47 7 Review.-Criminal Executions-Oliver Cromwell, a Poem. 478 REV IEW. The Rudiments of Correct Reading, &c. adapted to the Capacity of Children. By Alexander Adam. 12mo. pp. 180. Simpkin, London. 1830. THE elementary principles of learning are always important, and when inculcated with care and propriety, they become exceedingly valuable. The work before us is one of this description. Its aim is to give the correct sounds of letters, and to point out, by varied examples, numerous deviations from general rules. To accent and emphasis the author appears to have paid great attention, and most youthful students may derive much profit from what he has written. In many useful lessons his principles are exemplified; those letters being either printed in italics, or distinguished by some other mark, to which his observations refer. Several of the stories are both instructive and pathetic. The concluding part is a rhyming dissertation on the letters of the alphabet, and on the parts of speech. In each of these, the character is distinctly noticed, and much information may be gathered from the perusal. They do not, however, appear to be subjects for versification; yet we cannot deny that the author has succeeded better than might have been expected. It is a book for children; and every one knows, that a few lines of poetry committed to the memory, will make a more lasting impression, than the same number of words in plain Prose. are li Thirty days hath September, pril, June, and November," es which every person can repeat, and not a day passes in which they are not called into requisition. On the same principle, this rhyming grammar may be easily committed to the memory, and stored up for future use; but the pupil must not be taught to believe, that when this mechanical task is completed, he is a finished grammarian. A knowledge of the science must be acquired from other sources. It is, nevertheless, a book which may be rendered very useful in schools, and private persons may peruse its pages with great advantage. THIS volume, among other articles of moof the late unfortunate James Butler, who was ment, has an especial reference to the case convicted at the Old Bailey, nearly a twelvemonth since, of setting fire to a floorcloth manufactory at Chelsea. It is the opinion of the author, judging from contradictions in the evidence, and the continued assertions of innocence by the prisoner, that he was not guilty of the crime for which he suffered. The question at issue is one of dreadful moment; for either the has authorized murder. law has inflicted salutary punishment, or it lume, we are incompetent to decide on the After a perusal of Mr. Newman's voguilt or innocence of the unfortunate indievidence for the prosecution is certainly vidual, whose cause he has espoused. The rather irreconcileable in some instances; principal testimonies in favour of the prisobut it should also be remarked, that the protestations of innocence made by the ner were from his relations. The strong culprit himself, seem to furnish the best presumption that he did not commit the crime for which he died. Considerable mystery, however, still hangs over this melancholy affair, and it is, perhaps, dangerous to offer a decided opinion on one side or the other. In his general observations on our penal laws, we fully concur with the author. REVIEW. Oliver Cromwell, a Poem, in Three Books. 12mo. pp. 192. Simpkin and Marshall, London. 1829. MANY readers will, perhaps, feel inclined to ask, what incidents can be found in the life of Oliver Cromwell to dignify an epic poem ? Without attempting an answer to this question ourselves, we transcribe the 479 Review.-Imperial School Grammar-Brief Survey of Books. 480 opening of the author's preface, in which and illustrated by a series of exercises the motives impelling him to the under- | judiciously applied. The limits of each taking are briefly stated. "In the prosecution of the attempt contained in the following pages, it has been the general aim of the writer to illustrate some of those portions of the history of Great Britain,which are most worthy of being engraven on the hearts and memories of her citizens: to essay the elucidation of a class of particulars which appear to be peculiarly important in studying the progress of the British Constitution; but which are almost buried under the rubbish of mistake and misrepresentation and to put the whole subject into as pleasing a dress as he had it in his power to supply; and thus attain the great end of all literary endeavonr-practical utility." A very lengthy preface is employed to vindicate Cromwell's character from the generally admitted charges of ambition and hypocrisy; and to show that he was not so culpable as many have thought him. Without expressing any direct opinion of the author's arguments, we venture to predict that the reader, whilst perusing this exordium, will be visited with drowsiness long before he arrives at the poem. Of the poem itself, it is difficult to speak in adequate terms. Partly dramatic, partly epic, and partly descriptive,-it is exceedingly difficult to refer it to any class; whilst a chaotic mass of dissertation and incident, for the most part irrelevant to the subject, confers on it a still more vague and indefinite character. The author, in order to begin at the beginning, makes Cromwell descant on Paradise and the fall of man; and, after he has finished rummaging the antediluvian world, sets him down to a plain matter of fact narrative of British history, commencing with the traditional events of the dark and barbarous ages. This strongly reminds