(4) Inaccuracies of Translation. If they do not betray a bias on their minds, these instances support the general remark of Bishop Lowth, upon the English translation, 'that in respect of the sense, and accuracy of interpretation, the improve ments of which it is capable are great and num berless' (Preliminary Dissertation to Isaiah, ad finem). Some other mistranslalions occur in ref erence to this subject. In I Sam. xv :23, 'rebellion is as the sin of withcraft,' should be of 'divina tion.' In Dent. xviii : to, the Hebrew word does not mean 'witch,' but, being masculine, 'a sorcerer.' In Acts viii :9, the translation is exceedingly apt to mislead the mere English reader, i. e., 'Simon had been pursuing magic, and perplexing (or as tonishing) the people.' In Gal. iii :I, 'Foolish Galatians,' who bath fascinated you?' (For the use of the words Boskania and pharmafreia in magic among the Greeks, see Potter's A rchaologia Gra'ca, vol. i, ch. xviii, p. 356, etc., Lond., 1775.) It is considered by some, that the word 'witch craft' is used metaphorically, for the allurements of pleasure (Nah. :4; Rev. xviii :23), and that
the 'sorcerers' mentioned in ch. xxi :8, may mean sophisticators of the truth. The kindred word pharmasso is used by metonymy, as signifying 'to charm,' 'to persuade by flattery,' etc. (Plato, Syr/s pas. sec. 17), 'to give a temper to metals' (Odyss. ix :393). The last named theory concerning the narrative of Samuel's appearance to Saul is main tained, with much learning and ingenuity, by Hugh Farmer (Dissertation on Miracles, P. 472, etc., Lond., 1771). It is adopted by Dr. Waterland (Sermons, vol. ii, p. 267), and Dr. Delaney in his Life of David; but is combated by Dr. Chandler with objections, which are, however, answered or obviated by Farmer. On the general subject see Michaelis' Lazes of Moses, by Dr. A. Smith, Lon don, 1814, vol. iv, pp. 83-93 ; Banier's History of Alythology, lib. iv; \Viner's Bthlisches Real- I l'or terbuch, art. 'Zauberei.' J. F. D.