of God. At the same time, we agree with him on all the great principles of biblical criticism and translation, and differ most widely from Dr. Lee in the loose, undefined, and licentious principles of interpretation which he maintains and defends. We most solemnly declare, that we should have no confidence in any translation of the Scriptures executed or edited on Dr. Lee's principles. We are not of the school of Arias Montanus; but neither are we of that of Castalio, or Harwood. Dr. Lee's views and defence of Ali Bey would justify the very worst freedoms of these translators.

It appears to us, that Dr. Henderson has completely succeeded in making out his case against the version of Ali Bey, as first edited. The chief points on which their opinion rests, are as follow.

The

The leading charges against that version he has adduced satisfac-' tory evidence to sustain. substance of that evidence, Dr. Lee has, according to our conviction, totally failed to overthrow.

The Society, after printing the original version of Ali Bey, as far as Deuteronomy, have been induced to abandon, and we suppose to destroy, the impression. We have no explanation of their conduct; but we have too much confidence in their economy and good sense, to suppose that they would have done so, had they not

The Turkish Bible, as now edited by Professor Kieffer, must, according to the order of the Bible Committee," be purified of every thing extraneous or supplementary, as far as the genius of the Turkish language will admit." This is all for which Dr. Henderson had contended.

The edition of the Turkish Old Testament, as now publishing at Paris, compared with that formerly printed at Berlin, of both of which Dr. Henderson has printed a portion in parallel columns, with a literal version in English, also in parallel columns, affords conclucive proof that Professor Kieffer bas made all those corrections, which it was the great object of Dr. Henderson to effect.

Such being the state of the case, it must appear very surprising to all candid persons, that Dr. Lee should defend, in the most determined manner, every form of expression, and almost every alleged fault in that version, which, as one of a committee, he issued orders should be purged and corrected in those very respects which he out and out defends.

In regard to the manner in which the respective parties have conducted this discussion, we must

say a little. Dr. Henderson has, throughout, written in the style of a gentleman and a Christian. We are sorry that we cannot bear the same testimony to Dr. Lee. His pamphlet is written in the tone of insult from beginning to end. His perpetual sneers at

66

we

our Doctor," his "taste," his "sacred taste," &c. &c. must say, are in very bad taste in such a discussion, and that the Cambridge Professor of Arabic is not entitled to flaunt and boast as he has done. Independently of the main point in this discussion, such evidence has been adduced

fairness, and inaccuracy as a critic and a writer, as must greatly shade his respectability in the eyes of discerning men.

our

We feel it the more necessary to advert to these points, on account of the confidence placed in Professor Lee by the Committee of the Bible Society. They ought to be apprised, that the public will look with jealousy to what is dependent in a great measure on the authority and weight of his name. This is not the first time that warning has been given. We have now on table two pamphlets, the production of a highly accomplished scholar just removed in the prime of life, to the infinite regret of his friends, and to the incalculable loss of the republic of letters.* The first of these, entitled " Critical Researches in Philology and Geography," Glasgow, 1824; and containing " A Review of Jones's Persian Grammar; Persian Grammar; the eighth edition, with considerable additions and improvements, by Dr. Lee." The other is "Remarks on Professor Lee's Vindication of his edition of Jones's Persian Grammar, published in the July

66

The author of these works was Mr. student at the University of that city. John Bell, a native of Glasgow, and We have good reason to know, that he was one of the most distinguished linguists and philologists of this or any age. In oriental literature, his attainments were of the first order. He had made consi

derable preparation for a new edition of Taylor's Hebrew Concordance, with great and important additions and improve

ments. Dr. Lee ascribed his criticisms, which were published anonymously, to a personal enemy well known to him; not supposing that any other motive could produce an examination of his acquirements. In this, however, he was egregiously mistaken, as Mr. Bell, we are assured, never saw his face, and could have no motive of a personal nature for engaging in the controversy. This extraordinary young man, of whom we hope some more extended notice will be given to the public, died at Glasgow, on the 1st of January, in his thirty-second year.

and August numbers of the Asiatic Journal." Glasgow, 1825.

In these works the merits of Dr. Lee as an Arabic and Persic scholar, are examined at considerable length, and the same carelessness, rashness, and indecency in his editorial and critical labours in these languages are exposed, which appear in his work on the Turkish Version. These are ac companied also with the same spirit of dogmatism and contempt of his Reviewer. As it is not our object to write a criticism on these productions, we merely quote one passage for the information of all

concerned.

"Dr. Lee may rest satisfied, that had it not been for the connexion, subsisting between him and the principal Bible and Missionary Societies, we should never have

troubled the public with any of our trashy

lucubrations, as he has been pleased to designate them. Our aim was this, and we think it was not ambiguously expressed, to inform Dr. Lee and the public, that if he could not edit a correct edition of a grammar, of a language in which he was understood to be an adept, he was not, in our judgment, a fit person to be employed

as editor of oriental translations of the Bible. This is still our belief, and a perusal of his vindication has tended to con

firm us more strongly in our opinion; so that it was by no means any personal consideration that induced us to attack him,

but a regard to the best interests of the Bible Society and the cause of missions."

