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REVIEW.-LIFE OF DR. BARROW-BINNEY ON FAITH.

been forgotten by a numerous class of readers; but, becoming scarce through the lapse of time, their intrinsic excellence has been less generally known than their merit had a right to claim. In bringing them, therefore, again before the world, Mr. Valpy has enabled the religious public to avail themselves of their theological and argumentative wealth.

To the members of the Church of Englaud, Bishop Sherlock's Works will be particularly acceptable; and, in connexion with the productions of other writers of the same class, they will form a library of genuine excellence. In this library the friends of the Establishment will find sentiments congenial with their own, stated with perspicuity, and defended with all the force that revelation and argument, on such occasions, can be expected to supply.

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DR. ISAAC BARROW was an ornament to the age in which he lived, as well as an honour to the country that gave him birth. He was one of the most profound scholars of his day, and distinguished himself as a mathematician as well as a divine. For copiousness of thought, and vigour of intellect, he had few equals, and perhaps no superiors. It was either his misfortune, or his glory, to live in the turbulent times of the Commonwealth and of Charles; and to feel occasionally the withering influence of political and theological faction and intole

rance.

But through all the variations of these tempestuous seasons, his character remaining unblemished, rendered him highly respectable in the eyes even of those who wanted either firmness or integrity to imitate his conduct. He has been represented as "charitable in a mean estate, disinterested in a flourishing one, serene and content in all fortunes, of the strictest integrity, above all artifice and disguise, always friendly and courteous."

Of this truly great and learned divine these volumes contain the sermons. Some few among them have originated in particular occasions, but the great bulk are on the plain and practical doctrines, principles, and precepts of the gospel. In every department, the strength of mind and amiable spirit of this author are always apparent; and although they make no display of learn2D. SERIES, NO. 1.-VOL. I.

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ing, they bear evident marks of being the production of a learned man.

Soon after Dr. Barrow's death, his works were published in three or four folio volumes. They were well received at the time, and have since passed through several editions. The lapse of years has not impaired their excellence. Their intrinsic worth has kept them alive to the present hour; and in this new edition Mr. Valpy has rendered an essential service to the religious public, by calling them again to the notice of the present generation; and by thus reviving their untarnished fame, transmitting them to the still more distant periods of posterity. Of men like Dr. Isaac Barrow, the Establishment may justly make an honourable boast; his works bear evidence to his high deserts; and praise on such a man must be lavish indeed, in order to exceed his merits.

REVIEW.-Illustrations of the Practical Power of Faith; in a Series of Popular Discourses on part of the Eleventh Chapter to the Hebrews. By T. Binney. 8vo. pp. 430. Holdsworth, London, 1830.

No portion of the Sacred Volume could be better adapted to illustrate the practical power of faith, than this which the author has selected. The facts recorded are, in themselves, a bright illustration of its influence and efficacy; but ample room remains to extend the application of the principles laid down by the authority of inspiration. To this important subject Mr. Binney has turned his attention with laudable ardour, and persevering zeal. The numerous topics which his texts have suggested, he has drawn forth and unfolded, pointing out their bearings and import, and giving them an appropriate application to the various branches of his congregation.

These Discourses place the practical power of faith in a commanding attitude, without inducing a belief that supernatural agency is expected to perform miracles to gratify idle curiosity. The promises of the Gospel furnish the only legitimate ground of the believer's hope; and he who regulates his faith according to this standard, may rationally and devoutly expect the full accomplishment of all that are applicable to his condition.

This volume is neatly, and even elegantly printed; the type is clear and beautiful: nor do we recollect to have noted any typographical errors. Though not ornamented with the external decorations by which many modern publications are distinguish

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ed, the aspect of its pages will not shrink from a comparison with its more fashionable contemporaries.

REVIEW.-The Rectory of Valehead. By the Rev. R. W. Evans. 12mo. pp. 297. Smith, Elder, & Co. London, 1830. IN the portrait and scenery exhibited in a plate prefixed to this volume, there is something venerable, solemn, and attractive. We gaze upon the group with pensive admiration, and anxiously wish that the book may correspond with the picture. This, however, is rather an object of our wishes than of our hopes; for, in most cases of a similar kind, we have found it necessary to make preparations for disappointment.

