ture-that mankind have attained a height both of contemplation and of action, from which they may descry a nobler and an indefinitely expanded prospect, stretching beyond the visible Universe of matter, and “taking fast hold of immortality." Say what we will of the enthusiasts, the dreamers, In which the burthen of the mystery, Is lightened that serene and blessed mood, How many pure and innocent spirits, in the springtide of life and hope, and amid the beaming anticipations which youth alone can feel, derive those abiding impulses of true nobility of soul, and imbibe these deep inspirations of a destiny to be evolved in all its grandeur, only through the revolving cycles of immortality prized and most ardently sought out-were required to be laid as a worthless offering upon the consecrated altar of the Soul and Spirit of Man. Life itself was to be contemned, cheerfully sacrificed, whenever its evanescent taper could be sust ined only at the expense of its immortal nature. Poverty and humility, persecution and affliction, tortures and a lingering and painful death were to be welcomed as messengers of mercy, as harbingers of peace and love and kindness, when they were to be avoided only by a practical denial of those great truths which opened up to the freed spirit the path of immortality. How frivolous, how empty, how unsatisfying to minds which had drank in the waters of life from this pure fountain, must have seemed the restless and feverish dream of the worldling-boasting amid the thick darkness of his benighted and aimless mind, of his prescience, his shrew !ness, his practical sagacity! Either Christianity is a gross delusion — its most sacred lessons, a cheat - its high hopes and promises and prospects, the chimeras of a disordered imagination and the spirit of man and immortality, and an unending future, "such stuff as dreams are made of," or "life is more than meat and the body more than raiment;" there are "treasures in Heaven, where neither moth corrupts nor thieves break through and steal," and we “cannot serve both God and Mammon." So thought and so reasoned the Apostles and Martyrs-from the study and the contemplation of the ideal of the primitive church: and so thinking they "counted not their lives dear" when duty demanded their sacrifice. So thought and so reasoned the martyrs and confessors of a subsequent age: Cranmer and Latimer and Ridley and Rogers: and so thinking and reasoning, they were, unquestionably, the most impracticable men of the day, and while millions around them sought their ease and guarded their possessions and hoarded their treasures, and drank of the cup of pleasure, they drained the dregs of the bitter cup of suffering. So thought the Luthers and the Melancthons, of the Re-ance with the laws and institutions of the Creatorformation, when they breasted the formidable current of ecclesiastical corruption and abuse which pervaded the church; and so have thought and reasoned the Galileos, the Keplers, the Newtons, the Watts, and the Fultons of science-the Miltons, the Cowpers, the Kirke Whites, the Keats, the Wordsworths, and Coleridges, of the poetic muse the George Foxes, the Oberlins, the Wilberforces, of the philanthropists and benefactors of suffering humanity-the Taylors, the Hookers, the Barrows, the Chalmers, the Channings and the Follens, of a pure and elevated christian morality-the Washingtons and Franklins, the LaFayettes and Koskiuscos, the Burkes and the Pitts, of the Cabinet and the Senate. So in short have thought and so have reasoned all those who in every age have adorned, ennobled and elevated humanity and it is precisely because, for all the ordinary purposes of mere men of the world, they were impracticable-because they sought to carry for- The philosophy of Christianity-the true civilization ward the destinies of their race, to reach onward and of humanity-the purity and perfection of our nature upward to a higher good than was apparent on the sur--remain yet to be unfolded-and the worshipers of the face of events-a good not attainable by continuing to move in the monotonous routine of custom and prescription, however venerable, profitable or safe-and fearlessly to swing from the moorings of the present and the past, to explore the limitless ocean of the fu : exhibited through the pages and in the productions of the favored sons of genius! And are we told that all this unfits them for the practical scenes and stern realities of ordinary pursuits, and the varied responsibilities of life? Doubtless it does so to a great extent. But what are those practical scenes and stern realities, those pursuits and responsibilities? Are they not far too generally all unworthy of our immortal nature—of our ever expanding faculties and powers of thought and action? Are they not far too generally at open vari - with the lessons, the injunctions and the requirements of the Great Teacher-with the "voice of God within the soul "-with the precepts and example of the truly great and wise and good — with the convictions