773 Review. Elegy of Life.—Tribute to Religion, &c. That one incessant struggle render life, THE anonymous author of this poem has certainly taken but a very superficial survey of life. He contemplates it, indeed, under numerous aspects, but rarely deviates from the common topics, on which every writer lays his hands. We cannot, however, deny, that he has found the art to render his subjects interesting. Realities, whether in smiles or tears, rarely fail to appear in the garb of neatness; and if the path, in which the reader is invited to walk, is not strewed with flowers, it is always swept, and nothing of slovenliness is permitted to offend the eye. The lines throughout this poem, are in general constructed with so much elegance and poetical harmony, that, even when they hold forth no ideas but such as have been long familiar to the reader, they will, perhaps, be perused with pleasure, chiefly for the sake of the euphony which they contain. The following passages may be considered as a fair specimen of the whole. "Why I have seen reclining in her pride, London at Midnight, displays many excellent lines, but the scenes are not such as would readily present themselves to a deeply reflecting mind. With the harmonies of verse, the author appears to be well acquainted, and should he cultivate an expansion of thought, render his reflections more profound, and range beyond the beaten tract with equal success, he will be capable of producing something hereafter that will associate his name with immortality. 774 REVIEW.-A Tribute to Religion. A Poem in two parts. 8vo. pp. 96. Chappell. London. 1830. ALTHOUGH the great mass of our poetical adventurers have been taught both by precept and example that their volumes bring more copies to the shelves of the booksellers, than money into their own pockets, nothing can daunt their courage, or lay an embargo on their pens. This Parnassian mania may continue for a season, but the antidote being also in operation, must in time work a radical cure. Of this "tribute to religion" the motive and design appear commendable, but beyond this we have made no discoveries to merit exalted praise. Like many other similar poems, it will have admirers among a certain class of readers, but extensive fields do not always yield the most valuable harvests. The verse is frequently rugged and cramped; it wants an easy flow of language; and the ideas are not always sufficiently dignified to compensate for the deficiency. With the morals inculcated no fault can be justly found, and the reflections arising from given topics are natural and appropriate. Some good lines may also be selected, but for some of these the author is rather indebted to his subject than to his muse. "Devotion" and " Resignation" are inspiring themes, but fervour and energy both of thought and expression are neces sary, to place them in a commanding light. To the author's principles and intention we readily pay every tribute of respect, and feel persuaded that his sentiments may prove useful without the fascinating power of versification. REVIEW.-The Affectionate African, or the Reward of Perseverance, a Tale for Youth, founded on Facts. By the Rev. J. Young. 32mo. pp. 84. Holdsworth. London. WHEN the reader is informed that this little volume conducts us into the regions of slavery, he need not be told that the tale is both afflicting and affecting. For something of this kind the title directs us to prepare, and on such occasions we scarcely know whether fact or expectation concentrates the largest portion of horror. The scene opens on the coast of Africa; the father of a family is shot by the white men, and his wife and children, whom he lost his life in defending, are seized, consigned to the hold of a slave-ship, and carried to the land of fetters and of groans. From a branch of this family sprang J the hero of the tale, but we have not time to pursue his narrative. Suffice it to say, that he became rich, serious, and kind to all in distress. The tale is well told, but the latter part is not so fertile in incidents as the former. A sufficiency is however preserved, to display in Juba a mind capable of cultivation, of braving and surmounting difficulties, and, above all, to illustrate the overruling providence of God, in causing the wickedness of man to become an instrument in the promotion of his gracious designs. In the juvenile library we expect this book will be a favourite with many youthful readers. REVIEW.-The Pulpit. Vol. XIV. 8vo. pp. 400. Harding. London. 1830. SEVERAL volumes of this work have already passed under our review, and, in every instance, furnished us with occasions to speak strongly in their favour. This volume is not inferior to its predecessors, either in appearance or matter. It may be considered as a religious publication, but without being under the control or influence of any particular sect. Each number contains an epitome of two or three sermons, delivered by popular ministers, both among churchmen and dissenters. The remaining part consists of miscellaneous articles, most of which, though not numerous, are in general interesting. The Pulpit is a periodical of high respectability, and, by publishing the outlines of sermons, taken from the lips of the speakers, pursues a path peculiar to itself. The character of this work is too generally known to require any elaborate analysis, or any new recommendation. The present volume is ornamented with a portrait of the late Bishop Heber. REVIEW. — Sidney Anecdotes. By Charles and Ambrose Sidney. 