CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE REVIEW DE- oriental provinces of the Roman Empire, where Christianity was settled and flourished. In these churches his writings would be in request. Moreover, these churches would be the first to translate his writings into their current language, for the use of the natives of these provinces, who did not understand SCRIPTURE ON PRINCIPLES NOT HITHER- Greek, (which, however prevalent the Greek To the Editor of the Literary Panorama. INVESTIGATION OF CERTAIN PASSAGES OF TO ADOPTED. It may readily be granted that any tract published by an Apostolic man in the early Christian church, would be circulated among the Christians of those times, with great dispatch, immediately on its publication. This is a natural and indefeasable position, since it arises from a principle in human nature, itself, It is natural, too, that, in those times it should be copied without delay in such churches as were then extant. And, this first edition would be circulated to the widest extent, of course. Churches that language was, must have been many,) being Christians, who desired to be acquaintcause here was a great number of professed with their contents. tions having for their basis the first edition, It is evident, therefore, that these translacan be no evidences of what the apostle thought proper to add in his second edition. The Syriac version, for instance, if we suppose that to be the earliest of all, would represent the first edition, as would also, all versions made from it, and all copies made from those, at that time, received in those parts. Whereas, the Armenian version, because it is much were established afterwards, were more likely later, would at least stand the chance of obto receive the second edition of such a writ-taining, (and being made from) the second er's works; especially, if they had intercourse with the town where he resided in his latter The Syriac version, therefore, is days, and drew their copies from thence, im- ian version is an evidence for it. [This ver no evidence against an addition: the Armenmediately. But, I think, we may say, that sion contains 1. John. v. 7.] for one copy of the second edition that was circulated, there would be 20, or 50, or 100 copies, of the first edition, since not only would it have the advantage of priority, but not one reader in a hundred would think of the second as different from the first. And this has led our translators to mark as doubtful, the first quotation which I selected from the first Epistle of John, in my last; -chap. ii. 23. I have no doubt on the genuineness of the addition; but possibly there may be 50 copies without it to one which contains it. edition. Also, the churches in Africa were not planted till many years after those of Asia; their intercourse with Ephesus, being by sea, was irregular, and could only take place, oc casionally, if it was direct: if we suppose it to be, on the subject before us, through Italy, then it was subject to the same circumstances as attended the intercourse between Ephesus and Rome. I say Rome, because we have of Christians, worth mentioning, in any no reason to think that there was any number other city of Italy. The Apostle Paul when travelling from Rhegio upwards, was met by Admitting then, the residence of St. John brethren from Rome: which when he saw, to be at Ephesus, or any part of Asia Minor, he thanked God, and took courage. Cerfor the last thirty years of his life, for which tainly then, he had not met with many we have the testimony of ancient history, we friends in places that he passed through, and may date his first epistle, early in that period: his courage had been somewhat cast down, or even before he came to live there. This for that reason. We find no trace of Chriswould spread first, among the neighbouring tianity in Herculaneum, one of the cities of churches in Asia Minor: secondly, east- Italy, of the second size, which was destroyward, to those countries which professed ed A. D. 79, though we meet with traces of Christianity, Antioch, for certain Syria, Judaism there: and, in short, it must be Cilicia, Pontus, Cappadocia, Galatia, Baby- admitted, that, compared with Asia, the lonia, &c. Toward these countries, there Western provinces had but few Christians. are caravans which go every month, or We have no reason to think that Rome sent six weeks, from Asia Minor; there is a regu- out missionaries early:-the south of France lar intercourse maintained, between Smyrna, was Christianized from Asia, though so much and the internal parts of Asia Minor; and further off than Rome. The natural inon through Tarsus to Antioch-fromference is, that these parts would receive Ephesus to Smyrna was easy. We have every reason to affirm, that it was the same anciently, and therefore, there was an immediate conveyance of such addresses as the Apostle John published for the general use of all Christians, from Ephesus, eastward to the later copies of any Apostolic writing, pub lished in Asia Minor, than those parts which had a