us in rather an inauspicious light. When the Star of Dr. Buchanan rose in the east, the lustre which it threw over both hemispheres, proved that it was one of the first magnitude. Its brilliancy excited the attention of the Christian world; and although many years have elapsed since it mounted above the horizon, it still occupies a conspicuous place in the moral firmament, and continues to shine with undiminished brightness. His golden crown, yet not refused the name, But notwithstanding the disadvan-From every blessed influence of heaven; tages under which Mr. Conder's Star Thus hast thou lain for ages, iron-bound appears, we can easily discern that it As with a curse. Thus art thou doom'd to lie : is capable of shining by its own inhe- Yet not for ever.”—p. 5 to 7. rent splendour. On many of its lines the image and superscription of true genius are deeply engraven, and we can only regret that the subject has not been extended to greater length, so as to occupy those parts of the volume, which are now devoted to detached and fugitive pieces. We do not mean to insinuate that these minor pieces are destitute of merit, but when compared with that article which gives a title to the volume, they appear diminutive and unimportant. The Star in the East occupies about eighteen pages, to which are appended eight pages of notes, stating historical facts, and explaining numerous incidents that are alluded to in the poem, which embraces in its range a general survey of the church, and of the progress of Christianity, from the advent of the Messiah, to the universal establishment of his kingdom. Of the past vicissitudes, present fate, and future destiny of Jerusalem, the author thus speaks, and with this quotation we must take our leave of his work. "City of David! Thou art desecrate; waved: The Roman came, and thy proud temple fell. fane, REVIEW.-A Discourse on Spirituality of Mind. By Joseph Fletcher, A.M. 8vo. p. 48. London. Westley. 1824. WE learn, from a prefatory address, that Chapel-street Meeting, in Blackburn, was the early scene of Mr. Fletcher's labours, and that after removing to the vicinity of London, he paid his former church and congregation a visit, when this sermon was delivered. At their request it was published; and to them it is dedicated in a few handsome and appropriate expressions. The foundation of this discourse may be found in Romans viii. 5.They that are after the Spirit do mind the things of the Spirit ;" and on it Mr. Fletcher has raised an admirable superstructure. It is formed of solid materials, strongly cemented together, without deviating from the rules of literary architecture, or borrowing from the paint-brush and burnisher, the delusive charms of artificial decoration. The leading topics which fall under his consideration are-The origin of spiritual affection; its characteristic indication; the means by which it may be promoted; and, finally, its importance. These points are investigated through their subordinate branches with a considerable degree of intellectual energy, an earnest solicitude for the welfare of his hearers, and a warmth of piety that do equal honour to his head and his heart. This is no every-day sermon, and we think that the church and congregation of Blackburn will find in this discourse a permanent reason for re With stores of relics, crosses, holy wares, take pastor. Ir is a difficult matter so to delineate madness, as to include all its branches in the definition of the term, without encroaching upon the province of common absurdity. Enthusiasm, in some of its reveries, seems to approach near its confines, and instances may be found in which they appear to enter into partnership. There can be no doubt that Baron Swedenborg was a very respectable visionary, whose powerful intellect breaking through all restraints, has immortalized his name by its ungovernable aberrations. His genuine piety few will presume to question; this has furnished him with a passport to travel on the stream of time, and we are as willing to give him credit for his sincerity as for his extravagance. It is not a matter of surprise that he should have many followers, when Joanna Southcott could muster a host of disciples, many of whom still retain their attachment to her doctrines, notwithstanding they have been falsified both by her life and death. Some time in the year 1823, the Rev. Mr. Noble, a follower of the Baron, visited Norwich, and delivered a course of lectures on the views which that nobleman entertained of several important topics, embracing and defending his various peculiarities, which, in their issues and consequences, tend to subvert the generally received opinion of the whole Christian system. These lectures furnished the groundwork on which the present work takes its stand. Mr. Beaumont, who is a resident minister in Norwich, shortly after the preceding lectures were delivered, undertook to controvert the principles which Mr. Noble had advanced. This was done in his own chapel to a crowded congregation, and the substance of his observations is now embodied in the volume before us. The method which