18mo. Sears. London. 1830. THE "Sidney Anecdotes," a compilation by two fictitious personages, is a work got up after the manner of the Percy Anec- | dotes, to which, however, the present publication is by no means superior. Sholto and Reuben Percy were, we have no doubt, not less shadowy beings than Charles and Ambrose Sidney; but the writers who assumed the former cognomen were persons of extensive reading, and considerable judgment. The Sidney Anecdotes have a good deal of point, but they are withal very common-place; the Percy 776 Anecdotes are occasionally too diffuse, but they generally exhibit energy of language, and novelty of incident. Part I. contains "Anecdotes of Folly;" many of which, though as well known as the giants in Guildhall, can hardly fail to prove entertaining to a large class of readers. Part II. containing "Anecdotes of Impiety and Infidelity," is tolerably respectable throughout, so far as relates to composition, but the interest excited is not strong, and it seems deficient in the charms of novelty. The small portraits which adorn this work are very similar in character to those of the Percy Anecdotes, and the wood-cuts exhibit considerable spirit; but the typographical errors that deface Parts I. and II. ought not to have escaped the notice of the editor and printers. BRIEF SURVEY OF BOOKS. 1. A Grammatical Collection of Phrases and Idioms in the French Language, systematically arranged, for the use of the Edinburgh Academy, by C. P. Buquet, Author of the "Nouveau Cours de Littérature," &c. (Simpkin, London,) is a well arranged and masterly exemplification of the peculiarities of expression in the French tongue. Phrases and idioms, which are in truth the very essence of a language, are, too generally, neglected, or at best, very imperfectly stated in elementary treatises. The pupil is frequently confined to the inflections of words, and those general features in which one language assimilates with another; and the consesequence of this injudicious plan is, that after a slow and wearying progress through his grammar and exercises, he finds himself unable to comprehend the simplest composition, unless it be one got up with immediate reference to the narrow limits of his previous inquiries and investigation. When a work is laid before us, wherein there is much to admire and little to censure, it may seem invidious to glance too strongly on a casual imperfection. Justice to the public and the author obliges us, however, to say, that the lectional parts ought to be in the mother tongue. For example:How can the young pupil, ignorant of French, understand that "Tout adjectif, terminâ au masculin par un e muet, ne change pas de terminaison au féminin," signifies" Every adjective, ending the musculine with mute e, does not change its termination for the feminine?" This is certainly not less objectionable than the 777 Brief Survey of Books. 778 is on the decline, and that for the continuance of this barbarous practice there is no necessity. We should rejoice to hear the sound of its departing knell. antiquated practice of writing explanatory | employing poor children to climb chimneys Greek Grammars in Latin. In the latter case the pupil usually takes up the Greek before he can have acquired any adequate knowledge of the Latin; and the author of the present work states, in his preface, that he intends his performance "should supersede the necessity of a grammar." 2. A Practical Grammar of Music, by W. Harker, (Longman, London,) appears to be a very methodic exposition of the rules of musical composition, expressed with much brevity and perspicuity. We, however, have a natural inability to judge of an euphonic treatise, and candidly confess, that, whilst many persons will be sharp enough to appreciate its merits, it has been a flat and unprofitable work to us. 3. French and English Dialogues, &c., by J. F. G., (Whittaker, London,) is a useful manual, containing a great variety of phrases and idioms in the French language. It is calculated to store the mind of the pupil with a copia verborum; to facilitate his progress through the Grammar; and to lay a solid foundation for a competent knowledge of the Gallic tongue. 