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marvellous adventure. The bishop of Ephesus, REVIEW.-The Literary Pancratium, or,

the clergy, and magistrates, visited the cavern, when, after conversing with the somnambulists, they quietly expired. The credit which was given to this story is more remarkable than the event it pretends to relate. James, a Syrian bishop of the fifth century, devotes a homily to its praise; and the Seven Sleepers are found in the Roman, Abyssian, and Russian calenders. Mahomet introduced the tale in his Koran, and gives to Allah the honour of preserving the bodies from putrefaction, by turning them occasionally from right to left. The tales of the Hartz mountains, and the adventures of Rip Van Winkle, are closely allied to this Eastern fable.”—p. 172.

From the marvellous in fiction, we now turn to the marvellous in fact, exhibited in the surviving memorials of departed Ephesus:

:

"Sir Paul Ricaut remarks, and recent travellers confirm the observation: This place, where once

a Series of Dissertations on Theolo gical, Literary, Moral, and Controversial Subjects. By Robert Carr, and Thomas Swinburn Carr. 8vo. pp. 356. Simpkin & Marshall. London. 1832.

IF the authors, of this volume could have anticipated the idea of affectation, which the word "Pancratium" conveys, we think they would have selected one more familiar, or even have left their title-page without any generic term. Pedantry is always caland to awaken suspicions, from which no culated to create unpleasant surmisings, advantage can ever be derived.

Names and titles are, however, of less

Christianity so flourished as to be a mother church, importance to a book, than the subjects of

The

and the see of a metropolitan bishop, cannot now show one family of Christians; so hath the secret providence of God disposed affairs, too deep and mysterious for us to search into.' I was in Ephesus,' says M. Arundel, 'in January, 1824. desolation was then complete. A Turk, whose shed we occupied, his Arab servant, and a single Greek, composed the entire population, some Turcomans excepted, whose black tents were pitched among the ruins. What would have been the astonishment of the beloved Apostle, and Timothy, if they could have foreseen that a time would come, when there would be in Ephesus neither angel, church, nor city.'

The changes which have occurred in the sweep of ages, since Ephesus emerged from the grey mists of antiquity, give a far more striking lesson of human vanity and littleness, than the most impressive lecture of the moralist conveys; and the last transition from the highest eminence in the faith, to the depth of Moslem superstition, should prove a beacon to the succeeding churches of Christendom, that the will of their supreme Head cannot with impunity be disregarded. The city, once the busy scene of commerce and the arts of civilized life, has vanished; the temple, which required the wealth of Asia and the genius of Ctesiphon to create, is gone; the idol, at whose shrine the Lydian, Persian, and Macedonian bowed, is no more; and Christianity, which introduced into this emporium of pagan pomp and idolatry, its bishops, churches, and councils, has likewise disappeared. It is impossible to find a more striking instance of the literal accomplishment of prophecy, than in the fate of Ephesus. The avenging stroke has swept away every thing belonging to it, but the "eternal hills," the river, and a few mouldering columns; and excepting

the mournful cry of the jackal, the night-hawk, and the owl, and the occasional voice of the wayfarer, or the wild shout of the Turcoman, all is silence and solitude."-pp. 199.

Respecting all the other Asiatic churches, extracts similar to the above might be transcribed from this volume. But in each and all we behold the same general features of ruin, solitude, and desolation. In its extended outline, the picture is the same, varying only in degrees of shade, and circumstances of horror. But we must now take our leave of Mr. Milner, strongly recommending his book to the reader as one of the most useful and interesting on this subject, that we recollect ever to have perused.

which it treats, and the manner in which the task is executed. There can be no question that the topics discussed in these dissertations are deeply interesting, and of the utmost moment to the great family of man. They include "knowledge; the immateriality of the soul; the immortality of the soul; natural religion; origin of natural religion; mental associations connected with discoveries; language; the existence of the Deity; and Revelation." To each of these nine subjects a dissertation is devoted, and in every one we find some valuable observations.

We do not, however, conceive that these dissertations are very profound, or that they contain any large portion of originality. The authors admit that the source of consciousness is most probably immaterial, because they cannot conceive how those powers which we call mental, can originate in matter, either in its simple state, or under any peculiarity of modification. Their investigation is, however, not pursued with that vigour which its importance seems to demand, and of which several writers have proved that it is susceptible. Many objections they have omitted to urge and answer; nor have they concentrated that energy of reasoning which might be collected, to prove that matter cannot think.

In reference to the soul's immortality, nearly the same languid process is pursued. In favour of the fact, they have expressly informed us that no aid can be derived from metaphysical argument; but unhappily they have omitted to erect a more splendid or more substantial fabric in the room of that which they have thus demolished.

From some very respectable writers, many passages have been transplanted into the pages of this volume, and, if their number had been increased, its value would not

have been diminished by the weight of the obligation.

