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****At the same time, every thing is so highly seasoned, that we look in vain into actual life for the originals, of which we here behold the pictures. Hence, in many respects, the characters are ideal, or existing only in the land of Utopia. Douglas, contrasted with Lefevre, shines with more than common lustre; while Lefevre is compelled to wear an artificial garb, that his rival friend may appear in more exquisite trim. As a religious novel, this cannot fail to command the approbation of all who value such compositions; and, if it had never aspired to any more exalted title, it would have secur. ed a reputation which, being lost through detection, and although it has reached the eighth edition, it will never be able to

recover.

REVIEW.-Portraits of the Dead, and other Poems. By H. C. Deakins. 12mo. pp. 328. Smith, Elder, & Co. London.

1831.

THE Portraits of the Dead, which are twelve in number, occupy about two hundred pages: the miscellaneous poems are eighteen, and fill the remaining portion of the volume. Of the former, some are personal, and others are only true to character; but the latter are more diversified, though they all partake of pensiveness and solemnity. All, however, derive some portion of their hues from the colouring of the poet, but we are not aware that he has in any case committed an unpardonable outrage on nature.

The following passage from Bertram Morrison, the mutineer, led to execution, may be considered as a fair sample of these compositions :

"Now pause they in their march, and slowly form
A space three-sided, and the coffin rests
Upon the turf, and on that coffin kneels
The mutineer! How sobb'd each gazer's heart;
Yet all was still, a speechless sultry silence,
Such as precedes the summer's livid storms
Ere rolls the deluge down: it was the hush,
The awful hush of death; you might have heard
Your neighbour's beating heart, and also mark'd
Its quick pulsations on his varying brow.
It was a moment of all eye, all ear,

As if within the orbed sight alone
All sense, all feeling, and all life, were fixed.
The rest mere frozen matter pedestall'd there,
He knelt him down upon the coffin's lid;
And, clasping his pale hands, raised high to heaven,
For the first time his brow, his bloodless lips
Stirred like the white leaves of the ash, when they
Are moved by the breeze; a little while
He lifted his low prayers above, and then,
Stooping his brow upon his panting breast,
Shutting his eyes for ever on the world,
And pointing where his spirit would be free,
The signal gave, and died!

Oh what a shriek

Rent the blue welkin, when the crashing tubes
Showered the death-shots! Oh! what a shriek arose
From lips that had been sealed up till then,
Then paused as suddenly; and there he lay,
Canopied by the cloud of curling smoke,
A lifeless form, a mass of crimson dust.
Was there no hand to wash his shattered brow,
And spread the white shrowd o'er his whiter limbs?
There came an old and gray-haired man from out
That mournful crowd; he knelt him down beside

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No one can doubt that the occasion chosen for these lines is essentially pathetic; but it must also be admitted, that Mr. Deakins has well known how to make it the vehicle of much exquisite poetical feeling. The death of the culprit, the shriek of an undescribed friend, the silence which instantly ensues, and the exclamation of "My son," from an "old gray-haired man," are finely conceived, and admirably expressed, in the eloquence of brevity. This volume will be found well worthy the attention of all who love to inhale the atmosphere of Parnassus.

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REVIEW.-Divines of the Church of England. The Works of Dr. Isaac Barrow. Vol. VII. 8vo. pp. ̈ 506. By the Rev. T. S. Hughes, B.D. Valpy, London, 1831.

THIS is a continuation of several volumes, bearing the same common title, which we have already reviewed. The name of Dr. Barrow is too well known among those of our English divines, to require any recommendation. Fame accompanied him in life, and, since his decease, time has not attempted to tarnish its lustre.

The republication of the discourses which fill these volumes, is a tribute of respect due to the memory of their authors. They carry us back to days when, among our divines of the established church, there were giants in the earth; and the re-appearance of that piety, learning, and acuteness with which they abound, may serve to stimulate by example the ecclesiastics of

modern times.

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REVIEW-HISTORY OF NORTH AMERICA.