Since writing the above, we have heard that Professor Lee has sent an answer to the work of Dr. Henderson, to be deposited in the archives of the Bible Society! Can this be a fact? What is the reason of this unprecedented mode of terminating a public critical discussion? Is such conduct fair to Dr. Henderson, justifiable on the part of the Bible Society's Committee, or honourable to Dr. Lee? We have one decided opinion on the matter, which we hesitate not openly to express, that if this reply is not made public, we shall consider it conclusive evi

dence of the truth of Dr. Henderson; and that Dr. Lee has made a cowardly retreat, under cover of the Bible Society's Committee, from which they ought to drive him, that he may either justify or forfeit the confidence, which they have reposed in his editorial and philological authority.

MEMOIRS OF THE REV. THOMAS HALYBURTON; with an introductory Essay, by the Rev. David Young, Perth. Glasgow, 12mo. 1824.-We have often had occasion to recommend the series of "Select Christian Authors," amongst which the subject of the present article is to be ranked, to the notice of our readers. Whether we regard the selection which has been made, the integrity of the text, the ability of the introductory essays, the type, or the price at which the several volumes have been offered, they are entitled to our unqualified approbation. We are in hopes that the publishers will eventually complete a series of books, which they may present to our youths, and to others, whose occupation or rank in life precludes them from a wider range, as a library of doctrinal and practical Christianity. By far the great majority of serious Chris

tians have neither time nor ability to make a judicious selection from the obtrusive offspring of the press. The recommendatory prefaces by which many are introduced into the world, and the false blazon given to them by the magazines, those literary herald-offices, are sufficient to deceive any who make not the knowledge of books the great occupation of their life. It may be fairly presumed, that those publications whose character has improved by time, are worthy of our acquaintance; and, consistenly with this view, the editors of this series have confined their selection as yet to the remains of former days. We trust they will continue on this plan. If we might venture to advise, we would hint that there are mines yet below, and that they should sink their shafts deeper, and present us with the purer ore.

It is needless for us to expatiate in

the praises of Halyburton's life. The recommendation of Dr. Watts, and the concurring approbation of other judicious divines, have already ascertained its merit. We shall only add, that the introductory essay is judiciously written. A VOYAGE TO IMMANUEL'S LAND, in the Ship Hopewell. 2s. 6d. Nisbet.This little volume is calculated to yield

amusement and instruction to those

young readers whose minds are simple and unsophisticated.

It is written in the allegorical style of Bunyan, and we doubt not but many that have followed this great genius at an humble distance, have not been unsuccessful in their efforts to convey benefit to the rising generation under the pleasing mask of simile.

It is interspersed with a few quotations in verse, with which we have been particularly pleased, as applicable to the subject, and breathing the spirit of pure devotion.

We think the fourteenth chapter, containing a portraiture of the sceptic, the best written, and the sceptic's prayer, which is added, is certainly very striking. As we pass along in our perusal, we find many just and excellent remarks, which discover considerable knowledge

of the human heart.

The touching at the Isle of Palms is prettily described. But we think it must have been a powerful telescope indeed

that could discover such minutiae as the amaranthine plants and flowers, golden harps, &c. in the far distant scenes of Immanuel's Land!

The excellent remarks of Mr. Experience, on the difference between spiritual pleasures and those of taste, discover the possibility of mistaking them, and instead of desiring the holiness as well as the happiness of heaven, of sighing after a paradise of pleasure or of poetry. The happy entrance of the ship Hopewell into the "Haven of Rest," is well described.

Upon the whole, we sincerely recommend this little work, as we trust the great end of the author is to do good, in the most important sense of the word.

MARIA'S REWARD; or, A Voice from the Dead. Nisbet, 1825.-This small volume, which is a conversation in a church-yard, between a clergyman and his sister-in law, a child of nine years of age, we have read with pleasure, and consider of a useful tendency. The author, we think, has been peculiarly happy in describing a conversation between a

Sunday-school boy and the clergyman after the former had fractured his leg. In this interview he has adhered to the simplicity of childhood, and has wisely met, as far as possible, the doubts and objections which arose in the child's vidence. We observe, in most writers mind in regard to the mysteries of Prothere are a few eminent exceptions, that for children, although we acknowledge

there is a want of language that is simple, and adapted to childhood-a tendency to express themselves in a manner

more suitable for adults.

THIRD REPORT of the Committee of the Society for the Mitigation and Gradual Abolition of Slavery throughout the British Dominion. 8vo. pp. 35.-The Special Meeting at which this Report was read, was called with a view to the intended renewed application to Parliament, in behalf of the oppressed negroes. Mr. Wilberforce, who had retired from public life, was induced to preside on this occasion.

A COMPANION FOR PILGRIMS on their

Journey to Canaan. Nisbet. This little work is adapted to experienced Christians, and is especially calculated to life. It would make a valuable addition prove acceptable to persons in humble to the Cottage Library.

