Then circumambient roll'd th' ethereal space, The briny waters heard their Lord's behest, Their race commenc'd, and on with vigour press'd, Waves urg'd by waves their downward course maintain'd, 'Till all the hosts their destin'd place had gair'd: To clothe and beautify the naked earth, J. M. M. AINSWORTH'S ANSWER TO ANACREON'S NINETEENTH ODE. Ἡ γῆ μελαινα πίνει. [From the Lansdowne MSS. No. 825, in the British Museum.] THE thirsty Earth, when one would think Drink not, but melt, and straight restore OH! how art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How faded the wreaths on thy brow, thy beautiful forehead adorning! Thyself once triumphant, alas! ne'er again to thy honours returning, Art sunk to the depths of the pit, in hell everlastingly burning. Oh! how art thou fallen from heaven, O thou that didst weaken the nations! How low at the feet of her foe, is she that did spread desolations! For the Lord in the day of his wrath, to the pit of destruction hath brought her; The hand of the victor is weak, and the falchion is weary of slaughter. The sound of the tabret and harp, and the noise of thy viols are ceased; Thy feasts and thy riots are o'er, and the slave from his chain is released: In the lofty-domed temples of Bel, the beasts of the forest are yelling, And where Babylon's princes have dwelt, the marsh-loving bittern is dwelling. No remnant is left of thy might, to tell future ages the story, Of riches, and splendour, and strength, that were thine in the day of thy glory; For Babel is fallen, is fallen, and o'er her they make lamentation, "Ah! she that did sit as a queen, for she is no longer a nation!" How heaved the portals of hell, when thou in thy pomp wast descending; How bitterly smiled the kings, who low at thy footstool were bending: "Is this, then, the man who did shake with the rod of his anger the nations, That feasted himself on our spoils, and gloried in our desolations?" The daughter of Zion hath laugh'd, for He who His people hath shielded, The glittering sword on his thigh, 'gainst thee and thy children hath wielded; He trod in his fury, and thee like the light-flitting moth hath he crushed, And red is the sole of his foot, with the streams in thy slaughter that gushed. The Lord of Sabaoth hath there, with his terrible besom swept o'er thee, And quench'd in the darkness of night, the last ling'ring ray of thy glory: He hath silenc'd each tongue that might tell of thy praises, and then who shall tell it? It is he who hath spread o'er the cloud of oblivion, and who shall dispel it? 'Tis the soft hand of Jesus incessantly leads Through the dangers of doubt and dismay, 'Tis his banner of love that waves over our heads, "Tis his face that illumines our way; 'Tis his threatening that awes, 'tis his precept that guides, 'Tis his mercy that beams from above, 'Tis his death on the cross that salvation provides For sinners redeemed by his love! He hath said, "Fear thou not, by the pains I endur'd He hath said—and his promise shall ever remain And the moon gild the silence of night. As pilgrims on earth, we are looking abroad To inhabit with angels the city of God, Blest Saviour! 'tis only in that holy place Which thou shalt illume with the light of thy face, REVIEW.-The Georgian Era: Memoirs of the most Eminent Persons who have flourished in Great Britain from the Accession of George I. to the Demise of George IV. Vol. I. 8vo. pp. 582. Vizetelly and Co. London. 1832. We learn, from a note appended to an announcement of the second volume, that this series is to be comprised in four volumes, which will appear at intervals of three months each; that they will be illustrated respectively with about one hundred and fifty portraits on wood; and that, in addition to the above, fine medallions on steel, of George I. II. III. and IV., will form the frontispiece of each volume in succession. The work itself will comprise biographical sketches of the individuals whose countenances are engraven, together with many others, who, in the aggregate, will present to the reader nearly all of the most distinguished characters which England has produced during this Georgian Era. These sketches are divided into classes, which, in the volume before us, are arranged in the following order :-the Royal family; the Pretenders and their adherents; the Church; the Senate; and Dissenters. The succeeding volumes will embrace Military and Naval commanders; Judges, Barristers, Physicians, Surgeons, Travellers, Voyagers, Political Economists, Philosophers, Men of Science, Historians, Poets, Artists, and Miscellaneous Writers, who have distinguished themselves in any valuable department of literature. This volume contains memoirs of about five hundred individuals; but, although the delineations apply both to their personal and domestic, as well as to their public characters, each is comprised within a very narrow compass, and yet it is sufficiently extended to furnish all the information that common purposes can require. The compiler, having selected those only who have rendered themselves conspicuous, either by superior talents, exalted station, or peculiarity of fortune, has always solid materials at hand with which to erect his biographical edifice. In this compendium, he has also happily seized the more prominent features in the life which he portrays; and, on this account, he has diffused through his pages a degree of interest which subjects so exalted, and so diversified, are admirably calculated