REVIEW The Sunday Library-a Selection of Sermons, from eminent Divines of the Church of England. By the Rev. T. F. Dibdin. 12mo. pp. 348. Vol. IV. Longman. London, 1831. THIS volume contains some very excellent discourses, on many important topics immediately connected with christian faith, and with christian practice. They chiefly selected from the works of authors still living, or from those of others, who, not many years since, appeared on the theatre of probation.

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In these discourses we find a splendid display of talent, applied to the investigation of some very abstruse subjects, in a manner decidedly superior to that of the generality of writers who have endeavoured to excite public attention by their compositions. The first sermon, on "False Philosophy considered," by Bishop Huntingford, is a masterly production. With prudent boldness, the author enters deeply into the philosophy of ethics, and, with an expansion of intellect that does him honour, permits no trammels to impede his inquiries, and no pre-conceived systems to prevent his

discriminations. These sometimes descend to minute particulars, but, in their final arrangements, tend to distinguish, by indelible marks, the false philosophy from the true.

The two last discourses, by Archbishop Laurence, on the doctrine of Predestination, display much acuteness, and much polemical ability, without being avowedly controversial, or tinged with any of that acrimony which distinguishes the fiery zealots of party, and is the principal weapon in the hands of many sectarian champions. To the Calvinistic devotee, these discourses will not exhibit many charms. "As grafted upon the articles of the Church of England, the Archbishop has triumphantly shewn that the doctrine of Calvin has no exclusive or firm hold; so, in his examination of the civil history of its rise and progress, together with the texts of scripture which are supposed to warrant the conclusions drawn by its abettors, he has evinced equal temper of investigation, and felicity of reasoning." Such are the observations of Mr. Dibdin, in a prefatory note to these two sermons, and whoever peruses them with attention, and calm impartiality, will be fully convinced that he has not over-rated their

merits.

The intermediate discourses have their excellences, but the subjects of which they treat, lie more within the common range of sermonizing, and therefore require no particular observations.

2D SERIES, NO. 10.-VOL. I.

481

REVIEW.The Works of Jeremy Taylor, D.D. Vols. II. and III., pp. 431-406. Valpy. London.

THESE volumes are a continuation of "Divines of the Church of England, with a life of each author, and a summary of each discourse, notes &c. By the Rev. T. S. Hughes, B.D." Several of the preceding portions of this series, having already passed under our notice, but little occasion now remains for us to give any additional character to the work. Its fame is honourably established; and the celebrated authors, whose names form an illustrious association, will furnish it with a passport to every wellselected library. Jeremy Taylor is a writer of no common renown; and whoever reads his discourses, contained in these volumes, will be convinced that he has not been praised without deserving it.

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THE former portions of this elegant work, we have several times taken occasion to notice. Its engravings are of a superior order, and in every department the work is admirably executed. The twenty parts now before the public, containing the history of the United States, will complete the first volume. The succeeding portions will embrace the topography, &c. of this rising and mighty empire.

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In the historical volume now completed, we have found a large portion of valuable matter. The leading facts, indeed, have been long before the world in various publications, but in this work the analysis is clear and unembarrassed, and interspersed with many remarkable incidents, in which the reader will find himself deeply interested. The details appear to be given with commendable impartiality. National prejudices and political attachments have not been permitted to distort facts, nor to give an artificial colouring to truth.

So far as this work has proceeded, its claims to patronage are indisputable, and the reputation of the author and publisher is too deeply at stake, to sanction any apprehensions of a future deterioration. From the changes and discoveries which are continually taking place, under the management of a commercial and enterprising people, the topographical department may be expected to abound with original matter. The facilities for expediting commerce, the 154.-VOL. XIII.

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continued extension of trade, and the improvements constantly making in arts and sciences, will also furnish fertile sources of information; and these, the author well knows how to turn to his own advantage.

BRIEF SURVEY OF BOOKS.

