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Transactions of the Parisian Sanhedrim, or Acts of the Assembly of Israelitish Deputies of France and Italy. Translated from the Ortginal, published at Paris, by M. Diogene Tama; with a Prefac▾ and Illustrative Notes by F. D. Kirwan, Esq. 8vo, 8s.

THE burning bush, seen by Moses in the desart, may well be taken as a figure of the church and people of God in all ages, burning, but not consumed; and Christians in the present day, as well as the inspired legislator, may turn aside and see this great sight." Not for their own sakes was the people of Israel" beloved, but for the Fathers' sakes;" and in proof that the "calling of God" is in perpetuity; without any change in the divine mind. The promise made to Abraham, renewed to Moses, and confirmed to David, is at this time in a state of progressive fulfilment; and we cannot contemplate the present circumstances of the Jewish tribes without mingled emotions of admiration and sorrow. Like an oak or teil tree, whose substance is in them though they shed their leaves, the holy seed was, and still is, the preservation of Israel; and we are justified in concluding that the maintenance of this people, in a distinct and separate body, unlike to any of the nations among which they dwell, unmingled in manners, tenets, and even physiognomy, is not without some special reference to the glory of God, to be revealed in due time. The existence and the actual condition of the Jews form a demonstrative ar gument for the truth of the Scriptures, and the inspiration of those holy prophets who, in times so remote, predicted these consequences of their unbelief. Even Infidels have felt this argument to be conclusive; and some of the more liberal have frankly acknowledged it. therefore, interested in the concerns, and especially in the public actions of this nation; and as the events which Providence has called us to witness within a few years, are of no ordinary description, we are attentive to whatever may appear to be openings for a still further and

As a short specimen of the au2 thor's manner, we extract the fol lowing beautiful passage. After a just and impressive description of the solemnities attending the promulgation of the law from Mount Sinal, borrowed from Exod: xix, he proceeds: Such were the terrors of the former dispensation, and such the stern command which forbade too near an approach to God: but far other sounds are heard from yonder mount of peace. The frame of Nature is indeed convulsed, Dark hess extends her mantle over the sky, the Sun withdraws his shining, and the clouds weep some drops of pity; but these are marks of synpathy, not indications of wrath. Yonder sufferer blesses with his dying lips, compassion floats in his dim and languid eyes, and the language of peace issues from his tongue, as it cleaves to the roof of his mouth. It is finished, rolls on the air with inexpressible softness. The heart is melted by this scene, but not terrified. Contrition lays her gentle hand upon the obdurate spirit. The unpitying eye forgets its ferocity, and learns to weep. No command thunders "Whosoever toucheth the mount shall surely be put to death," but a voice, like the gale of a summer's evening, whis "Come up hither, fore there (p. 366.)

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more glorious fulfilment of gospel predictions, for a removal of the veil from the heart of this people,for a general turning of it to the Lord, that so all Israel may be saved.

We opened this interesting volume with some hope that we should find traces tending toward that event, for which the church has long prayed; but, we must confess, that we do not discover, either in the political or religious principles expressed by the representatives of the people of Israel, the smallest approach toIwards those sentiments which we humbly conceive it is necessary should prevail, previously to any great exaltation of this now despised and ill-treated race. We learn, in deed, from a letter of Rabbi BerrIsaac-Berr, which the secretary has thought proper to insert, that there

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a conviction of their lack of religious knowledge, of their incapacity properly to explain the Hebrew Scriptures, of the degraded state of private character and morals aryng them, --- and of the absolute necessity for reformation, in order to their respectability; but there seems to be no general sense of the importance of faith in a Messiah of any kind: nor can any person gather from their Transactions, as registered by their secretary, from whose publication the present is a translation, whether a Messiah be an object of expectation or of desire, among them; upon the whole, we are rather led to infer the contrary; for what can be more preposterous or more perthan the reference to Bonaparte of such texts as Dan. vii. 13, 14," one like the son of men, to whom was given dominion, and glory, and a kingdom;" and Isaiah xhii," Behold, my servent, whom I upheld, mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth," &c. Yet on these texts were sermons preached on this ccasion; and the preacher expressly ays (p. 226) To him (Napoleon) must we apply what Pharaoh said to his servants, "Can we find such an one as this, --a man in whom the Spirit of God is?" We must also apply to him these words of my text, i have put my Spirit upon

verse,

46

him." Is it possible that those masters in Israel could be ignorant that their predecessors, before the destruction of their temple, contended for the "Son of man," of Daniel being the Messiah? [Compare Rabbi Jesus in Aben Ezra and Jarehi; also Levi Gersonid. and Saaida. Yalkut on Zech. iv.] That Jeremiah says expressly, "Their Noble (singular, not plural) shall be of themselves, and their Governor shall proceed from the midst of them," &c. Is it possible that they should not know that their ancient Targum expressly reads, "Behold my servant, the Messiah," &c.

By what right then do they apply these passages, and many others, to any beside the Messiah!