4. Universal Mechanism, &c. by G. M. Bell, (Simpkin, London,) is a small volume, concentrating the hypotheses and reasonings of many authors, on the subjects of creation, and the phenomena of the natural world. The crude theories in reference to the former, might, in our opinion, have been omitted. The truths of Revelation, and the results of scientific research, are surely sufficient to secure us from the absurd philosophy both of the Stoics and Epicureans; and they ought to deter every prudent Christian from placing much dependence on any physical inquiry that can be made into the process of creation. Analogy, the legitimate basis of human reasoning, being denied, every hypothesis relating to this subject is a random shaft menacing equally the faith we cherish, and the fanciful theories we deny. The evidences of mechanism or Divine contrivance in the varieties of the visible world are stated in a clear, intelligible, and scriptural manner. 5. The Pulpit, (several Numbers,) (Harding, London,) is a valuable periodical. It contains many original articles; and others, which are not so, having been selected with care, promise to be useful among various classes of society. It has been long before the public, and preserves a truly respectable character. 6. Report of the Society for superseding the Necessity of Climbing Boys, (Bagster, London,) shows that the practice of 7. Anti-slavery, Monthly Reporter, (No 60-63, and Supplements, for 1830,) like all their predecessors, drags the monster slavery into light, and justly exposes it to the abhorrence of humanity. It combines fact with colonial law, but no language can furnish epithets of detestation, commensurate with the enormities it unfolds. 8. The last Days of Mary Mackay, in an Address to the Children of Rosneath Sabbath-school, by their Minister, (Nisbet, London,) delineates an amiable and pious character with much affectionate feeling, and we doubt not with an equal degree of fidelity. To the children of the school, this must have been an interesting and affecting address. The experience of Mary, which is given with much simplicity, frequently in her own words, shows, in a striking manner, the powerful influence of divine grace on the youthful mind. For a Sunday-school library it is a suitable and valuable book. 9. A Catechism of Useful Knowledge for the Use of Schools, Original and Selected, (M'Phun, Glasgow,) is not confined to religious subjects, but embraces very many which belong to commerce, the productions of nature, and the arts. It is intended for children, to whom it will impart, within a narrow compass, much useful information. 10. An Inquiry into the Birth-place, Parentage, Life, and Writings of the Rev. William Gurnall, M.A. &c. by H. Mc Keon, (Holdsworth, London,) is not a work of general interest. Of a person who died nearly two hundred years ago, very few will feel anxious to know the birthplace. His writings are of more importance, and these, together with a memoir of his life, and also of the Rev. William Burkitt, the author has introduced in this volume. At the conclusion, we find many things crude, quaint, and curious. 11. Objections to the Doctrine of Israel's Future Restoration to Palestine, National Pre-eminence, &c. in Twelve Letters to a Friend, &c. (Holdsworth, London,) will be deemed either formidable, or of no weight, according to the preconceived notions of those into whose hands they may happen to fall. On these obscure and doubtful topics, we feel much hesitation in risking an opinion; but the objections in the volume before us appear to have much force, which the author's opponents will find it needful to counteract. 779-780 INTERMENT OF HIS LATE MAJESTY GEORGE IV. IN our preceding number, when announc- Of the numerous and varied particulars, preparatory to the royal funeral, no adequate idea can be communicated within the limits of our pages. From the moment of his late Majesty's death to the night of his interment, all was bustle, activity, and preparation for the approaching event. On the afternoon of Saturday, July 10th, the royal corpse was placed in the state coffin, and conveyed, in the presence of his Royal Highness the Duke of Cumberland and many official characters, to the drawingroom. The machine on which the royal coffin was placed, though somewhat enlarged, was the same on which the remains of his royal Father were conveyed to their final home. It was constructed of wood, moving on castors, and covered with drapery. The computed weight of the machine, coffin, and contents, was estimated at between eleven and twelve hundred. On the 14th the necessary preparations having been completed, the public were admitted to see the body lying in state. As early as nine o'clock in the morning the barriers were crowded to excess, and many hundreds were excluded at the closing of the doors at four o'clock. The royal coffin rested on tressels about three feet high, elevated on a platform, and beneath a canopy of purple cloth. The avenues were all lined with horse guards, leaning in silence on their swords. On the coffin was placed the imperial crown of the United Kingdom, and the royal crown of Hanover, and pendent beneath the canopy waved the royal standard of England. The whole apartment was draped with black. On each side the coffin, were three stupendous wax lights in massive silver candle sticks richly gilt, and the walls were