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gunpowder, containing about six pounds, and placed on the staircase in the interior of the Chateau des Thuilleries, which leads to the apartment of Madame and his Majesty. Fortunately no injury was sustained by any person from the explosion. On the night of the same day, a petard was exploded near the carriage of the Duke d'Angouleme, in which he was returning from Compeigne. Since these attempts, petards have exploded in several parts of the city of Paris, without effect. Several arrests had been made, but the authors of these daring attempts had not been discovered. Suspicions had rested against a person named Neveu, which led to his arrest, but at the moment he entered the office of the Commissary, he took a razor, which he had concealed in his clothes, and cut his throat in such a manner as to cause his immediate death.

Among the gentlemen of distinction who attended the King's levee held on the 26th January, we observe the name of Mr. Rush, the American Minister.

Admiral Sir George Campbell, commander in chief on the Portsmouth station, has committed suicide, in a fit of insanity, by shooting himself with a pistol.

Sir William Scott, who has for some time been seriously indisposed, is announced by the London papers, to have so far recovered as to be out of danger.

The Caxton Printing Office, at Copperas Hill, Liverpool, the most extensive periodical publication warehouse in the United Kingdom, has been completely destroyed by fire, with all its contents. The stock, types, presses, and premises, were insured for 36,000 pounds sterling.

Preparations have been made at the Mint in London, for coining 10,000,000 guineas within the year 1821. By the time the process is in complete operation, the issues will amount to 200,000 per week...

The University of Edinburgh now reckons not less than 2000 students, a greater number, it is believed, than any university in Europe could ever boast of.

The preparations for the coronation feat in Westminster Hall, are going forward, and rumour fixes the month of May for this splendid spectacle.

The celebrated pedestrian, Lieut. Owen, who undertook to walk 50 miles a day, in the vicinity of London, in 12 hours each

day, for 12 days in succession, had on the sixth day completed 300 miles. Betting was 3 to 1 against the accomplishment of the performance.

All the Italian witnesses have been removed off from Cotton Gardens, and the place is now restored to its former state.

In Saxony, which prides herself on being the cradle of the Protestant religion, the Catholic clergy, it appears, prohibit intermarriages with Protestants, unless the parties engage to educate their children in the Catholic religion; and the priests have even gone the length of declaring marriages celebrated by the Protestant clergy null and void, and the parties guilty of the sin of adultery. The university of Leipsic has taken the alarm at this illegal interference of the Catholic clergy, and resolv. ed to bring the subject under the cognizance of the diet

The Sierra Leone Gazette, of Nov. 18, says "Recent letters from the Gambia, contain the disagreeable intelligence of some sanguinary successes obtained over the French on the upper Senegal. It is no small aggravation of the misfortune that it involved the loss of a French vessel, carrying supplies to the amount of 3000 pounds sterling, to the British expedition to the interior of Africa, under Major Grey, now at Galam, where these supplies were awaited as a fresh outfit."

An article from Constantinople, says"The Sultan seems to have enough upon his hands every where. The Montenegrins have declared war, and he has been compelled to despatch seven detachments of artillery against them. His highness has received a present of 150 heads, carefully packed up, from one of his generals. He rewarded the bearers most liberally."

Naples. By the most recent accounts from Naples, it appears that every exer. tion is making for a vigorous defence against the troops of the allies. Reports already state that the Congress at Laybach had submitted the outlines of a Constitution of government to the Parliament of Naples, and that the Austrian army had taken up their march to enforce its acceptance.No doubt seems to remain that the allies are determined to resist all further revolu tions, if not to restore the ancient order of things, where they have already happened.

The Duc de Gallo, despatched by the Neapolitan Parliament to the King at Laybach, received at Udline a prohibition to enter the Austrian dominions.

Answers to Correspondents necessarily deferred.

THE

CHRISTIAN SPECTATOR.

No. IV.]

APRIL, 1821.

Religious Communicationg.

For the Christian Spectator. Remarks on the criticism of the Bible.

In the writings of some theologians, we not unfrequently find remarks on what is called the criticism of the Bible, which indicate opinions of its nature, and appprehensions of its consequences, which can hardly be reconciled with any just and rational views of the subject. Criticism is sometimes represented by the writers referred to, as a portion of sacred literature of comparatively little importance, and with which, as an obvious consequence, we need have little concern; as made up chiefly of the speculations and conjectures of ingenious men, who have studied the language of the sacred writings to the almost entire neglect of their practical use; and as opening a wide field for the vagaries of rash and adventurous minds, whose course thus begun, almost necessarily terminates in partial or entire unbelief. These writers, however, at times, seem not wholly insensible to the value of critical learning. In cases of difficulty they will themselves resort to it for assistance. Still, when most favourably disposed, they seem to approach it with dread, and to look upon a critical apparatus as a collection of edged tools, which they, indeed, in cases of extremity, may venture to use, but which, by all means, are to be kept out of hands less skilful and less cautious than their own. It is especially urged, that the criticism of the bible, is, in its nature, different from that of the other writings of antiquity; and that to come to the examination of the books of Vol. 3.-No. IV. 22

[VOL. III.

the old and new testaments, with the same critical rules as to the writings of Homer and Demosthenes, of Virgil and Cicero, is to confound things essentially distinct, and to mistake what is sacred for what is profane.

