from his historical intention? Did the author, then, merely select the language in accommodation to the discussion of his proposed subject?

It would have been gratifying, had Mr. Fletcher taken a survey of the spirit and state of the times, contemporaneous with the Epistle of John; and thus have favoured us with the actual history of the Apostle's allusions, as introduc tory to a consideration of his text. Instead of this, however, he has given some prefatory remarks on prophecy and its accomplishment, relative to which all his readers can by no means be perfectly satisfied. He seems to have a very partial view of the term "prophecy," and evidently at variance with its common acceptation in the Old Testament; when he says—

"Prophecies must, from the nature of things, be obscure. Were they other, wise, they might be converted into what they were not designed-rules of conduct; they might interfere with the free agency of man, and be connected with a system of collusion and imposture, because in certain circumstances, it might be the policy or interest of men to endeavour to fulfil them "!

There appears something objectionable, also, in the statement of these sentences: From the character of ancient predictions respecting the coming of Christ, it might naturally be expected, that whatever affected the general interests of the Church subsequent to that advent, would furnish the materials of prophecy. Read at your leisure the predictions of Daniel, and you will find a prophetic history of the great empires; which, at different periods, have been established in the world,”- Now, is here not evidently an anachronism; for the Roman empire (the last of "the great empires") was "established" prior to the "advent" of Christ, and not "subsequent" to it? Besides, allowing that "subsequent" times were included in these prophecies; where are those times so precisely defined, as to be unhesitatingly ascertained? Have we an inspired warrant for the application of any prophecies, either to Nero, or his Holiness, or Mahomet, or Buonaparte, or any monster yet to make his appearance? Where are the two of our prophecy-expositors, who have been yet agreed, either in the objects of prophetic reference or the exact dates of their fulfilment?

According to the preacher, "the result would most clearly and decisively prove, that the rise, progress, and general characteristics of that ecclesiastical system, which is commonly called the Church of Rome, have been minutely specified, and graphically foretold in the records of inspiration."-Hence be has arranged his various topics under three classes.-"Those which respect its origin-those which describe its characteristic features-and those which announce its final termination." This "result," however, as the reader may recollect, was not ascertained by many learned writers, as Grotius, Lightfoot, Hammond, Whitby, &c. &c.; by whom a very different interpretation has been adopted. It is, notwithstanding, here maintained with considerable pertinacity; and even without an intimation of a dissentient opinion among Protestant authors!

"These predictions are, I am aware, applied by Catholic writers, sometimes, to the events which accompanied the destruction of the city of Jerusalem, and sometimes to the rise of Mahomet. But are any of these prophetic symbols and descriptions at afl applicable?"

Now, is it needful for us to remind Mr. Fletcher, of the above writers' disquisitions on this topic? He cannot be unacquainted with Dr. Lightfoot's Har

mony of the New Testament'; and the learned " Appendix" of the celebrated Grotius-" Ad interpretationem locorum Novi T. quæ de Antichristo agunt aut agere putantur: in qua via sternitur ad Christianorum Concordiam: " if he have never yet read it, is imperatively entitled to the first half day's attention, which he can possibly command.

In opposition to the strange "result," asserted in this Discourse, may also be cited the following words of Mr. Faber. 2 "So long as I acknowledge the authority of the Epistles of John, I must peremptorily deny that the Pope is the Antichrist; both because I am plainly taught that the spirit of that liar was working even in the apostolical age, which the spirit of the Papacy was not, and because I am no less plainly taught, that, whenever the monster should be publicly revealed, he should be known by his denial of the Father and the Son.'"

t

Dr. Macknight, in his notes on 1 John ii. 18, thus writes. " "From what John hath written, ver. 22, of this chapter, and chap. iv. 3, and 2 Epist. ver. 7, I am inclined to think, that by 'Antichrist' he means those false prophets, or teachers, who were foretold by our Lord to arise about the time of the destruction of Jerusalem, and who were now gone abroad. When the Apostle mentions the false teachers collectively, he calls them the Antichrist,' in the singular number, as Paul called the false teachers collectively, of whom he prophesied, 2 Thess. ii. 3, the man of sin.' But when John speaks of these teachers as individuals, he calls them many Antichrists.'"

It can scarcely be needful to multiply citations, as the author must be aware of highly reputable names, whose decision is against him. It is, however, hoped that he may be induced to re-consider the subject, and employ, on some future occasion, the influence of his high character and important station in another manner. Oh, what a contrast is there between this manifesto of certain "Ministers" in London, in 1824; and the Christian, Catholic " Appendix" of the immortal Grotius, published about 200 years ago!

Here are also certain criticisms, as well as other particulars deserving of attention; but we must forbear enlargement: and therefore close our notice with an extract from the " Discourse," which we would have been glad to see characterizing every principle and part of its composition.

"Hold forth the word of life" in the holiness of your conduct, as well as in the purity of your creed: and subdue the spirit of opposition by the law of kindness and of love. This requires no sacrifice of truth, no compromise of principle, no unscriptural concessions. As zeal is not intolerance, so candour is not indifference: and while you are “ stedfast in the faith," remember “ the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God."

