is about a furlong distant; the spring rises several feet below the surface, the aperture of which is secured by a door, so contrived, that it may be impenetrably closed on any sudden danger of the water being contaminated.*

THE holy Scriptures are the production of antiquity. The date of their narrative commences with the beginning of the world: while they record the transactions and progress of upwards of four thousand years. They are the depositary of ancient science; and on all the particulars of General Knowledge they furnish the most interesting and valuable information. Their supreme and first object doubtless is, the revelation and enforcement of Theological principles: but in what other department of science also do they not communicate intelligence of the very first order? The universal excellence they possess demands the highest possible regard: nor can we think of them without the appropriation of Apostolic language :

"In which are hidden all the treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge."

These Writings owe their origin to Eastern climes. This, indeed, is indicated by their internal character, as well as the history of their composition. The Bible not only contains the

Buckingham's Travels in Palestine, p. 225, and Joliffe's Letters from Pales. tine, p. 94.

finest selections from the volume of creation, but they are also chosen from the very fairest portions of the globe. Here are the most beautiful images pictured-flowers of the sweetest fragrance are presented for our admiration-the most enchanting and attractive scenery is drawn by the hand of celestial wisdom. Such a work as the Sacred Volume could never have been produced in the Western world:-We inhabit a mere wilderness, compared with the classic regions of Holy Scripture : -there, in truth, was the Paradise of the universe, the very Eden of the globe!

The general ARRANGEMENT of Scripture is chiefly arbitrary : and has therefore been very diversified though it must be obvious, that there is a natural order suggested by the internal meaning, which is certainly entitled to a better observance.

1. THE HEBREW SCRIPTURES.

The well known division of these, by the Jews, is into the following classes : The Law:-comprising the books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.

,the Former ראשונים The Prophets : which are divided into נביאים

containing the books of Joshua, Judges, 1 and 2 Samuel, and 1 and 2 Kings : and the Latter, comprehending the writings of Isaiah, Jeremiah,

Ezekiel, and the minor prophets.

The Writings :-including the Psalms, Proverbs, Job, Solomon's Song, Ruth, Lamentations of Jeremiah, Ecclesiastes, Esther, Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah, and the two books of the Chronicles,

II. THE GREEK NEW TEstament.

The now commonly received arrangement is precisely the same as that which appears in

III. THE ENGLISH BIBLES.

Those in common use, containing what is generally styled "the Authorised Version," follow the plan of the Hebrew Old Testament and the Greek New, in the disposition of the main parts of Scripture.

But there are other editions of the same translation, of very different arrangement, which deserve present attention.

The "Common Place Book to the Holy Bible," said to have been originally published by LOCKE; and WARDEN's "System of Revcaled Religion, composed

in the very words of Scripture," are worthy of notice; but both of them are restricted to a Theological view of the Sacred Volume.

The "Chronicle of the Times and the Order of the Texts of the Old Testament," together with "The Harmony, Chronicle, and Order of the New Testament," first published by LIGHTFOOт, have recently undergone a republication, and received considerable improvements from the editorship of the Rev. G. TOWNSEND, A. M.

In the year 1800, MATTHEW TALBOT published at Leeds, his "Analysis of the Holy Bible, containing the whole of the Old and New Testaments, collected and arranged systematically, in thirty Books." This is certainly a most interesting production; but its utility is somewhat impaired by the frequent deficiency of logical precision, and the evident influence of Sectarian peculiarities.

JOHN REEVES, Esq., one of the patentees of the office of King's Printer, a few years ago, very laudably devoted his attention to several Scripture republications. His edition of the English Bible, with Sections, Paragraphs, and Marginal Contents, prominently placed instead of the usual chapters and verses (which however are also inserted, but in a smaller type) is entitled to a much more general and grateful attention than it has hitherto apparently received from the religious and literary public.

"It is indeed," as the Rev. T. H. HORNE most justly observes, "greatly to be wished that all future editions of the Scriptures might be printed after the judicious manner adopted by Mr. Reeves, in his equally beautiful and correct editions of the entire Bible." Perhaps, however, the Desiderata Editio, for English readers in general, would be the excellent work of Mr. Townsend, with the introduction of Mr. Reeves' valuable improvements. The result of their Editorial labours combined together, with a few alterations and additions, (as table of contents, &c.) might produce a most useful edition of the Bible. And similar editions to GRIESBACH's and BOOTHROYD'S editions of the Original Scriptures would render those inestimable works universally intelligible and attractive.

The SOURCES of INFORMATION on particulars like these, are, as might be expected, of a manifold character, but by no means so numerous and abundant as the importance of the subject requires.

1. CommentarIES on the Scriptures—we have in ample supply, at least those of a certain cast. It is to be regretted that the generality of them exhibit so very partial a view of the Sacred Writings, and have so strong a tendency towards the establishment of some peculiarities of system in theology. The well known "Synopsis Criticorum, &c." by M. POOLE, is second to no work for the purpose of Biblical illustration, except perhaps the celebrated Polyglott of Dr. WALTON, &c.-both of which, if republished in the present day, might receive the most important and invaluable improvements. Publications of this character furnish the highest and best ‘auxiliaries for the right understanding of the Inspired Volume.