1. Anti-slavery Reporter, Nos. 80, 87, are as usual filled with details of injustice and inhumanity towards the slaves, that cannot be perused without horror. The facts recorded are a disgrace to human nature. If false, they may be easily detected and exposed; if true, they cry aloud for the total abolition of this abominable system. This little periodical must be a piercing thorn in the sides of the abettors of slavery. 2. Scripture Chronology made easy and entertaining, &c., by T. Keyworth, (Holdsworth, London,) is an amusing contrivance to assist the memory of children in recollecting historical events in this department. We think it calculated to be very serviceable. 13. A Key to Reading, &c. &c. by John Smith, (Simpkin, London,) is founded on sterling principles, and makes its appeal to common sense. The author intends to teach the rudiments of Grammar without the drudgery of tasks; and this, we know from experience, may be fully accomplished. The methods which he here recommends by example, if adopted and followed, will speedily lead his pupils to obtain this de

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5. Calmet's Dictionary of the Holy Bible, by the late Mr. Charles Taylor, with the Fragments included, in eight parts, Part 1. (Holdsworth, London,) will place this valuable work within the reach of multitudes of readers who could have no access to the folio or quarto volumes. It is a work of intrinsic excellence, on which all commendation is useless.

6. A Catechism for Children, &c., by the Rev. Rowland Hill, (Page, London,) having reached a third edition, is too well known to be consigned to oblivion. It contains a vast number of questions and answers on those important scripture topics, in the knowledge of which every reader is

deeply interested. It is an excellent little book.

7. A Sermon preached in York-street, Manchester, March 13th, 1831, on the Death of the Rev. Robert Hall, A. M., by John Birt, (Westley, London, 1831,) contains, in addition to the pathetic topics usually introduced on such occasions, a tribute of respect to the memory of the deceased. It is an excellent discourse; but so many sermons have been published on this melancholy event, that we feel some delicacy in adverting to its distinguishing peculiarities.

8. Modern Infidelity considered with respect to its Influence on Society, by the late Rev. Robert Hall, A. M., (Stockley, London,) is one of the most masterly productions of this justly celebrated man. It has been long before the public, but the interest it has excited still remains undimi. nished. It is now incorporated in the first volume of Mr. Hall's works, just published; but those who wish to have it in a detached form at the low price of six-pence, have here an opportunity. It is accompanied with a memoir of the author's life.

9. Welm and Amelia, with other Poems, by James Taylor, of Royton, (Hurst, London,) form a small volume, which comes before us under very peculiar circumstances. The author is a cotton-weaver, and at the age of twenty-four did not know his letters! In the year 1827 we reviewed his " Miscellaneous Poems," and found in them many emanations of genius, which he has since cultivated with success. Of the articles now before us, simplicity and plainness are the distinguishing characteristics, though sometimes his muse mounts on a more elevated wing. "Sir Roland and his Servant-maid," "The closing Year," and "On Woman,” contain many excellent lines. We rejoice to find that the author has been so liberally patronized by his neighbours.

10. "Remember Me," a Token of Christian Affection, consisting of entirely original pieces, in prose and verse, (Simpu kin, London,) is a neat little volume, rendered peculiarly attractive by its outward decorations, and highly respectable by its valuable contents. It has no engravings. but in every other respect it may be ranked among the annuals which bloom in the depth of winter. Decidedly religious, without being ascetic, its character refuses to be equivocal; while the originality of all its articles will give it a feature of countenance which many others want. The prose is less in quantity than the poetry, but in each department the compositions are respectable.

11. Hymns for Children, by the Rev. W. Fletcher, of Cambridge, (Hailes, Lon

CELESTIAL PHENOMENA.

don,) are rather injured than benefited by the preface which precedes them. The author's language in the hymns is adapted to the comprehension of the infant mind. His sentiments are sterling, and the versification is simple and flowing.

