Toleration: a Discourse delivered in St. John's Church. By Evan M. Johnson [pp. 185-201]

The English Bible.
by whose means, this benefit was conferred. As yet the
language was in a gradual process of formation. Ductile, various, and manly, confined within no acknowledged rules and
checked by no fear of criticism, it was in a state admirably
fitted to become the faithful mirror of the national character,
which the publication of that great work was calculated so
deeply to effect." Indeed when we reflect that it has been
regarded as a model of correct expression by the ablest critics, that it has been more read than any other English book,
that the nature of its subjects and the character of the people
have given it more than any other book a hold upon the
imagination and the feelings, we do not wonder at the extent
to which its language has becoie the basis both of prose and
verse, and even to some extent of common conversation.
The Bible is not subject to the fluctuations of taste. Shakspeare may become unfashionable, as Milton is now except in
theory. But the Bible will always be read, and read by the
multitude who are the great corrupters of language. Its
words will always be those most upon the popular lip. Not
only therefore will it remain "a well of English undefiled,"
but there is a certainty that its pure waters will be resorted
to by all the hundreds of millions who shall be born within
the reach of British and American influence till the end of
time.
ART. II.- Toleration: a Discourse delivered in St. John's
Church, Brooklyn, on Thanksgiving day, December 10,
1835. By Evan M. Johnson, Rector. Published by
request of the Vestry. New York: Protestant Episcopal
Press. 8vo. pp. 16; 1835.
WE seldom think it proper to take notice of single sermons, unless the subjects of them be peculiarly important, or
their execution peculiarly able and happy. No one, however, who reads the discourse before us will imagine that we
have been prompted to the present notice by either of these
considerations. On the contrary, we have rarely had the
misfortune to peruse a sermon more strongly marked by
puerility and ignorance. But as it was delivered in a Church
connected with a respectable denomination; as it was published by the request of the Vestry of that Church; as it has
185
1836.]