Again, "they strongly recommend the leading principle of the Bible Society, in circulating the Holy Scriptures, without the note or comment of any ny man; or description of men whatever." This would do extremely well if the Bible in all languages had fallen from Heaven, without being edited, revised, and corrected, by any man or description of men whatever; but, since the Scriptures, as well as all other" writings, being preserved and diffused by transcription, were unavoidably liable to be corrupted," says Dr. Gerard, (Institutes of Biblical Criticism, p. 229,) the several sorts of difficulties which occur must be removed, in order to our rightly understanding these writings." The British and Foreign Bible Society cannot be ignorant of the great number of people, in all classes, who strongly object to such Editions of the Bible as their French ones, which, if they suited past ages, are no longer fit for our days. I will give an instance of such incongruity in one passage only. And to obviate the prejudices many persons have for modern improvements of the Bible, I will choose it in an old Author, namely, Charles Le Cène, a learned Protestant Divine, born about the end of 1646, at Caen, in Normandy. His "Projet d'une nouvelle Version Françoise de la Bible, 1696," was published in English by Hugh Rolle. He is quoted by Dr. Gerard, in his Institutes of Biblical Criticism, (Ch. vi. s. i. §. 478, p. 154,) a book very highly spoken of by Dr. Herbert Marsh. Therefore my quotation joins to the authority of its antiquity, the approbation of the most celebrated Critics of Great Britain of our days. I copy from the " ESSAY FOR A NEW TRANSLATION OF THE BIBLE," chap. x. §. v. p. 121. "All the versions make Solomon give an advice with which prodigals divert themselves, Eccl. xi. 1. Cast thy bread upon the waters; for thou shalt find it after many days. Interpreters straight fall upon the allegory to make sense of it, and say, that Solomon here advises us to give alms to the poor, though that looks like throwing bread upon the waters, and that God promises that in process of time we shall receive the fruits of them. But if they bad observed that the Hebrew word Lechem not only signifies bread, but likewise wheut, of which it is made, Moreover, such a passage would be reconciled, perhaps, with our forefathers' known profusion in harvest season: but, since a proper use of wealth has such great influence on happiness, the progress of economy must follow the progress of the human mind, and the improvements of industry. Every man of sense who considers the rapidly encreasing price of provisions, the weight of taxes, and the magnitude of the public debt, will be sensible that precepts of prodiga lity are not proper in our days. There are so many beautiful places in the Sacred Writings to urge the duty of alms-giving and charity, that we have no need of defective Versions to prescribe an improper use of wealth. Besides, this passage, as commonly given, is absurd. Every one knows that bread cast upon rivers dissolves, and is no more found after many days. Dr. Gerard approves very much Le Cène's Version, as making a sense connected with verse 4. and 6. This connexion affords a strong argument in its support, and renders the Hebrew text very easy and intelligible in the whole section, which contains only precepts of agriculture. When 80 rational and beautiful corrections may be found almost every where, is it prudent, is it wise, is it charitable, to furnish the French Nation, whose incredulity we so often censure, with such translations, so frequently defective, as in the abovementioned passages, in fidelity, sense, and even morality? Long enough, if we may compare, the Bible to the Ark of Covenant, made in a hurry, in the desert, in times of war and tumult, shattered by long use, prophaned by the insults of the infidels, in the camp of the Philistines, Philistines, long enough has it remained in that defective state. Now that there are workmen in abundance, and of the gold the silver there is no number, (1 Chron. xxii. 15, 16.) for that great special purpose, it is time to collect the materials, and to begin the simple but magnificent structure, where the Ark of antient and new spiritual alliance is to be deposited. It is the province of the inhabitants of Great Britain, whose genius and piety, arts and sciences, wealth and power, trade and navigation, have made them known in all the regions of the globe, to lay the foundations of so noble a work. It would be the honour and glory of the British and Foreign Bible Society to be the founders and architects of such an edifice. (See of it were likewise printed at Geneva, In imitation of this publication of an English Bible at Geneva, and in the Bible Society's great plan of publishing the Sacred Records in all languages, would it not answer the grandeur of the English Nation, to publish in the principal languages of Europe, a version which would be every where thankfully accepted, if it was improved by the addition of all the better readings, furnished by the works of so many learned Divines, Critics, Commentators, and Travellers, since the first publication of those obsolete Bibles of the 16th and 17th Century? It would be too presumptuous for a Foreigner to prescribe what is to be done for improving the present The Pastors and Professors of Geversions of the Bible, when so many neva have shewn the way in their verEnglish Divines have already written sion of 1805. They have done an on the subject, and Archbishop New essential service to the Christian Recome has most ably drawn up the ligion by their translation, which