PROPOSALS FOR THE PERIODICAL PUBLICATION OF A COLLECTION OF DISSERTATIONS, PRINCIPALLY En Biblical Literature. BY CHARLES HODGE, PROFESSOR OF ORIENTAL AND BIBLICAL LITERATURE IN THE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY, AT PRINCETON, N. J. THIS work is intended for a field, which, it is believed, is in this country, at present unoccupied. It is designed as a vehicle, by which, information contained in expensive and rare volumes, may be conveyed to the Biblical Student; and to serve, in some measure, as a substitute, for the possession or perusal of works, which, though valuable upon many accounts, it may neither be easy nor desirable to put into general circulation. That there are in such works, many important DISSERTATIONS, which it would be exceedingly useful to disseminate, cannot be questioned. It is therefore proposed to publish in quarterly numbers a series of Treatises derived from these sources. This work, may occasionally contain, discussions of doctrinal points, and disquisitions on Ecclesiastical History; but it is principally designed to excite a spirit for Biblical Studies, by circulating information on the Criticism of the Text-on the Ancient Versions-on Critical Editions-to furnish discussions of a Hermeneutical character-to bring forward interesting 2 articles on the manners, customs, institutions, and literature of the East on various points in Biblical Antiquities— and on the Literary History of the Sacred Volume. To present Exegetical Treatises on important passages of Scripture-Biographical Notices of Biblical writers-accounts of the most important Biblical works, &c. This work is not intended to be original in its general character, but to consist of selections from the writings of the most distinguished scholars. The authors from whom these selections will be made, are the most celebrated British writers, and the Oriental and Biblical Scholars of the Continent; as well those, who have within the last fifty years become so justly distinguished, as those of an earlier date. It is not to be expected that the doctrinal opinions presented in a work, the contents of which, are to be derived from so many different authors, will at all times be either consistent with each other, or conformable with those of the Editor; yet it will be his object to preserve it, on the one hand from any thing sectarian, and on the other, from such latitudinarian discussions as are likely to have an unfavourable tendency. From the numerous volumes afforded by the several libraries to which the Editor has access-from the works of modern critics already received, and from others he is in daily expectation of receiving, it is believed a selection may be made, which will prove generally useful. Not only in making these selections, but in the work of translating (which will be the most laborious part of the enterprise) he will have the assistance of several of his friends, and in the German the aid of one or two gentlemen to whom that language is vernacular. That there is need in our section of the Church of a work of this nature, very few will deny. It is manifest that we are falling behind our age in this species of Literature. The 3 difficulty of procuring books, or the disinclination to read any thing not written in our own language, has led to a lamentable neglect of an interesting department of Theological Learning. An attempt therefore, in any measure, to remedy this evil, must commend itself to those who believe that the interests of piety, are intimately connected with the state of knowledge in its teachers. As this work is intended for a class of readers which is not very numerous, and as it will be one of considerable labour, and no emolument, it is hoped that those who are interested in advancing the cause to which it is devoted, will extend to it the favour of their patronage. Conditions: I. To be published quarterly in numbers of 150 pages octavo, handsomely printed on fine paper, at one dollar per number, or four dollars per year, payable on the delivery of the first number. II. Any individual responsible for six subscriptions, will receive an additional copy gratis. No subscription can be taken for less than one year. NOTICE. AS THE great difficulty in conducting Periodical Publications arises from want of punctuality on the part of the subscribers, resulting from mere forgetfulness, it has been deemed expedient to make the subscription for this work payable on the delivery of the first number. And as the second number will not be sent in any case to those who have not paid their annual subscription, the reception of the second number may be deemed a receipt in full for the current year. THE Subscribers who reside in Philadelphia, are requested to make their payments to Mr. Anthony Finley.Those of New-York, to Messrs. G. & C. Carvill.-Those of Boston, to the Rev. B. B. Wisner.-Those of Charleston, S. C., to the Rev. Dr. T. C. Henry.-Those in Baltimore, to the Rev. William Nevins.-Those in Kentucky, to the Rev. John Breckenridge. All others will be good enough to make their remittances immediately to the Editor. |