regular intercourse, half a dozen times in a year, at least, but probably much oftener, with Ephesus. And whatever versions were extant in the West, would represent the second edition with its variations, what, to our argument, whether this version conever they might be. tained the text of the heavenly witnesses, since it was inade very early; but if the revised Roman version of the New Testament contained it, we are reduced to the same dilemma as before, in reference to the African bishops, the reviser of this edition (Jerom) either found it, or forged it. The same argu ments that relieve the characters of the African Bishops, relieve the character of this Father: the accusation is incredible: it is loading the party with a crime so far beyond ordinary culpability, that the mind revolts at the charge. It is admitted, then, that the Latin version reads this verse, that St. Jerom adopted it, that it was adopted by the learned after him; as by our own famous Alkwin, at the time, and in the Court, of Charlemagne, and has so continued ever since. The inference is, that St. Jerom preferred the anthority and text of the second edition, and followed it. As to Rome, itself, I infer, that that capital of the empire had, if any place had, both editions. Suppose, for a moment, that the first edition had reached Rome, when Aristobalus quitted that city for Britain, or that it was sent to Aristobulus, in Britain, from Rome [Comp. Panorama, Vol. II. p. 837.] it will follow, that the ancient British copies would not contain those additions which the Apostle John inserted in the second edition. And to this agrees the fact: for Pelagianism, could hardly have been repressed by any text more effectually than by the one in question: yet that error rose in Britain, and it was not so decidedly opposed then, as it is now; minus the testimony of this text. Moreover, the text is not quoted by the venerable Bede, in a passage of his works, where we should expect to find it, at least, alluded to. He, therefore, might have the first edition. In short, almost all the arguments employed against the authenticity of the text, may be admitted: they cease to have any great force, after it is once conceded to those who use them, that the first edition, together with all its representatives, in the first centuv, suppose, had not the words in debate. They are reduced to the infirmity of a negative argument, at best. I must now observe, that the African churches being planted long after the Asiatic, they, no doubt, would obtain the best transcripts of the works of any inspired writer, which could be procured about the time of their being founded; i. e. the second edition of the letter under consideration, To this agrees the fact; the African Bishops quote the passage: Tertullian, Cyprian, Eucherius, Eugenius, with his consistory of 400 Bishops, Vigilius, Fulgentius, &c. &c., so that it was undeniably extant in their copies from the second century downwards. The argument then, is reduced to a point: either these divines found the passage in their copies, or they put it there. The latter alternative is so dishonourable to Christians and to Christianity, that one is willing to accept of any hypothesis which may vindicate professors and teachers from such enormous guilt.-But, further, I have said, that Rome might be expected to procure whatever was most excellent in Christian literature, as well as in other studies. It had, then, the first edition, because that was the earliest which could be procured: and the second, because the influx of persong to Rome from all parts was so great, that every thing which was portable of a literary nature, might be expected to be brought there. Rome had an antient version of the scriptures, known under the name of the old Italic version: it is not of any consequence These, moreover, are independent witnesses; for, the African Bishops, who wrote before Jerom, could not receive this passage from his revised version: or, if any choose to affirm that the African bishops received this passage from the old Italic version, then the authenticity of the passage follows of course, in proportion to whatever importance is at tached to this increased antiquity. Let us now suggest a few thoughts on the nature of the passage itself, as connected with our views of it. We have seen that all the variations in the second edition by St. John, are additions: and we can very easily conceive from the knowledge we have, of the guostic, and other heresies, then beginning to spread, that twenty or thirty years might sec a considerable difference in the opinions, and floating notions of Christian communities. An opinion which was not so much as broached A. D. 70, or 80, might become sufficiently popular to be entitled to notice, reproof, and correction, in A. D. 100. Admitting, then, that the longest liver of the Apostles, would endeavour to preserve his readers from the contagion of error, either incipient, or advanced, he could not do it, by expunging any part of an inspired work, since that would be to accuse