1831.] Translation of the Psalms, by French and Skinner. latter ones "the pillars of the earth" are well explained to mean "those fundamental laws which are essential to the existence and well being of society." The almost lyrically bold, and consequently obscure passage at Ps. LXXVI. 4, is thus explained : “Thou art become illustrious by having enabled Thy people to gain possession of the fastnesses in which hostile kings had deposited the spoils taken by them in war." sense. At LXXVIII. 26, our prayer-book version, agreeably to the Sept., renders, "they did eat angels' food;" while our bible version has " the food of the mighty." The new version is, "the bread of princes." It occurred to us that the old version is defended by Sapient. Sal. xvi. 20, τро¶ǹv dy yeλwv wμioas.-And this would seem preferable, as offering a stronger The force of the idiom being "food fit for angels" which may be explained to mean the most excellent food. See Glass Phil. Sacr. p. 44. The Hebrew idiom, however, will not admit this sense; and the LXX had probably something else in their copy. The version of the very learned new translators is, we doubt not, the right one. And the very same sense will arise, that is, being "food fit for princes," which is exactly correspondent to a common idiom in our own language. That means princes as well as mighty, is certain from Job XXIV. 22, and xxxiv. 20. At Ps. LXXXII. verses 2-4, are judiciously marked as the words of the Almighty pronouncing solemn judgment upon the gods, i. e. the representatives of God, judges on the earth. At v. 5, however, the sublime image in our old versions, "all the foundations of the earth are out of course," is, we conceive, weakened by the substitution of the feeble term moved. It is plain, from the context, that some violent shock is meant, such as, if it does not overturn a solid and massy edifice, throws the building out of course, i. e. shakes the courses of the stones out of their places. The term used by the Sept. σaleverba, is very strong, and, taken with the context, may surely imply as much. It is clear, however, that the words are used figuratively; and they seem to denote a state of things in which those strong pillars of society, the ordinances of law and the sanctions of morality,are broken down, and the whole frame-work of socie" 221 is rickety (see note supra, on Psalm LXXV. 2 and 3); a state of things inimitably depicted by the strong pencil of Thucydides, L. III. C. 84—§uvтaραχθέντος τε τοῦ βίου ἐς τὸν καιρὸν τοῦ τον τῇ πόλει, καὶ τῶν νόμων κρατήσασα ἡ ἀνθρωπεία φύσις, εἰωθυῖα καὶ παρὰ τους νόμους ἀδικεῖν, ἀσμένη ἐδήλωσεν ἀκρατὴς μὲν ὀργῆς οὖσα, κρείσσων δὲ τοῦ δικαίου, πολεμία δὲ τοῦ προὔχοντος· and which, alas, finds too striking a counterpart in various parts of Europe at present. În Ps. xc. 5, the words " are as a sleep" of our two old versions, is in the new judiciously changed to they sleep." It would, however, have been still better, "they are asleep." For though there is no room to suppose here an ellipsis of (notwithstanding it occurs occasionally), yet if a verb cannot be extracted from the noun sleep, an adjective may, by supposing the frequent ellipsis of the preposition 2. Thus our adjective asleep was formed from the preposition at and sleep. At verse 10, our common translation has, "yet is their strength but labour and sorrow;" the new one, "And the pride of them is trouble and vexation.” We grant that the common version can scarcely be defended. Yet neither, we conceive, has the new translation seized exactly the true sense. We cannot but object to the antecedent to the pronoun being carried so far back as the days of our years. It is much more natural to refer it to the nearer one, "fourscore years." The sense, we conceive, is this: "And then the most that men have to boast of is but trouble and sorrow!" It would be too cynical to assert this of the whole of life. Whereas how applicable it is to advanced years, is quite obvious. The ancient poets abound in sayings attesting the truth of this sentiment, one of which we shall cite, in order to remove a corruption which disfigures a beautiful passage. Eurip. Eol. frag. 18. Γέροντες οὐδὲν ἐσμὲν ἄλλο, πλὴν ὄχλος | Καὶ σχῆμα. Nostro periculo tu lege orλos, an old word for póxos, óvos, on which see Steph. Thes. in v. Nov. Ed. So Eurip. Melan. frag. 15-ȧveрóño CT ois βίος | Ο μικρὸς εὔκρατος ἐγένετο δ ̓ ὄγκος Kakóv. There is not a more frequent cause of difficulty in the Psalms than a breaking off of the construction; and sometimes, though rarely, of the sentiment itself. Our new translators 222 CLASSICAL LITERATURE. are quite aware of this, and have thrown light (for instance) on the obscurity which envelopes the second verse of the 91st Psalm, by adverting to this principle. They judiciously point thus: "Who saith, Jehovah is my refuge and my fortress,-My God, in whom I place my trust,'"-remarking in the note, "The Psalmist here breaks off, and instead of completing the sentence, by pointing out the happiness of such a person, proceeds to address him as though present." The difficulty which involves the latter part of Ps. xcv. they remove by supposing that ver. 8-11, are the words of the Almighty. It may be interesting to our readers to know the sentiments of two such distinguished scholars, profound Orientalists, and theologians, as Dr. French and Mr. Skinner, on the controverted subject of the imprecations found in several of the Psalms, as Ps. LXIX. and cix. Most translators and commentators so render and annotate as to explain away the force of the imprecations. The present learned translators have here preserved