fragments. Now, the only way in which a compilation can be satisfactory, or permanently useful, is by a careful supply of all such information. Without it, a compilation merely fosters the idleness of the times, of which Mr. D. complains in his preface, and becomes a sort of preventive against reading or consulting the original. As to the life of Calvin, as it is only a sketch, perhaps one has no right to complain of its meagreness; but it appears to have been constructed from the account given by the Rev. John Scott, and, considering that there is no acknowledgment, exhibits a very curious coincidence with that writer, both in the order of events and the words of narration: But after pointing out these defects, it is acknowledged that the selection contains much that is edifying. For instance, at page 208 Calvin says

"It is much to be lamented, that multitudes even of those that think they have received the truth as it is in Jesus, and are sound in the principles of their faith, are yet grossly addicted to calumny and detraction, and judge too lightly of this abominable practice. Do you not perceive that this sin is often mentioned in scripture, in conjunction with murder and adultery, and the blackest crimes? Be not you, then, of their number who make detraction necessary to their profession of the faith, for, this wisdom descends not from above, but is earthly, sensual, and devilish.'”

From page 283 to 293 there are specimens of prayers composed by Calvin, many of which are very beautiful, and many, perhaps, teach some persons that he was no enemy to forms of prayer. One is given "For progress in obedience," as a specimen

"Grant, Almighty God, that as thou hast once redeemed us by the death of thine only Son, we may not stop the progress of thy mercy, by our ingratitude or obstinacy; but so lead us in the obedience of thy gospel, that we may be brought to the perfection of that grace which has been begun within us, and profit the more in true piety as our days pass onward; till, finally, we come together into thine heavenly kingdom, and enjoy the heritage both promised and obtained, through the same Christ our Lord."

Sketches from Life, Lyrics from the Pentateuch, and other Poems. By Thomas Ragg, Author of "The Deity," ""The Martyr of Verulam," &c. London: Longman and Co. Small 8vo. 1837. pp. 238.

MR. RAGG appears to be a tender-hearted, amiable man, with talents far above his station, which is stated in the short preface to be that of a "Nottingham Mechanic." His former achievements in poetry are recommended by as high authority as that of Dr. Southey, who speaks of them as "surprising." The tone of the present volume is chiefly melancholy, except in the "Lyrics from the Pentateuch," and "Caradoc," which is one of the longest poems in the book. The misfortunes of the author, and severe domestic losses and afflictions which have been his lot, will naturally account for this tone. It appears, too, from the preface, that "pecuniary straits, brought on by his long train of afflictions, have been one great inducement for issuing these smaller productions ;" and cold indeed must be the spirit which these distresses do not touch. In the first poem, called "Night," which is in two cantos, there are some powerful appeals as to the dreadful state of children under the factory system, which deserve to be read by all, as coming from one who knows by experience the bitter fruits

of that tree. They are also good specimens of the author's success in that most difficult undertaking, reasoning in poetry. It is in this, perhaps, that his chief power lies. There are, however, several pleasing pieces in the "Lyrics from the Pentateuch," especially the "Call of Abraham," and "Jacob at Haran." The following is given as a specimen :

THE ASSUAGING OF THE WATERS.-Gen. viii. 3.

The Spare Minutes of a Minister. Dublin: Millikens. London: Fellowes. 1837. 12mo. pp. 136.

THERE is nothing more difficult to pass an opinion upon than poetry, especially that which is upon sacred subjects. Tastes differ so widely, that some men stigmatize as sensual sentimentality poetry to which other minds feel that they owe very deep and serious impressions of religion, and very elevated and refined feelings of piety. To recommend any work, therefore, which partakes of the character of a volume of sacred poetry, places the reviewer in a dangerous position. He will be considered answerable, not only for every phrase in the book, but for everything which ingenuity can torture into a deduction from it. The absurd and malicious inferences which were made from a poem in this Magazine, with an allusion to Samaria in it, will afford an admirable specimen of the length to which such persons will go in their determination to find something to fasten upon. Notwithstanding this danger, the reviewer is very much tempted indeed to recommend the "Spare Minutes of a Minister" to every one who likes sacred poetry. The author is not so entirely master of the powers of language and of versification as greater care and practice would make him. There are, at least occasionally, considerable marks of carelessness in these respects, but there are great beauties to redeem them. There is so much tenderness of feeling, and so much warmth of piety, about these poems, which are for the most part very short, that the volume will be a great favourite with those who have a few" spare minutes" to read them. There is imagination, although, perhaps, the same idea is too often repeated under a different form; as, for instance, the different views which we take of life, in youth and in age, which is the foundation of "Near and Far," and of "Naomi ;" and occurs elsewhere, slightly diversified. There is, however, a considerable

variety in the subjects, and the ideas in general are much above any common-place poetry.

The three following poems are given as a specimen of the manner and the sentiments of the volume, although not selected as being better than the rest.

STUDENT.

STILL!"-Mark, iv. 39.

There are one or two errors of the press in Latin and Greek quotations which ought to be corrected,-e. g., Eupeка, for ɛupηkа, (p.42;) and in the monkish hymn quoted in p. 94.

