Short Notices [pp. 580-590]

Short Notice8.
read modern Greek; and because he has examined those pass ages of the ancient rhetoricians and grammarians that touch
upon the various branches of the subject. Among the proofs
adduced to show that the language of Homer is not dead, occurs
a passage from a newspaper, beginning:'o Koo-o-'v,E'AAfips x
Tr 6 Aexqte$'ovx.X. We must confess that the enthusiasm and
the violence evinced by both these writers are not calculated to
convince their opponents, unless these should happen to possess
more candour than opponents generally do.
Apocalyptic Sketches. Lectures on the Book of Revelation. Second series
By Rev. John Cumming, D.D., minister of the Scotch National Church.
Philadelphia: Lindsay & Blakiston, 1854. pp. 532.
These lectures are not a continuous commentary on the
Apocalypse, but discourses on subjects, founded on passages in
the last three chapters of the Revelations. The author believes
that the glories predicted in this part of the word of God,
"are about to emerge far sooner than many believe."
Manual of Missions; or, Sketches of the Foreign Missions of the Presbyte rian Church: with maps, showing the stations and statistics of Pro testant Missions among unevangelized nations. By John C. Lowrie,
one of the Secretaries of the Board of Foreign Missions of the Presby terian Church. New York: Anson D. F. Randolph, 683 Broadway.
This volume meets a widely extended want. Every one
interested in the work of missions has felt the need of a
compact and accessible account of the whole field, so as to be
able to see at a glance what is now doing in this department.
The author has accomplished an important work in the most
satisfactory manner.
The Twenty-four Books of the Holy Scripture, carefully translated accord ing to the Massoretic Text on the basis of the English version, after
the best Jewish authorities; and supplied with short explanatory notes.
By Isaac Leeser. Philadelphia: Published at 371 Walnut street.
Quarto, pp. 1011.
This large and handsome volume is the work of the learned
leader of the Synagogue in Philadelphia. He says of himself
that he "is an Israelite in faith, in the full sense of the word;
he believes in the Scriptures as they have been handed down
to us; in the truth and authenticity of prophecies, and their
ultimate literal fulfilment." The object of the work is to furnish not a commentary, but an improved version of the Jewish
Scriptures. The author adheres generally to the English version, departing from it, however, in innumerable cases, in the
form of expression. The notes have reference almost exclusively to the sense of words and phrases, giving the different
renderings, in many cases, of his authorities, which include all
1854.]
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