On the present occasion, however, all these preparations have been rendered nugatory. The work has more than realized our expectations. The solemn simplicity of the picture has found a counterpart in every chapter throughout the volume. Unassuming piety, native domestic reality, and life without hyperbole or exaggeration, meet the eye in every page, and introduce us to objects and scenery with which we either are or wish to become familiar.

To give some idea of the varied contents of this volume, perhaps the general titles of the chapters will be sufficient. These are as follows:-"The Constitution of a Christian Family.-The Family Liturgy.-The External Communion of the Family. The First Member sent into the World.-The Annual Meeting of the Family.--A Ramble of a Member of the Family.-The First Death in the Family. The Family Code. -The Discipline of the Family.-The First Marriage in the Family.-The Garden.—The absentee.-State of the Family. -The Pensioners of the Family.-The Family Excursion. The Servants of the Family.—The Friend of the Family.-The Library.

It will be obvious to every reader that these chapters encircle an extensive area, embracing nearly all that is of importance to man, whether surveyed as a member of civilized society, or a candidate for future happiness. The narrative is so constructed that our views are carried back through the vista of departed years, when Valehead was blessed with a rector whose parish was his family, that looked up to him as their common parent, patron, and friend. Since his days, disadvantageous changes may have taken place; but the contrast, when discovered, will only serve to place the picture delineated in this volume in a more exalted light.

It will be easy to infer, from what Valehead was, what every Valehead throughout the kingdom ought to be; and, from the effects produced in this little district by pious demeanour and affectionate conduct, to deduce an extension of similar consequences, when the causes from which they result shall be found in more general operation.

From all the circumstances, varieties, and vicissitudes through which we are called to pass in these chapters, we learn some important lessons, either of courage, forbear. ance, patience, long-suffering, sympathy, or tenderness; which, in the exercise, cannot fail to exalt the Christian character, and place it in an amiable light. The sentiments inculcated are always solemn, impressive, and appropriate, naturally arising from the subjects under contemplation, without being either inflamed by the fever of enthusiasm, or frozen by the apathy of morals which arise not from Christian principles.

REVIEW.-The Pulpit. Vol. XV. 8vo. pp. 396. Harding. London. 1830.

WE have several times taken occasion to notice this useful publication, both as it appeared in numbers and in volumes; and in every instance, our observations were highly favourable to its character. This volume is equally creditable to the conductors, with those which have preceded it. It is neatly got up, is ornamented with an excellent portrait of the Bishop of Salisbury; and in another plate, with five additional engravings, representing the countenances of eminent ministers, both in and out of the Establishment; but what is of far more importance, it contains no small portion of those momentous truths which render revelation so valuable to every pious mind.

Among its contents, the sermons occupy the most conspicuous place. These have been taken down from the lips of the ministers, and transmitted, for preservation and publicity, to the pages of this periodical. In making their choice, the conductors are not trammelled by the fetters of sect and party. The discourses of churchmen, of methodists, and of dissenters, alike find access to their columns, and through them to vast multitudes of readers, who have thus an opportunity of perusing, what, through distance and absence, they were not permitted to hear. The Pulpit is a respectable publication, every way deserving the patronage it receives.

REVIEW.-MEDICINE NO MYSTERY.-MONUMENT OF LONDON. 51

REVIEW.-Medicine no Mystery; being a Brief Outline of the Principles of Medical Science, &c. ByJohn Morrison, M. D. 12mo. pp. 165. Washbourne, London. 1830.

THIS work, though avowedly hostile to medical quackery, displays a liberal and an enlightened spirit. We are not medical proficients; but, from the publication before us, we gather enough to understand that the healing art can sustain no injury by having its principles made public, and their development exposed to popular inspection. This seems to be the ground on which Mr. Morrison takes his stand; and few, we believe, will be disposed to push him from the spot in which he has entrenched himself.

The first writer of any note, in modern days, who attempted to draw aside the veil in which medical science lay concealed, was Dr. Buchan. Since his time, many others have followed the laudable example; and, by introducing the improvements made in medical treatment, and the result of scientific research since he wrote, their publications, though less voluminous, are, in many respects, superior in value. In this character the volume now under review appears. Mr. Morrison's observations are always intelligible; and, accompanied with common sense, they rarely fail to carry conviction with them. It is a work that discriminates between health and disease-between safety and danger; but one that rather points out the causes and nature of disorders, than applies remedies and the mode of cure.