of our own enlightened understanding - and with all that we can conceive or apprehend of the scope and design of creative beneficence and wisdom? Alas, alas! too soon indeed are the bright and beautiful visions of youth and innocence clouded and darkened by the surrounding realities of "a world lying in wickedness "too soon are the lessons earliest and most gratefully imbibed from the loveliness and beauty of nature, and the kindly influences of the domestic circle, rudely erased from the tablets of memory, by the violence and selfishness, the pride and passion, the wretchedness and misery, which pervade society in all its departments. IDEAL-the earnest seekers after the TRUE, the BEAU- Brief Notices of some of the deceased Poets of New-York. BY ATTICUS. mory of Col. Wood," and verses written "in a Book of Fortunes in 1787," are good specimens of his style. A. L. Blauvelt was a poet of considerable powers. His "lines suggested by the perusal of the life of Chattenton," are smooth and graceful. The State of New-York, vast in her territory,-her population-resources of wealth, and means of education, can point also with just pride to her Anthology, Dr. Samuel L. Mitchell was a poet of no ordinary as one certainly equal to those of her sister states, and skill and ability. His many fugitive pieces display conscarcely inferior to any in Europe of the same charac-siderable imagination and didactic power. ter. While her railroads and canals, her mercantile, Isaac Clason has shown much strength and vigor as a agricultural and mechanic interests have diffused plenty poet. His address to “ Napoleon" in 1825, is spirited within her borders, the "inner life" has been express- and in many parts beautiful. ed and the legend of lake and mountain have found a tongue. Although the majority of the verse produced in the State of New-York is of a loose and fugitive character, it is yet impregnated with the true feeling and affords evidence that the poetical spirit exists, and only awaits time and opportunity for a wider field and a higher flight. John Rudolph Sutermeister was a fugitive writer of much beauty and sweetness. His contributions to the different journals were numerous. He possessed a fine fancy, with great delicacy of sentiment. His "Faded Hours," prophetic of his early death, at the age of 23, is very touching and harmonious. his ers. Jonathan Lawrence, Jr., who died at the age of 25, The dawning of verse in this State was at a period was also one whose bud of genius promised much rich anterior to the Revolution. The productions of the and beautiful fruit. A collection of his poems was writers in these times were not deficient in easy versifi-published by his friends after his decease, which showcation and melody, but they wanted for the most part ed the vigor and precociousness of his mind. His the feeling and inspiration of true poetry. T: e age did" Thoughts of a Student," "Morning among the Hills," not incline towards efforts of the imagination. The fo- and “Look Aloft," are very fine and spirited. rest was to be sublued and the seeds of empire planted. The strong arm and the calculating head were alone required-the one to wield the axe and the other to frame the laws. But as the means of living became more easy on the one hand, and government more defined and stable on the other, poetry, in common with the other arts and with the sciences, partook in a greater degree of public attention and sentiment; consequently there is to be seen in it a progressive improvement, from its first efforts to the present, until New-York can show a poetical literature, which is not only a prophecy of brighter and higher triumphs to come, but which is now by no means unworthy of the importance of the Empire State." James Rodman Drake, who also died in the prime of intellect, was a man of splendid genius, and as a stands in the front rank of American writHis address to the "American Flag, is embalmed in the National heart and boasted of as a National lyric. The heart beats and the spirit mounts at its perusal. His "Culprit Fay," is a gem of the purest water, combining beautiful fancy with graphic skill in an embodyment of the aerial visions that "play in the plighted clouds," and true delineations of animate and inanimate uature. His "Bronx," is also a fine descriptive poem Robert C. Sands was the coadjutor of the Rev. J. W. Eastburn, in the production of the poem entitled "YaThe first poet of any consequence who flourished in moyden." His proem to the work and the songs scatterour State, is William Livingston, who wrote in 1747. ed throughout the volume, display genius of a high and His style is distinguished by much skill and smooth-brilliant order. "The green isle of lovers," and "the ness of versification, and his verse is generally written dead of 1832," are both eminently fine. in the Alexandrine measure. His Gift of Providence," and his hymn commencing with "Father of light, exhaustless source of good,” are polished and graceful. Mrs. Ann E. Bleecker wrote in 1778. Her