cess of interpretation as that which applies aid." In anticipating the improvement which will follow a more diligent and general study of the Scriptures, we attach the greatest importance to its influence on the distinctive opinions or creeds of religious bodies. The Christian church has been too long divided into sects, all his powers into more than the reverence of common minds. All his attainments should make his reflections turn with overwhelming force on his own character and probable destiny, as a sinner privileged to consult the records of immortality. We know of no divine influence which is the privilege of ignorance and indolence, and though we do not speak of this influence in general as the reward of literary research, yet placing it in sole connection with devotion, and supposing that devotion prompts to study, we believe that the Christian who is ardent in the subserviency of literature to scriptural knowledge, may have a larger measure of it than others. We place the moral disposition involved in the study at the foundation of our reasoning, and advancing on this maintain, that while our improvement is ascribed to divine influence, it will always be in proportion to the moral disposition, and the biblical information conjoined. There may be instances in which the disposition being strong, without information, appears to create a fund of enjoyment; but in those cases, in which the comparison makes it appear, that the mere fervour of feeling in the absence of knowledge has been productive of greater devotion, than in other cases where the union exists; we imagine that it is a merely natural fervour essentially distinct from divine influence, so that there may be as much devotion, or spiritual feeling in the calm student, as in the man excited into contempt of his studies and tranquillity. This is frequently capable of the most direct evidence from the details of the experience of the uninstructed man, since enquiry shows his gross misapprehension of particular passages, when perhaps his greatest ex-progress of truth must be gratifying to citements are combined with his greatest errors, and when to insist on his case in connection with divine influence, as an objection to the utility of biblical study, would be to involve the doctrine of this influence in the odium of contradiction and absurdity. "The persons (Mr. C. observes) who refuse to subject the Bible to the same pro public faith, or failing this, to consolidate the minor opinions and prejudices of a feeble party. The consequence has been the neglect of independent enquiry into the will of God, till at length it would seem that the recorded charac teristic of the Bereans was a pagan vice, rather than a Christian virtue. The design in many instances to perpetuate denominational distinctions is a questionable one, but whatever be the dread of latitudinarianism, the prospect of the cessation of party strife, ere the every one. We rejoice in the hope of a period when, by the abandonment of logomachies, and the loss of metaphysical subtleties in the simplicity of scriptural representations, the greater proportion of our controversies will pass into that Lethean gulph into which many of the ancient heresies, and the abortions of schoolmen have long since sunk. The preparation for this period does not consist only in amiable and glowing inculcations of charity by a Mason or a Hall, but chiefly in the extension of a diligent study of the Bible. With the increase of facilities for this, there will be a profound deference to the authority of holy writ; prejudice will decline; ignorance, which has led to the occupation of untenable positions, and furnished prejudiced and inflamed passions for their support, will be destroyed; when the truth of the gospel, in the simplicity and unity of its discoveries, will disperse those mists, in which the reality and proportion of the objects of visiou have long been disguised. period, for instance, which has elapsed since Dr. Campbell urged to the systematic study of the sacred volume in place of profound deference to human authority, has been distinguished by almost as much indolence and mental succumbency in religion, as if his remonstrances and directions had never been uttered. We have now our literary and scientific institutes, and why should not the friends of the Bible put in their claim to public regard, and amass and arrange the rich materials which are widely floating abroad, for a systematic and efficient establishment of biblical learning? Mr. C. has preceded us in this suggestion. He proposes the formation of a "Biblical Institute," to embrace lectures, classes for the study of Hebrew and Greek, and a library for reference and circulation. We are not convinced that his plan is sufficiently matured for adoption, and it is obvious We expect in some quarters little sympathy, either with our regrets, or our anticipations. We are prepared, however, to maintain our dissatisfaction with the measure of regard paid to the Bible, and our confidence in the connection of the future triumphs of Chris-that the establishment of any society in tianity with its improved and general the form of a Biblical Institute, should study. Indeed, this seems an instru- proceed on the principle of extensive mentality for the attainment of the end co-operation with the whole Christian to which our religious efforts are di-church, and be distinguished by caution rected, as necessary as it is powerful; and laborious preparation in all its deand if public attention to it, be not|tails. In dwelling on Mr. C.'s suggesspeedily roused through the pulpit and tion, we see many objections to societies the press, we shall participate more which could in any way admit of comthan we have ever yet done, in the de-parison with Mechanic's Institutes. We spondency, at least, of certain seers of modern times. In preaching let not the simple beauty and the practical import of a sacred text be neglected for the discussion of doctrinal subtleties, into which the peculiarities of some system are introduced to the loss of all serious