can discover, that our verse was generally received in the sixteenth century, by the most learned criticks, by evangelical churches and universities. The industrious Kettner, of the Lutheran church, gave a full and very interesting sketch of its gradual and general reception in the churches of all Europe.

In the early part of the sixteenth century appeared the celebrated Polyglott of Ximenes. It was printed off in the year 1517, but owing, I presume, to the lamented death of the Cardinal Ximenes, it was not published until 1522.† Upwards of eight very valuable criticks were employed by the Cardinal on it, for more than twelve years. The fourth and last volume contains the New Testament, in the Greek text and Latin version only. Our verse is found in its place in this Polyglott. The gentlemen on the other side, have raised an objection against the authority of this Polyglott. They deny that Ximenes possessed any MSS. of value or antiquity. And they have even ventured to say that he had no MSS. to sustain him in inserting the text of the heavenly witness; that he caused it to be translated into Greek from the Latin version. In reply, we have to say, that the very learned scholars, together with Ximenes, tell us, that no pains nor expense was spared, to procure from all parts, the most correct and most ancient MSS. in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin; and that the Greek exemplars were from the Vatican Library of Rome; and moreover, they bear ample testimony to the value of the MSS. which they use. And although this must be taken with limitations, in those infantine days of biblical criticism, we may, at least, boldly set up their statements against the proofless conjectures of their opponents.‡

To the other portion of the above charge, we have to reply, that Xime

* Kettneri Hist. Dicti Johannei, &c. pp. 190-193.

Butler's Hor. Bibl. vol. i. p. 90.
See Butler's Hor. Bibl. vol. i. p. 105.

nes and his coadjutors used the Latin vulgate version-the only version which Catholicks acknowledge to possess any authority. But the Greek text of the heavenly witnesses, as it stands in the Complutum Polyglott, differs, in some particulars, from the vulgate. In the latter, our verse runs thus, as in other copies: "hi tres unum sunt." The Complutum Polyglott has it thus-"I TREIS IS TO EV EITI."* We cannot, therefore, suppose the latter to be a translation from the former. Besides, the most learned of the criticks against us, have vindicated the Polyglott from this charge of some of their associates; for instance, Michaelis, and Eichorn, and Goez, and Marsh.t

In the warm contest between Stunica and Erasmus, the former reproached the latter for his impiously omitting the text of the heavenly witnesses. Erasmus hurled back the reproach, and defied Stunica to produce a single MS. containing the verse; and he added, however, that if any MS. of respectability could be produced, containing the text, he would insert it in his next edition(and, as we showed in our last letter-the supplement to the No. IV.

he kept his word). Stunica could not produce the MS. required; they had totally disappeared, An unfa vourable opinion was formed against Stunica and his associates, who composed the Polyglott. But the fate of these parchment MSS. has at last been detailed. Ximenes died very soon after the printing of the Polyglott. The same cause which retarded the publication for several years, produced ultimately, no doubt, the destruction of the parchments.-I mean the confusion and desolation produced in a Catholick priest's house by his death. For they possess none of the endearing, and affectionate, and attentive relations, which grow out of the married life. They have none

As is evident from the fac similes in Burgess and in Horne, vol. iv.

See Butler's Hor. Bibl. vol. i. pp. 92, 93. 105.

about its novelty; no doubt about its authenticity. On the supposition of the contrary, namely, that it was not known to the Greek patriarchs, bishops, and writers, what a tumult and furious onset must its novelty and intrusion have created among the Greeks, who had long stoutly fought against the Latins on many points; and especially for their inserting "filioque" in their Latin translation of the Nicene creed ?*

I anticipate an objection, by noticing what some of the gentlemen in opposition have brought forward, to excite a doubt and suspicion, as to the whole of this evidence. It is this: after the 8th verse is quoted in the acts of the Lateran, it is added, σε καθώς εν τισι κωδήξιν ευρίσκεται:” "as it is found in some codes." But this is set down at the close of the 8th verse-not of the 7th verse-but of the 8th. And hence every reader must perceive (and both Griesbach and Marsh candidly admit it), that the reference is made to the last clause of the 8th verse; which is not found in some of the Latin versions.

