tirely under the direction of Jewish believers.

The sum of five thousand pounds will be required for the proposed buildings. The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, has many loving friends, in this favoured land, of His ancient people. He may put it into their hearts to forward contributions for the purpose-until a Board of Management be formed-addressed To the Editor of the "Hebrew Christian Witness," 22, Pelham Crescent, South Kensington, S. W.. or to the account of the Rev. Dr. Margoliouth (Treasurer, pro. tem.), at the South Kensington Branch of the Imperial Bank, 1, sydney Place, Onslow Square, S W.,* the receipt of which shall be acknowledged in the successive Nos. of your Monthly. I am, sir, yours, &c.,

AN ANGLO-SAXON CHRISTIAN.

"Beulah," May 31, 1872.

THE CRAZES OF WOULD-BE BIBLICAL ARCHEOLOGISTS,

IN THESE LAST DAYS.

To the Editor of the Hebrew Christian Witness.

DEAR SIR, -We hear great things about what is termed "The Speaker's Commentary," and great things are anticipated from the forthcoming revision or New Translation of the Bible! I confess I tremble for both. We are startled now and again with alleged discoveries of inscriptions confirming Scripture history!!! But before I receive any such testimony, let them show me the groundwork, the veritable key to unlock all those mysterious looking characters, which seem to frown upon all attempts at decipherment, then I shall be prepared to listen to any interpretation the savans have to offer for the instruction of the simple. This is not a statement resulting from inexperience of such matters, but from many years' investigation. I have examined the best of works, both Anglican and German and French, on the system of Egyptian hieroglyphics, and all failed to convince me that Champollion and his followers had hit on the

Post Office Orders to be made payable to the Rev. Dr. Moses Margoliouth, at the 127, Fulham Road (S. W.) Post Office, or cheques crossed to the abovenamed Bank.

The Egyptians enjoyed a world-wide fame for wisdom; but if Mr. Birch's renderings of their inscriptions be correct, we must take it the other way the greatest folly, and the grossest foolishness and nonsense. You are well aware, Doctor, of the repeated invasions of Egypt since the days of the early Pharaohs; consequently great changes must have taken place in the native language of the country; then how, in the name of wonder, can the language in its present state of development explain the monuments of the early kings?*

I may notice also another huge system of decipherment of the monuments of Assyria, &c. Where is the key? I have inquired in vain. I have examined the whole history of the alleged discovery, and find the key to be the prolific imagination of Professor Grotefend of Halle!! Now, sir, that will not do for me; I must have solid ground to step upon, and none of their groundless Germanising. I have also examined Gesenius' Phoenical monuments. What a medley!-one savan contradicting another, giving a different version ! Now, if one letter be taken wrong, where is the decipherment? Look at the patched work of the Moabite Stone,- and with what zeal priest and people embrace the decipherment given, as if the truth of God depended upon such doubtful ground. Let us study more what is within our reach, and practise it more, then we shall experience the truth as it is in Jesus. B. H.

Queries.

I.

THE Roman Community, "mad upon their idols," like Babylon (Jer. 1. 38), fancy that they have found a plain warrant for all that extravagant honour which they give to MARY; and that St. Luke's Gospel, containing her words, "Behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed!" (i. 48) contains an express prediction of hers (v. 12), that THAT should be done unto her, which they now do in the "Roman Following or Obedience." I beg to

* Vide p. 202, in the HEBREW CHRISTIAN WITNESS for December, paragraph 1, at the end.

ask, Does the expression of the mother of the Redeemer signify the same thing, though in a wider extent, with the expression of Leah upon the birth of her son Asher (Gen. xxx. 13), "Happy am I, for the daughters will call me blessed."

No man can be so foolish as to imagine Leah meant that the daughters should pray to her and worship her; but only that they should think and acknowledge her to be a happy woman. So, when the mother of Jesus saith, "All generations shall call me blessed," she means no more than that all generations should, upon the ground of her bringing into the world the common Saviour, esteem and proclaim her the most blessed woman.

II.

WHAT old woman's dream gave rise to the idea that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was alive and in heaven? It is narrated that an old Nun, in Saxony, declared that it was revealed unto her that the soul of the Virgin Mary was received into heaven, and forty days afterwards the body also. (See Legend on Assumption Day.) The Mohamedans have a tradition very like this: they say, that in an Eastern town, where there were three holy tombs, the most magnificent is that of Fatima, daughter of Mohamed. The true believers pay divine honours to her, whom they call "the pure and immaculate Virgin, the chaste mother of twelve illustrious vicars of Allah." The tomb, however, is not believed to contain the body of Fatima, as she had been lifted up to heaven by the Almighty. These two accounts of the Virgin Mary and Fatima, are no doubt equally veracious and authentic! O that both Eastern and Western Apostasies would read the Epistle to the Hebrews vii. 26, where Messiah is called Αμιαντος, Ι.Θ. Immaculate, undefiled, SINE LABE! N. M.

III.