mournfully decorated with double wax-lights in bell glasses, intermingled with emblazonments of heraldry. At a late hour on the 14th, a party of artillery, with twelve nine-pounders, arrived from Woolwich, and remained beneath the trees of the noble avenue. About four o'clock on the ensuing morning they commenced firing, and thus continued, once in each minute, during nearly the whole of the day. Much about the same time the bells began to toll, and their mournful sounds knew little or no intermission until all was over. The multitudes attracted by previous announcement, and by these melancholy indications of the closing scene, it would be in vain to estimate. A continued stream of carriages, horses, and foot, so completely deluged Windsor, that vast numbers could not obtain either refreshments or accommodations, and so dense was the mass at times, that some guards were placed across the streets, to prevent accidents from the unexampled pressure. The day having thus passed, about eight in the evening, the trumpets and kettledrums gave the signal that the preparations for the movement of the procession had commenced. A band also played the "Dead march in Saul." Twilight having now set in, a flambeau was given to every fifth soldier, on each side the line, at the same time every voice was hushed in silence, and not a human accent was to be heard. A discharge of two rockets announced to those at a distance that the procession was in motion, and gave a signal for the firing of minute guns. These continued until another rocket communicated the intelligence that the ceremony was concluded in St. George's Chapel, and that the remains of His Majesty were lodged in the mausoleum of his royal an cestors. The whole time of the ceremony was about two hours, but connecting circumstances added much to the period. All, however, was over about twelve o'clock, and during the remaining part of the night, or rather on the Friday morning, the road to London was crowded with vehicles and passengers. Such is the termination of human life! With the exception of artificial parade, the monarch and the peasant submit to the same destiny, retire from life in the same manner, and, though differently interred, meet one common fate, and find one common grave. Hence, although "We wade in wealth, or soar in fame, Earth's highest station ends in here he lies, And dust to dust concludes her noblest song." By his present Majesty every mark of respect was paid to the remains of his royal brother. He attended as chief mourner in a long purple cloak, with the star of the order of the garter embroidered on it, wearing the collars of the Garter, the Bath, the Thistle, St. Patrick, and the Royal Hanoverian Guelphic order. His Majesty was accompanied by Prince George of Cumberland. In the metropolis, and in most parts of the kingdom, the day of his late majesty's interment was distinguished by a suspension of labour and the closing of shops. But unhappily, in many places, it was a day of riot and dissipation, very little accordant with the solemnities of the occasion. In Strangely intermingled with the obsequies of one monarch, were the rejoicings for the accession of his royal successor. London, and in most towns throughout the united kingdom, King William IV. has been proclaimed with every demonstration of loyal attachment. Not a dissenting voice has been heard; and from this auspicious commencement it may be inferred that he has already taken possession of the hearts of his people. Instead of secluding himself from his subjects, wrapped in sullen greatness, he mingles with them, and on every convenient occasion indulges the gaze of their anxious curiosity. Already has trade begun to revive under his auspices. The torpid state of the last seven months has given place to new life in the various departments of fashion, equipage, and dress. In every quarter, both his Majesty and his Royal Consort, are mentioned in terms of loyal affection, and the universal wish appears to be, that he may long live to reign over a people in whose hearts he already sits enthroned. GLEANINGS. Spectre of the Brocken, among the Hartz Mountains.On a certain ridge, just at sunrise, a gigantic figure of a man had often been observed walking, and extraordinary stories were related of it. About the year 1800 a French philosopher went with a friend to watch the phenomenon; but for many mornings they had paraded on an opposite ridge in vain. At last, however, they discovered the monster, but he was not alone; he had a companion, and, singularly, he and his companion aped all the motions and attitudes of the observer and his companion: in fact, the spectres were merely shadows of the observers, formed by the horizontal rays of the rising sun falling on the morning fog which hovered over the valley beyond; but because the shadows were very faint, they were deemed distant, and therefore seemed men walking on the opposite ridge; and because a comparatively small figure seen near, but supposed distant, appears of gigantic dimension, these shadows were accounted giants.