New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1858-05-17

y
spect the worn will be Of different character from
most Of the TRANSACTIONS or versions which have sp
pesred in Germany since the Reformation. Lu'
theirs version, " hle IL has BY no means been dare-
g.rdsd in the present work, has held but second
AIRY importance in the syes If the translator.
This work is the result OF more than twenty years
Of preparatory studies, which, since 1854, have been
applied TO its preparation in its present shape The
conception of this important undertaking would
seem to date from very early period in the aa-
thor's somewhat rvmai ksble career.
In his studout, yet active and varied life, bis
fopdest hopes seem TO have clustered around the
realization Of this project, and now, when, IN bis
some " hat advanced but vigorous old age, he pre-
sents the hrst part of his work to the public, be
naturally accompanies it with the expression OF the
heartfelt hope that, with the fresh energy and un-
impaired mental power which God has vsuehsaied
to him, be may be allowed, by the completion of the
subsequent volumes, TO discharge IN ull the enthu-
tiastie vow of his youth.
There are few names Of the present time more
familiar to the reading public than that of e. &. j.
Bunsep In both hemispheres il has taken rank
among those of the most able writers OF the day.
From this distinguished author have, within few
years proceeded works which have earned the
commepdaton Of some of the finest minds, while on
the other hand they have been deemed obnoxious
TO, though worthy of, the most serious criticism
I
production of his pen will pass unpraised or uncon-
demned because unknown. Indeed, avery cursory
glance at the pages of the " BibleWork' is suf-
fceut to satisfy the reader that they are the result
OF much thought. They evince q great extent OF
biblical learning, and may be said to form an
epoch in modern Christian literature
Whoever presents TO the world, however, a trans
laton Of the Holy Scriptures in q living language
assumes of the heaviest responsibilities that can
rest on human shoulders. Even the immense diff
cuties Of the task are barely allowed 10 be pleaded
in extenuafon Of errors. Here eternal interests
are involved. Divine truth is at stake. The trans
lator of the Bible offers himself guide over sa-
cred grouLd. When be errs, when his steps falter,
be may cause irreparabe injury to others Yet
human fallibity must attach to the most enight-
ened efforts and the conscientious translator OF the
Bible will necessarily invite the closest examna-
ton of his version. The author of the " Bible
Work" does this without reserve. The consider
alton of the faithuness of this translation is not,
however the object of this notice. l now hmt
myself to calling attention to this recent effort OF
biblical science in Germany, and to statement OF
some Of the authors views, AZ contained IN tne
Introductory pages. Sound, impartial, sclentlhc
criticism. as the human means by which truth may
be elected, will not fail to give this Translation its
proper value Every work, however, which directs
attention to the Word of God, and which is con-
ceyed in proper spirit, should be examined with
iInpartiality, aud Judged upon its own merits aud
defects. Especially should this rule be observed
toward work, the author of which " tenders the
d" hand to all those who have found or who seek
&" God in Christ, who love the truth OF God s Word
above all things, and their fellow. men as
d" brethren"
Bunsen places in his predatory remarks four i'm
portant questions before the Christian public
/. Do the existing TRANSACTIONS received by the
Church call for rectihcatiOn
g Has biblical science of the present day the
means and the mission to accomplish such an un-
dertaking
3. Is such a rectfcation want felt by the Chris
tian community
4. What is the best mode Of bringing that want
clearer before its understanding and nearer to its
heartl
These questions are treated at length in the first
four hundred pages Of the first half volume. Some
valuable remarks are therein also made bearing
upon the circumstances under which the present
received versions were translated, aud thus lilus
rating the position of the first of these queries In
Germany, America, England, France and Holland.
In relation TO the texts in the original languages
the author correctly observes that The text Of the
Old Covenant rests upon al organic development
and upon certain tradition, we'll as that Of the
New Covenant. The reading of the Masortes is in
most contested csses the correct one: where their
division and punctuation does not suffice, the ira
shows itself again TO be right Where tins, how
lever, may seem to be obscure, critical biblical
knowledge has means OF arriving methOdcally
a. nearer to the original text. These cases how
ever, affect in no way what may with reason be
called points of faith, and they do not impair
" in the slightest degree the authority of the Bible.
" The understanding Of these cases ls, however, in.
" dispensable to an honest evangelical statement Of
" the doctrine of inspiration, aud highly important
- for correct appreciation OF the text"
This quotation will enable the reader to judge OF
the principles which have guided the translator in
dealing with the text of the Old Testament in the
original language.
The admitted familiarity of the translator with
the Greek language is pledge that sound philo-'
logical knowledge will be brought to bear upon the
books of the New Testament. The correctness OF
his critical remarks upon certain passages IN the
New Testament- such as Mark i. l. A. LIST limo
thy III. IA, l6, John i. !, 4, 8, and oth.rs-will
doubtless however, evoke comment.
In that part Of the first volume which relates TO
the history of the work ITSELF some interesting de-
tails are given Of the authors labOrs, and we'll
merttd acknowledgment is made for the valuable
services rendered 10 him by his assistants IN tho
translation Mr.. Adolf Ksmphausen and Or. Haug
The former of th.se gentlemen is a lecturer on tne
Old Testament and on the Semitic languages IN tue
University Of Heidelberg aud has aided the author
since 1855 The latter il well known in Europe ior
his familiarity with Sanscrit. His translation OF
the Targum, where reference TO that work wa
requisite, has been brought under consideration.
Daily conferences upon the original texts have been
held, and book register of the results OF these
conferences was kept. l can bear testimony IN
deed from personal knowledge to the great and con
scentious labor bestowed by the translator upon
parts Of the Old Testament. Those who have paid
serious attention to the Hebrew text will apprs 81
ate the efforts necessary TO arrive at satisfactory
conclusions in relation ~ the proper reading VI c'r'
tain passages in that text, especially, tor instance -
H. hn1La &c Samuel