That this representation is correct might be shewn, if necessary, by nu merous quotations from popular theological writings. That it is not wholly without foundation, may be seen by reference to a production in the Christian Spectator, so late as the number for February last. In that number, the reviewer of the inaugural discourse of Prof. Norton, after stating, that to the illustration of the more difficult portions of scripture, "the adepts in philology and the languages will be called ;" and that "their services in the departments in which they labor, need not be underrated;" and, indeed, that he would concede to them all "deserved honour;" goes on to say;-"that so far aş the sacred volume is concerned, not a little danger attends the pursuit of these philological niceties. We are not permitted to approach that book with our critical analysis, just as the anatomist approaches the subjects of his intended operations, to disjoint and dissect them as he pleases. The divine character of the work must, from its nature, impose a restraint on the feelings of men; and it certainly ought to repress the presumption, that would treat it, as though it were merely a human production." And again; ❝peculiar grace is necessary for persons who carry these philological researches to the greatest extent, that they may not, as with many has been

the case, be carried over to the side of extravagant opinion, and even of infidelity."

These passages are not produced as containing the strongest views of those who are disposed to undervalue the importance of criticism, or who are alarmed at the consequences to which, as they think, it leads; but as examples which are at hand, and which prove, that the statement given above of the manner in which sacred criticism is often spoken of, is substantially true. But moderate and comparatively mild as is the language of this writer, its obvious import is, that skill in criticism is an attainment of secondary value;-that the criticism of the bible, differs essentially from that of any other book; -and that the dangers attending critical studies are so great, that "peculiar grace" is requisite to preserve the student of biblical philology from extravagant opinion, and even from infidelity.

At a time when the criticism of the Bible is receiving through our country an increased degree of attention in a theological education, no one probably will deny the importance of a full consideration of these positions of the reviewer. If the criticism of the scriptures is, in truth, of little importance, it certainly concerns all theological students to know what are its real claims on their attention; that they may not bestow upon it a disproportionate share of time and labour. If there are essential differences between the criticism of the old and new testaments, and the other writings of antiquity, no time should be lost in making these differences so clear and prominent, that they can neither be mistaken nor disregarded. And if the dangers which beset the path of philology are so numerous and alarming, that few who travel that way, can hope to escape unhurt; all will admit the importance of at once having these dangers more particularly marked and defined, that the student may secure the advantages of critical research, without put

ting in jeopardy the very existence of his faith.

It is not the object of the present communication to give a full discussion of these interesting topics. Indeed,, to do them justice, would require much more time and space than can be now allotted for this purpose. A few remarks, however, will be hazarded, with the expectation and wish, that those who entertain different views from the writer, will not be backward in expressing them; as it is from a comparison of opinions, and the grounds on which they have been formed, that truth is most easily elicited, and a final agreement among dissentients produced.

The first subject of inquiry, then, is, how far sacred criticism is important, and the degree of attention it claims from the student. Here it seems necessary to state more partic ularly what is meant by the criticism of the Bible. Theological writers are not agreed in their use of the term criticism. Some confine it to that department of study which respects the text of the scriptures, or the determination of what is, and what is not, to be considered a part of the sacred volume; others, however, give it a more extended meaning, and by the criticism of the bible, intend not only the settling of the text of the old and new testaments, but the application of the principles of the original languages, and the use of history and antiquities, in elucidating the meaning of the sacred writers. Criticism in this broader sense, is usually intended by those who speak lightly of its importance, and seems to be the thing especially aimed at by the reviewer in his censures of "philological niceties,"" critical analysis," and treating the scriptures as "merely a human production." Though the reviewer appears inclined to concede to criticism thus understood, all "deserved honour," yet as others are not disposed to unite with him in this act of plain justice, it may be useful to remark on the real as well as comparative importance of this part of theolo

gical learning: and first, on the criticism of the text.

