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TERMS OF THE HARBINGER FOR 1850.

WE have resolved to try the club system of subscription for another yea It has increased our number of readers without much enlarging our means conducting the periodical. Whether we have lost or gained, in a pecuniary sens we could not with certainty say. But desirous of spreading our views before th public, and of diffusing them as far and as wide as possible, we will hazard th experiment for the next volume. The Harbinger, besides its size, is conducte with probably double or treble the editorial expense of any periodical in the Re formation. This appears, in part, from the number and variety of original essay and communications which it contains from the editors themselves, all of whic are matters of no little pecuniary as well as mental expense, and also from th numbers gratuitously issued.

Being also especially desirous of collecting the large arrears due on the wor we will issue the work next year, on the old terms to those who pay in six month or after six months from the commencement of the year. That is within si months $2 00-after six months from January 1, 1850, $2 50.

To all new subscribers, and to all old subscribers not in arrears, who for clubs, we offer the following terms:

Three copies,
Five copies,
Seven copies,
Eleven copies,
Sixteen copies,

$5.00

8 00

10.00

15.00

20 00

No one can avail himself of the club law who has not paid up all arrears. The names of those forming one club must be mailed to one and the same offic The pay must in all cases be received here before the numbers can be mailed It is important that the clubs be forwarded here before the 1st of Decembe that the lists may be filled before the January number is issued. We request our friends to begin to form their clubs betimes.

All old elubs must be renewed, by forwarding the money in advance, else the numbers will be stopped with the present volume.

Address,

A. CAMPBLEL, Post Master,

Bethany, Brooke Co., Va

LIST OF PUBLICATIONS FOR SALE AT THIS OFFICE. The CHRISTIAN HYMN-BOOK, in full sheep or muslin-price per cop 37 1-2 cents.

Do.
Do.

Do.
Do.

roan, per copy, 50 cents. Turkey morocco, gilt edges. The FAMILY TESTAMENT, 8vo., plain sheep, $1,50.

The CHRISTIAN SYSTEM, 12mo., $1,00.

INFIDELITY REFUTED BY INFIDELS, 37 1-2 cents.

DEBATE with N. L. Rice, $1,75 and $2,00 per copy.

Do. with M'Calla, 75 cents.

Do. with Purcell, $1,00.

The CHRISTIAN BAPTIST, in one volume complete, $1,50 per copy. The NEW TESTAMENT, (new translation,) pocket edition, 37 1-2, 5

and 75 cents.

UNIVERSALISM AGAINST ITSELF, by Alex. Hall, $1,00.

ONE ARGUMENT, thought to be decisive of the Truth of Christianitya Student of Bethany College-24 pages 12mo., 50 cents per dozen.. AN ADDRESS ON WAR, 10 cents per single copy.

No books will be sent on commission.

Thomas, Cowperthwaite & Co., Booksellers, Market street, Philadelphi Logan Waller, Richmond, Va.; Dr. A. Jones, No. 80, Poydrass street, Ne Orleans; and Fowler & Wells, 131, Nassau street, New York city, have a supp of our publications constantly on hand.

THE SACRED MELODEON,

BY A. S. HAYDEN,

For sale, singly and by the dozen, by A. Campbell, Bethany, Va.; H. S. B worth, Pittsburgh; A. D. Fillmore, No. 7, College Hall, Cincinnati; James Le lie, Toronto, C. W.; and also by the hundred by T. K. & P. G. Collins, No Lodge Alley, Philadelphia-at the following prices:

Single copy,
By the dozen,

$0.75
750

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THE

MILLENNIAL HARBINGER.

SERIES III.

VOL. VI. BETHANY, VA., DECEMBER, 1849. No. XII.

INTERPRETATION OF THE SCRIPTURES.

NO. XIII.

ALTHOUGH few students of the scriptures may have it in their power to acquire a knowledge of the ancient languages, there are other literary qualifications, of no small importance in sacred studies, which are within the reach of almost every one. It may be useful to enumerate some of these, and to suggest the means of their attainment, as there may be many who are unaware of the facilities afforded to the mere English scholar by the labor of the learned in the department of biblical literature.

Among the subjects, then, with which the student should render himself familiar, we may mention: 1. The history of the Bible itself, embracing a particular account of the manner, the time, and other circumstances of the composition of its books; its preservation and authenticity; its different versions and editions, &c. For information upon these topics the student may consult Horne's Introduction to the study of the Scriptures. Also Michaelis' Introduction to the New Testament.

2. The biographies of the authors of each book, and of the persons particularly mentioned in them. For most of the reliable information under this head we are indebted to the books themselves. Something, however, may be gained by a reference to the Apocrypha, the works of Josephus, and of Philo.

3. Ancient geography. It is especially important to understand the geography of Palestine and the countries which border upon it— as Egypt and the contiguous provinces of Asia. That of Greece, with its ancient divisions, and that of the Roman empire also should be well understood. Consult Mitchell's Ancient Geography and Atlas; Well's Sacred Geography; also Calmet's Dictionary.

4. Chronology. The student should understand the ancient methods of computing time, and the order of the events recorded in the Seriptures. He should be able to trace the important coeval events SERIES III.-VOL VI. 56

of profane history, and to designate all conspicuous individuals who were cotemporaries. The succession of the kings, emperors, consuls, chief magistrates, &c., of the ancient nations should be noted, and that of the Jewish priesthood should be carefully studied. Upon these topics Usher's Annals of the Old and New Testament may be consulted. Also the chronological tables and charts in general

use.

5. Biblical history of the ancient nations. It is most useful to hav a correct view of the events among the nations mentioned in the sacred books, as well as of their internal regulations, and forms of government. This will be found especially true in regard to the Jews, whose whole history should be carefully studied, not only as found in the Old Testament, but as contained in the traditions extant in the time of Christ and the Apostles, forming a connexion between the Old and the New Testaments. Their condition under the Herods should be understood, as well as their state under the Pmans not only in Palestine but in other countries. Prideaux's Connexion; Shuckford's Connexion, and the works of Josephus will be useful works upon these points.

6. Manners and customs. Nothing is more important than a knowledge of ancient manners and customs, especially those of the Oriental nations in general, and of the Jews in particular. Religious rites and ceremonies will be included under this head, and every thing usually ranked amongst the Antiquities of the Jews, the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. The researches of Champolion and others into hieroglyphical writing have thrown much light upon this subject, and served to elucidate many obscure passages of scripture. Jahn's Archæology may be consulted. Also, Brown's Jewish Antiquities; Adam's Roman, and Potter's Grecian Antiquities.

7. Religious views of the Ancients. The doctrinal sentiments prevailing at the time of the introduction of Christianity should be known. This is important not only in regard to the doctrines of Jewish sects, but in respect to the religious opinions of the Greeks, Romans and Eastern nations, so far, at least, as the gospel was carried during the ministry of Paul. It is, however, especially important to know the peculiar views entertained by the principal sects of the Jews, the Pharisees, Sadducees and Essenes. Also the notions entertained by the heretics of the apostolic age, referred to in the New Testament. All this is required by the student in order that he may be able to appreciate the circumstances under which the doctrines and reasonings of the New Testament were delivered, and to comprehend, in their true significance, the various alluions to

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