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in marriage to Azizus, king of the Emesenes, when he had consented to be circumcised. For Epiphanes, the son of king Antiochus, had broken the contract with her, by refusing to embrace the Jewish customs, although he had promised her father he would. *

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But this marriage of Drusilla with Azizus was dissolved, in a short time, after this manner:-When Felix was procurator of Judea, having had a sight of her, he was mightily taken with her; and indeed she was the most beautiful of her sex. He therefore sent to her Simon, a Jew, of Cyprus, who was one of his friends, and pretended to magic; by whom he persuaded her to leave her husband, and marry him, promising to make her perfectly happy, if she did not disdain him. It was far from being a sufficient reason; but to avoid the envy of her sister Bernice, who was continually doing her ill offices, because of her beauty, she was induced to transgress the laws of her country, and marry Felix."

Tacitus, Hist. lib. v. c. 9, represents the Drusilla whom Felix married, as the daughter of Cleopatra and Antony; and this has been thought by some to be an objection to Josephus as well as to St. Luke. With ourselves, however, it possesses no weight. For, in the first place, Josephus agrees with St. Luke that Drusilla was 66 я Jewess;" and that he should be quite as well acquainted as Tacitus with the parentage and education of this lady, it is very reasonable to suppose. Then, again, Suetonius, in Claudio, c. 28, says, that "Felix married three queens, or three ladies of royal families." One of these, it is certain, was Drusilla mentioned by the evangelist Luke; another might be a Drusilla who had descended from Cleopatra, queen of Egypt, and Antony; who the third was, it is not known.

X. Having thus considered and confirmed the observations of the sacred historians respecting the Jewish princes to whom they had occasion to refer in the course of their narratives, we proceed now to take similar notice of those heathen governors whose names they have mentioned.* The first of these that we would now introduce is Felix.

*For the present we omit Pilate, the first of whom we read in the New Testament, intending at some future time to notice him,

One circumstance which they have related in regard to him, namely, his marriage with Drusilla, the daughter of Agrippa the great, we have already shewn to be true in our own observations upon that princess. There are, however, one or two other particulars which it may be interesting and useful to consider. We have hitherto adduced no proof of his being procurator of Judea, at the time he is said to have been by the writers of the New Testament That he was, however, is abundantly evident from Josephus, who frequently mentions him. Antiq. lib, xx. c. vi. vii. viii.

Tacitus says, Hist. lib. v. c. 9, “that while Felix was procurator of Judea, he acted in a very arbitrary manner, and made no scruple of committing the grossest injustice." Josephus, in his Antiq. lib. xx. c. 7, has recorded one instance of abominable villainy of which he was guilty. "Jonathan the high priest often admonished Felix to correct his administration; otherwise he himself would be in danger of the illwill and resentment of the people, since he had desired the emperor to make him procurator of Judea." But he not being able to bear these remonstrances, "by a large sum of money corrupted an intimate friend of Jonathan's, who got him to be assassinated.” His government was so irregular, that the Jews followed him with complaints to Rome after he had left the province, and it was owing to a very powerful interest at court, that he escaped the resentment of Nero.

These particulars, from Josephus and Tacitus, may satisfy us, that when (Acts xxiv. 25,) "Paul reasoned of righteousness, temperance, (or chastity) and judgment to come," his subjects were well chosen, with respect to both his hearers and that what St. Luke adds concerning Felix, that he, v. 26, 'hoped that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him," is no calumny. Some, indeed, may think it strange that Felix should have had any hopes of receiving money from this prisoner, who does not appear to have had any estate, and who seems to have been obliged at times, to "labor,

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and consider the part which he took in the condemnation and crucifixion of our Lord.

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JEWISH AND HEATHEN PRINCES.

working with his hands," for a subsistence. 1 Cor. iv. 12, Acts xx. 34. But in answer to this it has been observed by expositors, that Paul had told Felix, that" after many years" he came to bring alms to his nation and offerings," Acts xxiv. 17. It is likely, therefore, that Felix imagined that the money had not been all distributed as yet, since Paul was apprehended within a few days after his coming to Jerusalem; chap. xxi. 27, xxiv. 11, or, at least, concluded he must needs be a person of some consequence, and have good friends.

XI. That Porcius Festus was governor in Judea, and succeeded Felix, as represented by the evangelist, receives confirmation from Josephus. Antiq. lib. xx. c. vi. vii. viii. As nothing of peculiar importance is recorded by the sacred penmen in respect to Festus, this notice of him will suffice.