is means of executing the revision of far superior to all other French Bibles, the Bible. But perhaps I shall be though not quite yet what it ought allowed to mention, that before the to be. This Edition will be soon out publication of the English authorized of print. How much more conducive version, an English translation of the to the progress o of true Religion Bible was published at Geneva, which would have been the sums of money was in great repute in England, and the Bible Society has squandered in which was mostly used in private fa- Paris and London, for the printing milies on account of the notes. Dr. of so defective French Versions, if Geddes gives an honourable testimony they had been at the disposal of a to the Geneva version; as he makes Committee of the Pastors and Prono hesitation to declare that he thinks fessors of Geneva, to help them, in it in general better than that of King the improvement of their own transJames's Translators. (Gen.Answer, &c. lation, for a new Edition! p. 4.) Truly the Geneva version was prepared by Englishmen residing in that City; but they allow, that they had the help of Calvin, Beza, of other Swiss Divines, and of excellent books they found there in the public library. -There were above 30 Editions, in folio, 4to, or 8vo, of that Geneva English translation, mostly printed by the Queen's and King's printers, from the year 1560 to 1616. Editions THEOPH. ABAUZIT. ***Page 92, for Charles Emmanuel, K. of Sweden, you ought to read Charles Emmanuel IV. King of Sardinia: at the same time I must observe, that the Almanacs de Gotha make him "mort en 1811," but I see I have written in my copy "circa Juin 1815." Your Magazine for 1811 says Victor Emmanuel IV. *This Geneva Bible of 1805, begins to be in great demand in this Country. Besides the letter of Rev. J. B. Bristowe in the Monthly Magazine for December 1813, I have received applications from many persons inquiring where it was to be bought. -An Edition of the Book of Common Prayer in French, where the Psalms, Gospels, Epistles, &c. are taken out of the Geneva Bible, printed in London in 1811, was entirely disposed of in 1813.-St. Martin Orgar's Church, Martin's Lane, Cannonstreet, is the only French Church in the City of London, where the service is performed according to the form of the Church of England, and the Geneva Bible, and the above-mentioned Book of Common Prayer, used. REVIEW REVIEW OF NEW PUBLICATIONS. 14. The Annual Register, or a View of the History, Politicks, and Literature, for the Year 1806. 8vo, pp. 1382, Rivingtons. TE hail with very sincere pleasure the delivery of another volume of this grand National pub lication; for so it must always be con sidered, and such it will be as long as the English language shall endure, or the English History continue to interest mankind. The Volume now published is of enormous bulk, nearly 1400 pages, but not one of them is superfluous. "The events of the year 1806 are so numerous, extraordinary in themselves, and important in their consequences, that the most imperfect record of them will not only interest the generation which witnessed them, but will excite the astonishment of the latest posterity In almost every part of the Continent of Europe, the withering influence of the French Ruler will be perceived. In Italy a Bourbon was expelled from his Neapolitan dominions, and supplanted in his throne by an usurper. Francis, the Second of Austria, obliged to submit to the edicts of a military adventurer, abdicated the high office of Emperor of Germany, and resigned a crown which his august Ancestors had borne for many centuries. The antient league of the German Princes was dissolved, and a new Confederacy established, under the controul of a foreign State. The Dutchwere again constrained to alter their Constitution, and accept a King, who was to be the avowed servant of the French Cabinet. The Prussian Monarch was inveigled into disgraceful measures, and when roused to resistance by the haughtiness of aggression, saw his armies suddenly dispersed, his provinces rapidly over-run, and the very existence of his kingdom threatened with extinction. Such were the leading events produced by a single intellect, heated with boundless and criminal ambition. Although these objects must be admitted to be sufficient to render the period more than usually remarkable, even in an era fertile in amazing occurrences, many other weighty circumstances arose to distinguish it. The death of the great Statesman, who bad so long wielded the energies of the British Empire;-the forma tion of a new Ministry ;-the fruitless attempts to restore peace between England and France;-the steps taken for GENT. MAG. August, 1815. the final abolishment of a traffick in human beings, which had disgusted the philanthropic, the moral, and the religious members of society in the most decease of another British Politician, enlightened nations of the world;-the whose, talents and eloquence were ac knowledged to be of the highest order and many affairs of considerable import, the bare mention of which would swell prefatory remarks beyond all proper bounds, contribute to present such a picture as is rarely disclosed to contemplation. It was confidently expected that the present volume of the Annual Register would be ready for publi'cation last December; and, as the major part of it was actually printed before the have been finished, even previously to end of June, the work might with ease that time, had not the Editor been induced to wait for some documents, which department more perfect. If, however, he thought would make the historical the appearance of one volume has been retarded, great advancement has been made in the composition of another. That for the year 1807 is already in the press, and will be completed with as much speed as a regard for accuracy will permit." The History of Europe," which fills 320 pages, is written with its accustomed energy; and the "Historical Chronicle" compiled with the original attention to accuracy. 