the same rigid fidelity and accuracy as in other respects, and content themselves with the following masterly note on the subject, once for all, at Ps. cIx: "It may be observed, with reference to the imprecations, found particularly in this Psalm and in Psalm LXIX, that the morality which they breathe does not ill accord either with the general character of the Mosaic dispensation, or with the state of religious knowledge to which the Jewish nation had attained. The love of our enemies was a duty first distinctly and positively inculcated by the Divine Author of the Christian faith. This pure and sublime doctrine did not form a part of the law delivered to the Jews, because of "the hardness of their hearts." Let it not be urged that it would have been better if the sacred volume had nowhere exhibited the "holy men who were of old, thus betraying, even in their intercourse with God, a deep resentment of the unprovoked injuries which they were continually suffering from the wicked. These very passages of Scripture convey an useful and a very important lesson; for they teach Christians, in the most forcible manner, the value of those pre-eminent advantages which are enjoyed by them under the Gospel." [March, In Ps. CXIX. 83, "I am become like a bottle in the smoke," the present translators well render, a skin shrivelled in the smoke," i. e. a skin bottle for holding liquids, which, on being placed in a smoky tent, would generally be shrivelled. At verse 85, "which thing is not commanded in thy law," it is well remarked that the negative form of expression is here, and elsewhere, employed, to give greater emphasis to the expression of what is forbidden. On verse 131, "I open wide my mouth, and pant eagerly, because I love thy commandments," there is the following tasteful remark : "In a simple state of society, inward emotions were accompanied with more of corresponding outward action than is exhibited where civilization is more advanced." It would be easy and delightful to extract a multitude of notes such as the above, and it would be not difficult for us to contribute fresh illustrations to those of the learned annotators; but no further specimens can be necessary for the chief purpose we have had in view. Indeed our narrow limits warn us that we must think of furling our sails. We must therefore now confine ourselves to general observations. We are enabled, after close scrutiny and full examination, to pronounce this to be by far the most faithful and accurate version of the Psalms which this or perhaps any country has ever produced. The acuteness and judgment shown in the distribution of the several portions of the Psalms (which are often, as it were, dramatic, and the persons supposed to be speaking abruptly changed, with as much obscurity and occasional harshness as in the Odes of Pindar), is such as to claim our warmest commendations. As to the notes, they are, we think, quite models for annotation of this kind. They are almost invariably short, but are apt, pithy, judicious, tasteful, and calculated to prove highly instructive to the class of persons for whom they were especially formed; namely those who are unacquainted with the original, and are not very conversant in critical lore. It may occur to some readers that it would have been better to have regularly pointed out the passages which contain prophecies of, or allusions to, the Messiah. But the limits which the annotators had prescribed to themselves forbad this; and 1831.] Translation of the Psalms, by French and Skinner. as it had been fully done by preceding annotators, whose notes it was not the intention of the authors of the present work to supersede, it would have been unnecessary. The present annotators will, however, be found to have pointed out almost all the principal evangelical predictions or allusions. But to return to the text, the style is remarkably simple, plain, and unadorned; perhaps somewhat more so than the taste of the age (not the most pure), will be likely to entirely approve. To advert to a matter which may possibly be a stumbling block to some well-meaning, but not well-informed readers. It may be thought strange that Dr. French and Mr. Skinner should have sometimes translated and explained in a manner varying from the sense which appears to be affixed to the passages by the inspired writers of the New Testament. This, it would seem, must be wrong; and yet it is, in fact, as a system, quite right. As there are two handles by which most things may be taken, so we not unfrequently meet with two senses; the grammatical and primary sense, and the mystical or allegorical one. The latter of these has with reason been adopted by the writers of the New Testament; but the former alone could, consistently with their plan (which was to give a literal translation, with notes pointing out and illustrating the grammatical sense) have been expressed by Dr. French and Mr. Skinner. We have said that the present translation stands pre-eminent for accuracy. This will be found to be the case especially in assigning the true force of the tenses of verbs; the real sense of the numerous obscure particles; and, above all, in explaining the various perplexing idioms, and adjusting the harsh constructions, in which the Book of Psalms abounds. In all these respects, the two old versions are defective to a degree which would scarcely be credited by those who have little or no knowledge of the Hebrew language. The present translators were enabled to correct these numerous errors, not only by their own profound knowledge of the Oriental languages, but by availing themselves