It is, however, no small portion of useful knowledge to ascertain upon what our health depends, and how, under general circumstances, it may be preserved. To these objects this volume directs our attention, and from this source it derives its principal value.

OBLITERATION OF THE INSCRIPTION ON

THE MONUMENT IN LONDON.

In the year 1666, a considerable portion of the metropolis was destroyed by fire. This calamitous event was, at the time, and through subsequent years, attributed to design, and the Papists, being then in theological disgrace, were, by almost unanimous consent, declared to be the incendiaries.

Shortly after this melancholy catastrophe, the elegant column, standing near London Bridge, was erected, to commemorate the awful disaster. It was finished in 1671, and in 1681 the following Inscription was engraven on its pedestal :

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"This pillar was set up in perpetual remembrance of the most dreadful burning of this Protestant city, begun and carried on by the treachery and malice of the Popish faction, in the beginning of September, in the year of our Lord, 1666; in order to the effecting their horrid plot for the extirpating of the Protestant religion and English liberties, and to introduce Popery and slavery."

Whether the Papists were guilty or innocent of the crime thus imputed to them, we have no means of deciding with accuracy. At the time the fire took place, when the Monument was erected, and when the Inscription was inserted, no doubt whatever was entertained of the fact. More than half a century elapsed before any public attempt was made to disturb this general belief, although the Papists uniformly repelled the charge with the utmost indignation. At length Mr. Pope ventured, in his character of Sir Balaam, to place his residence "Where London's column, pointing to the skies, Like a tall bully, lifts its head, and lies."

Nearly one hundred years have elapsed since the above couplet was written, during which period the Monument and its Inscription have remained undisturbed. But the Common Council of the City, being now much "wiser than those of yore," have lately discovered, by the light which has beamed on Papal claims, that the Monument in London ought to partake of Irish emancipation. Under this impression, it was moved and carried, in the Court of Common Council, December 6th, 1830, "that the committee of city lands be instructed to cause to be removed from the Monument the above Inscription, and also the words " Sed furor Papisticus qui tam dira patravit nondum restinguitur." Such are the advantages of living in an age of wisdom, remote from Mahometan intolerance, and over which the Goths and Vandals of foreign countries and of departed years, have no dominion.

Among the signs of the times this determination of the Common Council of London teaches several important lessons, which the British nation would do well to learn. As an offensive stigma, the justness of which seems somewhat dubious, we have no objection that the Inscription should disappear. This is a task, however, which, in a few years more, the corrosions of time promised to accomplish, without asking the assistance of human hands.

In the debates, of which the above mutilation and erasure are to be the result, it was stated that this "was not the original

inscription, and that the court had therefore the power to alter it.' The public, however, are not informed what the original Inscription was, or why it was effaced; and another inserted in its stead, which 1830 has discovered to be false. There certainly does not appear to be sufficient evidence to support the charge that the Papists were guilty of the abominable arson with which they have been stigmatized, though it may at least be doubted if persons who lived at the time of the calamity, were not as competent to judge of fact and occurrence falling under their own immediate inspection, as those who live more than one hundred and fifty years after the recorded event.

In all civilized countries, monuments and inscriptions, especially those that time has rendered venerable, have been regarded as a sacred trust, and, as such, many will regret that they have not invariably been transmitted to posterity.

PROGRESS OF LIBERAL SENTIMENT. AT a Common Council held in the Guildhall, London, Dcc. 10th, 1830, the Right Hon. John Key, Lord Mayor, in the chair— an act was passed of which the following is a copy:

"An act for enabling all persons born within this kingdom, and all natural-born subjects whatsoever, not professing the Christian religion, but in other respects duly qualified, to be admitted to the freedom of the City of London, upon taking the freeman's oath, according to the forms of their own religion."

The oath comprehends allegiance, the local duties of citizenship, guardianship of privileges, and loyalty in all its forms.-It would appear, from the complexion of the preceding act, that Jews, Mahometans, Hindoos, Infidels, and Atheists are now eligible to the freedom of "still increasing London."

AUTOGRAPH OF THE FRENCH EX-MINISTER POLIGNAC.