us of the illiterate author in Horace, who began an account of the siege of Troy with a description of Leda's two eggs. rule are perspicuously defined, and the exceptions to its application marked with much ability. To consider this Grammar as a faultless production would be absurd: every work contains a greater or less portion of error; and books of this class are with more difficulty cleared of imperfections, than those of any other. Neither will it be supposed, that the reviewer has had sufficient leisure to determine the legitimacy and true bearing of every rule and example which the author has brought forward. Of the materials en masse, it may be said that they are valuable and well arranged; and that they will satisfactorily explain and exemplify many obscurities which present themselves to the young grammarian. Before leaving the subject, we cannot avoid expressing regret that the matter should have been so much condensed by the printers. The author being accustomed disadvantages resulting to the pupil from a to tuition, must certainly be aware of the crowded page of small letter. It is earnestly recommended, that, in a subsequent edition, this hint be remembered. BRIEF SURVEY OF BOOKS. Cuthbert William Johnson, (Simpkin, 1 An Essay on the Uses of Salt, by London,) is a savoury treatise on the manifold uses of salt, and goes far to exemplify the truth of that saying,-"Salt seaits application for agricultural purposes sons all things." The various modes of are distinctly stated, and the whole essay evinces considerable fertility of thought and accuracy of observation. 2. The Christian and the Unitarian is a letter addressed more especially to not the same Character, (Hurst, London,) young persons of Devonport, to warn them against the fallacious doctrines of Unitarianism. The arguments employed by the writer, are not new; and his manner of using them might be more temperate. Tracts written in the high tone of sectarian feeling, must ever leave the grand question 481 Brief Survey of Books. 482 bly elegant in appearance, and internally | Rev. P. Penson, Durham, on an Introfurnished with momentous truths, extracted ductory Discourse, preached at Birmingfrom the great storehouse of divine revela- ham, by James Matheson, Durham, tion. It will be a neat little present for a (Westley, London,) is a controversial pamyoung person of either sex, of which neither phlet, in which the author, a dissenter, the giver nor the receiver need be ashamed. vindicates his former discourse, entitled 5. The Traveller's Prayer, a Discourse Voluntary Churches, the true Churches on the Third Collect for Grace in the of Christ," against the remarks made upon Morning Service, &c., by Adam Clarke, it by the Rev. P. Penson, a church minisLL.D. &c. (Mason, London,) we are glad ter. Like most other polemic articles, it to hail in a new edition, of a convenient complains of unfairness, misquotation, imsize for the pocket or the reticule. In col. proper spirit, &c. &c., and then proceeds 945 of the Imperial Magazine, for 1829, to set every thing right. In the estimation the first edition was reviewed; since which of himself and friends, there can be no time, our favourable opinion has sustained doubt that Mr. Matheson is successful, but no deterioriation. The present is more should the Vicar of St. Oswald's be sceptiportable than the former, more inviting in cal, the war will be continued. its appearance, and equally valuable in its contents. 6. A Memoir of Jane E. J. Taylor, by J. Lewis, Islington, (Westley, London,) is a pleasing account of one who died happy in God, at the age of fourteen. It consists chiefly of her own observations, of letters which she wrote, and of her triumphant departure from time to eternity. 7. The Pulpit, (part 84,) (Harding, London,) preserves its character in a creditable manner. The articles are miscella neous, but all are enlisted on the side of morality and religion. The sermons, which invariably assume the lead in each number, are taken from the lips of the preachers, without any regard to sect or party; and, but for this publication, many of them would never be known beyond the walls, within which they are delivered. 8. A Christian View of Trade; Source of Commercial Distress, and Efficient Remedy, by William Crofts, (Crofts, London,) surveys these subjects in a religious light, tracing mercantile calamity to dishonesty in some shape or other, and recommending sterling integrity as the only genuine specific. It contains many indisputable truths; but the probability is, that by those on whom they have the strongest bearing, this pamphlet will never be read. 9. Voluntary Churches, the Free Churches of Christ, (Westley and Davies, London,) is the substance of a sermon preached at Birmingham, by the Rev. James Matheson, in the latter part of 1829. The worthy minister argues, in a temperate manner, that a mere conformation to established modes of worship does not constitute religion; and that the spirit within us, directed by heavenly influence recognizing the form of worship agreeable to itself, is the true criterion of an approved faith, 10. A Reply to the Remarks of the 137.-VOL. XII. 11. Anti-Slavery Reporter, Nos. 58, 59, like all their predecessors, "hang on the broken rear" of colonial despotism, and find new occasions to expose the odious system of slavery. Walpole used to assert that "every man was to be purchased, if you could find his price." Emancipation of the slaves, we suspect to be the only price at which the conductors of this periodical are to be bought. We should rejoice to hear that this had been offered, and accepted. 