-Dr. Arnott. 782 Discoveries at and near Rome.-The last number of the Bulletin des Sciences contains an account of a letter from M. Visconti, communicated by M. Raoul Rochette to the Academy of Inscriptions and Belles Lettres; in which he states, that the statue discovered at Falleri, and supposed to represent Juno, is decidedly a statue of Fortune or Clemency; the only attribute belonging to it being the horn of plenty, which is common to those divinities. M. Visconti mentions the discovery of a half figure of Bacchante, in baked clay, of exquisite workmanship; and two figures of Silenus, intended for fountains, also of good execution. He states, that by a continuation of the researches, it has been proved that the Via Sacra did not pass under the Arch of Titus, and that all the interpretations of the vases of Martial, Ovid, and Horace, which appeared so conclusive on this subject, are erroneous. In the vicinity of the Temple of Peace, a beautiful mosaic pavement has been discovered; and in the ruins of the villa of Cassius at Tivoli, several mosaic pieces have been found; one of which is of hard stone, and of beautiful execution. M. Visconti, in conclusion, alludes to the discoveries of the Etruscan vases, which we have already noticed.-Literary Gazette. Volatile Oil.-The following phenomenon is noticed in an American paper (The Louisville Public Advertiser) of March 28:- A gentleman from Cumberland County informs us, that in boring through rock for salt water, a fountain of petroleum, or volatile oil, was struck, at the depth of 130 feet. When the auger was withdrawn, the oil rushed up 12 or 14 feet above the surface of the earth, and it was believed that about 75 gallons were discharged per minute; forming quite a bold stream from the place to the Cumberland river, into which it discharged. The stream was struck four or five days previous to the departure of our informant, at which time the quantity of petroleum discharged had not perceptibly diminished. Falling into Cumberland river, the volatile oil covered a considerable portion of the surface of the stream for many miles. If ignited, it would present a magnificent, if not an appalling spectacle. British oil, which is extensively used as a medicine, is manufactured of petroleum. We have seen a specimen of this oilit ignites freely, and produces a flame as brilliant as gas light."-June 20, 1829. The World Good on the Whole." You ask, if I would agree to live my seventy, or rather seventythree, years over again? To which I say, Yea. I think with you, that it is a good world on the whole; that it has been framed on a principle of benevolence, and more pleasure that pain dealt out to us. There are, indeed-(who might say nay)-gloomy and hypochondriac minds, inhabitants of diseased bodies, disgusted with the present, and despairing of the future, always counting that the worst will happen, because it may happen. To these I say, How much pain have cost us the evils which have never happ ned! My temperament is sanguine. I steer my bark with Hope in the head, leaving Fear astern. My hopes, indeed, sometimes fail, but not oftener than the forebodings of the gloomy."-Memoirs of Thomas Jefferson. Singular Custom.-We copy the following from a Portsmouth paper :-The Amphitrite was in dock fifteen months, during which time she has undergone some considerable repair, in the course of which, on shifting the foremost piece of keel, and trimming a new scarph out of the lower part of the stem, one of the workmen's tools came in contact with a nail, which, on examination, was found to be silver, and weighed about two ounces. This frigate was built at Bombay in 1816, by Jamsettje Bomangee, who, it is understood, has been in the habit of driving a silver nail into the lowest part of the stem of all the ships built by him, and such care is taken in the secreting of the nail, that it rarely falls into the hands of any person afterwards: another, however, was found under similar circumstances to the one mentioned, in the stem of the Asia in March last year, when in dock, making the second within the last two years-the only instances of the kind ever remembered. It appears a hole is bored in the aft side of the stem, about one-third through the piece, and sufficiently large to admit the nail being driven by means of a punch up to the head in the hole; a plug is then driven over the nail, which further secures it in the heart of the wood. There is a superstitious ceremony performed on the occasion, with the strictest privacy, and a great deal of unintelligible enthusiasm is couched under it, relative to the future safety and success of the ship. Fountain Tree.-Navarette tells us of a tree, called the Bejuco, which turns about other trees, with its ends hanging downwards; that travellers cut its nib, and presently a spout of water runs as clear as crystal, enough for six or eight men. It is a juice, and natural water, and the common relief of the herdsmen on the mountains, when thirsty.Account of China. |