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that I might, by the aid of a microscope, venture to peruse this remarkable specimen of devoted zeal and biblical research; but I shall not be under the necessity of using a microscope, as I understand that a large paper edition is about to be published, in good, readable type.

Mrs. M. This book is so crowded, that it bewilders the eye, and I do not clearly understand its plan.

Ed. Let me explain it then. The plan of this work is as follows:

The Harmony and Chronological Order of the four Gospel Narratives are according to Greswell's "Harmonia Evangelica," and in the words of the authorized version. The exhibition of the Evangelical Histories in jurta-position, not only in chapters and large portions, but in verses and lines, and even in single words, to shew the minute supplemental relation of each to the other, is vastly important; affording, as it does, satisfactory means of comparison; and giving the reader sufficient opportunity of forming his own judgment, upon the order of narration; and of investigating the peculiar diction of each Evangelist. The insertion of many of the original words in the text serves, not only to shew the agreement or actual difference of expression used by the sacred writers, in the several narratives of the same event, but also to remedy the want of precision which sometimes occurs in our excellent translation-the same word in the original is often variously rendered into English; and, in some cases, various words in the original correspond to the same English expression. This was inevitable in the hands of different translators, and detracts nothing from the general excellence of our present authorized version. The same division of labour occasioned a want of uniform marking of those words, by italics, which are not included in the original: to remedy this, many words appear in italics which are not so distinguished in the authorized version. With reference to the hyphens which are introduced in the text, their use is to connect two or more words which, in the original, are expressed by one word: as Luke i. 1, "which-are-most-surely-believed:" here five English words are used to express the meaning of one Greek word, πεπληροφορημένων (peplerophoremenon).-Verse 3, "in-order;" two words to express one, kabens (kathexes). This use of the hyphen will often considerably help even the scholar "to a better understanding of a sentence or expression-will frequently recall the original to the mind, and prevent it from laying hold of a meaning which has no warrant but in the idiom of our own language. The hyphen will also serve to mark the degree of emphasis any expression may have; as, for instance, in that often repeated affirmation of Him who spake as the Divine Logos, whether it stands

thus, "Verily, verily, I say unto you;" or, "Verily, verily, I-say unto-you:" since in the first instance there are, in addition to the words contained in the other, the originals of "I" and "unto," as we have 'Αμὴν ἀμὴν ἐγω λέγω πρὸς ὑμας, instead of only ̓Αμὴν ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν. Another example may suffice to justify the importance of the hyphen : "And ye will not come unto me, that ye might have life;" where it will appear that "ye-will" is the rendering of 0éλeTE, and not the form of the verb come. Where the article is used in the original, and wanting in our authorized translation, a caret A is inserted: as Jno. xi. 55, "And the Jews' A passover," &c. And where the Greek Article is expressed by any other word than the English definite Article, a mark thus' is inserted as "Which 'had-been-dead"-see Jno. xii. 1.

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The whole history is divided into One Hundred Sections, corresponding with Mimpriss' " Geographical Delineation of the Life and Ministry of our Blessed Lord," and adapted to the "System of Graduated Simultaneous Instruction." It may, notwithstanding, be used independently of either. The division of the Harmony into PARTS is according to Greswell's "Harmonia Evangelica;" to whose invaluable "Dissertations upon the Principles and Arrangement of a Harmony of the Gospels" constant reference is made, for explanation of the occasional transpositions, &c.

In the Scripture Illustrations, ample use has been made of what was already available; but in no case without a careful revision: while much has been added calculated to lead into an intelligent acquaintance with the whole inspired volume. The substance of the particular parallel or illustration generally precedes the reference to book, chapter, and verse, and will often afford a general view of the subject, usually introductory.

The Notes have been very carefully selected. The Practical Reflections are well chosen, and auxiliary to a useful application of the text. The Geographical Notices, which are from the most recent authorities, are as complete as the limits allow, and sufficient for all practical purposes. In the Addenda is given extra matter, which it may be good to consult; but which it was not necessary to introduce under any of these specific heads.

The TREASURY HARMONY will, we doubt not, be found serviceable to all who are engaged in spreading abroad the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, and in promoting the interest of his kingdom, whether by exertions in the pulpit, or in the Bible class-whether as catechists, as Sabbath school teachers, as heads of scholastic establishments, or as parents.