12. Three Letters, published in the Times Newspaper, by Samuel Miller, (Richardson, London,) make out a strong case, that, to enlarge the powers of the Court of Requests, would be of essential service to the trading community, by preventing the enormous expenses with which lawsuits are attended. 13. Memorials of Practical Piety, &c. &c., by Hester Copley, (Holdsworth, London,) present to our view the lives of two sisters of the fair authoress. Mrs. Copley has many times appeared before the public, and always in a manner highly creditable to her talents and her principles. This little volume contains an unvarnished narrative of two excellent females, whose christian virtues are worthy of being recorded, and we wish it an extensive circulation, for the benefit of those into whose hands it may happen to fall. 14. Spirit and Form, as exemplified in an Established Church, (Westley, London,) is a polemical tract, interesting to none but the parties concerned, and perhaps only to the person who wrote it. The author does not give his name, and it is difficult to discover, in his pamphlet, the necessity for his throwing down the gauntlet. 15 Eight Discourses to Youth, with a Memoir of the Author's Eldest Son, by John Humphreys, LL.D. (Holdsworth, London,) exhibit sermonizing in its sim 2 H plest form. They inculcate many wholesome lessons, and are replete with excellent advice. Every branch is intelligible, even to common capacities; and the reader's attention is not directed to any thing but what is essential for him to know. The topics are obvious, and the justness of the author's remarks will find a mirror in every reasonable mind. 16. The Christian Visitor, for 1829, vol. I. (Fisher and Co., London,) we have already had occasion to notice, when the numbers, which compose it, issued from the press. Many valuable articles are incorporated in its pages, and its present appearance is decently respectable. The style, in general, is pointed and energetic. Unhappily, the scenes described are too frequently scenes of domestic misery, brought on by idleness, drunkenness, sabbath-breaking, disregard of divine worship, and by the vices to which they lead. London furnishes an almost exhaustless store of sin and wretchedness, and the editors have shewn much diligence in exploring the haunts of both. 17. A Sermon, on the Death of the Rev. William Roby, preached at Rochdale, by John Ely, (Holdsworth, London,) is an intelligent improvement of the solemn event. Mr. Roby was a minister of no common character, and a discourse which could fairly improve his departure from time to eternity, ought to take its stand on more elevated ground, than could reasonably be expected for an individual in private life. The task which has thus devolved on Mr. Ely, he has executed in a praiseworthy manner. It is a discourse through which the living may be instructed, by the tribute of respect paid to the memory of the dead. | 484 tians, (Bennett, London,) advocates experimental religion and practical godliness, and contains many important and essential truths. We could have wished, however, that the author had not thrown any temptations in the way of Antinomianism, nor furnished us with any occasion to make this unpleasant remark. 20. Meditations and Discourses on the Glory of Christ, by John Owen, D.D. (Nisbet, London,) is a work of sterling worth, which has been so long before the religious public, that scarcely any thing need be said in its favour. It exalts the Redeemer in all his offices; not with fulsome adulation, but on solid principles derived from the great standard of all moral truth. It is one of those works, which, instead of being lost among the waves of time, will be highly esteemed, until the Saviour of mankind shall lose his exalted character in the Christian world. 21. Employment of the Poor, (Simpkin and Marshall, London,) is an address delivered to the grand jury of the hundreds of Kirton and Skirbeck, in which chair. man, (C. R. Tunnard, Esq.) argues the necessity of finding employment, and consequent support, for the lower orders of society. The speech is manly, energetic, and conclusive; but whether it will be productive of any beneficial results is a query. It seems to be the system of the present day, with many, rather to remove the means of industry from the poor, than to furnish them with employ; and a workhouse or a gaol is the only asylum they can hope for at their hands. On Tuesday, March 2d, a poor man, out of employ, was brought to Bow-street, and sentenced to a term of imprisonment, because he had attempted to raise a scanty subsistence for his wife and family, by the sale of saw-dust without a license! 22. A Charge, delivered by the Rev. R. Wardlaw, D.D., at the Ordination of J. Reid, M.A., (Westley and Davis, London,) points out divine love, as the "constraining principle" of Christianity, and enforces, in a powerful manner, the awful duties of a gospel minister. Many topics are called into requisition. breathes a spirit of genuine affection, and evinces that the author was actuated by that amiable principle which he so earnestly recommends. It 18. Lessons on Objects, as given in a Pestalozzian School, at Cheam, Surrey, (Seeley, London,) illustrate this mode of instruction by examples, introducing us into the seminary, to observe the pupils, and the manner in which they are instructed. In this, the fundamental principle is, that it deals in ideas as well as words, and the learner is taught to analyze and point out the discriminating properties of substances in the varied regions of nature and of art. No one who examines the theory, can doubt that it may be turned to great advantage; but the preceptor ought to be a person of general knowledge, of superior talents, and 23. The New Scheme of Evangelical of unquestionable principles. In this vo- Religion, (Baldwin, London,) is a serious lume they appear to be happily combined, inquiry," (addressed to William Wilberand in the result they have rendered it both force, Esq.) whether the "doctrinal, pracentertaining and instructive. tical, and experimental system of religion, 19. Philothea, or Hints to Young Chris-inculcated by the Rev. Legh Richmond, 485 Brief Survey of Books. 