DEAR SIR,-May I request the favour of the insertion of the following question in the place assigned for queries in your valuable and increasingly inte resting paper. It is manifest that on the answer hangs the conclusion at which we may arrive respecting Naaman's conduct, as related in 2 Kings v. 18, 19. I have read many commentaries on this passage, none of them, I think, satisfactory.

Some say the English version is cor rect with regard to both verses: others, that in the 18th verse the verbs should have been rendered in the past tense, not the present (in which case, of course, Naaman's conduct admits of no questioning); others again maintain that the English version of ver. 18 is the right one, and these, too, show that Elisha did not countenance Naaman's compromise, assert that the words "And he said to him" (in ver. 19), should have been rendered "And he said not," thus substituting for affirming that some ancient MSS. countenance this reading.

It is my opinion that the English version is correct in both verses. If the answer I hope to receive through the medium of THE HEBREW CHRISTIAN WITNESS' accord with my view, I should like subsequently, with your permission, to deal with this subjecta subject which, I know, presents a difficulty to many, and has, I believe, proved a stumbling block to not a few.

Yours truly, "NO COMPROMISE !" QUESTION. Are the verbs in 2 Kinsg v. 18, in the present or past tense in the original !

Is it true that some old MSS. have instead of in ver. 19 of the same chapter? NO COMPROMISE !"

Reviews.

The Science of Theology; or, The Order of Universal History, established by Scripture and Historic data, and Illustrated by a Chart and Tables. By ROBERT GREGORY. London: James Nisbet & Co.

WERE it not for some stubborn internal proofs to the contrary, we should have concluded that this able and clever work was the production of the learned Canon of St. Paul's, who is known by the name and surname of the author of the volume before us. Whoever the author is, he has conferred upon the sober serious reading world a great boon by the publication of the result of his critical and philosophical studies in The Science of Theology; or, The Order of Universal History. We have carefully read that work, and got up from its perusal with grateful feelings towards the author for the great mental treat which he conferred upon us.

We wish very much that our space enabled us to give a digest, in this notice

of all the notes which we have been induced to make, whilst reading and analysing the well worked out opus. But our notes are too voluminous for the pages of our magazine. The work consists of introduction, prospectus, and twenty-nine chapters well digested and well written. On each department of the book we made some observations pro and con. Our own strictures would make a volume. We must therefore confine ourselves to the simple recommendation that persons given to solid and sound studies-whether in The Science of Theology; or, The Order of Universal History-should read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest this mentally nourishing work. Such of our readers as are interested in the " Our Israelitish Origin" controversy, will find much in the volume to attract their attention, and set them seriously thinking. There is not a trace of flippant vulgarism about the work.

The Missionary World; being an Encyclopædia of Information, Facts, Incidents, Sketches, and Anecdotes, relating to Christian Missions, in all Ages and Countries, and of all Denominations; with a recommendatory Preface by the Rev. W. B. BOYCE, Rev. J. MULLENS, D.D., and Rev. E. London: B. UNDERHILL, LL.D. Elliot Stock.

THOSE who delight in tracing the growth of the Gospel "mustard seed," and the spreading of the branches of the world-wide tree that sprang from it, will owe a debt of great gratitude to the compiler of the above work. At this present time, when the minds and souls of many Christians are being exercised in intercessory prayer for an increased supply of Missionaries, we cannot commend the volume too highly. We cordially endorse the recommendatory Preface.

lustrative of the Chequered Annals of the Jews in this country. Book First. See HEBREW CHRISTIAN WITNESS for 1872.

THE MISSION OF ISRAEL. See HEBREW CHRISTIAN WITNESS for 1872. A DAY IN CAPERNAUM, from the German, by Professor Delitzsch.-See HEBREW CHRISTIAN WITNESS for 1872. And for many other kindred and very interesting papers, see HEBREW CHRISTIAN WITNESS for 1872.

"A smart periodical, conducted with marked ability."-South London Press.

"Full of deeply interesting matters, and will be heartily welcomed by all true lovers of Israel."-The Christian.

London: ELLIOT STOCK, 62, Paternoster-row, and may be ordered of any Bookseller in town or country.

With the beginning of this year, THE HEBREW CHRISTIAN WITNESS appears in octavo form, on good paper-forty-eight pages, monthly, with wrapper.-Price to subscribers, paying in advance, six shillings per annum, including postage; to non-subscribers, eightpence per No.

Subscriptions to be paid by P.O. orders -not by stamps. Orders to be made payable to the Rev. Dr. MOSES MARGOLIOUTH (of 22, Pelham-crescent, South Kensington, London, S.W.,) at 127, Fulham-road, Post Office, S.W. To whom also application may be made for further particulars.

RECENTLY, BY THE SAME AUTHOR. VESTIGES OF THE HISTORIC ANGLO-HEBREWS IN EAST ANGLIA. Being a Paper read before the "Royal Archæological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland," at their Annual Meeting at Bury St. Edmund's, July 22, 1869. With an Illustration, numerous Notes, Appendices, and an Apropos Essay.

