2 * 1 The manuscript in question is preserved in the King's Library at Paris, and was first collated by Professor Hohlenberg, of Copenhagen. It contains the Gospel of John, but with numerous alterations, which are evidently intended to take away the character of supernatural agency from the narration of the miracles, and the stamp of orthodoxy from the doctrinal parts. A few instances must here suffice, John ii. 11, the MS. reads, Η εφανέρωσε την μαθησιν αυτου instead of δοξαν. Ch. vi. 9, the number of loaves and fishes is omitted, and every thing removed that would give an extraordinary character to the transaction, no mention being made of the miraculous agency of Christ, but only of his φιλανθρωπία. The assertion that Lazarus was actually dead, (ch. xi. 13-16,) is omitted, and the story of the Resurrec tion is removed altogether. Upon the whole, this would appear to be one of the most extraordinary literary forgeries that was ever attempted; and we confess that we are looking, with no ordinary curiosity, to the next number of the magazine, in which Ullmann promises to state his opinion as to the time and circumstances under which this singular document was first penned. Dr. Sack has reviewed the work of the Rev. A. F. L. Gemberg on the National Church of Scotland; Lücke has given a short critique of Winer's Commentary on the Epistle to the Galatians; and Nitzsch on the Comparative Sketch of the Doctrine of the Gnostics, and the System of Schleiermacher, by Professor Baur, of Tübingen. But these are matters which are not to be disposed of en passant; and we have only left ourselves room to say, that among the most attractive papers, we consider the survey of the theological literature of Denmark and Sweden during the years 1826 and 1827, to be entitled to particular attention. We understand that a survey of the recent theological literature of England is preparing for the next number. teresting public festivals which has occurred for many years. The Report is prefaced by an introduction narrating the formation of the United Committee, which joined as the representatives of almost all the organized Dissenting bodies, with a number of stewards selected from the influential Dissenters of every part of England, in proceedings calculated to give the most favourable impression of the opinions of the whole body on questions of vital importance to the cause of religious liberty, and to rescue it from the unfavourable representations which it had been the policy of some to disseminate. The United Committee in their introduction thus speak their own and their constituents' sentiments: "The Dissenters are well aware that whenever they or their descendants shall look back upon this interesting period, the remembrance of the eloquent, publicspirited, and virtuous men who took the prominent part on that occasion, must be accompanied with such respectful and thankful homage as it becomes them to offer, and their noble and illustrious advocates to receive ***. They feel indeed that public opinion had long, in a considerable degree, controlled and counteracted those obnoxious statutes which visited consistency and integrity with shame and reprobation. They know that the Legislature only completed and set the seal of its authority to a change which justice and charity had been long previously working; and they value their own success more truly and more dearly, because they consider it is a proof of the nearer approach of that happy day when all authoritative interference on the part of one man with the faith of another shall finally cease. They regard the calm and tranquil results of the change which has been accomplished in their behalf as evidence of the groundlessness of those fears, and the shortsightedness of those menaces, which opposed their emancipation; and are strengthened in their previous conviction that the sympathies and good affections of mankind form a stronger and steadier boud of union than their jealousies and antipathies; and that the state can hold no firmer securities for the obedience and the services of any of its subjects than their political equality and common consent. The blessings they enjoy they the more earnestly desire and strive to diffuse; and they will hail that diffusion ART. II.-Report of the Speeches and Proceedings at a Dinner to commemorate the Abolition of the Sacramental Test, 18 June, 1828, at Freemasons' Hall, H. R. H. the Duke of Sussex in the Chair; taken in short-hand by Mr. Gurney. London, published for the United Committee, &c. 1828. THIS interesting pamphlet presents a permanent record of one of the most in with pleasure, growing with its extension, and enduring with its permanency!" ART. III.