XII. Before concluding these observations we would notice two other things, which, though to some they may appear too minute to be mentioned, appear to us instances of great exactness and propriety, affording strong proof that St. Luke was well acquainted with the matters of which he wrote. Paul and Barnabas having preached the word of God at Salamis, (in Cyprus) went through "the isle to Paphos, where they found Bar-jesus, who was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus;" Acts xiii. 7. But in the Greek it is, with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus. Upon Augustus' becoming absolute master of the Roman commonwealth, there was a division made of the provinces of the empire; the most powerful, or at least, those which required the greatest number of troops, the emperor kept to himself; the rest were made over to the people and senate. The officers sent by the emperor were called lieutenants, or proprætors, though they were consular persons; that is, though they had served the consulship in the city. The governors sent by the senate into the provinces that belonged to their share, he appointed to be called proconsuls.

But

the division made at this time underwent many changes; a province, assigned at first to the senate, was

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afterwards made over to the emperor; and on the contrary. Such a change happened with respect to this province of Cyprus: in the first partition it was one of the emperor's provinces, but was afterwards given to the senate. In this state the province continued, and the proper title of the governor of Cyprus was that of proconsul.

XIII. The last thing we shall take notice of is the title given to Gallio, in our translation, Acts xviii. 12, called the deputy, but in the Greek, proconsul of Achaia. In this instance, St. Luke's accuracy appears more conspicuous than in the former, because this province had a more various fortune than the other. In the original partition they were assigned to the people and the senate. In the reign of Tiberius, they were, at their own request, made over to the emperor. In the reign of Claudius, A.D. 44, they were again restored to the senate. From that time proconsuls were sent into this country. Paul was brought before Gallio, A.D. 52, or 53; consequently Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, as St. Luke calls him.

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There is likewise peculiar propriety in the name of the province of which Gallio was proconsul. The country

subject to him was all Greece; but the proper name of the province among the Romans was Achaia.

We have now fulfilled our intention. Our object was to point out the accuracy of the evangelists, in the occasional observations which they have made upon certain persons of eminence with whom they had to do, and whom they were obliged to mention in the interesting narratives which they have penned, by pointing out their agreement with contemporary historians. This we trust we have, to some extent, accomplished; to how great an extent must be left to the judgment of our readers. We conclude with an observation similar to one that has already been made, that the correctness of the sacred writers in these instances, furnishes a good reason for the conviction that the more important parts of their history are credible and therefore deserving our supreme regard. Northampton.

W. JARROM

REVIEW.

AN ESSAY towards a new translation of the Epistle of Paul to the Romans, on the basis of the authorised version; with a paraphrase and brief explanatory notes. By BASIL H. COOPER, B. A., of the university of London. Intended for English readers. London. 8vo., pp. 72.

THIS learned and elaborate production seems to us rather adapted for scholars than for mere English readers. Few of the latter will find the translation so intelligible in all its passages as the received text; while the various and recondite interpretations given of several parts will not be adopted by any scholar without close examination. The work will repay a careful study, and an inquisitive and careful student will find many views and renderings which will interest and instruct. We confess we are not in love with the phrases "enrighteous," "enrighteousdom," for "justify," "justification;" but the author's own explanation of his purpose in adopting them, and others of the like class, is worthy of attention. A larger work, detailing the "process" of the author's investigations, is contemplated, for which we shall look with considerable interest.

BAPTISM, THE SACRAMENT OF LIBERTY. A letter to the churches of the Baptist denomination, with an epistle dedicatory to the Rev. Alexander Carson, L. L. D. By CHARLES THOMPSON, minister of York Street chapel, Manchester. Dyer, London THIS letter was prepared for the annual circular of the Lancashire and Cheshire Baptist Churches; and on account of objections to certain parts, as being adapted to give offence to pædobaptists, was withdrawn. It is now presented to the Baptists generally for their perusal. It contains good truths, and is designed to shew that the Baptists, in maintaining the voluntaryism of religion, are the conservators of freedom. We should like to see the argument drawn out in a more simple

and extended form. We believe it is perfectly sound. The only body of christians that entirely repudiate all human authority in religion, are the Baptists. Their adherence to apostolical baptism secures this principle. A TREATISE ON PRAYER. By J. THORNTON, author of "A Treatise on Repentance, "Fruits of the Spirit," &c. 32mo., pp. 212. Tract Society.