lines "on reading Virgil” and “Thanksgiving after escape from Indian perils," are possessed of much sweetness and harmony. Guliun Verplanck was a poet of considerable taste and elegance, close observation of men and mauners, and keen irony. His Poem entitled "Vice, a satire," published in 1771, exhibited in a high degree all these qualities. Anthony Bleecker contributed much to the periodical literature of the day, between 1800 and 1825. His address" to Trenton Falls, near Utica," is a favorable specimen of his powers as a poet, a blending of satire with serious thought. Gen. Jacob Morton was the author of many fugitive pieces, characterized by much tenderness and sweetness. His 66 Elegiac lines" and verses "to the me William Leggett was the author of "Leisure Hours at Sea," and other fugitive pieces published subsequently. His verse is melodious and graceful and oftentimes of a high order. His "Melody" commencing with "If these bright stars that gem the night," is ex. ceedingly beautiful. James G. Brooks was the author of many spirited and delightful poems under the signature of Florio." In connexion with his accomplished wife, Mrs. Mary E. Brooks, he published some years since a volume entitled "The rivals of Este and other poems." His poems are characterized by much tenderness and pathos of sentiment, and beauty and harmony of style. J. B. Van Schaick was a writer of ability. Although he wrote but little, yet that little showed he was possessed of the spirit and feeling which constitutes the poet. His "Joshua commanding the sun to stand still," and his " Address to the daughter of De Witt Clinton,” both have high merit. Willis G. Clark, has produced a number of poems full of gentle thought, religious feeling, and sweet senti $3 ment. His "Mary Queen of Scots," "The Burial Place at Laurel Hill," "The Early Dead," and "Death of the First-born," are beautiful and characteristic. for a constant series of historical romances: for an uninterrupted supply of standard works of fiction-informing the understanding and enlightening the mind, while they regale the fancy and gratify the taste for legendary lore and exciting interest. Samuel Woodworth has written many popular pieces. His "Bucket" and "The Needle" are well known and appreciated. The scene of the present work is laid in "la belle Lucretia M. Davidson, who died at the premature age France," in the days of that prince of monarchs, of 16, possessed a poetical genius of the highest order," Henri Quatre"--and at the eventful period immeupon which the greatest expectations were justly based. diately preceding the battle of Ivry. The good-hearted Her poems, produced in the bud as it were of child-king himself plays a conspicuous part among the "drahood, were wonderful. Their beauty of pathos, at that matis persona" of the novel-and the minor characters early age, drew forth the warmest encomiums. We can are beautifully conceived and admirably developed. only imagine, as we are not permitted to know, what The story itself abounds in interest—and its execution would have been the glory of the "perfect flower," throughout fully sustains the established reputation of the bud of which was so rich and fragrant. the distinguished author. Perhaps no period in the history of modern civilization, could have been selected, affording more abundant and copious materials for the novelist skilled in depicting the manners and peculiar characteristics of the time, the workings of human passion amid scenes of the most harassing anxiety and turmoil, and the rapidly succeeding alternations of victory and defeat in the contest for an empire and a crown, for civil and religious liberty--for "God and the right" than that which has here been so successfully and so powerfully illustrated. The student of history will find his labors materially aided, and his conception of the spirit of these "stirring times" rendered more accurate and vivid, by a perusal of this work: and the moral philosopher--the advocate of progress--the friend of humanity--no less than the politician, the statesman and the patriot, as such, will not fail to derive from it abiding and wholesome lessons of wisdom, goodness, and public and private virtue. What has been said of Lucretia applies also with equal justice to Margaret Davidson, the younger sister of the above-sisters not only in blood but in genius, and in the same early fate. Strange that two such buds should grow on the same genealogical stem, and strange also that the world should but know their sweetness, to mourn over their decay. "They but bloomed to fade." Miss Lucy Hooper also gave evidence before she died, of the choice gift of genuis. Her "Poetical remains," lately published under the editorship of John Keese, are full of sweetness, beauty and harmony. Literary Notices. ROSE D'ALBRET, a Tale of Troublous Times: By G. P. R. JAMES. New York, Harper and Brothers, 1844. Messrs. JENKS & PALMER, of Boston, have obligingly forwarded to us, through Mr. E. H. PEASE of this city, the following, among