The Liturgy of the Latin church. rendered our verse familiar to every intelligent worshipper in the eighth century, and down to this day. For it is recited in the office for the administration of baptism; and in the office for Trinity Sabbath; and Easter.‡

Our verse is found also in the ancient Liturgies, and Confession of Faith of the Greek church. The Liturgies contain it, as a portion of the lesson to be read in the churches, on the thirty-fifth week of the year. And the Greek Confession of Faith, after the mentioning of God and three persons, quote our verse, as in the received text-"There are three that bear record in heaven; the Father,

* Kettneri Hist. Joh. Dict. p. 117. And Horne, vol. iv. p. 440.

† See Griesb. Nov. Test. edit. 2d. vol. ii. Append. p. 11. And also Marsh's Letters to Travis, p. 15.

Kettneri, &c. p. 173. Horne, vol. iv. p. 445. See also Vossius de Bapt. Dissert. 16. And Selden de Synod. lib. ii. 138. And Cavei Hist. Liter. Append. p. 47.

the Word, and the Holy Ghost; and these three are one."*

But this merits a fuller and more close investigation: I shall therefore resume it in my next paper-if the Lord permits.

I am, Mr. Editor, with affectionate regards, your's truly and faithfully, W. C. BROWNLEE.

Basking Ridge, March, 1825.

From the London Christian Instructor.

LINES

ON READING THE STANZAS BY THE LATE 66 LORD BYRON, ENTITLED, ALL I ASK "" ALL I WISH-IS, A TEAR.' Lately inserted in one of the Publick Papers. (BY LORD BYRON.)

"All I ask-all I wish-is, a tear." "When my soul wings her flight,

To the regions of night,
And my corse shall recline on its bier,
As ye pass by the tomb

Where my ashes consume,
O! moisten their dust with a tear.

"May no marble bestow
That splendour of wo,
Which the children of vanity rear,
No fiction of fame

To blazon my name,

All I ask-all I wish—is, a tear.”

Thy corse will we lave
As it sinks to its grave,
With our tears we'll bedew the green sød,
And weep that no more
Thy spirit can soar,
Or seek the forgiveness of God.
That a star once so bright
Should sink into night,

And in darkness should quench all its rays;
Though it dazzled the world,
Should from heav'n be hurl'd,
In a moment extinguish'd its blaze;
This bids the tear flow,
Opes the fountains of wo;
It is set, and shall never arise!
We hoped it would shine,
Filled with lustre divine,
And chase the foul mists from its skies.

But, ah! thou art gone!

Like the dew of the morn,
The muses have wept round thy bier;
Now wrapp'd in thy shroud
Thou art hid from that crowd,
Whose sympathy did prompt a tear.

S. E.

Horne, vol. iv. p. 445; and Dr. Smith's Miscell, p. 155.

THE HOLY BIBLE, CONTAINING THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS, ACCORDING TO THE AUTHORIZED VERSION, WITH EXPLANATORY NOTES, PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS, AND COPIOUS REFERENCES. BY THOMAS SCOTT, RECTOR OF ASTON SANFORD,

BUCKS. First American stereotype quarto edition, in five volumes, from the London standard edition, with the Author's last corrections and improvements. Vol. I. Philadelphia. Published by William W. Woodward.

Although Scott's Family Bible, or Commentary on the Holy Scriptures, is probably as well known to the American publick as any book whatever the sacred volume without comment excepted-yet we feel constrained not to let pass the opportunity presented by the appearance of the first volume of this stereotype quarto edition, without saying something in relation to the Commentary in general, and of this edition of it in particular.

It is stated in the life of Dr. Scott, by his son, that this laborious work was commenced by his father Jan. 2d, 1788; and it is well known that from this period till the time of his death, which was April 16th, 1821, the improvement of this Commentary, in various successive editions, was, amidst all the author's other important engagements, the object which constantly occupied his most serious attention, and called forth his most vigorous efforts. The last London edition, stereotyped, was not entirely completed at the time of his death. Here then is a work, on which the mind and industry of Dr. Scott, for more than thirty-three years, were employed with unceasing assiduity. And how was he qualified-let us inquire-to undertake a commentary on the Scriptures? In the first place, he was eminently pious. Hence he was led