-On Sudden Death: a Sermon, preached in the Old Jewry Chapel, Jewin Street, on Sunday, September 21st, 1828, occasioned by the Death of Mr. John Keep, for many years Precentor of that Chapel. By David Davison, A. Μ. 8vo. Pp. 24. On the Consolations of the Gospel: a Sermon preached in the Old Jewry Chapel, Jewin Street, on Sunday, October 5th, 1828, occasioned by the Death of Joseph Yallowley, Esq., Treasurer of the Old Jewry Society. By David Davison, A. М. 8vo. Pp. 28. It was a remarkable and affecting circumstance that the first of these sermons, occasioned by the sudden death of the Precentor of the Jewin Street Chapel, was listened to with peculiar interest by Mr. Yallowley, its Treasurer; and that he also, within the following week, received a like instantaneous summons to the presence of his Judge. The preacher had an arduous and solemn task on both occasions: on the last he must have felt it overpoweringly so. How he acquitted himself is best shewn by a reference to these discourses, which are every way worthy of a Christian minister; serious, earnest, appropriate, affecting, and deeply impressive. The first is from 1 Sam. xx. 3:-"There is but a step between me and death." The second from 1 Thess. iv. 14:--" For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him." The conclusion of this discourse, in which a faithful and interesting character is drawn of Mr. Yallowley, was inserted, by the author's permission, prior to the publication of the sermon, in our last volume, pp. 788-790. We recommend both discourses as eminently calculated to make a salutary and permanent impression on the attentive reader. think very judiciously, avoided contro versy. Its spirit and manner may be judged of by the following remarks on Company and Conversation:" ،، "Every man may use his own discretion as to what company he introduces into his family; he has also some controul over the kind and character of the conversation that is held in his house: it is of great consequence that both these be respectable and virtuous. "He who introduces into his family men of licentious morals and exceptionable conduct, acts much the same part as the man in the fable who brought home a snake. 'Evil communications corrupt good manners.' Manners and morals, in the opinion of the ancients, were identical; and no one can doubt that when the manners become corrupted, the morals are in great danger. A man of staid and decided moral character will always be careful to let it be known, that in his presence vice may not plead its cause with impunity, and that they who cannot discourse with decorum and decency are no fit companions for him. "It must, however, be admitted, that the good taste of the age in which we live has succeeded in banishing from all reputable society low and vulgar conversation; and the one thing still wanting, as it seems to me, is to send to the same oblivion that conversation which affords too strong a tendency to a love of worldly pleasures and scepticism in religion. It is well to set our faces against cant, and an untimely obtrusion of sacred subjects; but in doing this, let us not forget to season our discourse with the feelings and sentiments of true and religious men."-Pp. 10, 11. ART. V.-Sketches in Verse, from the Historical Books of the Old Testament. By J. Brettell. Hamilton, Adams, and Co., Paternoster Row, THE first of these spirited and clever sketches is a poetical paraphrase of part of the history of Pharaoh and Moses. The opening description of the "Land of the Nile" is in very good taste, and written with energy; as is also that of those "Mountains of Stone"-the Pyramids, from which we extract a few lines: "Vast tombs! too spacious far for man, Whose relics ask of earth no ample "Yes, they shall live-if life it be, To toil incessant night and day - chid? They sink to unregarded graves. Dare they to murmur when they're Their hands shall raise a Pyramid!" "Pyramid" is a climar not to be paralleled, but "chid" is a base rhyme. "The Song of Moses and the Israelites" is written with force, but "Shaks. peare had it first," and we cannot listen to it whilst "Sound the loud Timbrel" is ringing in our ears. The other subjects are, "Balak and Balaam," "The Blessings and Curses," "The Withered Hand," and "The Death of Abijah." There is much strength and beauty in "The Blessings;" the metre is appropriately chosen; but "The Curses" would have been better in the heroic measure, and we think some effect would have been produced by the diversity. The author has made too frequent use of inversion, which should only be considered as a dernier ressort; it savours of latinity. But little use has been made hitherto of the historical parts of the Old Testament for those poetical purposes to which many passages in them are so well adapted; we therefore recommend the present little work as having some originality of design, as well as being talented in its execution, ART. VI. The Anniversary. MORE Annuals! "Another and an. other still succeeds," and, like the setting sun, as we approach towards the close of them, they seem more splendid than ever. We can only afford, however, a very brief notice of what may be deemed peculiar and characteristic in those which are named at the head of this article. The Anniversary, edited by Allan Cunningham, makes its first appearance this year, and a very handsome appearance it makes. The engravings, considered merely as works of art, are only rivalled by those of the Keepsake. Here our praise of them must end, for the subjects are generally such as to excite less interest than those of almost any one of tension, which we noticed