Prospectus of the Scientia Biblica ; being a Copious Collection of parallel Passages, for the Illustration of the New Testament, printed in Words at Length, together with the Text at Large-London: Booth. A new Self-interpreting Testament, containing many thousands of Various Readings and Parallel Passages. By the Rev. John Platts. Pust 8vo. 4s. 6d. London: Robins and Co.

WE believe that every close student of Scripture, has experienced the insufficiency of all mere collections of parallel passages, though he may have derived from them occasional advantage. The Bible, unquestionably, contains its own illustration, and is the best comment on itself; but in a great number of cases, this important assistance is furnished in a way which no mere verbal similarity can reach, and of which the specific bearing is out of the reach of collateral arrangement. The elucidation often extends so

far into the context, as to render its entire transcription impracticable, and a partial citation fails of its purpose. But while, for this, and for other and perhaps stronger reasons, we cannot welcome works of this kind with quite so much cordiality as may be felt towards them by some, we are quite willing to admit, that they may be of great general utility; they save much time to those who have but little leisure, they suggest extended views of divine truth to those, whose means of observation are limited, and they often contribute materially to the explanation of a text, the bearing of which might otherwise

be overlooked.

There are two methods of constructing a system of parallels; the first by simple reference, the other by entire citation and apposition.

Of these the second is the most gratifying; the former allows the larger scope. Among the compilers of references, we confess our partiality to Canne; he is

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sionally fantastic, but often deeply instructive, and we wish that some charitable publisher would accommodate our failing eye-sight, by putting forth a correct and readable edition. The Rev. Francis Fox was, we believe, the first to publish

the New Testament, on the principle of entire transcription, but his work, though much in request, is far from complete.

The specimens before us do not afford opportunity for minute inform a judgment, we are disposed vestigation, but as far as we can to approve them both. The first is well printed in a post octavo size, and the plan appears to be on a more systematic arrangement than that of its rival. The second is much better suited to infirm optics, and has the additional recommendation of containing a selection of various readings from different translations.

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Joyful Anticipations: a Sermon occasioned by the Death of Mrs. Sloper, and preached Lord's day Evening, Nov. 4, 1821, at the Methodist Chapel, by S. Sleigh.-Westley. Price 1s.

MRS. SLOPER, the wife of the Rev. Nathaniel Sloper, was snatched away from an affectionate husband, prime of life. Her character is inand four young children, in the terestingly delineated by Mr. Sleigh. cellent woman, is well adapted to The dying experience of this exafford encouragement to those, whose hearts are often cast down through the fear of death. "A fortnight ago," (said she on her dying bed,) have lived, but now I would not "I would have given any thing to

return to life for a thousand worlds." This tribute to the memory of a pious and amiable female, deserves favoured with her acquaintance, and the special attention of all who were will doubtless subserve the purposes of general usefulness. The discourse is founded on Rev. xxi. 25. There shall be no night there; and contains a very able and judicious illustration of the properties ideas of knowledge, purity, glory, joy. of the heavenly state, under the After a statement of Mrs. Sloper's experience and dying expressions, the preacher concludes by an address to the irreligious and to the mourners in Zion.

Infant Hosannas: a Sermon containing many Particulars in the Life and Death of Charles Sutton, &c. &c. By S. Sleigh. Second Edition.Westley.

THE child whose memoirs are here presented to the public, had not arrived at the age of eight years, when he displayed marks of decided piety, and evinced, to the satisfaction of those who knew him, a high degree of love to God, and meetness for that world of bliss to which he was so early destined to be translated. The narrative is well adapted to afford instruction, not only to children and youth, but to those of maturer years; and we can cordially recommend its introduction into families and Sunday schools. We think it impossible

for any one to read the dying expressions of this babe, without acknowledging the wonderful and mysterious operations of the grace of God. We beg leave to suggest to the excellent author, the propriety of somewhat altering the price of the publication in a future Edition. We conceive if the sermon-style were changed into the narrative, interspersed with brief remarks, and the whole presented to the reader as a memoir, and not as a sermon, its circulation and usefulness might be considerably extended.