Now it seems obvious on the slightest inspection of this subject, that to have settled views on the nature and degree of proof, which may be brought in favour of any one copy of the old or new testament, in preference to others, is not so unimportant, that it may be safely dispensed with in those who appear before the world as the defenders and interpreters of the sacred volume. If it be thought requisite that a public teacher of christianity should be familiar with the arguments with which he is to vindicate the divine origin of his religion against the objections and cavils of the infidel; how can it be shewn that it is not likewise requisite that he should be able clearly to identify the book in which this religion is taught? If it be said that all copies of the bible essentially agree, and that, therefore, the knowledge of manuscripts and versions, and of the mode of reasoning which is employed in determining their value, may be safely left among the non-essentials of a theological education; it is replied, that this agreement is a thing to be proved; and in proportion to the importance of the fact, that there is this essential agreement, is the importance of being able to substantiate it with suitable arguments. That there is, however, a diversity of opinion respecting the true reading of passages, which concern, not points of mere speculation, but what are assumed as the very grounds and pillars of the truth, must be well known to every one at all acquainted with theological controversy. But to understand the nature of the argument respecting these passages, it is necessary to be familiar, in a good degree, with the general course of reasoning on the whole subject of the criticism of the text. Every department of knowledge has its own peculiar principles, which are necessary to be understood, if we would reason to effect, even on its subordinate parts: for to most subjects of investigation may be applied, what Cicero

says of the philosophy of his age, that it is difficult to comprehend even a little without knowing much, and, indeed, being familiar with the whole system.

To settle the comparative importance of different branches of theological learning, is not very easy; and among those branches, which are admitted to be clearly of use, such determination is wholly unnecessary. Perhaps it will be found on trial, that this comparative value varies according to the exigencies of the times, and the difference of situation, and duties required of different theologians. There was undoubtedly a period in the ecclesiastical concerns of this country, when any one speculating on this subject might have decided, that for a clergyman to be deeply versed in the argument for the truth of christianity, was comparatively unimportant. Hardly an unbeliever was to be found; and a general knowledge of the ground on which the truth of revelation rests, was, for all practical purposes, sufficient. There has been likewise a period, when great familiarity with this particular department of theological learning, especially in certain situations, was essential.

The same may be said of that part of sacred criticism, which respects the text of the scriptures. If there has been a time when skill in this department was of little or no practical use, it was because the controversies of the day were not made to turn on a difference of readings. But that time is not our own. In the age in which we live, theological discussions almost uniformly are conducted in a greater or less degree, with reference to such differences; and the importance of an acquaintance with the "niceties" of criticism is proportionally enhanced.

The labour necessary for acquiring the requisite knowledge in this department of biblical criticism, is not great. The materials, of which this knowledge is composed, have, indeed, been collected with immense toil :—but

they are now so well digested in various works within the reach of every theological student, and the principles of judging arising out of these materials so well settled, that the course of the scholar is little impeded. No one, then, need be deterred by the magnitude of the undertaking from attempting to familiarize himself with this part of critical knowledge. Even if an individual is satisfied that there is no important corruption in the cominon text of the scriptures, he can have no valid reason for neglecting the means, which he may find necessary, to meet the doubts or cavils of others; as it is only on critical ground, that critical objections can be successfully repelled.

If this is the conclusion to which we are brought as to the value of critical knowledge, when confined to the settling of the text; much less reason will be found to underrate its importance, when viewed in connection with the extensive subject of interpretation.

One of the first things we observe, in reading the old and new testaments, in our common English version, is the very marked difference of style from that which is used by original writers in our own language. This difference is found in the structure of sentences, in the mode of argument and illustration, and in the imagery adopted by the sacred writers. The whole book has the air of very great antiquity: we here find ancient institutions, ancient customs, and the entire collection has the appearance of being a very literal translation from very ancient languages. If we examine more particular ly, we find no inconsiderable part of the old testament peculiarly obscure from the religious precepts' being involved in the history of the Jews and the surrounding nations. To determine, for instance, when the prophets speak of things future, or when they are merely relating things past; wheth er what they say is of general application, or is to be limited by the occasion on which it was spoken, is a difficulty which meets every reader, at the

first glance of the eye on this part of the sacred volume. The Psalms, likewise, from our ignorance of the occasions on which many of them were written, are not of easy interpretation; and we, in fact, find that according as the circumstances, which are supposed to have led to the composition of very many of them, are differently assumed, an entirely different meaning is deduced by the expositor. If we turn to the new testament, the same difficulties very early present themselves. To be particular only as to the epistles of St. Paul: we find that most of them were written on special occasions, to meet some new exigency in the circumstances of the church, or individual to whom he sends. The controversy respecting the obligations of the Jewish ritual on christians, and the terms on which Gentile converts were to be admitted to the communion of the Christian Church, occupies a large part of his attention. In his epistle to the Hebrews, the whole argument turns on the history, laws, and observances of that people. To explain, then, such a book as the bible, made up of the writings of men who lived in very different ages, writings accommodated to the ever varying condition of a nation, which experienced in turn the extremes of prosperity and adversity, would seem, on the first view of the subject, to be attended with difficulties of no ordinary character, and to require no ordinary share of learning.

But to this it is objected, that the scriptures were intended for the general use of christians in all ages of the church; and that to maintain a very considerable share of erudition to be necessary to a full understanding of them, is to impeach the character of their divine author: as the argument seems to suppose, that God has given to mankind a revelation of his will, but in so obscure a manner, that very few, and those only who have enjoyed peculiar advantages of education, are really qualified to investigate its meaning. To determine, however, from general considerations of propriety and expe

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