of all the invaluable information to be found in the works of the great Hebraists of the last century; with which and every other kind of lore they 223 are thoroughly imbued. Indeed their being likewise consummately versed in Classical literature has enabled them to go much further than mere Hebraists, however eminent and perfect, could have done. This faculty, indeed, has had, in the present work, comparatively but little scope. It will, however, have full play in the work which they announce as intended to succeed this, namely, Copious Philological Notes on the Psalms, for the use of those who have some knowledge of the Original. This, we hope, they will give to the public in the same form (8vo.) as the present performance, and whenever it appears, we shall feel it our duty to give it an early and an ample notice. We have no doubt that the two works taken together will be indispensable to all who would attain a correct knowledge of this most important of the books of the Old Testament. As to the present work, from its convenient size, beautiful typography, and the great information which it contains as to the literal sense of the Psalms, it is well calculated to be a constant accompaniment to Mant's Family Bible and Prayer-book, and may be even of considerable assistance to young Hebraists. Of the success of a work which, though formed as little as possible ad captandum, contains solid merit sufficient to make it very valuable to all classes of readers, we entertain no doubt. And we are anxious that this success should be as speedy as it must finally be certain; since that may excite the learned and able translators to furnish some further contributions of this kind to sacred literature. We have, indeed, been informed (and we hope report speaks true) that they are now closely engaged on a new translation of the Proverbs of Solomon. This, we can venture to augur, they will execute in a manner even superior to the present work; for we have observed that they never fail to execute the gnomic portions of the Psalms in the best possible style. We trust they intend to include Ecclesiastes in their proposed work; and may we venture to express our further hope that they will, at their leisure, favour the public with a new version of all the books of the Old Testament and the Apocrypha which are gnomic? To use the words of a distinguished ornament of 224 CLASSICAL LITERATURE.-Signification of Káμnλos. [March, their own College, Utinam calcar addere nostra voluntas posset! But whether they accomplish more or less, we cannot conclude without thanking them heartily for what they have already done, in a work which may be considered a very important addition to the other new translations of the books of the Old Testament, and which must be exceedingly valuable to those persons who shall (we trust, ere long) have the task of either forming a new translation of the whole of the Old Testament, or effecting a complete revision of the old one. Such works as the present, and those in preparation, show that for the noble work we have just adverted to, there would be no want of scholars at either of our Universities properly qualified to effect it; and as to Cambridge, it will readily be allowed, that few indeed of her sons are so well qualified to take part in this glorious work as the Master and Senior Tutor of Jesus College, (evyos 'Arpeídov; Whether, indeed, it shall still be deferred, or at length be happily accomplished, Toûto Deŵv év yoúvaσɩ KeîTai! One thing is certain,—that the many important works in Theology which have been of late years produced by Cambridge scholars have not only done honour to that University, but, by promoting the credit, have materially added to the security of our Church establishment. And, as far as they have been accomplished by scholars resident in that University, and occupying stations of great dignity and considerable emolument, they tend, placare invidiam, to make a certain part of the public view less grudgingly the ample revenues (much, however, exaggerated) of its great academical foundations. Again and again we would say, let Cambridge, from which, since the revival of literature, so much of light has emanated, but hold on her course resolutely, through evil report and good report, and ever verify her motto-"Hinc lux et pocula sacra!"; let her continue to carry, not follow, the lamp of knowledge, and she will have no reason for fear in the evil day; the storm may beat upon her house-but it will not fall, being founded on a rock. It will not be with her as with some foreign Universities, whose sun is set for ever. Never to her will be applicable the words of Isaiah, There is not one to lead her of all the sons she hath brought forth; neither is there one to support and help her of all the sons whom she hath educated!" In the moral influence of the enlightened bands she is continually sending forth, will consist her own security and prosperity. Their pious care shall (Openρiwv ovveka) guard her time-honoured walls, and bequeath them to posterity, as a rμA ἐς ἀεί. MR. URBAN, Brook-st. March 2. IT is possible that your learned correspondent T. E., p. 122, may not know that the word κáμŋλos, in the verses he has cited from Matthew, Mark, and Luke, has been, in two English versions of the Gospels, translated a cable, or a cable-rope. First, in "The New Testament in Greek and English; containing the original text, corrected from the authority of the most authentic manuscripts: and a new version formed agreeably to the illustrations of the most learned commentators and critics; with notes and various readings, and a