To conclude in the language of a writer, whose masterly investigations on this subject demand to be more generally known: "When the Reformation

See particularly, p. 296, 297. It "cannot possibly be understood but of the Jewish nation (according to ver. 7.); and so it is explained again and again, 1 John ii. 18, and iv. 3, and 2 John 7. &c."

"See his Dissert. upon Prophecy, vol. i. p. 110:" as cited thus by Nisbett, in his "Letters on the Epistles."

New Literal Translat. of Apostol. Epistles, &c. vol. iv. p. 248.

The Rev. N. Nisbett, M. A. Rector of Tunstall; who published at Faversham, in 1812, in 24mo. "Letters illustrative of the Gospel History and of the Epistles, as connected with it," &c.

took place, the doctrine of Antichrist, as applicable to the Church of Rome, was very naturally adopted by the supporters of that glorious work:- that Luther, indeed, heated in the controversy, and smoking, as I may say, from the recent blast of the Papal thunders, should cry out, Antichrist, shall pass, if you will, for a sally of rage and desperation," (says Bishop Hurd):—but “of all methods of conversion, that of crying out" Heretic," on the one side, and "Antichrist" and "apostate" on the other, is the very worst that can possibly be imagined. And sure we are, that the Christian records give not the smallest countenance to such practices, in either party, James i. 26."

Biblical, Theological, and Literary Record.

In compliance with the repeated solicitations of several of our correspondents, we propose, under this head, to give short critical notices of such books on biblical or theological subjects, as require immediate notice, or which may be dispensed with in the reviewing department of our work. We confess we have ever been averse to meddle with divinity, properly so called, from a desire to call the attention of our readers more particularly to strictly biblical topics, and also, from an aversion to involve our work in any dispute on those points of doctrine, on which the Christian world is divided in sentiment. The wishes of our subscribers, however, have prescribed our duty, and in obedience to their commands, we promise to do our best. Let it be understood, however, that we here propose to maintain the same strict and unbending impartiality, as we trust has hitherto characterised our labours. We have doubtless sentiments of our own on theological subjects, which we will defend with all our might, when necessary—but not in the SCRIPTURE MAGAZINE. The works on divinity which we here notice, will be viewed, not with reference to our own doctrinal sentiments; but with reference to the ability with which the subjects are discussed therein :—we shall proceed as literary censors, and not as systematic divines.

Authors and publishers desirous of having their works here recorded, are requested to send to the publishers before the 20th of the month.

HELON'S PILGRIMAGE TO JERUSALEM. A picture of Judaism, in the century which preceded our Saviour. Translated from the German of Frederick Strauss, with notes and illustrations, by the translator, 2 vols. 8vo. pp. 767. 16s. boards. This is really a well written work, and the form in which it appears will no doubt obtain for it an extensive circulation. What Anacharsis is to Greece, Helon is to Judea. The plan of the work is the following: A young Jew of Alexandria, who had been educated in the system of Platonic Judaism, has returned to the stricter observance of the law, by a conversion to the Aramean school. Bent on the fulfilment of the law, which he believes it impossible to accomplish any where but in the place where the altar of Jehovah is fixed, he makes a journey from Alexandria to Judea, in company with his uncle Elisama, in the year 109, before the birth of Christ. Here he remains during the half year which included the principal religious festivals; enters into the priesthood, and the marriage state; embarks to visit

Alexandria again; is shipwrecked on the passage, and drowned. The plan here adopted, has given the author an opportunity of representing, in the most glowing colours, a picture of the Jewish people, in which their civil and ecclesiastical polity, their social and domestic life, are represented with the strictest fidelity. The general views given of the principal parts of the Holy Land, shew an intimate acquaintance with sacred geography, and the faithful descriptions of the principal festivals and sects, display a mind well stored with the knowledge of sacred and profane history. The variety of sacred poetical compositions scattered throughout the work, infuses a spirit of piety and cheerfulness which materially enhances its value, with reference to that class of readers for whom it is more immediately designed.

CALENDARIUM PALESTINE: exhibiting a tabular view of the Principal Events in Scripture History, the Jewish Festivals and Fasts, with the Service of the Synagogue; and the Outlines of a Natural History of Syria, with the various Phenomena and Productions, arranged under their respective Months: to which are added, an Account of the different Modes of computing Time, adopted by the Hebrews; and a Dissertation on the Hebrew Months, from the Latin of J. D. Michaelis. Prefaced with a Map of the Holy Land. By WM. CARPENTER.— pp. 83. 12mo. Price 2s. 6d. boards.