THIS is a useful manual. We cannot do better than notice the subjects of the seventeen chapters into which it is divided. The nature -duty-proper dispositions-encouragements -advantages of prayer-closet and family prayer-prayer in adversity and prosperityejaculatory and intercessory prayer-deadness of spirit, wandering thoughts, worldly cares, desponding fears, evil passions, in prayer— some remarkable examples of prayer, with motives to perseverance. From this analysis it will be seen that this small work is very cemprehensive in its topics, and very useful in its tendency.

EDMESTON'S HYMNS FOR THE CHAMBER OF SICKNESS.

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THE latter of these beautiful little books is like its predecessors on the seasons, full of interesting and instructive remark, and embellished by a variety of excellent engravings. The former speaks for itself in its title.

MISSIONARY REWARD BOOKS FOR CHILDREN. Houlston and Stoneman. THESE little books, at a half-penny each, are very suitable for small rewards. Their titles are, "A few words to children about missions," "A hindoo city," "The tornado," "Mary Graham," "A Jamaica baptizing," "The Negro servant," "The two school boys," "Africa's lost sons restored." Each is embellished with an engraving.

CORRESPONDENCE.

BAPTIST AUTHORS OF THE SIXTEENTH AND SEVENTEENTH CENTURIES.

MY DEAR BROTHER,-I beg through the medium of the Repository to direct the attention of our churches to the following proposal, made by Mr. Underhill, of Avening House, near Stroud, Gloucestershire. think the object deserves the cordial support of every Baptist.

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"It is proposed to reprint, without altera. tion or abridgment, and accompanied by biographical notices and illustrations, such of the writings of the early English and Welsh Baptists, both General and Particular, as may be deemed worthy of perpetuation, of not later date than A. D., 1700: works on baptism will form but a very small part of the reprints; they will be mainly theological, practical, and historical.

A part of the plan relates to the printing

CORRESPONDENCE.

of records and manuscripts respecting the formation and procedure of the earliest Baptist Churches.

By an annual subscription of one pound, on the plan of the Parker, Calvin, and Wycliff societies, it is conceived this desirable object may be effected in the course of a few years, and the denomination be put in the possession of a most valuable series of its early writers and founders. It is calculated that a subscription of this amount from a thousand subscribers will secure to them the return of four octavo volumes annually, of about 500 pages each."

The fathers of our denomination were no ordinary men; they went forth "weeping, bearing precious seed" during times of darkness and persecution; "they took joyfully the spoiling of their goods, knowing in them. selves, that they had in heaven a better and an enduring substance." Their names deserve to be embalmed in our memories and affections, and their writings (in not a few cases the productions of powerful intellects, enriched with varied learning,) claim a careful perusal,

It may not, perhaps, be out of place here, to state that in the last number of the Baptist Magazine, Mr. Underhill has a paper containing a brief account of some of the early Baptists; amongst others, John Smyth, Henry Denne, Francis Cornwell, and Thomas Grantham, are prominently mentioned. The worthy writer, however, makes no allusion to the fact that they were General Baptists. Through entertaining no very great reverence for the mere designa. tion of G. B., or P. B., yet thinking as the distinction does exist, that the above fact should have been recognized, I wrote to Mr. Underhill, and received from him the following explanation,-"The distinction was not made partly owing to my wish that in this matter the two bodies should be united, and recognize their equal indebtedness to the admirable men who bore the heat and burden of the day' of trial, and partly to my not having met with the distinction in any of the early works or documents I have consulted. A general fraternal intercourse appears to have been maintained, until the revolution gave time and opportunity for a closer attention to be paid to the differences existing among the Baptists themselves. Nor do I think that the distinction would have been perpetrated, had not the lapse into error of so many churches at the beginning of the last century rendered it necessary on the part of the orthodox Baptists, for them to maintain some clear and definite line of demarcation. That error, however, it is probable was much increased by the antinomian tendencies of so large a part of the Particular Baptists. Late years have seen a gradual approximation in sentiment, which

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I hope is the precursor of union in all evangelical efforts, both at home and abroad,"

The commencement of the last century, to which Mr. Underhill refers, was a period of general defection. Amongst all denominations there was a fearful departure from the truth. A change has, however, been effected, which has produced a mighty revolution in the history of the British church.

I cannot but rejoice that Antinomianism has lost so much of its power among the other section of the denomination, and that juster views of the sublime arrangements of heaven are entertained. Nor can I but feel grateful to God that our own body has been saved from the awful heresies to which reference has been made. We yield to none in our attachment to the cross of Christ, and we love to meditate and expatiate on his infinite majesty, as "God over all blessed for ever.'

But I have digressed; let the churches courage the proposal we have mentioned; and let them endeavour to furnish their pastors with the whole series of writings of the early fathers of the denomination.