15. Picture of Paris; being a Complete Guide to all the Public Buildings and Curiosities in that Metropolis: to which is added, An Almanack of the Pleasures of Paris, in Winter and Summer: containing a full Account of all the Theatres, Places of Amusement, Balls, Fêtes, &c. &c. at Paris, and in its Environs accompanied with Six Descriptive Routes from the Coast to Paris, and full Directions to Strangers on their first Arrival in that Capital. Embel lished with Maps and Views. By Louis. Tronchet. 12mo, pp. 295. Sherwood and Co. THIS entertaining little Volume, which has already reached a Fourth Edition, seems to be almost an indispensable Companion to those who visit the French Metropolis; and will give a good idea of it to those who more prudently stay at home. "The present Edition has been considerably enlarged, carefully corrected through throughout, and enriched with much original matter, so that the work may now fairly be considered a Picture of Paris, as it really is ;-possessing a great variety of useful information, not to be found in any other book of a similar nature."-Preface. The work commences with the "Mode of Travelling in France;" and "Useful Hints to Continental Travellers;" subjects well worth consi deration. "There are two principal and direct routes to Paris, one by Dover and Calais, and the other by Brighton and Dieppe. The expence of both these routes is nearly equal; for, although the distance from London to Brighton is less than to Dover, and Dieppe is full sixty miles nearer to Paris than Calais is; yet when the length of the sea-voyage is considered, the additional expence attending it, and the risk of detention at Brighton, most persons who regard expedition, or are much affected by seasickness, will give a preference to the first route. Those, however, who are fond of the water, and are admirers of varied and picturesque scenery, will be gratified by a trip to Dieppe, Ostend, Dunkirk, Havre de Grace, or Helvoetsluys; and in proceeding to Paris by any one of these routes, will be amply repaid by the numerous interesting objects which present themselves during the tour. The noble cities of Lille, Rotterdam, Antwerp, Brussels, and Rouen, are all included in the six following routes: 1. From Calais, through Boulogne, Abbéville, Amiens, and Chantilly, by Dover. -2. From Ostend, through Lille, &c. by Margate.-3. From Dunkirk, through Lille, &c. by Margate. 4. From Helvoetsluys, through Rotterdam, Antwerp, Brussels, Valenciennes, &c. by Harwich. 5. From Dieppe, through Rouen, &c. by Brighton.-6. From Havre de Grace, through Rouen, by Southampton, or Portsmouth." As the first of these routes is the most generally frequented, we shall describe some places through which the Traveller will pass. "The distance from Dover to Calais is 26 miles. The passage is of short duration, seldom exceeding seven or eight hours, but it has been sometimes extended to nineteen hours; it is frequently performed in four, and some 'times in three, with a fair wind.-Calais is a well-fortified town, but very differ. ent in appearance from any in England. The houses are large and lofty; the streets are tolerably wide, but (as it is throughout France) there are no flagstones for the accommodation of pedestrians. Calais does not abound with many lively-looking or showy shops. It was taken by Edward III. after a siege of eleven months. Calais was annexed to the English crown till 1558, when the French retook it, under the command of the Duke of Guise. In 1596 the Spani ards were masters of it, and restored it 1598. Sir Cloudesley Shovel bombarded to France at the peace of Vervains in it in 1694, but without effect. The citadel is one of the largest in the kingdom, and commands the town, the harbour, and the adjacent plains. The public edifices are, the Hotel de Ville (townhall), la tour du guet (watch-tower), a very fine church*, les casernes (barracks for 3000 men), and les citernes (public cisterns). It has two principal gates, the Porte Royale and the Courtgain. In the grande place is a market every Saturday. At one quarter of this square is the Municipality-house, and at the top of the staircase may be seen the balloon and boat with which Blanchard went from Dover to France, Jan. 7, 1785. There are two piers, and spacious quays. About a mile from Calais is Fort Nieulay, composed of four bastions and places d'armes. The whole surrounding country may, in case of an attack, be inundated in four-and-twenty hours. Near this spot is also a beautiful avenue of the finest walnut and chesnut trees. The country round Calais bears some slight resemblance to that in the vicinity of Dover. The road from Calais for the first 12 miles is open and hilly, and winds along the coast. On each side of the road leading to Boulogne, at different distances, are groves of trees, with some antient chateaux. A short distance before you arrive at Boulogne, in the agreeable village of Wimile, are interred the remains of Pilâtre de Rosier and Anger Romaine, who fell from a balloon, at the height of 5000 feet. A plain but neat monument is erected to their memory by the wall of the church-yard near the road, on the left, with an appropriate inscription.