copious alphabetical index. In two volumes, 1729." In this the Greek word in the corresponding columns is κáμnλov. Secondly, in "Divers Parts of the Holy Scriptures done into English, chiefly from Dr. J. Mills's printed Greek copy; with notes and maps. 1761." In this the expression is "it is easier for a cable-rope to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God." But long before either of these translations had appeared, a similar translation had been given in English. In “A compendious and a moche fruytefull Treatyse of well livynge, contaynyng the hole summe and effect of al vertue. Wrytten by S. Bernard, and translated by Thomas Paynie," [15-], the author comments upon and praises the state of poverty, and referring to Luke xviii. quotes thus: "Yt is moch more easy to nedel a gabell of a shyp then for a riche man to come to heven." I have not been able to find the word needle used as a verb in any other author, nor in any dictionary. This book, indeed, is well worthy the attention of all philologists, who are fond of searching out obsolete words and expressions with which it abounds. Yours, &c. S. M. 1831.] [225] REVIEW OF NEW PUBLICATIONS. The Parochial Topography of the Rape of Bramber, in the Western division of the County of Sussex. By Edmund Cartwright, M.A. F.A.S. Canon of Chichester, Rector of Earnley, Vicar of Lyminster, &c. [Vol. II. Part II. of the History of Western Sussex.] COUNTY HISTORIES are works in which the provincial gentry, not of coarse or frivolous habits, take a warm interest; and, considering that they contain memorials of an inaccessible or evanescent character, most rationally So. The best feelings are excitedthose feelings which accord with the humanum est, support the pieties of nature, and elevate sentiment. But we have expatiated more than once upon the subject. The work before us is one which will place Mr. Cartwright among the first of our county historians. A lawbook form all such works must neces sarily have to a certain extent, if they are good for any thing, and all that can or ought to be done is to relieve heavy but indispensable particulars by seasonable, instructive, or judicious embellishment. This is remarkably well effected in all points, but in one more particularly, i. e. Gothic architecture; and upon this point we fasten with particular pleasure. Not that we would support such strange persons as would say, that although there may be a George the Second, Third, and Fourth, there never was a George the First, i. e. because there never were but two styles in Europe, the debased Roman, derived from the Gothic reign in Italy, and the Asiatic or Pointed style, (and the first was brought from the Continent to this island in the time of the Anglo-Saxons,) we would say, that no memorials exist of their works-not that we would support theorists, who have never regarded the works of oriental travellers, who find English castle and church work on the shores of the Red Sea, and have beheld with their eyes closed, actual fac-similes of our architecture in ancient Churches at Rome and other parts of Italy, where the dates are known-not, we say, that we would violate the sacredness of history to gratify the positiveness of pedants or the pseudo-discoveries of coxGENT. MAG. March, 1831. combs-but that we would imbue, if we were able, the public mind with a taste and veneration for those sacred edifices which have in them an intrinsic character of holiness, and lead us to that primum mobile of all that is good; the feeling what God is, what is the hope of man, and what he ought to be. Mr. Cartwright is a connoisseur on the subject, and there is no commonplace in his information. The following extracts will show it. At Broadwater, "The capitals of the pillars which support the arch under the tower, are surmounted with branches of palm, an ornament introduced by the Crusaders, and peculiarly appropriate to a Christian Church. Instead of the stone stalls, frequent on the south side of our chancels, is a stone bench, over which is a Norman arch, a very rare if not an unique instance (p. 35). On the south side of the Church is a cross in the wall, in flint work, a style peculiar to the Suffolk Churches, and not occurring in any other Church in Western Sussex." pp. 35,36. How essential proportion is in Gothic architecture, and the causes why many Churches have been in this respect disfigured, are given in the following account of that of New Shoreham : "The mixed style of architecture which makes this Church remarkable, is peculiar to buildings, of the twelfth century; the earliest authentic instances of the pointed arch being pretty certainly dated in the reign of King Stephen, and the semicircular King John, in the end of the same century. arch being quite disused at the accession of Within this period many stately Churches were erected, which exhibit both pointed and circular arches, intimately joined and intermixed. When the Church of New Shoreham was standing entire, it was a stately and spacious structure, extending in length from east to west about 210 feet, with a transept measuring 92 feet from north to south, and a tower rising from the centre of the cross, 83 feet. The destruction of the nave has taken away one half of the total length, spoiling the proportion of the building, and throwing the tower out of its proper position, as seen in a general view. It is not known at what time the Church was thus mutilated; it is likely to have been done in the reign of Henry VIII. or soon afterwards, when the monastic Churches were generally destroyed, either totally or in part, though it may have hap |