As the productions of General as well as Particular Baptists are to be published, I think it is but just that some of our ministers should form a part of the committee of management.

I remain yours affectionately,
Castle Donington.
J. J. OWEN.

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Is it either scriptural or expedient in any case, to announce to a congregation that any member of a church has heen excluded from fellowship?-DUBITO.

OUGHT persons to be continued as members of a church, who from the circumstance of their residing at a distance, neither attend nor commune with such church, nor contribute to its funds, but either do so with the church where they reside, or are virtually unconnected with any ?-DIACONUS.

*See Minutes, 1842, p. 32. † Ditto, 1844, p. 42.

OBITUARY.

ELIZABETH STOREY was born at Downton, Wilts., in the year 1805, and was bap. tized at Lyndhurst, in 1839; since which time to her death, her conduct was of the most consistent character. In her general deportment our dear sister was quiet, meek, humble, and inoffensive. The natural weakness of her constitution rendered her incapable of discharging some of the more active duties of the christian life; she was, however, (notwithstanding the distance she lived from the house of God,) punctual in her attendance on the means of grace.

In the month of August, our dear sister was attacked with fever, and died after a fortnight's illness. During her affliction she was frequently delirious, and when lucid intervals were granted, her mind was frequently cloudy; nor did those gloomy feel. ings appear to be removed till just previous to her departure from this life. She now sleeps in Jesus.

JOHN STOREY, husband of the above, Elizabeth Storey, was born at Downton, Wilts., in the year 1805; and united with the church at Lyndhurst by baptism in 1839. In the same year he was appointed to the office of deacon, the duties of which office he ever after honorably performed. As a christian he was sincerely pious; as a friend, constant and affectionate; as a member of the church, active and punctual in the discharge of all religious duties; "ready to every good word and work." Our dear brother was highly esteemed by every one who knew him; he had a good report of all "that are without;" was not one who could be lost and not missed, for "he was a good man and full of the Holy Ghost." Our brother was attacked with fever on August 13th, and died on the 7th of September. Like his dear wife, he was frequently delirious, and some times doubted his interest in Christ; but at length his fears were dis. pelled, and he fell asleep in Jesus. Our beloved friends both repose in the same grave, in the General Baptist burial ground, Lyndhurst. It is right we should mention

the death of Sarah Storey, daughter of the above, who died on the 20th of July, aged sixteen years. She was a hopeful enquirer. She was the oldest of seven children. The remaining six still survive to lament their irreparable loss. R. C.

June 13, died at Quorndon, aged 90 years, Sarah, wife of Richard Wilson. She was Her end was peace. much respected as a member of the church.

August 15, died at Quorndon, Richard Wilson, aged 84 years, widower of the above, and a member of the same church. He stated in his last illness his hopes in the gospel, and his faith in Christ for salvation. The infirmities of nature consequent from so protracted a life, connected with the cold hand of poverty, precluded from them many of the comforts which old age must require.

August 26, died at Quorndon, after a long and painful illness, Mary, widow of William Johnson, aged 73 years. She was, during her long pilgrimage, an honorable member of the church, and has left behind her a lasting example of punctuality in her attendance on the means of grace; she was always in her place when service commenced. In her last moments, she said Jesus was precious to her soul, and all her trust.

September 6, died at Quorndon, Catherine, widow of Thomas Gamble, aged 65 years, after a short and painful illness of six days. She was a very honorable member of the church, and had been exercised through her long course with many and heavy trials; but faith had enabled her to look to the end for a crown of life which fadeth not away. She maintained her character for christian consistency; and in her last conflict with the enemy was enabled to trust in the Saviour. Her end was peace.

From August 1831, to August 1844, there have been 187 persons buried in the General Baptist burying ground, Quorndon, viz., forty members, chiefly of our church, eighty non-members, and sixty-seven chil dren.

T.

INTELLIGENCE.

LONDON CONFERENCE, held at Chesham, September 22nd, 1844.-After prayers, offered by brethren Hood, Horsfield, and Hudson, brother Ayrton was called to preside, and brother Horsfield to act as Sec. pro tem. Four of the Churches had omitted to send reports. Those forwarded were, on the whole, encouraging; these stated that there had been

seventy baptized, and that there are now twenty-nine candidates. After considerable discussion, on the propriety of endeavouring to revive and establish the cause in Aylesbury, and the best means of doing so, the following resolution was unanimously passed,-"That he brethren at Chesham and Berkhamp stead, together with the friends at Wendover

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