This work will be found extremely useful to the reader of the Scriptures, as bringing into a small compass much valuable information connected with Sacred history. The first part comprises a calendar of Palestine, arranged in the almanack form, and embracing under each month, an account of the most important events in Scripture, the principal festivals and fasts of the Jewish church, with the daily lessons, and of the weather, productions &c. of the Holy Land. This is followed by a detailed account of the climate, seasons, and natural phenomena of Palestine: of the modes of computing time adopted by the Hebrews; and of the origin, institution, and ceremonies of their several festivals. The second part of the work consists of a translation of a dissertation on the Hebrew months, by the celebrated Michaelis, which appears to have been but little known, but which contains much curious and valuable information. "In the calendar," says the author. "I have conformed to the Jewish distribution of months, placing against the Hebrew month, that of our own calendar which has been supposed to synchronize with it. Being convinced, however, that the Jewish calendar has been corrupted at some period of time subsequent to the dispersion of that people, and that, as it at present stands, it is not only at variance with the seasons and productions of Palestine, but in direct opposition to the institutions of Moses, as appointed in the Old Testament Scriptures, I have added a translation of a scarce and valuable tract, by the celebrated J. D. Michaelis, on the Hebrew months. It is somewhat extraordinary, that no commentator or biblical writer, at least none that I am acquainted with, has attempted a solution of the difficulties to which I have adverted above, although they might be considered as too apparent to have escaped attention. According to the institution of Moses, the first-fruits of the barley were to be presented on the sixteenth of the month Nisan, after which the harvest was to be reaped. From an inspection of the calendar, however, drawn up from the accounts of the best authenticated travellers, it will be seen that the barley does not ripen till the end of the following month. How is this difficulty to be removed? In vain shall we refer to commentaries and other works on biblical antiquities. Their authors generally dismiss the subject by remarking, that 'the harvest usually commenced about that time'! with such evasions, however, the penetrating and inquisitive mind of Michaelis could not be satisfied: he has entered into a close investigation of the subject, the result of which must, if I mistake not, be wholly satisfactory to every candid mind." Such is our opinion also, and hence we cordially recommend the work to our readers; remarking, that the moderate price at which it is published, renders it accessible to all who may wish to avail themselves of its information.

AN EXTENSIVE ENQUIRY into the important questions, what it is to preach Christ, and what is the best mode of preaching Him. BY RICHARD LLOYD, M. A. Rector of St. Dunstan's in the West, &c. 8vo. pp. 372. 98. bds.

Oh Sectarianism, Sectarianism! thou bane of religion; how long will it be ere Christians unite to banish thee from the earth, and consign thy memory over to merited oblivion, or only remember thee to execrate the evils to which thou hast given birth! Such was the exclamation which involuntarily escaped us, as we closed the volume upon our table. In the first part of this enquiry, on "what it is to preach Christ," there is little to which any will object, but much which all will admire and heartily subscribe to. The mode of preaching Christ, recommended and illustrated by Mr. Lloyd, embraces a lucid exhibition and enforcement of the whole Christian system, in its doctrinal and prac tical bearings. But when he enters upon the other part of his enquiry, "what is the best mode of preaching him," his zeal against sectarians converts him into a most determined and unbending sectary. That "uneducated and sectarian preachers" should be able to do "the work of an evangelist", is out of the question to preach Christ, none are competent but ministers of "a superior character and a liberal education." "The sect" of Wesleyan Methodists, "ranks among the worst enemies of the Church of England," and "that anomalous assembly, called the Home Missionary Society,' insults this Christian nation and its accredited clergy by its title, no less than by its irregular and offensive practices;" and these societies, with "their vagrant emissaries," are accordingly visited with exemplary vengeance. When will they, whose especial business it is to recommend the charities of the Gospel, by exhibiting their benignant character, lay aside their petty jealousies, and unite for the promotion of this great object?" One is your master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren"!

WESLEYANA: A Selection of the most important Passages in the Writings of the late Rev. JOHN WESLEY, A. M. arranged to form a complete Body of Divinity, with a Portrait and Biographical Sketch. 18mo. pp. 457. 6s. boards. This is really an admirable little work, relative to the rise, progress, and religious opinions of that numerous and growing body of Christians, the Wesleyan Methodists. So various and discordant are the representations which have been given of the religious sentiments of this Christian Society, that without wading through sixteen or eighteen octavo volumes, to which number the writings of John Wesley extend, it has hitherto been impossible to feel any degree of satisfaction on the subject. The difficulty, however, is now removed, by the appearance of "Wesleyana," and those who feel any interest on the subject--and who does not?-will hail with much pleasure the compendium before us.

"The design of the editor has been to give an unprejudiced view of the Methodist doctrines, as developed and illustrated by its founder; sufficiently comprehensive to exhibit the complete outlines of his doctrinal system, and sufficiently compressed to be placed within the reach of all who desire acquaintance with its character and claims.

"The editor believes that no subject of importance in the Christian system has been overlooked by him in this compilation; and he trusts that the systematised form which it assumes, and the comprehensive survey which it takes, will render it an acceptable volume to such as feel any interest in the affairs of that Christian community to which it relates."-Preface.

To this we need only add, that the editor has succeeded in his design; executing his task with considerable judgment and the strictest impartiality. The Biographical Sketch exhibits an interesting view of the rise and progress of Methodism, and concludes with some good remarks on its moral influence on society. The work will be read with much pleasure and edification by christians of every denomination.