2. DICTIONARIES or LEXICONS to the Scriptures,-whether in the Sacred

Originals or otherwise, are constantly in a state of multiplication. The Hebrew and Greek Lexicons of the late Rev. J. PARKHURST, A. M. contain a rich store of the most entertaining and instructive criticism.—CALMET's Dictionary of the Holy Bible; Historical, Critical, Geographical, and Etymological;—the fourth edi-. tion of which, in five volumes, quarto, “under the direction of C. TAYLOR," has been recently completed, needs no commendation. It is itself a library of Theological and Biblical Literature: yet it may be respectfully submitted, whether an additional Index might not have been desirable-an Index or General Outline arranged on Scientific Principles, of the leading particulars in Biblical Science; somewhat similar to the plan of the ENCYCLOPÆDIA METROPOLITANA, -a publication, by the way, whose success must be desired by every friend to Religion and Literature, as eminently calculated to accomplish its proposed object:-" To teach Philosophy in union with Morals; and to sustain Morality by Revealed Religion."

3. Among the numerous attempts to furnish an INTRODUCTION TO THE HOLY SCRIPTURES, perhaps the most successful and hitherto extensively useful, in any language and at any period, is the one recently made in the English language, and now so deservedly popular, by the REV. THOMAS HARTWELL HORNE, A. M. 4. THE CRITICA SACRA, which, at various times and places, (and particularly in Germany, the nursery of Biblical Literature) have issued from the press. The synoptical but elaborate work of the learned PFEIFFER on this subject, demands a more specific notice than it has received in Mr. Horne's extensive catalogue. A very useful Class-Book it must be for Biblical students, as embracing all the main topics of Sacred Criticism, with a variety of references to the productions of accredited authors. Besides fifteen chapters, devoted to Biblical and Jewish Literature, there is an interesting disquisition on the Koran, and a Mauuductio for the Prosaical and Metrical accentuation of the Old Testament.

The proposed OBJECT and AIM of the present undertaking, are to excite an increased attachment to the Holy Scriptures, by endeavouring to exhibit, in outline, at least, " the Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge," which they undoubtedly contain. The general arrangement is intended to consist of eight principal divisions, under each of which will also be noticed a number of subordinate, but essential particulars.

First, LITERATURE-including an explanatory view of those leading terms and considerations which regard the Language and Writings of the Sacred Volume. Secondly, CosмOGRAPHY. As this concerus the notice of the whole visible world, both heaven and earth, it will comprise those Biblical subjects which obviously belong to the sciences of Geography and Astronomy;-presenting a sort of Scripture map of the Universe, both terraqueous and celestial.

Thirdly, THEOLOGY demands a primary consideration, as developing the principles and precepts of Religion, and thereby exhibiting the main substance and design of the Book of Divine Inspiration.

Fourthly, NATURAL SCIENCE-then follows in regular succession; and the re

lations of Scripture on this department of knowledge will furnish manifold Geological, Botanical, and Zoological considerations, replete with interest and advantage. Fifthly, MANUFACTURES,—particularly those which relate to the Food and Raiment, and thereby the well-being, of mankind, will next claim attention. This division, however, is but introductory to,

:

Sixthly, THE ARTS,-which may be considered in the usual order of Common and Fine the former comprehending those of Agriculture, Building, Navigation, War, and Commerce; and the latter, such as Writing, Painting, Sculpture, and Music.

Seventhly, THE SCIENCES.-These necessarily and naturally follow; including what are generally understood by the Mathematics, Jurisprudence, Medicine, and the other chief parts of Natural and Moral Philosophy.

Eighthly, HISTORY may close the outline, in connection with which may also be noticed the principal particulars which are usually classed under Antiquities, Biography, and Chronology.

It needs scarcely be remarked that nothing more than an outline can at present be attempted :-the tree of Scripture Knowledge, with its chief ramifications, may be drawn, but its foliage and fruit must be sparingly noticed. The labour of compilation and arrangement will be amply remunerated, if any assistance be contributed towards a more general admiration and practical understanding of that invaluable Book, which, in the just and comprehensive language of the Sacred Writer, " is profitable for teaching, for demonstration, for improvement, for education in righteousness; that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly fitted for every good work."

[" LITERATURE" in our next Number.]

Biblical Criticism.

On the New Testament.

MATTHEW, Chap. iii.

Verse 1. In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judæa.

Preaching, Knguo, proclaiming with a loud voice as a herald, a matter of great and solemn importance to men: the subject not his own, nor of himself: but of that God from whom alone he had received his commission. "The verb gur applied to those, who in the streets, fields, and open air, lift

κηρύσσειν

is