486 is the "true scriptural evangelical religion" | however, in this discourse, is, the varied it professes to be, while all others are survey which it takes of the talents, piety, "mere imitations and assumptions of that zeal, and general usefulness of the deceased. title." We have perused this little book❘ In these, and in other respects, his characwith considerable satisfaction; for while its ter is sketched with friendly fidelity, but no author concedes to Mr. Richmond due panegyric is uttered that seems not to have praise for his sincerity and genuine piety, been fully borne out by the late Mr. Roby's he does not scruple to enter a protest sterling worth. against the dangerous consequences of his 26. The Christian's Affection to the creed. Making salvation to be wholly of faith House of his God, by Thomas Swan, without any intervention of good works, (Simpkin and Marshall, London,) is a resMr. R. introduces into his system that pectable discourse, but we are not aware, dreadful "necessity" which renders religion that it contains any thing particularly remechanical, nullifies the responsibility of markable. The style is florid, but the man, and destroys every motive to moral truths of Christianity can derive no advanvirtue. We readily admit that good works | tage from any ornaments of diction. are the "fruits of faith," and not the "root," but we are also assured that these fruits are true evidences of vital religion. A barren tree is not more worthless, than a profession of Christianity unaccompanied with moral decorum. 24. Letters, &c., to Dr. Robert Hamilton, in Refutation of the Erroneous and Heretical Doctrines concerning the Gifts of the Holy Spirit being still attainable, the Abrogation of the Moral Law and Christian Sabbath, &c., by an Advocate for Truth, (Oliphant, Edinburgh) contain some strong, but not acrimonious animadversions, on subjects of the utmost importance to mankind. On many occasions, controversies originate in sectarian trifles, and few comparatively feel any interest either in the progress or the issue of the contention. The subjects here discussed, are, however, of a more serious character, Dr. Hamilton having publicly avowed his conviction, that "Christians have no warant for the observance of the Sabbath, and that the decalogue, or law of the ten commandments, is abrogated." Against these bold assertions, the "Advocate for Truth" enters his protest, and advances reasons which are strong, numerous, scriptural, and conclusive. We, however, regret that he has not quoted more explicitly and copiously, Dr. Hamilton's own expressions, that every reader might perceive the application, as well as the energy, of his replies. 25. A Funeral Sermon, preached in Windsor Chapel, Salford, Jan. 24th, 1830 on the Decease of the Rev. William Roby, of Manchester, by John Clunie, LL.D. (Westley and Davis, London,) is every way suited to the solemnity of the occasion. Life, death, time, eternity, and the necessity of being prepared for heaven, all rise before us in awful grandeur; and from these, and other similar topics, important lessons are deduced, to teach us to prepare to meet our God. The most distinguishing feature, 27. The Young Christian's Companion, or Manual of Devotion, for the use of Schools and Young Persons, by Elizabeth Strutt, (Souter, London,) is a neat little volume, adorned with a pretty engraving. The prayers it contains have been selected from the liturgy of the church of England and the holy Scriptures. The variety is considerable, the arrangement is judicious, and the selection has been made with care. 28. Catechism of Scripture History, (Religious Tract Society, London,) leads the pupil to examine the sacred records with an eye to the periods in which the events recorded took place, and to survey the order and relation in which they stand to each other. It promises to be a useful school-book, and it aims at no higher honours. 29. The Christian Visitor, No. 5, (Fisher and Co., London,) supports with becoming respectability, the character of the preceding parts. Its aim is to repress the vices which prevail, to reclaim those who have become victims, and to warn others against their seductive snares. It drags many half-concealed scenes of depravity to light, and exposes the monster to the detestation it deserves. 30. Justification by Faith, a Sermon by Jabez Bunting, (Mason, London,) having reached a fourth edition, appears with the last corrections of the author. On this important doctrine his views are quite methodistical. Considering justification as synonymous with pardon, imputed righteousness finds no place in his discourse, which thus destroys the specious covering under which antinomianism might take shelter. In its more prominent features it is argumentative, but the author has not neglected to notice its experimental and practical results. It contains a fair statement of the doctrine of justification, as taught by the Wesleyan Methodists, and fortifies it with considerable strength of argument. |