other recent publications, from their well known establishment: The Young Ladies Vocal Class Book, for the use of Female Seminaries and Music Classes, consisting of systematic instruction for forming and training the voice: together with a collection of songs, for one, two, three and four voices, composed, selected and arranged with piano forte accompaniments, by GEORGE JAMES WEBB, Professor in the Boston Academy of Music. We are indebted to the politeness of Mr. E. H. BENDER, Bookseller, No. 75 State-street, for an opportunity to glance over the pages of this new emanation from the inexhaustible imagination of JAMES. We perceive no indications of debility in the vigorous style and flowing eloquence of this justly admired and very popular writer-no flagging in the power which has uniformly characterized the leading incidents and imagery of his tale -no symptoms of exhaustion in inventive faculty, descriptive grace or accurate historical delineation. In all these respects James is unquestionably the most successful and remarkable author of fiction, which the age has produced. When his great prototype--he who may justly be regarded as the pioneer of modern romancers ---gave the literary world, in quick succession, the products of his teeming genius and well-stored mind, men wondered at the vast fertility and apparently inexhaustible fund of invention and power of execution which he developed. But misfortune, pecuniary embarrass- Child's First and Second Books of History; including the moment, and a combination of worldly ills, pressed his gigantic spirit prematurely to the earth; and under their iron thrall his physical and mental energies were alike crushed. Bulwer, long since, substantially withdrew from the field which he for some time beautified and adorned by the brilliant coruscations of a genius which however erratic, and occasionally "dazzling to blind," displayed powers unsurpassed by any of his predecessors or contemporaries. Our own Cooper writes at his leisure, and can scarcely be regarded as a periodical contributor to the fictitious literature of the age. Dickens, we grieve to say it, has evidently exhausted the stores of his genius. JAMES only is left of the original school of "Waverly," upon whom the public can rely The Little Songster; consisting of Original Songs for children: together with directions to teachers for cultivating the ear and voice, and exercises for teaching children the first rudiments of singing, for the use of primary schools and families, by GEORGE J. WEBB. An dern History of Europe, Asia and Africa, with maps and engravings, by the author of Peter Parley's Tales. Elementary Dictionary for Common Schools; with Pronouncing Vocabularies of Classical, Scripture and Modern Geographical names, by J. E. WORCESTER. A Comprehensive Pronouncing and Explanatory Dictionary of A the English Language, by J. E. WORCESTER. Third Book for Reading and Spelling, with simple rules and instructions for avoiding common errors, and a vocabulary of words used in the lessons, &c. One hundred and seventh edition. All these works are eminently deserving of introduction into our elementary and higher institutions of learning. Most of them, indeed, have already found their way there, with universal approbation and success. This number of the NORTHERN LIGHT may be obtained at the different Bookstores, and at JONES' Depot, Museum Building, where subscriptions will be received. The above places will also be furnished One bheet Periodical. ment. His "Mary Queen of Scots," "The Burial Place at Laurel Hill," "The Early Dead," and "Death of the First-born," are beautiful and characteristic. for a constant series of historical romances: for an uninterrupted supply of standard works of fiction-informing the understanding and enlightening the mind, while they regale the fancy and gratify the taste for legendary lore and exciting interest. Samuel Woodworth has written many popular pieces. His "Bucket" and "The Needle” are well known and appreciated. The scene of the present work is laid in “la belle Lucretia M. Davidson, who died at the premature age France," in the days of that prince of monarchs, of 16, possessed a poetical genius of the highest order," Henri Quatre"--and at the eventful period immeupon which the greatest expectations were justly based. |diately preceding the battle of Ivry. The good-hearted Her poems, produced in the bud as it were of child- king himself plays a conspicuous part among the "drahood, were wonderful. Their beauty of pathos, at that matis persona” of the novel—and the minor characters early age, drew forth the warmest encomiums. We can are beautifully conceived and admirably developed. only imagine, as we are not permitted to know, what The story itself abounds in interest-and its execution would have been the glory of the "perfect flower," throughout fully sustains the established reputation of the bud of which was so rich and fragrant. the distinguished author. Perhaps no period in the history of modern civilization, could