The Present State of the Controversy between the Protestant_and_Román-catholic Churches. By Hunter Gordon, of Lincoln's Inn, Esq. London: Whittaker and Co. 1837. 12mo. pp. 117.

THIS is a remarkable book. It may, perhaps, settle nothing, but it shews that the author has thought very much, and thought for himself, upon the great and important question to which it relates. The writer proposes, as a part of his inquiry, to shew in what the effective strength of the Roman-catholic cause lies; and he explains what he means by these words "effective strength." "By effective strength I mean that principle, whatever it be, which, in defiance of argument, enables that religion to propagate itself; and, though refuted, still to subdue the minds of the people." In the course of his inquiry, he considers the various phases which Romanism has exhibited at various times, and the immediate causes which just now operate in its favour; among which he reckons the unbridled licentiousness of the human intellect, which is the abuse sometimes attendant on an unlimited right of private judgment, and this subject leads him to a very able discussion of neology and its tendencies. The author then proceeds to shew how an adherence to each of these forms of religion is likely to flow from the excess of certain great principles implanted in man. To analyse this part of the work, and argue each point, shewing where one agreed, and where one might differ from the author, would form a volume as large as his own; and, therefore, it must be dismissed for the present, with a recommendation to those engaged in the Romish controversy to read this little book, which will, at all events, if it do not bring them to any very definite conclusion, give them much matter for deep and serious thought. It is written in a very calm and argumentative style, and it does credit to the author, as a layman, to have given so much thought to this subject.

The Accession of her Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria. A Sermon, preached at Watton Church, June 25th, 1837. By the Rev. E. Bickersteth, Rector of Watton, Herts. Published by request. London: Seeleys. 12mo. 1837. pp. 32.

THIS is a sermon by a well-known writer of the present day, on a subject of deep and vital importance to the peace and prosperity of this realm. It so often happens that Mr. Bickersteth treads on debateable ground, and so often uses a peculiar phraseology, that one is glad to meet with anything from his pen on a subject where all may join their hearts in fervent prayer to God. It is, indeed, the fervent prayer of every Christian spirit now, that God may guide the heart of our youthful sovereign into all good, and so overrule the events of her reign, and the stormy waves of a troubled kingdom, that it may tend to the promotion of peace, and the extension of holiness and religion amongst us. It cannot be too deeply impressed upon the hearts of rulers and of subjects at this momentous crisis; and it can scarcely be too frequently urged upon them, that in God alone is the strength of any kingdom, and that in its administration with a view to exalting him and his service alone can there be any true and lasting prosperity to be hoped for.

There are one or two things in Mr. Bickersteth's sermon which the

writer of this notice thinks would probably have been better omitted, especially the allusions to the great prosperity of the reign of Solomon, (p. 21-" Solomon honours God in his youth, and has the most prosperous of all reigns,) and the passage which refers to the personal reign of our Saviour. The latter passage may, indeed, be differently interpreted; but, viewed in connexion with Mr. B.'s published opinions, the writer conceives it must allude to a personal reign. A debated doctrine it would have been better to omit. The allusion to Solomon's prosperity might have been accompanied with some drawback as to lapse, and the misfortunes which, suspended over his head, were only delayed till his son should reign, to burst like a storm over the devoted kingdom, and create a breach which never was healed, and which ended in the ruin of both kingdoms. There is one more subject for remark, namely-an interpretation of a certain passage of scripture "Thou couldest have no power over me except it were given thee from above;" which Mr. Bickersteth applies to power given by God. Is this the usual and the right interpretation?

Having made these remarks, it may be said, that there is much which is excellent in this sermon. The text is, Prov. viii. 14—17. The chief points are these

"1. The gifts which our Lord Christ has received for us."

These are, wisdom, counsel, understanding, and strength." These, to every kingdom, come from God, and are received through Christ.

"2. The connexion of our Lord with the sovereignty of the earth," and,

"3. The special grace which he gives to them that seek him early." The application of the sermon consists in a warm appeal to all to be earnest in prayer for all these gifts--1st, for themselves; and, 2ndly, for the queen of these realms, called upon as she is, in her youth, to fill so awfully responsible a station. This is well urged; and there are some good remarks in the body of the sermon as to the foundation of our prosperity resting upon adherence to protestantism, and the repression of papal encroachments on the purity of our faith and the safety of our church. There can be no doubt as to the necessity of every effort on the part of man, aided by every prayer to God, that the church may be preserved in its full integrity from all the dangers that beset it; in its freedom from the corruptions of popery, on the one hand, and in its sober character, and its immunity from the wildness of ultra-protestantism and the evils of puritanism, on the other. The assault of papacy is chiefly political, and it was popery which was chiefly dreaded in the early commencement of the great rebellion; but it was another spirit which trode down our Zion in those days, which resemble ours in many of their features. Popery must be met and resisted; aye, met and resisted firmly; but it is only by an adherence to the fundamental truths of the Christian church that it can be met effectually. For this, indeed, the prayers and the exertions of every good man are, in his station, especially needed; but so are his prayers and his exertions, also, that, in guiding the vessel so as to guard it from one evil, we may not find it brought into another. Under this impresVOL. XII.-Sept. 1837.

2 s