THERE are few men in Europe more notorious at this time than this ex-minister. Through his arbitrary measures, Charles X. lost the throne of France, multitudes of citizens their lives, and the whole nation experienced another revolution. The sparks which the hardness of his flint and steel elicited, have been scattered over several countries, and almost every week brings intelligence of new flames being kindled, where the ice of despotism was thought to reign in unmolested triumph.

Hurled from the pinnacle of exaltation by the indignant feelings which his tyranny generated, this enemy to the liberties of mankind, attempted to abscond, but being arrested in his career by the people whom he insulted, and endeavoured to enslave, he has lately been brought before the tribunal of his country; and, to a lenity which he never knew how to exercise, is indebted for his life. His trial has been long, but deeply interesting, having brought to light many

hidden scenes, and exposed to public inspection some of the strings, and pulleys, and springs which moved the political machine. The investigation having been just brought to a termination, the president, after recapitulating his crimes, pointed out the laws which he had violated, and assigning his reasons for the punishment about to be inflicted,-in a voice of deep emotion pronounced the following sentence:

"Condemns le Prince de Polignac to be imprisoned for life in the continental dominions of the kingdom; declares him deprived of his titles, rank, and orders; declares him civilly dead; all the other consequences of transportation remaining in force, as regulated by the articles before mentioned."

Of this prince, this despot, this man, this culprit, the following is the Autograph, the sight of which, we doubt not, will gratify our numerous readers.

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CELESTIAL PHENOMENA. GLEANINGS.

CELESTIAL PHENOMENA.

THE valuable article on this subject from our esteemed correspondent, arriving very late, has not allowed us the time which its various figures would require to be set in type.

The following note, accompanying it, will regulate the reader's expectations during the ensuing months.

MR. EDITOR.-In the ensuing year's phenomena, I shall endeavour to condense as much important astronomical information in as small a compass as possible, and at the same time give my communications to your valuable columns a more scientific form. For the future, should my life be spared, I intend calculating, purposely for your Magazine, the occultations of the fixed stars by the moon, agreeably to your request months' since, and I should feel obliged and gratified if any of your correspondents or readers, who may observe them, would have the goodness to transmit to you their observations, which I shall feel great pleasure in reducing. And for the information of individuals, who would wish to observe these interesting phenomena, I shall take an early opportunity of forwarding to you some instructions relative to the same. W. R. B.

some

GLEANINGS.

Small Farms.-A society has lately been established in London, entitled "The Labourers' Friend Society.' The objects of this association are, to point out the advantage arising to the community from small farms, by encouraging industry, extending cultivation, reducing the poor's rates, and diminishing pauperism. The conductors solicit information, founded on experiments, which may tend to facilitate their designs. Communications, post paid, addressed to the Secretary of the Labourers' Friend Society, No. 51, Threadneedle Street, London, will meet with immediate attention. Subscribers of 5s. or upwards, annually, are entitled to a copy of the Society's papers to the amount of their subscriptious, and any additional quantity at reduced prices.

Friendly Societies.-Mr. James Wright, No. 4, Smithstreet, Northampton square, London, whose work on these beneficial institutions we reviewed towards the close of 1829, has been indefatigable ever since, in detecting errors in calculation and principle, through which their great object has been in many cases totally defeated. He flatters himself that he has matured a code of rules and tables, that will secure their permanent utility, and wishes the co-operation of every friend to these establishments, to bring his plans before parliament.

Patent Invention.-Early in October last, most of the respectable inhabitants of Holywell, among whom was the worthy Vicar, had an opportunity of witnessing the first public experiment of Mr. Williams's (surgeon) Invention for locking the wheels of a carriage when at full speed, and of liberating the horses. Four ponies were yoked to a beautiful four.wheeled carriage, and after they had been stimulated to their greatest speed, at a signal given, the wheel was locked and the animals liberated, leaving the driver and carriage stationary in the middle of the road. The experiment was most satisfactory, and all present seemed to participate in the pleasure the patentee must have felt at the success of his ingenuity. His next exhibition, we hear, will be in Chester.