last month; the Annuals, of humbler price and preand we confess that there is yet so much of the child in us as to make us always look after the subject of an engraving as well as the execution. Nor can any degree of excellence in the latter satify us, if it be not, as we think, worthily bestowed. To those who think differently, mended, and its decorations cannot but the Anniversary may be safely recomyield them a very high gratification. An exception from the above remark must be made in behalf of "The Travelled Monkey," by Gibbon, from Landseer, and "Pickaback," by Rolls, from Westall. As to "Chillon" and "Newstead Abbey," they may be in "the gayest," certainly not in the "happiest, attitude of things." Indeed, their "attitude" is more like that of sitting up to receive company than any thing else. The Presentation Vignette is very pretty, and ingeniously contrived so as "to suit the presentation of the volume with the recurrence of any particular day in the year." There is very little in the literary part of the Anniversary which deserves notice. The description of Abbotsford, by an American, is the best prose article, and very pleasant gossip. The Rev. Edward Irving's "Tale of the Times of the Martyrs" is tolerable; and, true, inasmuch as he gives the solemn and, no doubt, pledge of his "faith as a Christian man and a minister," that he has "invented nothing and altered nothing." He might, with advantage, have "altered" some of the affectations of which, after this, we cannot charge him with the invention. Lord Byron's "Letter on Economy" is clearly genuine. The poetry is but mid dling. Several pretty songs and descriptive pieces, connected with the engravings, are spoiled by being twisted at the end into a compliment to the artist. There is, however, a song by the editor, "The Warrior," which is not spoiled by any thing; and his tale of "The Magic Bridle" would have made Burns, drunk or sober, call him brother. The Keepsake well supports the character it gained last year by the surpassing beauty of its decorations, and has well and amply redeemed itself from the disgrace of inattention to the literary department. As a collection of welltold tales, it is beyond all competition. There are three (besides "A Scene at Abbotsford") by the Author of Waverley, and not unworthy of him. "The HalfBrothers," by Banim; "The Sisters of Albano," and "Ferdinando Eboli," by Mrs. Shelley; "Apropos of Bread," by Lord Nugent; "The Legend of Killarney," by T. H. Bayly; "Clorinda," by Lord Normanby; and "The Old Gentleman," ("O breathe not his name!") by Theodore Hook; are all excellent, though in very different ways. The poetry, especially that of Mr. Coleridge, disappoints the expectations raised by the names in the list of contributors. The following sonnet, by Wordsworth, is an exception: "A GRAVESTONE UPON THE FLOOR IN THE CLOISTERS OF WORCESTER CATHEDRAL. • Miserrimus!" and neither name nor date, Prayer, text, or symbol, grav'n upon the That solitary word--to separate impossible not to mention "Anne Page and Slender" (from Richter, by Rolls). Shakspeare has never been more nobly illustrated. The painter's apprehension of character, and his embodying of that conception in the two admirably contrasted figures, are alike perfect. The Bijou is perhaps unfortunate, so far as our report is of any importance, in being the last to come under our notice, when the eye and mind are alike satiated with the varied beauties of its predecessors. It has the further disadvantage of presenting itself immediately after the two publications which, as they are the most expensive, (the Anniversary and Keepsake are a guinea each, the other Annuals twelve shillings,) are also the most superb of the whole; and, moreover, it made so successful a debût last year, and had so much advantage over almost all its competitors, that our expectations were excited in, it may be, a very unreasonable degree. The candid reader must make what deduction he thinks proportionate and proper on these accounts from our expression of disappointment both at its literary articles and its decorations. And in that expression we must not include the portrait of Lord Durham's son, from a painting by Sir Thomas Lawrence; a very interesting tale by Mr. T. Roscoe ("Agnes"); the story of the Stranger Patron, and some minor pieces by Mrs. Hemans, Miss E. Taylor, and Montgomery, the original Montgomery, not him of the Puffiad. There is also a very graphic and spirited description of the battle of Trafalgar. Indeed, if there be any taste to which the Bijou is peculiarly adapted, it must be to the naval and military taste. Of several articles it is difficult to guess any reason for their insertion, unless it be that they emanated from, and are adapted to, the average intellect of that heroic profession. Let them but "fit audience find," aud the sea song and the sword song may do marvellous execution. How times change! A few years ago, and such a volume as this, over which we are grumbling, would have been received with rapturous praises of the beauty of its appearance and the spirit of the publisher. It would have deserved them, and would have had them now, but that the publisher, and other publishers, have, by their liberal doings, made us fastidious. We are not so ungracious as to reproach them very severely on that score; and we take leave of them all, wondering to what pitch of beauty and splendour they will contrive to raise the Annuals of next year. 1 : 1 ART. VII.