Mrs. M. Your account interests me much. I hope Mr. Mimpriss will find a sale commensurate not only with an ex

pensive outlay in printing such a volume as this; but also with the patient and untiring industry to which we owe its appearance.

Ed. I join in your wish. If we even only regard it as a work of literary effort, it is a wonderful book. A mere glance at its pages makes me think of "midnight oil."

Aug. Here is a story about strikes, JANE RUTHERFORD.* What is your opinion of strikes ?

Ed. That they are always injurious, and especially to the workmen ; that they might be prevented, if the men had more sense than to be guided by the interested counsels of agitators; and that the existence of a true fraternal sympathy between employers and the employed would make such ruptures very difficult, if not impossible. But the book in question; have you read it Augustus?

Aug. Yes; and like it much. It is a well-sketched narrative of a miner's strike; the characters talk like real personages, and the peculiar dialect of the mining district is carefully preserved. Emm. Here is the commencement of another of those "Libraries" for which the present age seem likely to be famous. I refer to "Shaw's Family Library." The publisher's design is to furnish "creditable publications in a reasonable bulk, and at a moderate price. Each volume is intended to be such as shall meet a warm welcome in the Christian family circle."

Ed. The plan is excellent; but what work initiates this series? Emm. THE MODERN MYSTERY.† An account of table tapping; tracing its history, and endeavouring to settle its philosophy. Some very curious incidents are related. The book, however, is written in a heavy style; a fault which young readers especially regret.

Ed. Now, Augustus, as we have not much time to spare, you must be good enough to give a brief critique of two or three publications which are still unnoticed.

dug. Very well, sir. THE DISTINCTIVE FEATURES OF THE SUNDAY SCHOOL SYSTEM form a practical and pointed leeture, which neither ignores the difficulties, nor doubts the issue of Sunday school effort. THE BURNING SHIP || is a narrative of the loss of the brig Australia by fire, when on her voyage to Sydney, and of the sufferings and rescue of her crew; exceedingly well drawn up. GREAT TRUTHS § are small tracts on important topics, popularly treated, and so paged as, by and by to make a very useful volume. It would be a great improvement if the title occupied its proper place on the cover of these tracts, and if the advertisement were placed at the back.

*London: Clarke & Co. London: Shaw. London: Sunday School Institute. London: Snow. § London: Blackader & Co.

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E attempt in the above engraving to give a slight notion of what, in years to come, will be a very familiar scene. Whatever the internal charms of the palace may be-and we expect to find it a gigantic casket of "gems, rich and rare"-to a quiet observer of human life, in its ever shifting light and shade, the most striking and interesting features will be the animated

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gatherings clustering all over the extensive grounds. On mossy bank, on rustic wooden couch, on iron stools, drawn slowly along in garden chair, racing breathless through gravel walks, gazing awe-struck at extinct races brought back by a strange resurrection, or -but we need not try to enumerate, for we should fail in the task, the different positions in which groups will be formed. Seen from a balloon, it will appear like a rich mosaic, or as a fanciful kaleidoscope picture.

It will enrich the mind, enlarge the knowledge of men and things, create a world-fellowship, provide healthy recreation for the great "people," and give to the Christian a deeper realisation of the value of man's soul, judging it by these evidences of its power and skill.

It may serve high and holy purposes. Or, it may be perverted, and its advantages neutralised by a mercenary pandering to the wishes of ungodly sightseers.

It may be turned into a gigantic decoy for the numberless drunkeries which doubtless will soon girdle its parterres. If so, it will need another Thackeray-stop! Bunyan would do it better-to delineate another Vanity Fair!

But, will it be opened on Sunday?

Not if the Christian Church will that it shall not. If the FIVE THOUSAND that are church and chapel goers determine to close it on the sacred day, the government-which cannot long resist the strong voices of the wisest, the steadiest, the most influential portion of the community-will not dare to open it. The force of public opinion will decide this matter. If a few busy, clamorous demagogues, like the three famous heroes of Tooley Street, get up an agitation, and unceasingly vociferate, "We are the people," the government may possibly be imposed upon. The respectable part of the working classes are against the opening; at least, so far as their opinions have been elicited.

It must not be allowed to ungodly newspapers and

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