Mr. B. has adopted to expose the Baron's system, is chiefly by producing quotations from his own writings, accompanied with observations, pointing out their character and tendency. This plan we conceive to be the most effectual that he could have selected, for no lan | guage of his own would so fully have preserved the absurdity of the system, without being liable to the charge of having misrepresented the doctrines on which he animadverts. In this volume the author makes numerous appeals to scripture, and produces passage on passage to support his objections against the Baron's dreams. But all his efforts, we conceive, will prove totally unavailing to those who have submitted to their plenary inspiration. Such persons as can receive for truth the romantic fancies which appear in the quotations, must be proof against the authority of scripture, the decisions of reason, and the dictates of common sense. The task which Mr. B. has undertaken, we consider to be of no ordinary difficulty. He has commenced an attack on a theological windmill, and if he has not succeeded in demolishing it, he has shewn that the reason is, because it is too intactible for any literary weapon. He has, however, dispersed, in no small degree, the delusive atmosphere with which it was surrounded, and illustrated its more objectionable branches by a copious appeal to those scriptures with which they stand contrasted. REVIEW.-On the Importance of Educating the Infant Poor, from the age of eighteen months to seven years. By S. Wilderspin. 8vo. pp. 225. Second Edition. London. Simpkin and Marshall. 1824. We do not wonder that this work has reached a second edition. Those who have perused the first must be sensible of its value; and such as have read the second, will find that the principles on which the system is founded have been much developed, and, consequently, that the work has been considerably improved. Mr. W. urges the necessity of infant education, from the constitutional character of the human mind ;-from the instances of juvenile depravity with which the streets of the metropolis abound;-from the number that have been brought to punishment ;from the contagious influence of bad example;-and from the various accidents to which children are exposed, when suffered to roam at large. His observations appear to be well founded, and calculated to carry con- | by every method that can be deviction to every reflecting mind. The rules which he lays down are liable to very few objections, and his plans of operation appear to be well adapted to the infant capacity. His methods, though simple in themselves, include much variety, but the branches being distinct, they create no confusion, nor is the mode of education which he adopts rendered complex by their introduction. In some respects a coincidence may be traced between the plans of Mr. W. and those of Bell and Lancaster, but in others the system is totally distinct. The author of this work is the master of an Infant-school, which has been established for some time in Spitalfields, under the patronage of Joseph Wilson, Esq. of Battersea-rise, who, with a true spirit of patriotism, has devoted a portion of his fortune to its support. In this school, and in many others, the principles contained in this book have been reduced to practice, and the conduct and improvement of the children reflect an honour on the institution. Independently of the details that are immediately connected with the school, the book contains numerous facts, incidents, and anecdotes, which shew the imperious necessity of adopting some method to prevent children from becoming thieves as soon as they quit their cradles. Whether the system reduced to practice by Mr. W. be the best that can be devised, those only who are acquainted with the extent of possibilities can determine. It appears to be superior to any other that has hitherto been carried from theory into actual operation, and we doubt not that it will continue to be crowned with increasing success. Beneficial as a knowledge of letters may be, and although, to preserve children from the contamination of pernicious example, is incalculably advantageous, still Mr. W. considers these in only a secondary light. The mind is capable of being influenced by good or evil principles. The former, he very justly contends, must be implanted, and cherished with care, as nothing short of this can prevent the spontaneous growth of the latter. Justice, rectitude, virtue, and an attachment to truth, are uniformly inculcated, while the vices that disgrace human nature are discountenanced vised to render them odious. If schools of this description were numerously established in our more populous towns and districts, we doubt not, that these happy effects would be produced, which this system seems calculated to ensure. REVIEW.-Sacred Melodies, preceded by an Admonitory Appeal to Lord Byron, with other smaller Poems. By Mrs. J. H. R. Mott. 8vo. pp. 124. London. Westley. 