-The Christian Child's Faithful Friend and Sabbath Companion. Vol. I. for 1828. London, Hunter; and J. Philp, Printer, Falmouth. We are glad to find that this little monthly penny periodical is going on so respectably in its execution, and so prosperously in its sale. May its benevolent conductors be encouraged in their good work by the gratification and improve ment of their juvenile readers, and by the patronage of parents and teachers. This publication has been subjected to an attack, in the Christian Observer of September last, of so unprincipled a nature, that we cannot allow it to pass without exposure. Not that those who are responsible for it can be supposed capable of feeling shame; but it may shew to what expedients theological animosity will sometimes descend. First, they say it is incumbent on them "to warn" their readers, "as no notice is given in the work itself of its real object." What that supposed "real object" is, the reviewer does not venture to say. He contents himself with insinuating that there is a covert and culpable design, and then leaves the insinuation to work on the minds of his readers. A distinct imputation, with an attempt at proof, might have defeated his "real object." It is then made matter of accu sation against Unitarians, that they publish books and tracts for children which do not "bear upon their front any badge of their origin;" and, if they do, they only follow the example of the author of the Epistle to the Hebrews, when writing to children of a larger growth, in whose minds the mention of his name might have excited prejudice. Is it for those who possess the enviable power and feel the beneficent impulse to improve the rising generation, to "quench the spirit" which is in them, because bigotry has prepared a place for every work of theirs in its capacious Index Expurgatorius? No; let them continue the glorious strife of overcoming evil with good. Moreover, it is untrue that "this policy has been acted upon in the establishment of the small periodical above announced." It bears upon its front as many names (those of printer and publisher) as are usually affixed to a periodical; and though it would be most unfair to make either, in the slightest degree, responsible for its contents, it may yet be justly said that they are names which bigotry does not patronize, and with which immorality dares not seek to associate it self. The reviewer has not inserted these names, with the title, at the head of his article. Suppression, to make out a charge, is a favourite operation in his system of tactics, which we shall again have occasiou to notice. He has yet another quarrel with the title-page. The work is "grievously misnamed in being called 'The Child's Faithful Friend." And, why? "It is true," he says, "that it is not angry or controversial, and that it inculcates many virtuous, and even Christian precepts; but" (for all this, it seems, is but a light matter in the reviewer's estimation) "it is far from being a faithful friend in many things, and particularly in suppressing the most essential parts of that 'faithful saying' which relates to the salvation that is in Christ." What these "most essential parts" are, we are left to make out inferentially; and they appear to mean the Deity of Christ and the Atonement. But what is there of these in the text alluded to? Just nothing at all. The "faithful saying" of the Apostle is, "that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners." The Child's Friend is faithful in adhering to the simplicity of this declaration, and accusation comes with an ill grace from those who can only ground the charge on the omission of their own unscriptural additions. Even among those who believe these tenets, the propriety of teaching them to children may be questioned. There can, even on that assumption, be no unfaithfulness in not puzzling their teuder minds with mysteries which Paul and Peter (if they really taught at all) yet postponed as too abstruse for a first discourse either to Jewish scribes or Gentile philosophers. The first citation of the reviewer, to prove "erroneous doctrine," is the following: "But the greatest of all God's messengers was Jesus Christ. He was far greater than Moses or Elijah; and is in our text and other places called the son of God. The old prophets were sent to the Jews; Jesus was sent to all the world, to tell them every thing needful to be known respecting the character of God, the duty of man, and that glorious and happy place where those who love God will go. "What it is that Jesus has told us by God's direction, may be found in the New Testament; and I hope that what I have now told you will increase your desire to hear and attend to the instructions of so great and good a person as the Lord Jesus Christ 'the Son of God." "-Pp. 43, 44. In the review the words by God's di |