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or, if they invest Bonaparte with this character, in what sense can they be "healed" by any stripes in flicted on him? Of the same blasphemous tenor are the hymns composed and sung in his honour;-for what other epithet can we bestow on Hail, such effusions as these? bright dawn of gladness, a Monarch is this day born unto us!-in this day shall all other days of the year be blessed! Unspeakable is his glory, too high for mortal man to sing! The name of him standeth aloft, proclaiming aloud, "Glory and greatness infinite." He is Napoleon! Before thy throne I bend my knee, O King beloved!" in thy goodness I place my trust." name fills the universe!-none have been like him among the sons of men: The fathers of praise cannot raise up their voices to the greatness of his deeds, to the glory of his works: they stand mute, lost in wonder!" Would David or Asaph have thus flattered

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"a man whose breath is in his nostrils?"

But, though our wishes on behalf of a people, which no considerate Christian can behold without sympathy, have not been gratified in a religious sense, yet we have met in this volume with a variety of very curious and remarkable particulars; for which, as they are scattered in different parts, we must refer our readers to the work itself. We recommend it to all who interest them.

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selves in the lot of this once highlyfavoured people; or who wish to be acquainted with events now passing on the earth, perhaps introduebory to the brightest days of the gospel dispensation among mankind. The singularity of this assembly, which certainly has had no parallel to it for many ages, induces us to offer a slight sketch of its principal proceedings. This body was collected from the dominions of France, Holland, part of Germany, and Italy, by an Edict of the French Emperor, dated May 30, 1806. included 100 Members, of which about 24 were Rabbins; and commenced its functions July 26, 1806. It sat till Feb. 5, 1807. A number of questions was referred to it for decision which may be reduced to the following principles: "Whether the Jews considered themselves as citizens or as aliens in France?"To this the assembly answered unanimously, as citizens ;" and it bas been recommended to the Jewish people to purchase lands; and to settle, definitively, in that country. It is evident that such a procedure abandons entirely every hope of reestablishment in Judea, or return to their own land, when "the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled." We doubt also, whether such a fixed settlement be consistent with the designs of Providence, which seem to have marked the character of vaga bond on this people, indelibly, as well as purposely. "Whether Jews may intermarry with Chris tians?" is a second branch of enquiry; which is answered by saying, That no law expressly forbids this connexion; but no Rabbi would perform the sanctifications necessary to the religious completion of marriage. A question on the civil power of the Rabbies, is answered by denying that the Rabbies have any civil power: but the question which appears to have occupied the assembly most seriously is, that of the lawfulness of taking interest of

money.

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It seems that Jewish interest was five per cent. per month; which soon produced such misery among those who had borrowed at that rate, as to render the interference of the government necessary.

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The assembly insists, that Moses forbade the taking of interest (Deuf. xxiii. 19) absolutely, among Jews, who were to be an agricultu ral people; yet, where commercial advantage is intended to be made by money advanced, the lender is permitted to partake a moderate share of the profit derived from the employment of the money. We are of opinion, that the assembly did.... not enter fully into this subject; and possibly, it is reserved for the Grand Sanhedrim, to which deputies are invited from all nations of the earth; and which is appointed. to meet in October next, at Paris

There is something extremely striking in beholding a people which has, during 18 centuries, beɛa the butt of scorn among the nations, and has suffered disgrace and ca. lumay, distress and anguish, in every shape, yet is preserved, while those nations who triumphed over it are annihilated. The empire of Babylon has long ago sunk in darkness, the Roman power has for ages ceased to exist, yet the Jews remain ; and so decidedly venerate the institutions of their law-giver, as, after the lapse of 3000 years, to appeal to thein as their rule, to profess obedience to his ordinances, and to justify their opinions by his language and authority. The very fact bears on it something like the stamp of divinity; for where are the institutions of mere mortal legislators which have maintained themselves in vigour, and have reached our days, though only of one half the antiquity of these?

We should be happy to think that this, or any other event, might prepare the seed of Abraham for the reception of the truth as it is in Je sus; and happy should we be to say to this people, generally, "Q house of Israel, come and let us walk in the light of the Lord !"

Sermons and Letters, by the late Rev, W. A. GUNN, 8vo, 83.

THIS volume contains 17 Sermons and 67 Letters. The former were delivered at Farnham, when Mr. Guna was curate of that church:

& period which he consider

ed as far the most useful and important of his whole life, because his labours were then eminently blessed. His words are, in a letter to the Editor," And now my ministry in the town of F is nearly closing, "What hath God wrought!" may both of us say. From June 1782 to May 1792, what a change has taken place here! Were I to live an hundred years twice told, I imagine these would be by far the most important ten years of my life. The Lord has been doing a short, but great work here: I trust the effects of it will never leave F."

P. 280.

At this time, however, it appears that in accommodation to the prejudices of his hearers, he wrote his discourses out at length; and, for the most part, read them. When expelled from this place for his fide lity in the discharge of his ministerial office, he left a number of MSS, with his friend, the present editor, who, since his death has, apparently with much judgment, selected those before us as a memorial to his friends and hearers, and not with out respect to their farther useful

ness.