to view the volume of God's revealed will with the most profound reverence; to search with the greatest care and caution for "the mind of the Spirit," from whom he believed that the whole had proceeded, in every passage and every word of this hallowed book; and to express that mind, when discovered, with as much simplicity and fidelity as possible. His piety, also, we have no hesitation to affirm, enabled him to understand the true meaning of innumerable passages in the Bible, which no unsanctified human mind ever did, or ever will, well and fully understand; and also to write the admirable practical observations, which accompany the several sections of his Conimentary. In the next place, he was an example of laborious diligence and inflexible perseverance, in whatever of importance he undertook, such as the world has seldom seen. Hence he omitted no research, by which he believed his Commentary might be improved, nor spared any pains in altering, amending and transcribing, which he thought would contribute to the same end. As to his intellectual qualifications, he certainly was a man of a very vigorous and discriminating mind. criminating mind. The powers of imagination he appears never to have cultivated, nor much to have indulged; but in perspicacity, or a ready and clear perception of truth, and in soundness of judgment, he had few equals. His acquaintance with the original languages of the Holy Scriptures, although not to be compared, in point of critical nicety and extent of reading, with that of some distinguished proficients in Hebrew and Greek erudition, was, nevertheless, by no means superficial, or even moderate. He improved his knowledge of those languages much, after he became a commentator; and even made a good

progress in the Arabick, a kindred tongue of the Hebrew. He was therefore well qualified to examine for himself the original of every text in the Bible; and he left nothing unexamined, in regard to which there was doubt or controversy. He wrote his own language with facility, simplicity and neatness. He appears never to have aimed at either elegance or eloquence. Yet some of his practical reflections are truly eloquent,and powerfully impressive. The following is Dr. Scott's own account of the manner in which he was led to become a commentator on the Bible.

"As I had read over the whole scripture repeatedly, I trust with constant prayer, and considering how almost every verse might be applied, as if I had been called to preach upon it; I had often thought that I should like to preach through the Bible for instruction from every part crowded upon my mind, as I read and meditated from day to day. While

I was in this frame of mind, a proposal was made to me to write notes on the scriptures, to be published, with the sacred text, in weekly numbers."

Beginning with such a knowledge, and such a love of the scriptures, as is here stated, what must have been the result of studying and comment ing on them, and of comparing every passage with every other, in order to make his marginal references, for three and thirty years, by a man of such powers, qualifications and habits, as those of Dr. Scott? We deliberately believe that the probable result was, that when he died, he did not leave another man living, who possessed a knowledge of the sacred writings, which, take it for all in all, was as good and as accurate as that which he had acquired. In what is called Biblical criticism, considered in all its extent and connexions with other branches of knowledge, we doubt not, as we have already hinted, he left many superiors. But we question if he left one, better qualified to tell what is the true import of the inspired text what are the truths and doctrines of the word of God. He often gives,

in a few sentences, what must have cost him a laborious and extensive research to ascertain. Let any one that pleases make the experiment, of consulting all the laboured criticism on an obscure or controverted passage of scripture, to which he can find access; and after he has pored over the pages of some twenty folios, and examined the text in the original with all the helps he can find, then let him look into Scott's work, and acknowledge, as we think he commonly will, that he there finds, shortly and plainly stated, the most probable opinion or conjecture that can be formed on the passage. He will also generally find this opinion or conjecture expressed in a manner that is truly the author's own; for Scott was remarkable for thinking for himself, and for delivering his sentiments in his own language-always modestly and humbly, but yet clearly and expli

citly.

That a work of this character and extent should have become so popular and so extensively known, as to require one edition to succeed another, both in Britain and the United States, so fast and with such certainty, that the ordinary method of printing might be safely and profitably exchanged for stereotype impressions, is at once a singular and a

delightful fact. It shows that although the readers of bad, or vain, or worthless books, are very numerous, the readers of good ones are also not a few. Still, there are many families well able to purchase Scott's Commentary, that do not as yet possess it. Some of our readers may be of this description; and to such, it is our main object in this article most earnestly to recommend the securing of this invaluable treasure of doctrinal and practical Theology, without further delay. Here they will find every text of the volume of inspired truth, ably and faithfully expounded, and judiciously and powerfully applied to practicebrought home with fidelity, and ten