"The interest of the meeting was centred in Dr. Margoliouth's account of the 'Vestiges of the Anglo-Hebrews in East Anglia.'"-Athenæum.

"One of the most learned and remarkable papers read."—Architect.

"Dr. Margoliouth is a most laborious and indefatigable author... ..Any contributions from his pen on an AngloHebrew subject fully deserve attention."Record.

"It is impossible not to sympathise with the hearty affection which the author displays towards his own people, and his zeal for the preservation of their history."Guardian.

"The 'Vestiges,' the learned Appendix thereto, and the Apropos Essay' concluding the work, are deserving of the special attention of all who are interested in the comparatively modern history of the Jews."-Standard.

"From beginning to end the volume is most assuredly worth reading and attentive consideration."-Scattered Nation.

London: Longmans, Green, & Co., Paternoster-row.

THE HAIDAD; A HARVEST THANKSGIVING SERMON. With Preface and Appendices intended for careful perusal. Price 1s.

"I beg to thank you for your learned sermon, entitled 'Haidad.' Your exposi

THE SPIRIT OF PROPHECY : being an Exposition, in Four Sermons, on Rev. i. 7, xxii. 20. Preached on the Mornings of the Sundays in Advent, 1863, with Appendices. Price 2s. 6d.

"We shall always be glad to receive from his pen Expositions of Holy Writ, at once so full of learning, and so free from extravagances as those contained in the work before us."-Clerical Journal.

ENGLAND'S CROWN OF REJOICING; a Sermon Preached on the Sunday before the Marriage of the Prince of Wales. With an Appendix: being a Translation of the Hebrew Poem presented to the late Prince Consort, at the Baptism of H.R.H. the Prince of Wales. Price 18.

"This is a sermon extremely appropriate to the occasion on which it was preached, from a text of singular_beauty and significance."-Literary Churchman.

THE TRUE LIGHT: a Farewell Sermon preached on the evening of St. Bartholomew's-day, in the Parish Church of Wyton, Hunts, on retiring from the spiritual charge of the Parish. Price 6d.

"We do not know when we have heard any one speak out more plainly on the sin and danger of schism than does Dr. Margoliouth. We thank him for giving the weight of his name to the present protest against schism on the part of the Clergy."-The Clerical Journal.

London: W. Macintosh, Paternoster Row.

I.

A new, improved, and enlarged Eng. lish edition of Bythner's METHODICA INSTITUTIO LINGUÆ SANCTE. Forming a complete, intelligible, and comprehensive Hebrew Grammar.

II.

CLAVIS PSALMORUM. A revised, condensed, and therefore greatly improved English edition of Bythner's Lyra Prophetica Davidis Regis; sive Analysis Critico-Practica Psalmorum. Being the most perfect key to the study of the Original of the sublime Book of Psalms.

III.

An interlineary HEBREW AND ENGLISH PSALTER. Arranged in lines of metrical parallelism. With brief, but important critical and exegetical notes, in which the many egregious and reprehensible philological inaccuracies which disfigure and disgrace the interlineary translations of Montanus, Walton, and others, have been carefully guarded against.

A FEW WORDS FAMILIARLY ADDRESSED TO HEBREW STUDENTS.

I have been importuned upwards of these twenty years to prepare a useful vade mecum for the Hebrew student. I must confess that I have no tastenor do I think it to be my calling-for writing elementary works; I have therefore endeavoured, invariably, to recommend Bythner's LYRA PROPHETICA, either the original LATIN, or the English translations of the same, by Dee and Benmohel. I felt, however, in duty bound to warn my Hebrewlearning friends of the overwhelming number of inaccuracies which mar both the original and the English versions.

By the REV. Dr. Mar

I have not bettered my condition by the recommendation and warning. I have been constantly appealed to for the last score of years, by Hebrew students, to point out the errors of Bythner's analysis of this Psalm and of that Psalm, to intimate Bythner's irrelevant matter in this page and that page; so that a considerable portion of my time was consumed in writing critical notes on Bythner, Dee, and Benmohel.

Of late, however, my learned Importunaters have altered their tactics; they have abandoned their small and piecemeal measures, and begun to agitate for a sifting and thorough reformation of Bythner and his translators. They positively gave me no rest, and in self-defence-to secure a quiet life from one quarter at least-I have undertaken the task, and here is its performance. Its completeness and accuracy will speak for themselves; I have only to offer a few statements respecting some of the principal features of alteration which I deemed incumbent upon me to make.

1. I dispensed with the Chaldee, Arabic, Syriac, Greek and Latin quotations-in which Bythner abounds.Those quotations, instead of expediting the student's progress, rather retard it. The study of Hebrew is the learner's immediate object, and I have endeavoured to give him the full value of the Hebrew word or sentence which he is now analysing. Woe betide the progress of a foreigner in the English language, if he-the German or Frenchman-set about reading the Vicar of Wakefield under the auspices of Littleton's learned English Dictionary.

2. I have eschewed the constant references to the numbers of the rules in the grammar. I know the waste of