inspiration with having been the cause of error, but he might do it, by adding to his own works, by strengthening former sentiments, or by enlarged or explanatory expressions so arranged as to meet the mistake in question. This enlargement was the way of our Lord, himself: we have seen that it was the way of St. John in other instances; and if in others, why not in this? We have seen, also, that the placing of the verses containing other additions, in our present copies, is incorrect: arising, most probably, from the addition being inserted on a first edition MS. in the margin; but 66 brought in erroneously, as to its true situation, by the transcriber who next copied that MS. The same I apprehend, is the case here; I confess myself to be of opinion that those copies which place the 8th verse before the 7th are right. It is well known, also, that copies vary in the words they introduce: some insert the words on earth," and "in Heaven" others omit them; some omit, water;" some omit the Word:" and, I might, did I not think it would tire your readers' patience, treat them with a long and delectable discourse, on the Greek accents, articles, &c. inserted or omitted in this famous passage: but, it is enough for my purpose to say, that these variations are proofs, in my estimation, that the addition has been made on first edition copies, and introduced with more or less skill, or convenience, &c. &c. according to the ability of the possessor of those copies. Your readers, sir, will distinguish between what I verily think to be founded on fact, I mean the foregoing statement, and what I am about to submit as conjecture only, I mean the following view of the passage. Nay, I must even apologize for some of the language I am about to use, by saying, that, I use it not strictly, but for the purpose of conveying my meaning. Let us, now, attempt to shew the propriety of introducing this addition, in opposition to the sentiments of those who considered the Christ, as consisting of one nature, only, i. e. the human but who denied the residence of the other nature, i. e. the divine, in the humanity; which combination we hold to be necessary to constitute the Christ. bined into one person, in order to enable that person to bear testimony; since if you take away either of these principles, you incapacitate the party from all power of bearing witness.] Correspondently to this (Ti) three are those who bear witness in heaven; the Father, and the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are THE ONE, the Being of Beings! If we receive the witness of men, on human subjects and questions, with confidence, the witness of God is infi nitely greater, both as to subject and certainty, since God is an infinite spirit, and not subject to error. Assuredly this is the witness of God, which is witnessed concerning his Son, as above. He who believeth in [this representation of] the Son of God [Jesus, the humanity] hath the witness in himself, not only of the possibility, but of the actual existence, of such a combination, since his own nature is an instance of the same combination of principles as was extant in [the man] Jesus. He who believeth not God makes him worse than an honest man, a lyar, &c. Under this view of the passage, let us endeavour to state, and compare the editions. FIRST EDITION. Who is he who overcometh the world, unless it be one who believes, that Jesus is the Son of God? This is he who came by water, and blood; Jesus the Christ: not by water only, but by water and blood: but the spirit is that which beareth witness. They which bear witness then, are these three; the spirit, and the water, and the blood; and these three are combined in one. If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater; and assuredly this is the witness of God, which is witnessed of his Son, &c. SECOND EDITION. the spirit is that which beareth witness. They which bear witness then, on carth, are these three; the spirit, and the water, and the blood; and these three are combined in one. Correspondently, those who bear wilness in heaven, are three; the Father, and the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are THE ONE. If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater; and assuredly this is the witness of God, which is witnessed of his Son, &c. Who is he, says the apostle, who overcometh the world, unless it be one who believes that Jesus [the humanity] is the Son of God? This [Jesus, the humanity] is he Who is he who overcometh the world, who came into this world by assuming the unless it be one who believes that Jesus is the component parts of human nature, 1. water, Son of God? This is he who came by wai. e. animal life; and 2. ilood i. e. a body. ter, and blood; Jesus the Christ: not by [Some copies read caro or carno. Vide Si-water only, but by water and blood: but mon, Crit. Hist.] Such is JESUS THE CHRIST; who came, not by assuming water, animal life, only, being a mere phantom, as some pretend, but by water, life, and blood, a body, also.. However, the assumption of both these