12. The Family Memorial, or a Father's Tribute to the Memory of Three Children, with Remarks and Admonitions, by Stephen Morell, of Baddow, Essex, (Westley, London,) is an exquisite little volume of religious biography. The loss of three children, at a time when the mental powers begin to expand, is a severe trial to parental affection; but their triumphant departure from life, in the full assurance of faith, blunts the sting of sorrow, by destroying that of death. It contains, in three instances, the most unequivocal testimonies to the sovereign efficacy of divine grace.

13. Prize Letters to Students, in Colleges and Seminaries of Learning, by the Rev. Baxter Dickinson. A. M., New Jersey, (Westley, London,) we are informed, in a note on the back of the title page, entitled the author to the sum of fifty dollars, awarded to him for their superior excellence. These letters chiefly relate to the authenticity of the sacred writings, to the danger of scepticism, and the advantages of saving faith. They are written with much simplicity of language, but great strength of argument, founded on a comprehensive survey of the momentous topics brought under discussion. These letters will amply repay the reader for an attentive perusal of them.

14. The Harmonicon, a Monthly Journal of Music, for July, August, and September, (Longman, London,) continues boldly to preserve its character; and, to` the admirers of this tweedling science, it cannot fail to furnish a fertile source of amusement. It contains many humorous anecdotes, connected with scraps of history, and the names of celebrated men, not only in our own country, but in foreign parts. It is a publication which shews the state of music throughout the civilized world.

15. The Voice of Humanity, No. V., (Nisbet, London,) is a quarterly periodical, which ought to be heard and read in every circle of society. Until this publication made its appearance, we had no conception that such a frightful mass of inhumanity towards the animal tribes existed. In the instances of barbarity recorded, sordid interest, and wanton experiment, contend for the palm of superiority, in extorting groans from their common victims.

16. Rollin's Ancient History, to be completed in twenty-one monthly Parts.

483

Part I., (Stephens, City Road, London,) will place, at one shilling each part, a valuable work in the hands of multitudes, to whom the price, in former years, rendered it inaccessible. In favour of Rollin's Ancient History, all further observations would be superfluous.

17. The Church Establishment founded in Error, by a Layman, (Wilson, London,) supports opinion by argument; but every reader will not be a proselyte. On the nature of church establishments many things may be advanced on each side, and every advocate will have his friends. We have no doubt that our national church requires reformation, but we are equally persuaded that its abolition, which “a Layman” seems to recommend, would be a national evil. :

18. The Three Sisters, or Memoirs of Mary, Jane, and Eliza Seckerson, by their Father, (Mason, London,) we are glad to find in a new and enlarged edition. It is a neat little volume of christian biography, which evinces the influences of genuine religion on the human heart. To young persons it can hardly fail to be very instructive, and charity would be usefully employed, in giving it gratuitously an ex tensive circulation.

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19. A Bird's-Eye View of Foreign Parts, and a Look at Home, by Harry Hawk's Eye, (Wilson, London,) aims at satire and humour: but the former will not inflict any mortal wounds; and not many by the latter, will, perhaps, ever die through laughing. The author, however, has in his lines a shrewd kind of poetical quaintness, which, if we do not admire, we are forbidden to despise.

20. Remarks on the Architecture, Sculp ture, and Zodiac of Palmyra, with a Key to the Inscriptions, &c,, by B. Prescot, (Rivington, London,) is a pamphlet which displays considerable research, and one which antiquaries will deem of much importance. Fac similes of the inscriptions, in, to us, an unknown character, are given in several pages. The dissertation is ably written; but whether, at the conclusion, the author's attempt to decipher these inscriptions has been successful or not, we are not competent to determine. He is, however, to be commended for his endeavour, and his effort may induce others to prosecute what he has commenced with so much commendable enterprise.