-Boulogne is very agreeably situated, and the views from the high grounds are delightful. Boulogne is divided into an upper and lower town. The haute ville (upper town), which is first passed, is situate on an eminence, and surrounded with walls and towers. It commands a fine view of the adjacent country, has several public squares and fountains, a cathedral, and a town-house. In August 1804, Lord Nelson bombarded this town from five in the morning till nine at night. Population 13,000. It has an excellent harbour, several fine *See a View of it in our last Volume, Part I. p. 433. piers, and there is a beautiful walk on a flat strand of firm sand, as far as the tide reaches, a favourite promenade in summer evenings. There is a tolerable theatre, and the principal church is a respectable structure. On the Paris side of Boulogne is a landscape and walk of most exquisite beauty. The road improves much on leaving Boulogne, and bears a strong resemblance to the culti vated parts of England. Several smaller roads branch out from the main road, and numerous spires of village churches are seen.-About two miles from Montreuil, the town presents a noble appearance; it stands on a very commanding eminence, and is almost impregnable: it is only to be entered by passing over two heavy drawbridges. It was formerly divided into five parishes, and had as many churches, but four of these have been destroyed. The church of Notre Dame is a noble ruin, the pillars which remain are grand, and the capitals and carving very rich. The ruins of a fine chateau near the town will repay a visit. -Nouvion is a pretty little village. The road from Montreuil to Abbéville is excellent, though hilly, and equal to the best English mail-road. Abbéville is a town well calculated for defence, by the strength of its outworks. There are many dilapidated churches, but two were spared by the Revolution. L'Eglise de St. Villefranc is a large building, with a handsome exterior, and spacious within, but is not adorned with paintings or statues. The population of Abbéville is 18,000. Many of the houses are built with wood, and give to the town a cu rious appearance. There are two or three cloth-manufactories. The principal is that of Vanrobais, established by Louis XIV. There is also a carpet-manufactory. The celebrated battle of Crecy was fought on some plains near this town. The most remarkable places at Abbéville are the woollen manufactories, Place d'Armes, Barracks, the Hospital, the Hotel Dieu, Prison, and the Cathedral, a beautiful Gothic edifice. The Theatre is in Rue de Largue. The church of St. Wulfrid at Abbéville affords a most beautiful specimen of Gothic architecture; it has a fine front, with two towers, and numberless niches and statues. In the route from Abbéville to Amiens, woods, or, more strictly speaking, underwoods, present themselves frequently, and now and then a chateau is seen on some lofty eminence, frowning on the valley at,its feet. The approach to Amiens is pretty; the Cathedral rises above the town, and is encircled with houses. Amiens is a neat clean town, and contains about 40,000 inhabitants. The Cathedral was built by the English in the time of Henry VI. and in the Regency of the Duke of Bedford. It is a noble Gothic edifice, light, and very tastefully ornamented; the three Gothic porches at the entrance are very striking, and most richly sculptured; and the nave, for its height and length, has been much and justly admired. The manufactures are of the same kind as those at Abbéville, with the addition of camblets, calimancoes, and baize. The principal objects of curiosity at Amiens, besides the Cathedral, are the citadel, the chateau d'eau, or machine for supplying the town with water, the public mall, the corn-market, and the walks on the ramparts. In the public mall, a walk of exquisite beauty, are three fine avenues of trees, 1164 feet in length. The ramparts are esteemned the finest in Europe; they are three miles in circumference, and form another evening promenade for the inhabitants. The traveller should not forget to visit La Hotoye, an exceedingly pretty and much frequented walk. There is, indeed, scarcely a town in France which has not its public walk; and the large cities have several, of singular beauty.-From Amiens to Breteuil, the roads are indifferent, but the scenery improves. Breteuil hangs on the brow of a hill, and is seen to great advantage across the vale during the long descent which leads afterwards by a gentle rise almost to the foot of the town. The houses are all built in the old fashion, with their gable ends turned to the streets. About a mile and a half beyond Breteuil, is a very elegant farm-house. From this place the country becomes flat and less interesting, and the soil is chalky. Towards Clermont the country assumes a more pleasing and fertile aspect. Near this place are the ruins of the chateau of Duke Fitzjames, one of the finest on the road, on account of the extent of its park and waters. In 1802, an estate of 1000 acres in the neighbourhood, 700 of which were in culture, was offered for about 80007. English money.-The town of Clermont is inconsiderable, but it is charmingly situated on a lofty hill. The Church, though small, is remarkably beautiful, and possesses some fine painted glass. The public gardens are on the top of the hills, amid the most romantic and striking scenery. At Clermont is a manufactory of linens, and the environs of the town are gay and picturesque, and the culture of the vine gives variety to the scenery. To the left, about a quarter of a mile distant from the road, is Liancourt, the magnificent seat of the Duke |