to ensure. Guided by prudence, in his choice of the ground on which he takes his stand, the editor has wisely avoided a limited enclosure. Kings, statesmen, heroes, churchmen, and dissenters, are alike eligible to his pages; and, so far as we have had an opportunity of examining his memoirs, they appear to have been delineated with an impartial hand. In the personal history of several individuals with whom we happen to be acquainted, we know that the likeness has been preserved, and that neither the incense of flattery, nor the distortions of caricature, have been permitted to encroach on the dominions of truth. It is a combination of the talent and character which form our great national picture, through all the preceding portions of the Brunswick dynasty. The anecdotes which are interspersed throughout these sketches, are both numerous and entertaining; but we have not perceived any disposition in the compiler to associate with wealth and title any sparklings of genius beyond what they had a right to claim; nor to withhold from merit, in less exalted stations, a record of those mental scintillations which honorary distinctions can neither annihilate nor confer. Carefully, closely, and correctly printed, each page of this book is divided into two columns, surrounded by fine black lines. The type is small, but very distinct; and, in each department, the volume is neatly put out of hand. It comprises a large assortment of valuable matter, presented to the eye in an attractive form. That this work has begun well, no reader can for a moment doubt; and if the volume now before us may be considered as a fair specimen of the three volumes which are to follow, (and that it is so, we have no reason whatever to doubt,) the Georgian Era will be a valuable acquisition to the biographical literature of the British nation. REVIEW.-The Ordinances of Religion practically illustrated and applied. By John Davies, B. D. Chichester. 8vo. pp. 308. Hatchard. London. 1832. SOME time in 1828, Mr. Davies appeared before us as the author of a work entitled "An Estimate of the Human Mind," and passed our ordeal in a manner highly creditable to his talents, and to the manner in which he has applied them. He now comes forth as an advocate for the ordinances of religion, as established in our national church, of which he is a minister. These ordinances he surveys under the following general heads: "Divine Worship, the Sabbath, Baptism, and the Lord's-supper." To each of these he devotes several chapters, in which the subject is pursued through its various ramifications; and the consequences which may be fairly anticipated from the observance or neglect of these ordinances, are forcibly pointed out. Viewed in the abstract, the author does not consider an observance of these ordinances essential to salvation, for times, and seasons, and circumstances may occur, to render their requirements impracticable. But, in a country like our own, where life and immortality are brought to light by the gospel, where the precepts and doctrines of revelation are clearly understood, where the authority of that revelation is confessedly acknowledged, and where the means are at all times attainable, he insists on the observance of christian ordinances as an indispensable duty. The command of God, and not the philosophical propriety of the thing commanded, is the genuine basis of obedience. On this obvious principle, Mr. Davies erects his theory; and, having secured a permanent foundation, proceeds to analyze in their various branches, the duties, privileges, obligations, and consequences, which the ordinances of religion involve. To all of these he gives a practical bearing, and surveys them in immediate connexion with what all will admit to be strictly essential to Christian doctrine, experience, and cha racter. The general tendency of his arguments is, to shew, that a neglect of ordinances implies an indifference to the design for which they were instituted, and a disregard of the spiritual blessings to which they lead. It is an indirect impeachment of the divine authority, and an arrogant assumption of his awful prerogative, of dictating what shall, or what shall not, command our obedience, and submission. Examined in these relations, the ordinances of religion become invested with an importance of character, which cannot fail to excite the reverence of every serious mind. This, Mr. Davies has placed in a strong, solemn, and scriptural light. His investigations are vigorous and rational; nor are we aware that he has attached to the ordinances of religion any greater degree of efficacy, or value, than is fully warranted by the unerring language of inspiration. REVIEW.