Hoxton Academy.-On Tuesday, July 1, the annual examination of the students took place at the academy, when the Rev. Dr. Winter, the Rev. Dr. Manuel, and the Rev. Joseph Fletcher presided in the several departments of Theology, Languages, Mathematics, &c. The junior class were examined in Cicero, in Æsop's Fables, and in a variety of principles connected with mental culture; they afterwards read several essays, which had been written during the session. The class of the second year were examined in Horace's Odes, in Lucian's Dialogues, on various subjects in intellectual and moral philosophy, and in the third book of Euclid's Elements. The class of the third year were examined in the first book of Livy, in the first book of Homer, in Hebrew in part of Isaiah, and delivered their preparations of a theological lecture on "the Argument for the Authenticity of the Scriptures, from the Qualifications and Characters of the Writers:" they were afterwards interrogated on the subject by the examiners. The class of the fourth year were examined in the Edipus Coloneus of Sophocles, in Chaldee in Daniel, and delivered their preparations from a theological lecture on the Operations of the Holy Spirit in implanting the holy principle;" after which they replied to questions proposed by the examiners. A declaration

was then signed by the ministers who had been present at the examination, with a view to be read at a general meeting of the subscribers to the academy, expressive of their cordial satisfaction and approbation.

In the evening of the same day, the general meeting of the subscribers was held at the City of London Tavern, when Thomas Wilson, Esq. the Treasurer, was called to the chair. The Report of the

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Committee was read by the Rev. H. F. Burder, from which it appears, that among the very considerable number of young men introduced during the past year into the Christian ministry, five have been instrumental in giving origin to new congregations. It was also stated, that the number of students now in the academy is smaller than usual, but that twenty young men are at the present time on the list of candidates for admission. From the statement of accounts presented by the treasurer, it appears, that a balance is due to him of £555. hoped that the friends of this important institution, and especially that the ministers who acknowledge themselves deeply indebted to it for the advantages of education, will endeavour with greater zeal to augment the number of subscribers, and to obtain congregational collections. After the reading of the Report, the meeting, which was more numerous than on any former occasion, was addressed by the following gentlemen in support of the various motions proposed and adopted :-the Rev. Drs. Winter, Manuel, and Styles; the Rev. Messrs. Joseph Fletcher, Jos. Berry, J. Blackburn, J. Hooper, J. Thomas, Jos. Turnbull, J. Leifchild, Ingram Cobbin, T. Stratton, T. James, and the Treasurer.

On the evening of the following day three of the students delivered short discourses in the chapel adjoining the academy: Mr. Ashton on the Design and Efficacy of the Gospel; Mr.Varty on the Obligations of Hearers to believe the Gospel; and Mr. Foster on the Duty of Believers to seek the Salvation of others.

Hoxton Association.-The annual meeting of the ministers educated at Hoxton Academy, was held on Wednesday, July the 2d, and was more numerously at

tended than on most former occasions. Mr. Johnson, of Farnham, was called to the chair. Mr. Dewhirst, of Bury, read an excellent essay on the Union and Communion of Christian churches, after which a friendly and interesting discussion took place on the subject of the essay. It was determined, by ballot, that the Rev. Jos. Fletcher should be requested to read an essay at the next annual meeting. The subject selected by Mr. Fletcher, from the approved list, is, The Connexion of the Principles of Non-Conformity with the Spread of the Gospel and the General Prosperity of the Church of Christ." The ministers of the associatiou dined together at the Academy-house; and after dinner a number of letters were read from absent members, many of which contained gratifying statements respecting the prosperity of the churches under their pastoral care. From the interest expressed in the whole of the business of the meeting, as also in the arrangements respecting the anniversary meetings of the academy, it is hoped and expected, that a very considerable number of ministers will hereafter attend on these occasions.