impressions, as much as to the destruction of all unityof design. Through the press, let works be multiplied calculated to assist in the pursuit of biblical information, our youth, our junior ministry, and the enquiring of all classes. In addition to these general suggestions it may be seriously enquired, whether something cannot be added to the machinery of our institutions bearing on this point? It is a humiliating and a cautionary fact, that the general suggestions of men of talent and piety have failed to remedy infidelity, we think that a small portion the evil of which we complain. The | of biblical information, particularly re should fear for their becoming secular, possessing a purely literary character, and prompting an unhallowed speculation in this department of learning. We wish to make Christians students in the literature of the Bible, without urging to mere curiosity by turning the stream of unsanctified philology and talented arrogance in this direction. We feel a difficulty in making such societies as are proposed, decidedly religious; and we dread some of the consequences which would result from their extra ecclesiastical character. Though we ob, ject to the universal application of the poet's dictum, "a little learning is a dangerous thing," yet from its nature, and the situation which multitudes occupy on the borders of the gulph of quires the security of Christian humi- of the subject precludes the possibility lity. And we should regret, though we of both a protracted and profitable dismight emulate their profound acquire-cussion of it, for the class of readers ments, to see among us the counterpart selected by the author. Hence, in atof some continental scholars, trifling tempting to render it intelligible, he with the fundamental doctrines, and has evaded many points, to which he violating the plainest precepts of the has brought his reader, prompting a cuvolume, in the critical investigation of riosity which it was inconsistent with which they might display the profoundest his plan to gratify, and turning from learning and acumen. For ourselves the point by a reference of the unlearnwe confess, we can see safety, only in ed to the literature inaccessible to them. one of these two methods, to place bib- The second series, containing twelve lical societies in close connection with lectures on biblical interpretation, is by our churches, and as much as possible far the most valuable part of the volume. under the influence of men of reputa- The success with which Mr. C. has tion, who are pledged to the mainte- shown how the principles of interpretnance of deep devoted piety, or to di- ing other works may be safely applied rect our energies to the establishment to the Bible, entitles his volume to the of an institution which might take a patronage of the public, and will make literary character of the highest order, it we trust, subservient to that improved and exert a metropolitan and national study of the Scriptures which we are influence. This is to be contemplated anxious to promote. as combining the energy, acquirements, and piety of all our denominations, at least those which are now capable of uniting in our Bible and Missionary Societies; and in addition to popular classes the most profound and recondite research, improving among the learned biblical study to the greatest possible extent, and diffusing its advantages | structed and most watchful minds. In throughout the kingdom. There is one view of literary labours for the multitude, which we have often entertained, and with the brief explanation of which we shall conclude this article. The attempts which are now making in every department of learning and science for popular education, require the presidency of the best in the accommodation of subjects which were once barred against the multitude by a fence of technicalities, and by every treatise presuming on the preliminary instruction of schools and colleges; there is a temptation of amusing instead of improving. In rendering a certain branch of learning or science popular, there is not only an attempt to simplify, but to evade such things as are difficult of comprehension to the tyro, who expects a royal road laid open to the eminence of fame. There are obviously some subjects which are incapable of being made popular to the extent to which others may be, and with We have left ourselves little space for remarks on Mr. C.'s volume. His lectures are called "popular," as intended for the unlearned Christian. But we think he has adopted a plan inconsistent with exclusive appeals to the unlearned; and which, establishing an incompatibility between his topics and the capacities of the persons for whom he professes to write, renders his volume not sufficiently popular. His lectures are in two series. The first contains five lectures on biblical criticism. Those relating to the text of the Bible, comprise a view of its present state, its corruption and its correction, with ex-regard to which technicalities cannot planations to the unlearned! of various readings, with discussions on their value or relation to the integrity of the text. These five lectures, we think might with advantage have been compressed into one introductory lecture. The nature be dispensed with. Latin and Greek are indispensable, and the most unwearied application to study; solitary musings beneath the waning of the midnight lamp, absolutely necessary to knowledge. If a man deliver popular lectures on these subjects, or publish popular introductions, he amuses without informing, and merely talks "about it, and about it," without disciplining his gaping auditory in the real advance of mind. The most which can be done in such cases is to afford the elementary instruction of schools and colleges to those who cannot enter them, but the elementary instruction must be essentially the same. Otherwise the display of the lecturer's own learning, and his benevolent condescension to the capacity and ignorance of hls hearers will prove little better than empiricism, on this principle we question the propriety