-The History and Prospects of the Church, from the Creation to the Consummation of all things, &c. By James Bennett, DD. 12mo. pp. 190. Westley. London. Ir must be obvious to every person, who compares the contracted dimensions of this book with the magnitude of the subject on which it is written, that very little more than a syllabus of historical events can be expected in its pages. The matter, however, is of the utmost importance to every Christian, and to multitudes who have neither money to purchase, nor time to read more voluminous works, this book will be a valuable acquisition. It is a compendium of ecclesiastical history, that was much wanted; and, by this epitome, Dr. Bennett has laid many thousands of all sects and parties under lasting obligations. The great and leading events which form the history of the Old and New Testaments are so arranged in consecutive order, that one occurrence immediately opens the way for another, while the whole is brought within such a narrow compass, that every thing of importance may, with very little trouble, be committed to memory, and there laid up for future use. The history of the church from the birth of Christ down. to the Reformation, and thence to the present time, is somewhat more involved, but its prominent objects are placed in so conspicuous a light, that these also, in their leading particulars, may be transplanted in the memory, and thus continue the chain of historical events unbroken. Advancing from the present time, to "the consummation of all things," the paths in which we walk become more questionable and insecure. In some respects analogy affords a glimmering light, but a still more luminous torch may be found in the indications of the times, and the changes which are taking place in the moral and civil world. The declarations of prophecy seem to be the only permanent basis on which rational expectation can fairly stand. It is, however, a most indisputable fact, that prophecy, while announcing the certainty of future events, only speaks of them in general terms, without exactly specifying the time, or declaring the means, of their accomplishment. The clouds which rest on futurity, appear too dense for any human intellect to pierce, so that the finest-spun theories are little better than probable conjecture. We should not, however, be disposed to repress a spirit of inquiry into what may be hereafter, provided it be prosecuted with that calmness and moderation, which Dr. Bennett has manifested in this part of his "History and Prospects of the Church." REVIEW.-Art in Nature, and Science anticipated. By Charles Williams, 12mo. pp. 334. Westley. London. 1832. THIS little volume, though avowedly intended for children or young persons, possesses a much more exalted character, than books in general which come under this denomination. It contains dialogues on various branches of natural history, and enlivens the conversations with numerous incidents which the instincts of animals supply. Historical observations are also interspersed, which bring us into the regions of art, the imitative or inventive powers man, and the beneficial effects which have of resulted from the discoveries of science. All these topics, are, however, so pleasingly introduced, that instruction is taught to furnish amusement, without compromising its own dignity, or withholding the lessons it intended to communicate. We perceive no reason why books of this description might not be introduced to supplant many foolish compositions, with which our nurseries now abound. There can be no more difficulty in deriving amusement from a rational than from an irrational source, and if in early years this plan were adopted, Cock Robin might take wing and fly away. Beasts, reptiles, and insects, fishes, birds, and worms, furnish an inexhaustible variety, which might be rendered perfectly intelligible to the youthful mind; and the anecdotes with which the history of each species abounds, are far more remarkable and entertaining than any thing which fiction can invent. The philosophy of instinct is certainly a very instructive study. In the simple dictates of nature, we perceive the fundamental principles of art. To bring these before the eyes of admiring youth, was the great object at which this author aimed; and in this his exertions have been crowned with a successful issue. REVIEW.-Illustrations of the Vaudois in a Series of Views. Engraved by Edward Finden, from Drawings by H. Dyke Ackland, Esq., accompanied with Descriptions, 8vo. p. 34. Tilt, London. THE name and history of the Vaudois will never be obliterated from the records of Christianity. Inhabiting from time immemorial the beautiful valleys of Lucerne, Perouse, and Montin, they retained among themselves the pure principles of the gospel, while the great mass of professors degenerated into superstition and papal idolatry, and cherished those seeds which, in after years, produced the Reformation. In glancing over the transactions which have marked their career, we behold on the one hand the bloody spirit of papal tyranny exerted to extirpate them from the face of the earth, and on the other the most invincible courage and perseverance, supported by the providence of God in a manner bordering on the miraculous, and rendered triumphant over every difficulty. In some introductory pages, a transient historical outline of this remarkable people is given, but historical detail is not the subject of the present volume. Of the romantic scenery with which the mountains and valleys inhabited by these heroic Christians abound, and which has been an object of admiration to every traveller; it furnishes twelve views drawn with inimitable care, and executed in a style of beauty for which the name of Einden is a sufficient voucher. The letter-press connected with these views does little more than describe the subjects of the plates, interspersed with occasional incidents, which have occurred on or near the spot, to render it ever memorable. To those who are in love with the wild simplicities and sublimities of nature, whether elevated on her mountains, secluded in her valleys, or stretched on her plains, these engravings will present indescribable charms. A map exhibiting the whole face of this romantic district, is prefixed to the volume, which contains stout and beautiful paper, and is finished in a style of neatness for which the present period will long be re markable. REVIEW.