Home Missionary Society.-It appears that the missionaries preach in 208 villages, among a population of 124,521 souls, to 16,145 hearers; that they have also under their care 50 Sunday Schools, and 2868 children, who are instructed by 280 gratuitous teachers; and that there are, in the vicinity of 19 stations only, 274 villages, containing a population of 95,344 souls, who, it is ascertained from the strictest inquiry, enjoy no means of evangelical instruction. What then must be the general state of the villagers of England? The Christian heart shudders at the thought!

Beside the above scenes of labour, grants of £20. per annum, and under, are made to various ministers, to enable them to labour in destitute villages near their respective charges. The villages which they occupy are in Cumberland, Devon, Durham, Herefordshire, Shropshire, Sussex, and Westmoreland.

Baptist Mission.-On Thursday morning, June 19, at nine, a prayer-meeting was held at Eagle-street, for the special purpose of imploring the divine blessing on the Society and its Missionaries. Immediately after the prayer-meeting, a very large and respectable assembly met at the Chapel in Great Queen-street, to hear the Report of the Committee, and to transact the usual annual business of the Society. Benjamin Shaw, Esq. Treasurer to the Society, was called to the chair. The Report was read from the pulpit by the junior Secretary. It contained an interesting account of the present state of the missions in various parts CONG. MAG. No. 68.

of the continent of India; in Ceylon, Java, and other Eastern islands; and in the West Indies; with statements of a financial nature, and domestic proceedings and arrangements. The Chairman, as Treasurer, then read an Account of the Receipts and Disbursements; which was received by the meeting with evident marks of high gratification. The sub scriptions and donations for the past year amounted to more than £14,400.; and there was a balance of £1200. in the hands of the Treasurer.

The Rev. Joseph Kinghorn, after ad verting to the translations of the Scriptures into different languages, observed, there is another work which will not so soon be finished. Beside Bibles, Mise sionaries are wanted also. Let us attend to primitive principles and practices; in following these we are always safe. For the conversion of the world, Christ himself sent forth men at first, inspired men. The plan is not altered since: men are made the instruments of sending forth successors. We must not only put a book into a man's hand, but must point out to him what he perhaps would not read at all, or would read without due attention. Suppose all your ministers were at once to be removed from this land, what would you say, how would you feel? Would they not be missed? The regard shown to ministers here proves the value of missionaries. How must we admire the disinterested spirit and feelings of men who, from all the enjoyments of London, are willing, for the sake of the gospel, to go into the most unfriendly climes, and among the most savage tribes, not knowing but that they may be immolated on the altar at the next festival which they may celebrate to their idol gods! What God has done among the poor negroes in the West Indies is truly wonderful. One church containing two thousand seven hundred members! Ministers who preside over the largest churches here may well be astonished. More missionaries are wanted, but the funds have not allowed the Committee to send more.

William Carus Wilson, Esq. M. P. followed.

The Rev. George Barclay considered occasions like this as throwing around us a kind of moral atmosphere. We inhale an air purer than common, and enjoy feelings unusually delightful. Suchr scenes may well heighten our pleasures, and sooth our pains, and make even the dying countenance beam with satisfaction. Perhaps it may not be generally known, that yesterday commenced the annual festival of Juggernaut. While we are meeting here, think what crowds are assembled there. But this is a declining cause; ours is an advancing one. 3 L.