have been selected, affording more abundant and copious materials for the novelist skilled in depicting the manners and peculiar characteristics of the time, the workings of human passion amid scenes of the most harassing anxiety and turmoil, and the rapidly succeeding alternations of victory and defeat in the contest for an empire and a crown, for civil and religious liberty--for "God and the right" What has been said of Lucretia applies also with equal justice to Margaret Davidson, the younger sister of the above--sisters not only in blood but in genius, and in the same early fate. Strange that two such buds should grow on the same genealogical stem, and strange also that the world should but know their sweetness, to mourn over their decay. They but bloomed to fade." 66 Miss Lucy Hooper also gave evidence before she died, of the choice gift of genuis. Her "Poetical remains," lately published under the editorship of John Keese, are full of sweetness, beauty and harmony. Literary Notices. ROSE D'ALBRET, a Tale of Troublous Times: By G. P. R. JAMES. New-York, Harper and Brothers, 1844. than that which has here been so successfully and so powerfully illustrated. The student of history will find his labors materially aided, and his conception of the spirit of these "stirring times" rendered more accurate and vivid, by a perusal of this work: and the moral philosopher--the advocate of progress--the friend of humanity--no less than the politician, the statesman and the patriot, as such, will not fail to derive from it abiding and wholesome lessons of wisdom, goodness, and public and private virtue. Messrs. JENKS & PALMER, of Boston, have obligingly forwarded to us, through Mr. E. H. PEASE of this city, the following, among other recent publications, from their well known establishment: The Young Ladies Vocal Class Book, for the use of Female Seminaries and Music Classes, consisting of systematic instruction for forming and training the voice: together with a collection of songs, for one, two, three and four voices, composed, selected and arranged with piano forte accompaniments, by GEORGE JAMES WEBB, Professor in the Boston Academy of Music. The Little Songster; consisting of Original Songs for children : together with directions to teachers for cultivating the ear and voice, and exercises for teaching children the first rudiments of singing, for the use of primary schools and families, by GEORGE J. WEBB. We are indebted to the politeness of Mr. E. H. BENDER, Bookseller, No. 75 State-street, for an opportunity to glance over the pages of this new emanation from the inexhaustible imagination of JAMES. We perceive no indications of debility in the vigorous style and flowing eloquence of this justly admired and very popular writer-no flagging in the power which has uniformly characterized the leading incidents and imagery of his tale -no symptoms of exhaustion in inventive faculty, descriptive grace or accurate historical delineation. In all these respects James is unquestionably the most successful and remarkable author of fiction, which the age has produced. When his great prototype--he who may justly be regarded as the pioneer of modern romancers -gave the literary world, in quick succession, the products of his teeming genius and well-stored mind, men wondered at the vast fertility and apparently inexhaustible fund of invention and power of execution which he developed. But misfortune, pecuniary embarrassment, and a combination of worldly ills, pressed his gigantic spirit prematurely to the earth; and under their iron thrall his physical and mental energies were alike crushed. Bulwer, long since, substantially withdrew from the field which he for some time beautified and adorned by the brilliant coruscations of a genius which A Comprehensive Pronouncing and Explanatory Dictionary of however erratic, and occasionally "dazzling to blind,” displayed powers unsurpassed by any of his predecessors or contemporaries. Our own Cooper writes at his leisure, and can scarcely be regarded as a periodical contributor to the fictitious literature of the age. Dickens, we grieve to say it, has evidently exhausted the stores of his genius. JAMES only is left of the original school of "Waverly," upon whom the public can rely Child's First and Second Books of History; including the mo dern History of Europe, Asia and Africa, with maps and engravings, by the author of Peter Parley's Tales. An Elementary Dictionary for Common Schools; with Pronouncing Vocabularies of Classical, Scripture and Modern Geographical names, by J. E. WORCESTER. the English Language, by J. E. WORCESTER. A Third Book for Reading and Spelling, with simple rules and instructions for avoiding common errors, and a vocabulary of words used in the lessons, &c. One hundred and seventh edition. All these works are eminently deserving of introduction into our elementary and higher institutions of learning. Most of them, indeed, have already found their way there, with universal approbation and success. |