The Common Gnat.-The transformation of the common gnat is attended with peculiar circumstances, of which it is impossible to read without being struck with astonishment at the curious and complicated machinery by which it is effected. The larva of the gnat, we need hardly say, is a tenant of the water. About eight or ten days after the larva of a gnat is

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transformed into a pupa, it prepares, generally to wards noon, for emerging into the air, raising itself up to the surface, so as to elevate its shoulders just above the level of the water. It is scarcely got into this position for an instant, when, by swelling the part of its body above water, the skin cracks between the two breathing tubes, and immediately the head of the gnat makes its appearance through the rent. The shoulders instantly follow, enlarging the breach so as to render the extrication of the body comparatively easy. The most important, and indeed indispensable part of the mechanism is the maintaining of its up. right position so as not to get wetted, which would spoil its wings, and prevent it from flying. Its chief support is the rugosity of the envelope which it is throwing off, and which now serves it as a life-boat, till it gets its wings set at liberty and trimmed for flight. The body of the insect serves this little boat for a mast, which is raised in a manner similar to moveable masts in lighters constructed for passing under a bridge, with this difference, that the gnat raises its body in an upright direction from the first. "When the naturalist," says Reaumur, "observes how deep the prow of the tiny boat dips into the water, he becomes anxious for the fate of the little mariner, particularly if a breeze ripples the surface, for the least agitation of the air will waft it rapidly along, since its body performs the duty of a sail as well as of a mast; but, as it bears a much greater proportion to the little bark than the largest sail does to a ship, it appears in great danger of being upset; and, once laid on its side, all is over. I have sometimes seen the surface of the water covered with the bodies of gnats which had perished in this way; but for the most part all terminates favourably, and the danger is instantly over." When the gnat has extricated itself all but its tail, it first stretches out its two fore-legs, and then the middle pair, bending them down to feel for the water, upon which it is able to walk as upon dry land, the only aquatic faculty which it retains after having winged its way above the element where it spent the first ages of its existence. "It leaves," says Swammerdam," its cast skin on the water, where it insensibly decays." Reaumur doubts whether Swammerdam ever actually saw this interesting transformation. We have seen it twice only.-Insect Transformation.

Majestic Oak.-The following are the dimensions of an oak, which may be justly termed the king of the British forest scenery. It is growing about one mile from Hemel Hempstead, Essex, the burying place of the celebrated Harvey, (who discovered the circulation of the blood). The stem of this enormous tree is sound.-The top began to get bare about 150 years ago-the centre is pretty well clothed with foliage. It is not until you have ascended into this magnificent tree that you have a full idea of its amazing spread, or become struck with the magnitude of its limbs, on the lateral spread of which 20 or 30 people might stand without inconvenience to each other. The girth at six feet from the ground is 58 feet nine inches, principal arm 18 feet 10 inches, of the next 16 feet 9 inches, circumference of branches, 353 feet.

Canals versus Railways.-The New York Gazette gives the following humorous argument, which it says was used by a canal stock-holder in opposition to railways:-"He saw what would be the effect of it that it would set the whole world a gadding:Twenty miles an hour, sir! Why, you will not be able to keep an apprentice boy at his work: every Sunday evening he must take a trip to Ohio, to spend the Sabbath with his sweetheart. Grave plodding citi zens will be flying about like comets. All local attachment must be at an end. It will encourage flightiness of intellect. Various people will turn into the most immeasurable liars: all their conceptions will be exaggerated by the magnificent distance- Only a hundred miles off!'-Tut, nonsense. I'll step across, madam, and bring your fan!' 'Pray, sir, will you dine with me to-day, at my little box on the Alleghany?' Why, indeed, I don't know-I shall be in town until twelve-well, I shall be there, but you must let me off in time for the theatre.' And then, sir, there will be barrels of pork and cargoes of flour, and chaldrons of coal, and even lead and whiskey, and such like sober things, that have always been used to sober travelling-whisking away like a set of sky-rockets. It will upset the gravity of the nation. If a couple of gentlemen have an affair of honour, it is only to steal off to the Rocky Mountain, and there no jurisdiction can touch them. And then, sir, think of flying for debt! A set of bailiffs mounted on bombshells. would not overtake an absconded debtor-only give him a fair start. Upon the whole, sir, it is a pestilential, topsy-turvy, harum-scarum whirling. Give me the old, solemn, straightforward, regular Dutch canal--three miles an hour for express, and two for jog trot journeys-with a yoke of oxen for a heavy load! I go for beasts of burden; it is more primitive and scriptural, and suits a moral and religious people better. None of your hop-skip and jump whimsies for me."

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