knows little of the Scriptures. That which would give immediate life and interest to the department of theology at the University, would be the institution of some plan, for the advancement of biblical learning. The Scriptures are the foundation of moral philosophy as well as of theology. To study any system of morals, or of divinity, or even the articles of our Church, without having previously deduced their principles from Revelation, is like studying the higher parts of mathematics with out having learned the elements of Euclid., th

It

It is chiefly in the power of masters of colleges to establish a scheme for clerical instruction, adapted to the circumstances of their respective societies, would not be proper to abate the ardour of mathematical study at Cambridge; for it is better that an University should maintain her pre-eminence, (when she has attained it) in one particular science, than, by relaxing, to run the hazard of preserving but a mediocrity in all. But the pursuit of mathematical science is perfectly compatible with the study of the Scriptures, and with exercises in sacred composition, from the first to the last year of the student's residence at the University.

I have no pleasure in adverting to the necessity of some improvement in our system of preparatory study, for the sacred office. But the principles of truth on which this necessity is founded, are so undeniable; they are so generally acknowledged throughout the nation, and so perfectly evident both at home and abroad, particularly to those who have had an opportunity of viewing the church at a distance, as well as near at hand, that I feel it would betray a culpable indifference to the interests of religion, were I to be deterred by a false delicacy from noticing it. It must be evident to every man who is acquainted with the history of Christiani

ty from the first ages, that in the present circumstance of our church, and in the warfare in which she is engaged, it is not eminent advances in science or classics, that are chiefly required, but advances in the knowledge of Christian doctrine, and in the ability of communicating it to the people. It must be equally evident, that whatever plan of study will bring the Bible' most into view, will be the most conducive for this purpose. The state may have the defence of the sword, and the shield of the law, against its assailants; but the Church has no defence, in this Era of Light, but the BIBLE.

The power of reviving Hebrew learning in the Church lies principally with the Bishops. It is presumed that the object might be effected by the following means, viz! by requiring that candidates for Deacon's orders should be able to construe the Hebrew Pentateuch; and that those who offer themselves for Priests orders, should be competent to read the whole of the Old Testament, ad aperturam libri, and by refusing ordination to candidates coming from the universities, who should continue, after due notice (for which three years would suffice) to neglect to acquire this qualification. By this simple regulation it is probable that Hebrew literature would be restored very generally to the Church, in a few years.

But other advantages would result from this measure. It is hardly possible to suppose that the student who has read the whole of the Old Testament in the original tongue, with the attention which such a course requires, should be a contemptible divine. For in the course of his study, he will be necessarily led into various useful and important investigations, which otherwise he would never have thought of. Another benefit would accrue. It will be a salutary exercise to his own heart. The assiduous study of the sacred volume for one year, will,

if any thing can, call his thoughts from the vain pursuits of the world, and fix them on the solemn duties of the profession on which he is about to enter. Before he has gone through the Old Testament, he will find it to be truly what the Poet calls ΠΗΓΗ ΡΕΟΥΣΑ ПЕIOOYZ, "a fountain pouring forth persuasives" to seek heavenly knowledge and purity of life.

* ΠΕΙΘΟΥΣ,

It may be added, that to read the Old Testament in the original language, is the way to understand the New. The Student who has made himself acquainted with the treasures of revealed truth under the first dispensation, will not stop there; but will proceed with impatience to a still nobler theme in the inspired strains of the New Testament, which are written, for the most part, in the idiom of the old. And here, he will have the advantage of that rich and precious mine for the theologian, the Syriac New Testament; for he who can read the Old Testament in Hebrew will soon be able to read the New in Syriac. I call it a "rich and precious mine;" for Syriac is the language which our blessed Lord himself spoke in the land of Judea and it is probable that EVERY PARABLE AND EVERY SPEECH IN THE FOUR GOSPELS IS RECORDED NEARLY IN THE VERY WORDS WHICH PROCEEDED FROM

HIS LIPS. Every scholar then who thirsts for "the "words of life," and would become "an able minister of the New Testament," ought to draw from this pure fountain. What a proof of the decline of sacred literature among us, that this volume (the Syriac Version), is scarcely known!

But it will perhaps be said, "Is not the prescribed study of the whole of the Scriptures a work of too much labour for the student?" I think not, particularly when no other labour is prescribed. If there were indeed any other indispensable syllabus of theology proposed by

the church, or university, which would of itself occupy much time, it might be less necessary to insist upon this specific study. But if in the present circumstances we cannot readily establish a more efficient course, it seems expedient to begin with this simple and intelligible plan. For even supposing that the imposition of such a study would prove to some individuals a severe or ungrateful task, what is this to be accounted of, in the contemplation of the advantage to the Church! The wound of our Church must be healed; and we are persuaded that if a convocation were held at this day it would readily adopt, in the prospect of such a benefit, even a painful remedy. And yet the remedy proposed would be only painful for a moment; for it is most certain that the student himself would afterwards reflect on the benefit derived to him from such a course of study, with fervent gratitude, to the end of his life. *

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Young divines ought not to complain of the labour of learning Hebrew, when even their own country-women can attain it with facility. There are now several ladies who can read the Old Testament in the original tongue; but they are ashamed to confess it, when they see that some of the Clergy are ignorant of the language. It was death alone which brought to light the Hebrew learning of Miss Elizabeth Smith.

The Church of England will, I doubt not, gratefully acknowledge hereafter the advantages for the study of the Hebrew language, which have been afforded by the zealous exertions of Dr. BURGESS, Bishop of St. David's. It is pleasing to behold a man of his learning and station condescending to smooth the path to beginners, and to offer facilities for the acquirement of the sacred language. These are the labours which in their nature and issue are truly immortal':-"To instruct the "ignorant, to invite to useful knowledge, to point to heaven and to lead "the way;-these are the labours which will enable a man to say at the * close of life, By the Grace of God I have not lived in vain.”

I think it not foreign to the general subject of these pages to observe here, that an increased cultivation of the female mind is a characteristic of the present era of Christian knowledge: and is a sure prognostic of a yet brighter period. Custom and use will sway the majority, and even prejudise men of learning and intelli gence on this subject; but there seems to me to be little doubt of the truth of the following position;Young women ought to possess the same advantages of education which are given to young men in general useful learning, until the age of fifteen. I apprehend that the difference which now exists is the effect of barbarism, and is, in no respect, accordant with reason or Christianity. TO THIS DAY, WOMEN HAVE NOT ENJOYED THE FULL PRIVILEGES OF THE CHRISTIAN DISPENSATION. It is in the New Testament alone we see the female character exalted to its just place. The age of chivalry rather disgraced the female mind than did it honour. In the present circumstances of the world, a due cultivation of the female mind would do more for the interests of religion and virtue, than is generally imagined. Whenever knowledge shall become universal, we may be sure that women will be principal instruments in communicating it; for there is one benefit to be derived from instructing the female sex, which will be acknowledged by all. It enables mothers to teach their own children. There must certainly be something very defective in the education of that woman, who cannot instruct her own son (according to the rank in society in which she herself has liv ed) to the twelfth year of his age. To afford a mother such a qualification, and such an advantage, and such a pleasure, is a plain dictate of Christianity.