two principles, though necessary, yet would not qualify him effectually for his office, which was, to bear witness of God; for an animal may have life and a body, yet it is incapable of bearing witness: no; but the intelligent and immortal spirit, is that part of a man which beareth witness, since it only is capable of understanding. And these thrte principles are those which bear witness on earth [i. e. which compose the humanity] the intelligent spirit, and the water, or animal life, and the blood, flesh, or body, and these three agree in one testimony; [or rather, these three are necessary to be com I am justified in affirming, that (as I observed in my former letter) here is no change of sentiment in the apostle: every thing he said formerly he says again now : he retracts nothing; every syllable stands untouched; but he adds, and encreases the strength, the beauty, and the correspondence member to member, of the passage, while at the same 537] Proposita, Philanthropica.-Whitechapel School. time, his addition is in direct opposition to : You will understand, Sir, that I hint at this explanation with great deference, and as a mere conjecture only let it be judged by reason and candour, and whatever may be proposed as superior by any of your learned correspondents, shall at least be accepted with all due respect, by Sir, yours, &c. FIDELIS. Conjecture as to the time of the second edition has already fixed on the period of the publication of St. John's Gospel which was long after the other Gospels were in circulation; when, we may suppose, the apostle revised and edited his works," complete. As to the time of the first edition, we have very little to help our guesses. It is certain, however that the third epistle of John was written many years before the date assigned to his Gospel, since Gaius, who was host of St. Paul, and of the whole church, was most probably a man advanced in life; and we cannot think it likely that he should live till towards the end of the first century. The first chapter of the first epistle, seems from its contents to have been the precursor of the introduction to the Gospel. Your printer has committed an error in composing the postscript in my last, the second member of it should stand thus :I have written to you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked PROPOSITA PHILANTHROPICA. -homo sum Humanum nihil a me alienum puto. Under this head in our last number but one (p. 91), we noticed a visit of the QUEEN and five PRINCESSES to a school at Clewer near Windsor, conducted on Mr. Lancaster's plan of education-We have now to point out a school which has lately been new-cast, and regulated by Dr. Bell, late of Madras, now of Swanage, Dorset; from whom Mr. Lancaster derived the system upon which he has acted. WHITECHAPEL SCHOOL. The Institution of which we have to make honourable mention, is the Charity School of Whitechapel Parish: which, consisting two years ago of 100, contains now 200 poor children. The school was originally built, and partly endowed, by the Rev. Ralph Davenant, Rector of Whitechapel, who died A. D. 1680; upon increasing the number of scholars, the trustees" took the earliest opportunity of introducing into it, the most valuable system of education recommended by the Rev. Dr. Bell; invented* and practised by him with such distinguished success at Madras. The trustees hearing that Dr. Bell was in England, and would readily give them advice, applied to him by letter. Dr. Bell, with that zeal and philanthropy which peculiarly mark his character, left his house in Dorsetshire, and hastened to Whitechapel; and has since, from time to time, given the trustees, and the schoolmasters, his personal assistance; and his system is now so far matured, as to command the approbation, and excite the admiration, of several eminent persons, both clergy and laity, many of them of high rank and the greatest respectability." We have witnessed the rapid improvement of the children, under Dr. Bell's management, with equal surprise and pleasure, and have been happy to meet in the school-rooms some of the worthiest characters in the country; amongst others, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Duke of Cambridge, The Archbishop paid particular attention to all the minutiae of Dr. Bell's system, which has been most successfully acted upon at Lambeth; and H. R. H. the Duke of Cambridge examined the children, class by class, from the lowest to the highest form. Upon the Duke of Cambridge's report of what he had witnessed to the Commander in Chief; the Duke of York sent two officers of rank to the school, who made application for one of the See An Experiment in Education," 1797; and "An Analysis of the Experiment in Education." Cadell and Davis, 1807.-Compare Panorama, Vol. II. P. 1185. 539] Proposita Philanthropica.—Animal's Friend.