a considerable extent: we are pleased with the fact, proclaimed, as it is, by a second edition: but while we readily give his work our warmest recommendation, as adapted to answer many important purposes, and as an invaluable repository of biblical literature, to which the student in the holy writings may often recur, we shall not hesitate to remark with freedom upon its contents, and suggest whatever. occurs to us as worthy of further inquiry.

It appears from the author's statement in the Preface, that the work originated in his own sense of the necessity of some guide to the scriptures, which would both serve as a general introduction to the inspired volume, and enable him to solve apparent contradictions. Having no friend to assist his researches, he was at length resolved to procure such of the most eminent critical compositions, as his limited means would permit; and after satisfying his own mind, he resolved, if no other work should supersede its. necessity, to lay the result of his inquiries before the public. It appears, from his own statement, that ultimate publication was a purpose coeval in his mind with the study of the inspired volume, and its critical and expository illustrations. We confess that we should have been more gratified, had the author commenced his studies, and for, at least a long period, have pursued them, without any kind of reference to, or anticipation of publishing his investigations. The mind should always be brought fresh and unbiassed to the great enterprise of scriptural research. Whatever might tend to originate any prejudice, to confirm our prepossession, to pervert any sentiment, should be scrupulously discarded; and although we do not mean to insinuate, that the intention so candidly avowed as blending itself with Mr. Horne's incipient studies of the scriptures, have materially, or in any sensible degree, disparaged his composition as a whole, yet we should have been peculiarly gratified had he resolutely dispensed, as far as possible, with every educational prepossession, every professional bias, and even what in ordinary cases might be deemed every honourable solicitude for future celebrity. We admit "hic labor, hoc opus est;"-but the previous discipline of the mind, by a process of deliberate and devotional scrutiny and self-examination, seems to us, in every case, an essential prerequisite to a successful elucidation of scripture, whether by professional exposition or private critical examination. We shall not be understood for a moment to question our author's genuine piety, or the seriousness and sincerity

of his procedure, during the long period of his researches― we have intended simply, to generalize a little the remark arising out of the intimation he has given; and to express a wish that he had avoided, for his own sake and that of others, every consideration which could in the slightest degree tend to cast a shadow of imputation upon the origin and end of his important labours.

Instead of giving our analysis, we shall, though at the hazard of rather a long extract, allow the author to furnish an account of his publication, in his own words; by which means, the reader will be best enabled, to form an estimate of its comprehensive plan.

"The four volumes, of which the work now consists, will be found to comprise the following topics:

VOLUME I. contains a Critical Inquiry into the Genuineness, Authenticity, Uncorrupted Preservation, and Inspiration, of the Holy Scriptures; including, among other subjects, a copious investigation of the testimonies from profane authors to the leading facts recorded in the Scriptures, particularly a new branch of evidence for their credibility, which is furnished by coins, medals, inscriptions, and ancient structures.-This is followed by a full view of the arguments afforded by miracles and prophecy, for the inspiration of the Scriptures, and by a discussion of the internal evidence for their inspiration, furnished by the sublimity and excellence of the doctrines, and by the purity of the moral precepts, revealed in the Bible;-the harmony subsisting between every part;-the preservation of the Scriptures to the present time;-and their tendency to promote the present and eternal happiness of mankind, as evinced by an historical review of the beneficial effects actually produced in every age and country by a cordial reception of the Bible; together with a refutation of the very numerous objections which have been urged against the Scriptures in recent deistical publications. An Appendix to this volume comprises a particular examination of the miracles supposed to have been wrought by the Egyptian magicians, and of the CONTRADICTIONS which are falsely alleged to exist in the Scriptures, whether historical or chronological;-contradictions between prophecies and their accomplishments;-contradictions in morality;-apparent contradictions between the sacred writers themselves, and between sacred and profane writers;-or seeming contradictions to philosophy and the nature of things. This discussion is followed by a table of the chief prophecies relative to the Messiah, both in the Old and New Testament, and by an examination of the pretensions of the apocryphal books of the Old and New Testament."

"VOLUME II., in two parts, treats, first, on SACRED CRITICISM; including an Historical and Critical Account of the Original Languages of Scripture, and of the Cognate or Kindred Dialects;-an

account (with numerous fac-similes,) of the principal Manuscripts of the Old and New Testaments, together with a bibliographical and critical notice of the chief printed editions, and of the divisions into chapters and verses; a history of the antient and modern versions of the Scriptures, and their application to the criticism and interpretation of the sacred volume, illustrated with fac-simile specimens of the oriental versions executed at the Serampore press. In this part of the work, the history of the authorized English Version of the Bible is particularly considered, and the literary character of its venerable translators is satisfactorily vindicated against the cavils of some late writers. The benefit to be derived from Jewish and Rabbinical authors is next discussed, and the genuineness of the celebrated Jewish historian's account of Jesus Christ is vindicated and established. These discussions are followed by dissertations,-On the VARIOUS READINGS occurring in the Scriptures, with a digest of the chief critical canons for weighing and applying them:-On the QUOTATIONS FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT IN THE NEW, with New Tables of the Quotations at length, in HEBREW, GREEK, and ENGLISH, from new types cast expressly for the purpose; shewing, first, their relative agreement with the Hebrew and with the Septuagint; and secondly, whether they are prophecies cited as literally fulfilled; prophecies typically or spiritually applied; prophecies accommodated; or simple allusions to the Old Testament:-ON THE POETRY OF THE HEBREWS; its construction, nature, and genius; different species of Hebrew poetry; with observations for better understanding the productions of the Hebrew poets: -and on HARMONIES OF THE SCRIPTURES, including remarks on the principles on which they should be constructed. The Second Part of the Second Volume is appropriated to the INTERPRETATION OF THE SCRIPTURES; comprehending an investigation of the different senses of Scripture, literal, spiritual, and typical, with criteria for ascertaining and determining them;-the signification of words and phrases, with general rules for investigating them; emphatic words,-rules for the investigation of emphases, and particularly of the Greek article;-the SUBSIDIARY MEANS for ascertaining the SENSE of SCRIPTURE, viz. the analogy of languages; analogy of Scripture, or parallel passages, with rules for ascertaining and applying them; scholia and glossaries; the subject-matter, context, scope, historical circumstances, and Christian Writers, both fathers and commentators. These discussions are followed by the application of the preceding principles, for ascertaining the sense of Scripture, to the HISTORICAL INTERPRETATION of Sacred Writings; the interprepation of the FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE of SCRIPTURE, Comprehending the principles of interpretation of tropes and figures; together with an examination of the metonymies, metaphors, allegories, parables, proverbs, and other figurative modes of speech occurring in the Bible; -the SPIRITUAL or mystical INTERPRETATION of the Scriptures;-the INTERPRETATION of *Josephus.

