and accurately specified the same doctrine on Hebrew Parallelism, which Bishop Lowth improved. It is extraordinary but highly probable that Schottgen was not aware of what Buxtorf had published, and, as the learned prelate does not in his works refer to either of them, it may be concluded that their labours were unknown to him, and thus the meed of fame for so great a discovery may be given to our countryman. It required, not only learning and talent, but also perseverance, boldness, and caution, to traverse a region where the faint traces which could be discerned so intersected each other, that they were to be carefully avoided, lest they should lead to an inextricable labyrinth. To avoid every avenue to error, to draw a perfect map of this unknown country, was more than could be expected from one individual: all that one human. mind could effect was performed by the prelate, whose honoured name will descend to distant ages. When once the great land-marks were pointed out, and the track opened, a kindred spirit was alone wanted to follow up the investigation with equal ardour, who would unfold a wider extent, describe new beauties, and present us with an increase of treasure. This has been accomplished by our author, and has therefore allied his name to that of Lowth. The labours of that prelate were nearly confined to the Old Testament. Dr. Jebb has successfully demonstrated that many portions of the New Testament contain perfect specimens of Hebrew poetry in all its varieties. We must in justice say, that some indistinct surmises have been made known by Fabricius, Campbell, and Michaelis, that a poetical manner was perceptible in many passages of the New Testament. Schleusner spoke of the Parallelism in the hymns of St. Luke, and as being written in verse. Farrer in his Bampton lectures refers to the Beatitudes But, it was left for Dr. Jebb to realise, by his learning, acuteness, and industry, the hopes these surmises excited. It would be mere trifling to advance reasons, which, from a first view, seem to militate against the precision of the learned author; since the examples advanced by him prove him to be correct. We shall produce in succession specimens of the chief varieties of Hebrew poetry selected from the Old and New Testaments; and, without entering into elaborate critical detail, presume to hazard a few cursory observations as we advance. Before we proceed it will be as well to remark, that the original of some of the books of the New Testament were certainly written in Syro-Chaldaic as St. Matthew; and, if the other Gospels were first composed in Greek it is with the structure of the Hebrew tongue, which accounts for the existence of the parallels. Some of the Epistles must have been composed in Syro-Chaldaic, as that to the Hebrews, &c. Bishop Lowth considered the first of the varieties which we shall quote, under the name of Parallels Synonymous; Dr. Jebb with great acumen and moderation has decided, that the examples adduced by his great leader do not support the appellation, and gives them the name of Cognate. It is evident on a first examination, that the term Synonymous is incorrect. We do not think that of Cognate sufficiently definite, and prefer the term Progressive, because the peculiar feature of this Parallelism is, a gradually increasing power in each successive clause. Ex. Isaiah, lv. 6, 7. Seek Let the wicked man forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts, And let him return to Jehovah, and he will compassionate him, Dr. Jebb has illustrated the above at length, but we consider it so evident, that we shall not insert his erudiate remarks. He has given from the New Testament one clear and magnificent example of this variety. 2 Thess. xi. 8. 66 Whom the Lord Jesus will waste away with the breath of his mouth, And will utterly destroy, with the bright appearance of his coming. The words “ ον Κυριος Ιησους” are applicable to both lines: the combination of the two words leads us to remark, that Kugios is the usual interpretation of Jehovah, and which synonymous name the Apostles give to Christ. The Amabæan verses of the Latins bear an affinity to this parallelism, the Seventh Eclogue of Virgil is of that nature. The Antithetic Parallelism is distinguished " by an opposition of terms and sentiments; when the second is contrasted with the first, sometimes in expressions, sometimes in sense only. Accordingly the degrees of antithesis are various; from an exact contra-position of word to word, singulars to singulars, plurals to plurals, &c., through the whole sentence, down to general disparity, with something of contrariety in the two positions." Thus; Prov. xxvii. 8. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But deceitful are the kisses of an enemy. My house shall be called the house of prayer for all nations, The Introverted Parallelism though often occurring, escaped the observation of Bishop Lowth, and all sub sequent writers on the subject. The honour of the discovery is due to Dr. Jebb, who proves by numerous examples, that "There are stanzas so constructed that whatever be the number of lines, the first line shall be parallel with the last, the second with the penultimate, and so throughout." Bishop Horsley's translation of Hosea, xiii. 14, affords an example of great force. From the hand of Hades I will redeem them, From death I will reclaim them, Death! I will be thy pestilence Hades! I will be thy burning plague. The Since in the original the word Scheol is used, we changed the word Hell (which in our translation is put for words not synonymous) to Hades its true signification, this alteration not only accords with the sense, but is elucidated by Revelation, where Christ declares that he has the keys of " Hades and of Death." ensuing specimen selected from a different part of our author's work, not only illustrates with precision the principles he has laid down as appertaining to this parallelism, but is equally happy as an example of the stanza of six lines which we shall speak of hereafter. 1. Come unto me, all ye who labour, and are burthened 3. And I will give you rest; 5. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me ; 6. For I am meek and lowly of heart; 4. And ye shall find rest unto your souls ; 2. For my yoke is easy, and my burthen light. It would be unjust to abridge the able analysis of this passage given by Dr. Jebb, the reader will be amply indemnified for the time passed in studying it. When the lines are read in the order denoted by the figures their connexion will be apparent, and the climax found to be perfect. Constructive Parallelism. Parallel lines constructive do not require "that word should answer to word, and sentence to sentence," but that in the construction of a sentence there should be a relation and equality between different propositions, and also of the parts and figures of speech. The varieties of this form are numerous, and are more or less exact in their relations, some of them hardly apparent. The following quotation from the xixth Psalm, is particularly happy. The law of Jehovah is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of Jehovah is sure, making wise the simple; And sweeter than honey, and the dropping of honey-combs. "Sometimes the lines are bi-membral; that is, they consist each of double members, or two propositions," thus, Bow thy heavens, O Jehovah! and descend; Each species of parallelism admits of many subordinate varieties; each species, even in combinations of verses, appears to be used according to the degree of propriety with which it conveys the intended meaning," which must at once enliven and beautify the composition, and frequently give peculiar distinctness and precision to the train of thought." The Sermon on the Mount is composed of diversified parallels, and is placed at the end of the volume, as a guide to the student; also the 18-19th chapters of Revelation, which form a magnificent triumphal ode on the destruction of the mystical Babylon. We regret that our limits will not allow us to dwell longer on this intricate yet beautiful branch of the subject. |