—Suppression of Vice, &c. [540 boys to introduce the new mode of teaching into the Royal Military Asylum at Chelsea. This request was of course complied with; and the lad has had the singular honour to instruct a thousand pupils. Dr. Bell superintended and gave effect to his exertions. Upon the whole we cannot but praise this attention shewn by the superior classes of society to the well-being of the rising generation amongst the poor. This is the way for the great and the opulent to win the love, as well as to excite the admiration of those who fill the subordinate ranks of life. This is the way to link man to man by the ties of mutual regard; by good offices performed on one hand, and a sensation of gratitude on the other.-As loyalists of the first order, and as true Patriots (for in attachment to our KING and COUNTRY we yield to none), we are glad to direct the public eye to this new pledge of union, this new safeguard against the maddening and desolating effects of revolutionary frenzy. THE ANIMAL'S FRIEND. We have observed a shocking negligence in those who have the management of the Manor-Pound belonging to Stepney, situated a few yards beyond Whitechapel turnpike-gate. This place is enclosed with posts and rails, but though it stands on a spot sufficiently elevated; for want of cutting a channel or two, to let the rain water run off, it is covered with a miry surface most uncomfortable to the poor cattle, which from time to time are impounded within it. We particularly remarked, last winter, several horses shut up, standing with their feet in ice, the sharp edge of which cut and fretted their pasterns, just below the fetlock. It is enough that trespassing cattle be impounded; that they should suffer torture is too much. We have received a second offer of FIVE POUNDS towards establishing of the ANIMAL'S FRIEND INSTITUTION, if it can be made general. SOCIETY FOR THE SUPPRESSION OF VICE Report, that they have continued, with much activity and effect, to enforce the laws against the profanation of the sabbath; for this purpose, they have caused frequent inspections to be made by their agents in those parts of the metropolis, where offences against those laws were most prevalent. They have also occasionally extended their activity to various districts in the vicinity of London, in consequence of applications for that purpose from the resident clergy, or other respectable inhabitants, who found ordinary means inarlequate to the correction of evils, which having been so long unrestrained, seemed to have acquired the force of prescription. In all cases, their interference has been attended with the desired effect. The portion of the fines arising from prosecutions, which the law allots to the person giving information, instead of being given to the Society's agents, have been accumulated as a distinct fund, and presented, according to an established rule, to that most humane and excellent Institution, the Philanthropic Society. In that department of their institution which relates to the prosecution of the publishers of obscene books and prints, and other indecencies, the Society report proceedings, which they trust will prove satisfactory to the public. The Society has held correspondence with several other cities and districts, as Gloucester, Edinburgh, Devonshire, &c., in which the almost neglected laws for the preservation of morals are about to be enforced with attention and efficacy. Various applications from different parts of the kingdom, have been made to the Society, for their advice and directions as to the proper modes of proceeding in the suppression of offences against the laws made for the protection of the public morals. THE SHERIFF'S FUND. The present worthy sheriffs, C. Smith and R. Phillips, Esqrs., have instituted a fund for the temporary relief of the distressed families, and dependants of persons in confinement; for a temporary provision for persons who, on being discharged from continement have no means of present subsistence; for the purchase of such tools, implements, and main debtors and criminals; and, for the pecuterials, as may conduce to habits of industry niary aid of other objects of distress, who come under the official cognizance of the sheriffs of London and Middiesex.—They have laudably appealed to the benevolence of notice in the news-papers, that subscriptions their fellow citizens to support it, and given will be received by themselves, and the under sheriffs, by the keepers of Newgate and the comptor, and by all the bankers in London. GENERAL HOSPITAL AT BIRMINGHAM. At the Anniversary Meeting of the Governors of the General Hospital at Birmingham, the auditors presented the annual report, by which it appears that the balance due to the Treasurers at Midsummer, 1807, was £377. Os. 4d. During the course of last year, the Governors have been obliged to sell out £1000 of the 3 per cent. consols, belonging to this charity, the annual expenses of which are double the amount of the regular income. The Board states, that "Great success has attended the distribution of premiums for taking people out of the water, and using means for restoring to life those who were apparently drowned or suffocated. Out of ten cases last year, nine have been successful." |