The Rev. John Leifchild came to the meeting without any intention of speaking, or any intimation that he should be called forward; but his regard for this institution would not suffer him to refuse an application to appear publicly in its support. These meetings have chiefly to do with the state of the heart and feelings. Our judgments have long been convinced of the duty of promoting missions. Some objectors complained of the noise and bustle of missionary preparations; and quoted against us the building of Solomon's temple, which rose silently and majestically, without the din of axe or hammer; as if the heathen were to be converted by magic, idolatry dissolved by a charm, and the truth circulated round the earth in a whisper. Not many years ago an eloquent individual in the most respectable assembly of this nation, poured contempt on these proceedings. He described the Missionaries "as apostates from the loom and the anvil; as renegadoes from some handicraft employment; as crawling forth from the holes and caverns of their original destination, like maimed and crippled gladiators, to combat with the expert and polished brahmins." And he asked, in a tone of defiance, "What is to be expected from these enterprises but shame and discomfiture? What can these men do for the conversion of India?" We answer, let him go and see what they have done, or rather, what God has done by them; and let him calculate no more exclusively on human resources. Enough has been done to warrant the hope, that at no very distant day, Christianity will prevail throughout the whole of India, and that a glorious fabric will be raised to its honour, of which this Society may justly be considered as having laid the foundation. But to-day we look farther than India; and truly animating is the object of our meeting. I admire and love the feeling and spirit manifested in this country in favour of freedom, civil and political. But we take higher ground; we meet to promote the freedom of the world from the unlawful dominion of the prince of darkness. We are united to supply men with the sword of the spirit, the shield of faith, the helmet of hope, the panoply of God; that the usurper may be driven from his seat, and the lawful king be established on the throne of every heart.

The Rev. Edward Irving, M. A. Your Society has great claims. Personally unconnected as I am with you, I may venture to speak of what some of the gentlemen who have preceded me, have,

borné to mention. Your missionaries have translated the whole of the New Testament into twenty-one of the dialects of India. Though drawn from the lowest ranks of society here, they have come into collision with the highest dignities there. The public authorities have honoured them, and committed to them the superintendence of the noblest youth in that country. Your missionaries have penetrated the secrets of Indian mythology, have drawn forth from unexplored recesses what the researches of learned men could never before reach, and have exposed in all its enormity, the iniquity of that system which used to be held up to European admiration as a model of primitive simplicity. Sterne says, "If I had met him habited as a brahmia on the plains of India, I would have bowed down and done him reverence.' This,

a few years ago, was a general feeling in this country, but a very different feeling prevails now. Who has enabled us to legislate for that country, which in former days we were not able to do? Your missionaries. It must not be forgotten that your missionaries have taught, not only religious knowledge, but knowledge profane: they have taught Hindoos the institutes of European science, and prepared them to receive the pure gospel, which leads men to the service of God.

Joseph Butterworth, Esq. M. P. offered a hearty welcome to the society on their meeting in a Methodist chapel.

The Rev. J. H. Hinton, in seconding the 4th resolution, remarked, that the topics of the preceding resolutions bad all been pleasing, but there is no mortal scene that may not be overclouded and saddened. We have seen the wilderness and solitary place glad, and the desert become as the garden of the Lord. But in this garden there is a sepulchre. Not only are missionaries removed, but the fathers of this society, where are they? Fuller and Sutcliff are gone to their rest; and Ryland is on the verge of eternity; a man, whose presence at these meetings has often delighted as well as edified us, and whose absence today leaves a blank in the feelings of our hearts. And as these founders of the Society have retired, and are fast retiring from their useful stations, so those who now conduct its affairs, will, ere long, be gathered to their fathers. Then let us who are now the juniors in the connexion, prepare to occupy their places. And for inyself, with the example of a revered father before me, I am ready to give my own pledge, and as on the high altar this day, to vow attachment to the Society, and active devotion to its service as long as I live.

The Rev. John Arundel professed the

most ardent attachment to this Society. He had always looked up to it with peculiar regard, as taking the lead in translating those scriptures, which, when Missionaries die, still remain, to be spirit and life to successive generations : the word of our God liveth for ever. Who can have heard the Report of this day, pure in diction, chaste in style, and splendid in statement, without being constrained to say, It is good to be here?