1824. THE recent intelligence which has reached us, announcing the death of Lord Byron, to whom this admonitory appeal is addressed, presents an awful train of thought, which snatches the weapon from the hand of criticism, and gives birth to reflections more serious in their nature, and more momentous in their consequences, than literary opinions can ever supply. It is not, however, our province to violate the sanctuary of the dead, or to sit in judgment upon the tenants of the sepulchre. We shall, therefore, Nor draw their frailties from their dread abode," "No longer seek their merits to disclose, but leave the examination of motives and actions to a tribunal from whose decisions there can be no appeal. Of the pious tendency of this work, and the pure intentions of the writer, we entertain no doubt; though we cannot avoid thinking that she has made more frequent visits to Geneva than Parnassus. This circumstance, however excellent in other views, we conceive, on the present occasion, to be ill-timed, and only calculated to defeat that object which the writer aimed to secure. Lord Byron was not a man likely to be captivated by the peculiarities of any sectarian creed, and more especially so, when its dogmas were placed before him with its more vulnerable parts exposed to view, and the whole system rendered questionable by injudicious treatment. The poetry in which this appeal is made contains many harmonious lines, and some easy expressions; but we find no coruscations of talent, no sparkling of thought, no depth of reflection. The Sacred Melodies, in point of composition, can scarcely be said to rise above mediocrity; but through out the whole there is a vein of piety | resting, and instructive. They introto be found, which more than com- duce us to sprightly conversations, pensates for many deficiencies. The ingenuous discussions, and well supgreat defect is, a want of vigour. The ported arguments. They give to truth pulsations of genius beat but feebly a captivating appearance, and a smilthrough the stanzas, which languishing countenance, investing her at the from a want of life and energy. They same time with undaunted firmrequire more of that animating prin- ness and an amiable spirit. With ciple, which should give a brisk cir- her spotless, but stern and unaccomculation to the vital fluid, and cause modating behaviour towards those healthful vitality to burst through who disregard her dictates, the author every line. Poets that can attain to seems well acquainted; and he has this superior excellence, rarely fail to given proofs, that to the influence of fascinate their readers, and to lead the passions over degenerate human them into a pleasing captivity. nature, and the manner in which virtuous principles are most successfully assailed by the votaries of pleasure, and the agents of infidelity, he is no stranger. This work is well written, and its obvious tendency is to do good. REVIEW.-The Spiritual Rambler. 12mo. pp. 360. London. Westley. 1824. It would look like punning, were we to say that the author of the Spiritual Rambler possesses a rambling spirit. We may, however, safely assert, that it is highly diversified, without manifesting any versatility. The papers in this volume were originally published as distinct tracts, and, as we are informed, attained an extensive circulation. Having entered the world in this form, it is not to be supposed that the various articles which the numbers contain, should have an immediate connexion one with another. Several of them, however, are closely linked, the same subject being continued through many succeeding sheets, while others appear in a detached form, sustaining the exalted character of independence. There is one point, however, in which all the parts are evidently in contact, and that is in the evangelical truths which they uniformly inculcate. The author, whose name does not appear, informs us in a short preface, that" truth forms the basis of every narrative, and of every scene of description." For this assertion we are bound to give him the fullest credit, though we know not what proportion the foundation bears to the superstructure. We feel much disposed to suspect, that fiction has lent its aid in erecting the building, how true soever the delineations may appear, when compared with the realities of REVIEW.-Sabbaths at Home, intended for the use of Pious Persons when prevented from attending the Public Worship of God. By Henry March. Second Edition. 8vo. pp. 272. London. Holdsworth. 1824. His MR. MARCH has selected for the basis It must be obvious, from the title of this volume," Sabbaths at Home," that its author primarily intended it for such as were prevented from attending places of public worship. This indeed he readily admits, but he reprehends in terms of just severity the conduct of those who avail themselves of vain pretences, and frivolous excuses, to neglect the established means of grace. On this point his But whether the narratives, inci- observations are unequivocal and endents, and dialogues that are record-ergetic, being founded on an appeal ed, apply to persons or to characters, to the authority of the word of God. they are at once entertaining, inte- Experimental and practical godliness life. |