We readily admit, that popular arguments are in general far more extensively influential than those which are profound. Being less abstruse, they are more easily understood, and, as a natural consequence, are more convincing to the great mass of mankind. We must not, however, attempt to infer from hence, that popular argument is more conclusive than any other. In its utmost elevation, it can never rise higher than strong probability; but he who seeks for certainty will rarely be content to travel constantly in the beaten track.

In every part of this volume a sacred homage is paid to the evidences, doctrines, and authority of revelation; and many primitive, truths which have been ascribed to the discoveries of philosophy, are traced up to this divine source. We are well aware that the pride of human reason will hesitate to subscribe to this humiliating acknowledgment. But the more extensively and profoundly we prosecute our researches, the more plainly shall we discover how little can be known with certainty, without a humble reliance on the dictates of inspiration.

REVIEW.-Lardner's Cabinet Cyclopedia, vols. XXV.-XXXII, inclusive. Longman, London, 1832.

THE general character of this work is so well known, and its reputation so fully established, that it will be needless to expatiate on the distinguishing peculiarities and excellences of each volume. They issue from the press in rapid succession, and, in an extensive circulation, meet that patronage which the series very justly merits.

The twenty-fourth volume is devoted to the history and process of manufacturing iron and steel; and in the description, the progressive improvements which time, necessity, and genius have introduced, are followed in detail, and rendered interesting by the great mass of information imparted in every chapter.

Volumes twenty-five and twenty-eight, are biographical, containing the lives of eminent British military commanders. This department furnishes strong indications of being carried to an immoderate length, since both volumes contain the memoirs of only six individuals. If, therefore, this procedure may be considered as a fair specimen of what will follow; so prolific has this country been in the production of heroes, that another generation must arise before the series will be brought to a termi

nation.

Volume twenty-six describes, with intelligent minuteness, the manufacture of porcelain and glass. It is replete with valuable information to every one who feels an interest in the progress of arts and sciences, and in the growing prosperity and welfare of his country.

The twenty-seventh volume is devoted to the Italian republics; and in its history, like that of many other states, we find commotion, intrigue, ambition, perfidy, treachery, cruelty, and injustice among its distinguishing characteristics. Variety, however, renders it mournfully interesting; but we feel disgusted at the sanguinary operation of ferocious passions, and sigh to think that the history of a civilized community should be almost everywhere polluted with stains of blood.

Volumes twenty-nine, thirty, and thirtytwo conduct us to the dominions of Spain and Portugal, the histories of which are chequered with a strange intermixture of light and shade. In many portions of these volumes, superstition, cruelty, and enterprise contend for the diadem of superiority, and each in its turn seems to triumph over its powerful rivals.

But neither the exaltation nor the degradation of a people can affect the character of the historian. In all his delineations, fidelity should be his guide; and while he rigorously adheres to fact, the preponderance of light or shadow, in the picture which he draws, is a circumstance over which he has no control.

The history of Switzerland, in volume thirty-one, is intrinsically interesting. We behold a brave and virtuous people groaning for a season under the wanton barbarities of oppression, till, goaded by cruelties no longer to be borne, they resolved either to shake off the yoke of tyranny, or to perish in the attempt. Success attended the heroic enterprise; and fame has erected a monument to the memory of William Tell, and his brave associates in arms, on which she has written an inscription that Time is for. bidden to efface.

From this very interesting volume, many affecting incidents might be selected, but choice is attended with difficulty where a motive for preference is surrounded with a host of rival claimants. In almost every page, the reader will find something remarkable to arrest his attention, and the whole must be perused by those who wish to make themselves acquainted with its value.

Of Lardner's Cyclopedia, thirty-two volumes are now before the world. The subjects which they embrace are multifa

rious and diversified, but, as a natural consequence, are not alike interesting to every reader. It is, however, pleasing to observe, that the exalted expectations, which this work, on its first appearance, excited, have never been disappointed. Its character is still sustained without any deterioration; and where honour, interest, and talents are happily combined, they furnish pledges that are too valuable ever to be forfeited.

REVIEW.-Lardner's Cabinet Library, Vols. VIII. & IX. Longman. London. 1832.

THE exact degree of consanguinity which this work bears to Lardner's Cabinet Cyclopedia, we cannot accurately ascertain, but from their dress, magnitude, and character, should suppose they were brothers. The materials of the two works are certainly not identical; but such is the relationship between them, that an exchange of names would not be attended with much inconveniency or loss.

The eighth volume concludes the history of the life and reign of George the Fourth. The ninth proceeds with the military memoirs of the Duke of Wellington, tracing the heroic deeds of this great commander down to his victory at Waterloo, and leav ing him covered with unfading laurels, and enjoying the plaudits of his grateful country.

The subjects of these volumes, being of modern date, are far more interesting than the history of transactions which took place some centuries since; and it must be within the recollection or knowledge of every one, that the periods to which we refer are pregnant with momentous events, that have an immediate bearing on the days in which we live. To all the prominent occurrences which their circle comprehends, the authors have respectively called our attention; and from many of the incidents lying within the sphere of our personal observations, we have an opportunity of estimating their historical fidelity. So far as our knowledge extends, this duty has been discharged in a very creditable manner; and hence we are naturally induced to place confidence in their integrity, where the topics of their researches elude our penetration.