PROPHECY, including general rules for ascertaining the sense of the prophetic writings, observations on the accomplishment of prophecy in general, and especially of the predictions relative to the Messiah;-the INTERPRETATION of TYPES, of the DOCTRINAL and MORAL parts of Scripture, of the PROMISES and THREATENINGS therein contained;-and the INFERENTIAL and PRACTICAL READING of the Sacred Writings. A copious Appendix to this volume comprises (among other articles) bibliographical and critical notices of the principal grammars and lexicons of the Hebrew, Greek, and Cognate Languages, of the most remarkable editions of the Septuagint Greek Version of the Old Testament, of the principal writers on the criticism and interpretation of the Scriptures, and a select list of the chief commentators and expositors of the Bible. The utmost brevity, consistent with perspicuity, has been studied in this portion of the work; and therefore but few texts of Scripture, comparatively, have been illustrated at great length. But especial care has been taken, by repeated collations, that the very numerous references which are introduced should be both pertinent and correct; so that those readers, who may be disposed to try them by the rules laid down, may be enabled to apply them with facility.

In VOLUME III. will be found a SKETCH or SUMMARY OF BIBLICAL GEOGRAPHY AND ANTIQUITIES, in four parts: PARTI. includes an outline of the Historical and Physical Geography of the Holy Land. PART II. treats on the POLITICAL and MILITARY AFFAIRS of the Jews, and other nations incidentally mentioned in the Scriptures. PART III. discusses the RELIGIOUS or SACRED AFFairs of the Jews, arranged under the heads of Sacred Places, Sacred Persons, Sacred Times and Seasons, and the Corruptions of Religion among the Jews, their idolatry and various sects, together with a description of their moral and religious state in the time of Jesus Christ. PART IV. discusses the PRIVATE LIFE, MANNERS, CUSTOMS, AMUSEMENTS, &c. of the Jews and other nations, incidentally mentioned or alluded to in the Holy Scriptures.

"An APPENDIX to this third volume contains (besides chronological and other tables of weights and measures) a Geographical Index of the principal places mentioned in the Bible, especially in the New Testament; including an abstract of profane oriental history, from the time of Solomon to the captivity, illustrative of the history of the Hebrews as referred to in the prophetic writings, and presenting historical notices of the Assyrian, Chaldee, Median, and Persian empires. In this volume the Author has attempted only a sketch of biblical geography and antiquities. To have written a complete treatise on this interesting subject,--as he conceives such a treatise should be written,-would have required a work nearly equal in extent to the present: but though he has been designedly brief in this part of his undertaking, he indulges the hope that few really essential points, connected with sacred antiquities, will appear to have been omitted"

"VOLUME IV. is appropriated to the ANALYSIS OF SCRIPTURE. It contains copious critical prefaces to the respective books, and synopses of their several contents. In drawing up In drawing up these synopses, the utmost attention has been given, in order to present, as far as was practicable, at one glance, a comprehensive view of the subjects contained in each book of Scripture. How necessary such a view is to the critical study of the inspired records, it is perhaps unnecessary to remark. In executing this part of his work, the author has endeavoured to steer between the extreme prolixity of some analysts of the Bible, and the too great brevity of others: and he ventures to hope, that this portion of his labours will be found particularly useful in studying the doctrinal parts of the Scriptures."

"Throughout the work, references have been made to such approved writers as have best illustrated particular subjects; and critical notices of their works have been introduced, partly derived from the author's knowledge of them, partly from the recorded opinions of eminent biblical critics, and partly from the best critical journals and other sources: the preference being invariably given to those, which are distinguished by the acknowledged talent and ability with which they are conducted. The late opening of the Continent, and the sales by auction of several valuable divinity libraries, have also enabled the author to procure many critical works that would otherwise have been inaccessible. Of the works cited in the notes to the following pages, care has been taken to specify the particular editions. They are all referred to, as authorities, for the statements contained in the text; many of them furnish details which the limits of the present volumes would not admit; and some few give accounts and representations which the author thought he had reason to reject. All these references, however, are introduced for the convenience of those readers who may have inclination and opportunity for prosecuting more minute inquiries." [pp. vii-xvii.]

Although the author is sufficiently elaborate in his general treatment of the first portion of his work on the genuineness, authenticity, inspiration, &c. of the holy scriptures, yet there is one subject relating to the beneficial effects of Christianity, which he has overlooked, and left almost untouchedwholly so, indeed, excepting by an incidental allusion to it; we refer to the influence which it has exerted on the female character. There were two occasions, when this interesting topic might have been advantageously introduced: the one, when discoursing on the necessity of divine revelation, and the course of argument leads to the statement of the opinions and practices of the heathen world; the other, where it would have been more especially appropriate, in the fourth section of the fifth chapter, when