of lecturing at length to "the unlearned," on the Hebrew and Greek texts of the Scriptures, their corruption and their various readings, their manuscripts and versions, unless as opening the course for them, and stimulating them to the pursuit of learning for themselves. The great object of accommodating learning and science to the unlearned, must be to afford them facilities for learning. civil, which distinguish their land of liberty and equality. On the other hand, Captain Hall appears, with all his intelligence as a traveller, and all the charms and fascinations of his style as a writer, at least equally solicitous to reconcile Britons to their old established forms in church and state. He seems, indeed, anxious to supply an antidote to what he may deem the morbid and pernicious influence of the "Notions." Both in America and in England, it will be very useful to read these interesting and invaluable productions together; they will serve to digest each other. The American, however, appears far most competent to give us just conceptions of the state and progress of religion in that vast country, where establishments are unknown, and where it has been deemed the wisest policy of the magistrate to let alone the concerns of that kingdom which is "not of this world." Upon this subject, the most egregious and unaccountable errors are entertained in England. Some writers would fain persuade us, that for want of Notions of the Americans. By a Travel- an establishment, like the episcopalian ling Bachelor. 2 vols. 8vo. Colburn. of England, or the presbyterian of Travels in North America. By BASIL Scotland, a large proportion of the AmeHALL. 3 vols. 8vo. Simpkin and rican population is positively retrogradMarshall. ing into infidelity, if not into heathenAMONG the numerous publications as-ism. It is a great consolation to be piring to supply that great desideratum in English literature, an ample and adequate view of the United States of America, the works above mentioned are of very high pretension. The first of these has been longest in circulation: it contains (though not avowedly) the Notions of an American, and of one most intelligent and competent to the arduous task. These "Notions" certainly convey the idea that the Americans entertain views of that great and growing republic, which to European monarchies appear anything but modest. In fact, there are no bounds to their imaginings of what that power may ultimately become, which is so gigantic in its infancy. Entertaining these "notions," there appears much indeed to commend, and little, if anything to censure, in all the institutions, sacred or assured, that neither our migrating countrymen, who are seeking settlements in the unoccupied territory, nor the natives of those half-cultivated regions, are in danger of learning a religion from the Indians. On the contrary, there are innumerable evidences that the Gospel, independently of 'all human legislation, is in its own nature adapted to move on with the progress of civilization. Christianity is borne along with the tide of population, let it flow where it may, and with much more certain efficacy than if it were enacted that a steeple should invariably form the centre, around which man must construct his habitations. Another fact also is highly gratifying, viz. that the subdivisions of Christians into sects and parties, where all are left upon an equality, and no one elevated as the dominant and endowed sect, is so far ed States? Why it really appears that The following are extracts from the fourteenth letter in the second volume of the "Notions," on the subject of religion. After stating that there is no Establishment, and consequently that "the clergy, and all that pertains to religion, are supported by voluntary contributions, endowments that have been made by devises, gifts, and other private means, he proceeds thus: "The first point to be considered is the number and the nature of the sects. If the It is com Presbyterians and Congregationalists, be- the most numerous in Maryland and Louisi- this country, and who are settled in the more northern States, are also Catholics; but including all, I should not think they rank higher in point of numbers than the sixth or seventh sect, after allowing for all the subdivisions among the Protestants themselves. There are some Lutherans and Moravians, and a great variety of less numerous or local sects. Before proceeding with the interesting and important extracts which may be made from this part of the work, it may be remarked, in reference to the above comparative view of the different sects, that "the shades of difference in discipline and opinion" between Presbyterians and Congregationalists, are, both in England and America, quite sufficient to prevent their being considered " as forming one sect." There is as much reason for considering them as divided into two in America as there is in England, and in London we know that they form two of the three denominations of dissenters recognized by the Legislature, viz. Presbyterians, Insion had been made, the enlightened dependents, and Baptists. If this divi would have found it necessary to place author of "Notions of the Americans" the Baptists first in his view of the Christian sects. But besides this, since the publication of that work there has been laid before the public a statement relative to the Baptist denomination, emanating from a much more competent authority than even the author of the "Notions," giving a materially different account of the Baptist churches. From this minute, and as it may be presumed tolerably accurate table, it appears that "the Baptists are known to have" not merely 66 more than two thousand churches," but that they have a far greater number than the Presbyterians and Congregationalists united, according to this author; for he says, "It is computed that they possess near three thousand congregations." The table referred to includes the churches in the British provinces, and gives a general total of 212 Associations, containing 4,056 churches. If, from this number, |