Mr. Gunn's manner of preaching is so well known, that we think a

specimen unnecessary. He never aimed at oratory; but he constantly endeavoured to deliver the most momentous truths in the most simple and appropriate language. His doctrine was always evangelical as well as practical; and his address was immediately to the heart and conscience of his hearers: a method of preaching followed with a blessing; and which produces effects that artificial eloquence attempts in vain. To Mr. Gunn's numerous hearers and admirers, however, no thing need be said to recommend these Sermons, but that they are undoubtedly genuine; to others we will only add, that they will make a valuable addition to the stock of sermons adapted for village reading and for private families in the middle and lower classes.

Asto the Letters, to many readers these will be even more interesting than the Discouses. They are variously addressed; but most of

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The Importance of the Gospel Ministry considered; a Sermon preach. ed at Hoxton Chapel, June 25, 1807, being the Second Anniver, sary Meeting of the Ministers edu, cated at Hoxton Academy. By Charles Buck, 18,

MR. BUCK's text is Rom. x. 14, 15," How shall they hear without a preacher," &c. The principal design of this discourse is to display the great importance of the gospel ministry, as it "diffuses sond knowledge, excites pure benevolence, ensures real happiness, and terminates in the everlasting salvation of im mortal souls!" Each of these par ticulars is suitably illustrated: after which the preacher proceeds to shew how much the character of a minis ter of the gospel rises above that of the hero, the philosopher, the patriot, the orator, or the philanthro pist.

In the improvement of the subject, he invites his hearers to thankfulness for a gospel ministry: he supposes that not less than 10,000 ministers lift up their voices every Sabbath-day in Great Britain, to proclaim the glad tidings of salva tion. He considers it also as a matter of great thankfulness, that our religious liberty remains untouched; and that we can promote a gos pel ministry without being impeded by human interdictions. On which subject he quotes a passage from his Majesty's late speech: "It has ever been my object to secure to all my subjects the benefits of religious toleration; and it affords me pecu liar gratification to reflect, that during my reign those advantages have been more generally and extensively enjoyed than at any former period."

Mr. B. also recommends the encouragement of a regular gospel ministry, and the means which most

effectually promote it. "Some," says he, are too forward in puffing up those who despise human learning; and because they can preach for an hour together on some odd text, or spiritualize every thing they meet with in Scripture, that, therefore, they stand in no need of instructions from such institutions as these: but let us never encourage such a spirit, rather let us set our faces against it; and where we can find pious and gifted young men, let us encourage them to seek those ad vantages which these seminaries afford."

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The preacher introduces several Anecdotes, which enliven his dis course; and concludes with the foling: Finally, let us more than ever aim at the conversion of souls, let us never address our coagre gations as if they were all converted, let us preach to the heart, and beg of God to give us a zealous and faithful spirit. It is said of Cicero, that, when he delivered his orations, the people were so charmed, that every eye was fixed on him; but that when Demosthenes pleaded against Philip, every eye. was fixed, not on the orator, but on the object; that the whole congregation rose up and exclaimed, Down with Philip! down with Philip! down with Philip!" O that we could so preach, that our hearers, one and ail, might exclaim, Down with the world! dowa with sin!- down with errort down with self!-down with every thing, that Christ alone may be exalted and God glorified! Amen."

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Mr. Buck's discourse contains many valuable hints; and will tend, we trust, to correct the mistakes of those persons (if they can read, and will read this sermo) who prefer an ignorant to an enlightened ininistry.

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Books of Voyages and Travels more frequently abound with reflections and suggestions of an immoral nature, than with such as tend to

improve the mind, We are glad therefore, to see an exception to the general custom, for the author writes like a man who fears God.

and who desires to instruct as welt

as entertain his readers.

The book is certainly not written in the first style of elegance, nor will it convey much information to persons who have read the larger geographical works; nevertheless, it will be found pleasing and instructive to young persons, especially as the ancient state of the places mentioned is given, together with an account of their present condition.

This Work is recommended by the Rev. John Campbell, author of Worlds Displayed, who observes in his Preface," That among the Subscribers to it, there are several of

ficers of the navy, whose names it is hoped, will introduce the book into more of his Majesty's ships."On the whole, we think it will prove a useful and agreeable book to a great number of our readers.

LITERARY NOTICES.

A new edition of Stanhope's Tho. a Kempis, 12mo, is in the press.

Mr. Wrangham's Buchanan Sermon, on translating the Scriptures into the Oriental Languages, with Notes, &c. will appear very shortly.

SELECT LIST OF RELIGIOUS PUBLICATIONS. Transactions of the Missionary

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Methodism condemned by Methodist Preachers. By J. Cooke, 12mo, 4s.

Genuine Methodism acquitted (in Answer to the precoding) 12mo, 1s. Funeral Ser. for the Rev. J. Nicholson, by the Rev. T. Bennett, 8vo, is Diary of the late Miss Cross, with her Life, by the Rev. J. Atkinson, Hoxton, 1s. 6d. fine, 2s.

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