-The Druid, a Tragedy, in Five Acts; with Notes on the Antiquities and early History of Ireland. By Thomas Cromwell, Author of " Oliver Cromwell and his Times," &c. 8vo. pp. 158. Sherwood. London. 1832. WE are informed in a preface, that the subject of this tragedy is the fall-the final fall-of Druidism in Ireland, in the fifth century. This simple declaration opens at one glance the grand outline of this drama; and it is easy to conceive that great and severe must have been the struggle between Druidism and Christianity, the former supported by the authority of its priests, and the long-established attachment and superstition of its votaries, and the latter enforced by the awful sanctions of revelation, which predicted the overthrow of idolatry and its bloody rites. By the Archdruid and his friends, the advocates of Christianity were considered as theological invaders, attempting to overthrow their sacred altars, destroy their mystic groves, and annihilate their order; while in the eyes of the Christians the system of Druidism was doomed to perish, and they considered themselves as instruments in the hands of the Almighty to effect its final overthrow. The area thus spread before us, furnishes ample room for many agents and characters to appear and perform their parts, on the theatre of conflict, and enables the author to introduce episodes, incidents, dangers, disappointments, and alternations of successes and defeats, to keep expectation on the alert, and to diffuse a vigorous interest throughout the acts and scenes, until the final catastrophe brings the tragic narrative to its termination. All these vicissitudes of fortune, and variations of purpose, the author manages with commendable dexterity, but we do not conceive the speeches of either party to contain that dignity of sentiment, or sparkling of mental energy, which we may fairly presume the great occasion would suggest. In the language of the Archdruid and his associates, we find little of that mysterious solemnity, that gloomy obscurity, which characterized the philosophy of their order, and the observance of their rites; and in that of the Christians, we discover a smaller portion of that amiable spirit and bright developement of the superior excellencies which distinguish this exalted system, than might be both expected and desired. The commotions and transitions, on the contrary, are introduced and sustained with much animation; and death frequently appears disappointed of his victims by unexpected means, when apparently within his grasp. Many of the dialogues are also supported with much vigour, and display, in their various evolutions, haughtiness, duplicity, treachery, and meditated revenge; and these in their turn give place to plots, cuntrivances, and the stratagems of war. In the management of these, the author has been far more successful than in giving dis tinct and luminous views of the contrasted sentiments on Druidism and Christianity embraced by the contending parties. Upwards of forty pages at the conclusion are filled with notes of an explanatory and historical nature. These tend to illustrate many passages in the tragedy, which allude to customs and institutions at present obsolete, or preserved only in some scattered memorials, of which the origin and meaning are lost, but which were at the above period both intelligible and important. On the whole, it is a highly respectable tragedy, rendered interesting by the materials of which it is composed, but still more so by the magic of the author's painting. REVIEW. My Old Portfolio, or Tales and Sketches. By Henry Glassford Bell. 8vo. pp. 320. Smith Elder, & Co. London. 1832. To our diversity of tastes, habits of reflection, and modes of thinking, we can scarcely set any bounds; yet in all their varieties, literature seems to keep pace with the multiplicity of demand, and, in some form or other, is always ready to furnish increasing hunger with its expected gratification. So far as this appetite, and, this supply, are kept within the bounds of moderation, the friends of virtue have little reason to complain; but when the cravings of a vitiated mind, dissatisfied with what the gardens of morality furnish, wander on forbidden ground, the means of indulgence are not less criminal than the spirit is depraved, that can urge a requisition which virtue disdains to sanction. It has been said, that we live in an age of light reading; and if any doubt should be entertained of its truth, this volume may be adduced as an evidence to support the charge. In some of its tales, imagination seems to have been transformed into a pegasus, which has carried the author through the regions of romance, where he roams at large among the marvellous and improbable, and appears to triumph in setting credulity at defiance. In some of his sketches, however, he has copied reality with a faithful hand, and traced with minute accuracy the internal workings of hope and fear, of vanity and disappointment, of anticipation and regret. "The incipient author" is full of well-delineated humour. The workings of ambition in the young aspirant after fame, are well depicted, and the unexpected barriers which obstruct his progress, are pencilled out with equal fidelity and care. The story of "Dicky Cross" is full of horror. "History |