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The Moon is new on the 5th, at 44 mi. nutes past 9 in the evening; enters her first quarter on the 13th, at 59 minutes past 11 in the evening; is full on the 21st, at 44 minutes past 8 in the morning, and enters her last quarter on the 27th, at 2 minutes past 12 at night. She passes near Saturn on the 3d, and again on the 30th. The following conjunctions of the moon and fixed stars are attended with occultations. 2 Ceti on the 21st at 12 minutes, 24 seconds, past 10 in the evening. u Ceti on the 22d, at 12 minutes 38 seconds past 5 in the morning. f Tauri on the same day, at 6 minutes 51 seconds past 12 at night; y Tauri on the 23d, at 41 minutes 15 seconds past 7 in the evening; a Tauri, or Aldebaran, on the 24th, at 2 minutes 57 seconds past 2 in the morning; and Leonis on the 31st, at 1 minute 14 seconds past 4 in the morning.

The planet Mercury is stationary on the 5th, and arrives at his greatest elongation on the 12th. Venus passes the Sun at her inferior conjunction on the 8th, at half past 12 at noon, and is stationary on the 29th. Mars is too near the Sun for observation this month: Jupiter is the most conspicuous planetary object during the evenings: he is stationary on the 10th. There are four emersions of his first satellite visible this month: on the 6th, at 22 minutes 13 seconds past 8 in the evening; on the 13th, at 18 minutes past 10 in the evening; on the 22d, at 42 minutes 48 seconds past 6 in the evening; and on the 29th, at 38 minutes 37 seconds past 8 in evening. An emersion of the second on the 23d, at 38 minutes 58 seconds past 7 in the evening. And an immersion of the fourth on the 16th, at 31 minutes 25 seconds past 8 in the evening. Saturn is visible in the eastern hemisphere before sun-rise; he is situated in the constellation of the Lion. The Georgian planet is still situated in the Goat; he is stationary on the 21st near 21 Capricorni.

SUNDAY SCHOOL JUBILEE.

FROM the advertisements and notices published in various ways throughout the united kingdom, great expectations were excited among all the friends of Sunday Schools, respecting the celebration of the event announced. In no place, however, we conceive, was a greater intensity of feeling manifested on the occasion, than in London and its extensive suburbs.

We learn from an address of the Com

mittee of the Sunday School Union, that the proposal of a Sunday School Jubilee was first suggested on December 11th, 1829, by James Montgomery, Esq., of Sheffield, a gentleman well known throughout the religious communities, as an admirable christian poet, the warm friend of Sunday Schools, and the zealous advocate of every good work.

On this occasion, in a letter to the fo reign secretary of the Sunday School Union, Mr. Montgomery observes as follows :-

"It has occurred to me, that at Sunday School Jubilee in the year 1831, fifty years from the origin of Sunday Schools, might be the means of extraordinary and happy excitement to the public mind in favour of these institutions, of which there was never more need than at this time, when daily instruction is within the reach of almost every family; for the more extensive the education of the children of the poor becomes, the greater necessity there is that they should have religious knowledge im parted to them, which can be done perhaps on no day so well as the Lord's."

The friends of Sunday Schools were ge nerally pleased with this proposal, and ther Committee of the Union having considered the subject, thought it their duty to promote so desirable an object. They therefore suggested, that the SUNDAY SCHOOL JU BILEE should be celebrated on September 14, 1831, the anniversary of the birth-day of Robert Raikes, Esq. the founder of Sunday Schools; and accordingly issued papers, which, among many other things, embodied the following resolutions :

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"1. That the Sunday School Jubilee be held on Wednesday, September 14th, 1831, the anniversary of Mr. Raikes' birth day.

"2. That a Prayer Meeting of Sunday School Teachers, either united or in each separate School, as may be thought most advisable, be held from Seven to Eight o'clock in the Morning.

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"3. That the Children in the Schools connected with the Auxiliary and Country Unions be assembled for Public Worship; the service to commence at Half-past Ten/ and close at Twelve.

"4. That at Six o'Clock a Public Meeting be held in Exeter Hall, for the Teachers of London and its Vicinity, and that Public Meetings be held at the same time in each of the Country Unions.

"5. That a Collection be made at the Public Meetings, to complete the Jubilee Offering...

"6. That as Sunday School Unions.do not at present exist in some parts of this country, it is recommended that in such places Sunday School Teachers should unite

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