The Book of Isaiah, Arranged Chronologically. A Revised Transla- tion,
accompanied with Notes. By Samuel Sharpe. (J. Russell Smith.)—Most thoughtful readers of Isaiah will have felt that some arrangement other than the confused order, if it may be so called, in which the prophecies stand at present would promote a satisfactory understanding of the book. But wo doubt whether this arrangement will satisfy many. Mr. Sharpe occupies an extreme position among the critics who may be called, to borrow a phrase from Homeric contro- versy, of xespiCovrar. He sees not two Isainhs, but seven. " The writings," to says in his preface, " which have been classed together under the name of Isaiah, range over five centuries." Of course, he excludes any- thing like prediction, and when he sees, or fancies that he sees, an allu- sion to some historical event, he at once sees a certain guide to the date of the document. In chapter xix., for instance, ho sees references 'to the conquest of Egypt by Antioohus Epiphanes. We object to this principle of interpretation, and we cannot help thinking that even this Mr. Sharpe uses somewhat capriciously. At the same time we can heartily recommend this little volume to students, not, indeed, as a guide which they are implicitly to follow, but as a help. Viewed in this light, it is very satisfactory.
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