MALAN'S HYMNS. Price 2s. Nisbet. We have read, with much pleasure, this translation from the French of the Hymns of the Rev. Cæsar Malan, who is well known as a persecuted minister of Christ. They breathe a spirit of unfeigned and ardent piety, in which we think they are equal to any compositions of the kind.

THE MEMORY OF DEPARTED WORTH, an Obituary of the late Rev John Hooper, 4. M. Classical Tutor of Hoxton Academy, and Minister at Old Gravel Lane, London: delivered from his pulpit on the Lord's-day morning after his interment, Dec. 18, 1825, by Jacob Snelgar. 22 pages, 12mo. Westley and Davies.-The long intimacy which it appears subsisted between

the author of this little memorial and his academic associate, has enabled him to furnish many facts connected with the early history of Mr. Hooper, which will be interesting to those who knew him. We think Mr. Snelgar has shown his affection to his departed friend by the publication of this small tract, but we trust that this will not be considered an adequate memorial of so beloved and useful

a man.

THE CHARACTER THE CHRISTIAN MINISTER SHOULD SUSTAIN, and the Influence his Ministry should have upon his People. A Sermon preached on occasion of the Death of the Rev. R. M. Manwaring, A. M. of Bisham, Berks, in the Parish Church of High Wycombe, on Sunday, Nov. 27, 1825, by the Rev. J. C. Williams, B. A. Seeley. This evangelical discourse was occasioned by the melancholy removal of an excellent young clergyman, who was unexpectedly cut off in the commencement of his usefulness, and in his thirty-first year. Mr. Williams's text, John v. 35, "He was a burning and a shining light," &c. led him, I. To consider the character the minister of Jesus should sustain, a burn

ing and shining light, in doctrine, in zeal, in affection, and in life; and, II. The influence his ministry should have upon his people; ye were willing for a season, &c. 1. By a candid reception of his instructions; 2. By a persevering obedience to his precepts; and, 3. By an affectionate attachment to his person. This natural arrangement is throughout illustrated by scriptural statements, and enforced with affectionate earnestness. The sermon is a pleasing specimen of ministerial fidelity, and we sincerely wish that every parish minister proclaimed with equal distinctness the" joyful sound," and laboured with equal fidelity to improve the dispensations of Divine Providence.

DEVONSHIRE..

(Continued from vol. 8. page 669.) EXETER.-Mint Meeting (Presbyterian) -- On the ejection of Messrs. Paine and Hallett in 1719, a new meeting-house was built for them in Mint-Lane. Mr. PEIRCE died March 30th, 1726, in his 53d year. His funeral sermon was preached by Mr. HALLETT Junior, and afterwards published. Mr. JOSEPH HALLETT Junior succeeded his father and Mr. Peirce, and was the author of many valuable tracts. In 1729 he published his Notes and Observations on the Scriptures. It deserves to be mentioned, that there is scarcely a conjectural emendation of the Hebrew text proposed by him, which was not afterwards found by J. Kennicott in one manuscript or another to have been an ancient reading. To him was chosen assistant Mr. THOMAS JEFFERY, the author of several valuable treatises on the Christian Revelation. Mr. DAVID WILLIAMS was the next minister. He introduced the liturgy used at Liverpool into this society. On the removal of this gentleman to London, the liturgy was thrown aside; and the society chose for his successor Mr. JOSEPH BRETLAND, who had been one of the first students in the academy established at Exeter in 1760. After officiating for some time he resigned, and was succeeded by Mr. JOHN HOGG. This gentleman, however soon relinquished his station, and Mr. BRETLAND was again elected. In 1792 Mr. Bretland, at the request of the society, again iutroduced the liturgy, which was however soon abanNEW SERIES, No. 14.

doned. Mr. Bretland again resigned his office, and was succeeded by Mr. THEOPHILUS EDWARDS, who settled as pastor in 1794. He continued here some time, till the congregation being considerably diminished, he gave up his charge, and his remaining hearers joined the congregation at George's. The meeting house was sold to the Methodists, who pulled it down, and on its site built a large and handsome chapel, capable of containing 1200 persons.

ROCH'S LANE (Tabernacle,)-The congregation assembling here originated in the labours of the apostolic WHITFIELD, and his disciple Mr. HENRY TANNER. This latter gentleman was born in Exeter in 1718, and was first impressed with a sense of religion by Mr. Whitfield at Plymouth. On his return to his native city in 1754, he undertook the charge of this congregation. In the year 1764, he built the present edifice, and was ordained the pastor of the church. Either not knowing, or not approving the ordinary method of ordination used among dissenters, Mr. TANNER was set apart in an unusual manner. Seven deacons were chosen from the members of the church, three of whom assisted in the ordination. Mr. Tanner died March 24th, 1805, and his life has been presented to the public view. He was a man of piety, and good natural abilities. He was the instrument of doing much good in his native city, and died generally respected. On his decease Mr. TREGO became the pastor of this church. On his resignation Mr. LEE succeeded; on Mr. Lee's death,

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