Suggestive Readings from the Syriac New Testament [pp. 650-660]

SYRIAC NEW TESTAMENT.,
An occasional ieference to the edition of Leusden and
Schaaf,* "accordlng, to!Michaelis, the editio prnceps of the
Syriac New Testament," during the reading of thte proofs, has
failed to show any deviation from it in the text as published
at Oroomiaah, though a mnore careful comparison might do so.
(The curious in such matters will find in the introduction to
this volume of Lousden and Schaaf, in the library of the Society, an interesting historical sketch of the various editions
preceding this, from the time when the original manuscripts
were brought by Moses of Mardins, at the instance of Ignatius,
Patriarch of Antioch, to be multiplied through the press for
Asiatic Christians. The library also contains copies, in excellent preservation, of the edition of Martin Terstius, 1621, and
of Gutbirius, Hamnburg, 1663.)
The appearance of this new edition affords a favorable
opportunity for calling the attention of American students of
the Sacred Word to this ancient and singularly clear and sim ple version of the Newv Testament. While all such are prob ably familiar with the main facts concerning the Peshito, and
the position it holds among ancient versions, yet comparatively
few have read or have had the means of reading it for them selves. Even the excellent translation of Dr. Murdclock does
not alwvays convey the full impression of that simplicity which
is its peculiar charm. In view also of the work of revision of
our English Bible now going on, and the interest attaching to
it, the appearance of this edition may be esteemed opportune.
It can hardly be but that the Syriac and other ancient versions
will afford important aid in the revision, as they do afford
valuable assistance to those who can use them in the under standing of the original Scriptures.
It has occurred to the writer, therefore, while carrying the
publication through the press, that it might not be unproduc tive of benefit to call attention to some of those peculiarities
of this version which appear in certain suggestive variations
fromrn the Greek and our ownv English version; and to Suggest
to theological students, and younger mfinisters especially,
N ovurn TestamIenturn Sy-riacure; crn -versione Latina; cur& et studio Johannis
Leusden et Caroli Schaaf editurn; ad ornes editiones diligenter recensitum;
et variis lectionibus, magno labore collectis, adornaturn. Secun'qa editio, i nlendis
purgata. 4to, Lugduni Batav., 1717.
1871.ql
651