The Rev. Jabez Bunting had heard of a miser, who having a broken sixpence that he would not part with, employed a silversmith to meud it, and for this was charged seven pence. So, Mr. Bunting added, it was his firm persuasion that every sixpence withheld from the missionary cause that ought to be given to it, would in some way or other, by the arrangements and visitations of Providence, be made to cost us seven pence. On the contrary, there is that scattereth, and yet increaseth.

Essex Anniversaries at Chelmsford.These delightful services were commenced on the evening of Monday, July 7, by public worship in the Rev. J. Hunt's meeting-house, when the Rev. R. Burls, of Maldon, delivered an able and an appropriate discourse before the Associated Congregational Ministers of the county. The Rev. R. Frost, of Great Dunmow, and the Rev. J. Bass, of Halsted, presented suitable prayers. At a subsequent meeting of the Associated Ministers, they re-appointed a Committee to enquire into the propriety of applications made in the county of Essex, for assistance in the erection, &c. of places of religious worship; when all the ministers expressed their determination to conntenance no cases of the description referred to, which have not obtained the sanction of the Committee. Applications to this Committee will be received by its Secretary, the Rev. Joseph Grey, Chelmsford.

The anniversaries of the week having been commenced with the services of an old institution, from which most of the religious and benevolent societies which exist in the county have emanated, on Tuesday, July 8, the Annual Meeting of the Essex Auxiliary Missionary Society was held in the Rev. J. Hunt's meetinghouse. On this occasion a judicious and animating sermon was delivered by the Rev. J. Fletcher, of Stepney. On the close of the religious service, the assembly removed to the County room in the Shire-hall, a spacious and an elegant apartment, of which the use had been kindly and liberally allowed to the Society by the magistrates, in order to hold the annual meeting for business, W. A. Hankey, Esq. Treasurer of the

Parent Institution took the chair. The various resolutions were proposed and supported in the most able and animating manner by the Rev. Messrs. G. Burder, Hull, Fletcher, Chaplin, Julian (rector of Trimley), Blackburn, Freeman (of the Wesleyan Society), and Hunt; and also by W. H. Pattison and J. Vaizey, Esqrs. The collection amounted to £61.

On the evening of the same day was held the anniversary of the Essex Congregational Union : an institution which is designed to promote the knowledge of the Gospel by village preaching, and the support of schools. A very affectionate discourse was delivered in the Rev. J. Grey's meeting-house on behalf of this institution, by the Rev. David Smith. After the service the meeting for business commenced, when the chair having been taken by Joseph Pattison, Esq. the Treasurer; the audience was addressed by the Rev. Messrs. Morell, Wells, Burls, Chaplin, Hull, Mudie, Morison, and Steer, and also by Joseph Pattison and John May, Esqrs. This Society not only affords assistance to many ministers in their attempts to evangelize their respective vicinities, but it also supports a Home Missionary, and it contemplates, should the liberality of its friends allow, the employment of other agents in this important character.

At 7 o'clock on the following morn ing (July 9) a prayer-meeting was held in the Old Meeting-house (Mr. Grey's). Several ministers conducted the worship. After the excitement and fatigue of the preceding day, it was truly delightful to see so many persons assembled at so early an hour for a service altogether devotional

In a subsequent part of the day an Auxiliary Religious Tract Society for Chelmsford and its vicinity was formed. It is hoped and believed that the whole of these engagements produced a powerful impression: an impression not only favourable to an increase of religious zeal, but also favourable to an increase of its only legitimate and permanent sources, Christian principles and devotional habits.

Blackburn Academy.-The Annual Examination of the students educated in this Institution took place, on Thursday, June 26, before the Committee and Friends; the Rev. Dr. Clunie in the chair. The students were examined in various parts of Cæsar, Ovid, Cicero, Tacitus, Juvenal, Zenophon, Demosthenes, aud Homer; in the principles of natural and experimental philosophy; in the historical and poetical books of the Old Testament in Hebrew; and on the evidences of the Christian revelation; in all of which they acquitted themselves to the great satisfaction of the company,