From an advertisement, prefixed to the ninth volume, we learn, that the Cabinet Library is brought to a conclusion. This declaration excites in us no surprise. The ground seems to have been pre-occupied by the Cabinet Cyclopedia, and to that work subjects may be easily transferred, which might otherwise have prolonged the 2D. SERIES, NO. 20.-VOL. II.

continuance of this. Viewed in the aggregate, these nine volumes embody much useful information, and, without such an able substitute and auxiliary as it finds in the Cabinet Cyclopedia, we should have sincerely regretted its discontinuance.

REVIEW.-Edinburgh Cabinet Library, Vols. VII. and VIII. British India, Vol. II. and III. 12mo. pp. 460-476. Simpkin. London. 1832.

THESE two volumes complete the historical and descriptive account of British India, the commencement of which was reviewed in our preceding number. We were then favoured with a general survey of our Eastern empire, and, so far as could be ascertained, with the early events of its history, until the British gained a footing in that extensive and populous region. We have now an opportunity of tracing the progress of our conquests in the various territories of the native princes, of marking the vicissitudes of successive wars until the final subjugation of all the countries over which we extend our dominion in the East, and of surveying the principles of government, and the nature of that commerce, which conquest has enabled us to establish.

From men and manners we are carried to the animal productions of nature, descending downwards from the "half reasoning elephant" to the "green myriads in the peopled grass." In this department the forests, rivers, and seas are explored; and when the author has ranged through the varied kingdom of exhausted life, he descends into the regions of geology and mineralogy, and contemplates the natives in their scientific researches. These volumes, therefore, which are exclusively devoted to British India, embrace nearly every subject of importance that belongs to the history of man, of animals, and of vegetable life, in this interesting portion of the globe.

So numerous and diversified, however, are the topics which claim attention, that in many cases a compendium only is given, and in no instance is the history extended in lengthened detail. These circumstances keep alive the interest which narrative, incidents, and occurrences excite; and, as much useful information is scattered through every chapter, he who stores his mind with the knowledge of India, which these volumes communicate, will have more accurate ideas of our Eastern possessions, and a more extensive acquaintance with them, than multitudes who have 3 с 164.-VOL. XIV.

spent nearly the whole of their lives in these sultry climates.

The Edinburgh Cabinet Library began under very auspicious promises of high respectability. The first volume fixed the elevation of its character, and each in succession has tended to confirm the exalted rank which it sustains.

REVIEW.

Family Classical Library, Vols. XXVII-XXXI. 12mo. Valpy London, 1832.

In our preceding numbers, we have had occasion to notice the early volumes of Plutarch, whose writings are concluded in

the first three now before us. In their aggregate, they occupy seven volumes in the Family Classical Library, and many circumstances conspire to give them an intrinsic value.

The name of Plutarch is chiefly known by his biographical sketches of illustrious men; and, perhaps, his "Lives," is one of the most interesting portions of ancient literature, which the stream of time has brought to us unimpaired. It would, however, appear from the list of his writings, that several of his memoirs have disappeared; and if the catalogue which bears the name of his son may be deemed authentic, much more of his moral and critical compositions have been lost than preserved.

Throughout the whole of Plutarch's writings, there is a vein of strong morality, occasionally blended with a spirit of piety, but frequently degenerating into superstition. In depth of penetration, and eagle-eyed sagacity, he has not been thought to excel, but good sense and genuine candour almost invariably accompany his sentiments. It is vain, however, to expatiate on the writings of a man whose name has been inscribed on the tablets of fame for nearly two thousand years.

The thirtieth volume contains a translation of the works of Hesiod, Bion, and Moschus, Sappho, Musæus, and Lycophron. These ancient authors, though of less celebrity than Plutarch, are not unknown in the galaxy of ancient glory. Hesiod is presumed to have been contemporary with Homer: and from such of his writings as have reached us, we learn, that he was a man of strong intellectual powers, and highly favoured by the muse. Of Sappho, only a few fragments remain, but they seem to have been sufficient to secure her immortality. The writings of the other

authors in this volume bear evidence to the rank which they justly sustain among the classical authors of antiquity.

The thirty-first volume commences with Cæsar's Commentaries, written by himself; after which, an account of his future wars in Gaul, is continued by A. Hirtius. Few works, perhaps, that have reached us from what has been called the Augustan age, are better known, or more highly esteemed than the Commentaries of Cæsar; and, what is still of superior importance, they stand unrivalled in deserving the fame they have so extensively acquired.

In this translation, by Duncan, professor of philosophy in the University of Aberdeen, the spirit of the original has been admirably preserved. On its first appearance, in 1752, it was admitted by all competent judges to be both faithful and ele. gant; and although fourscore years have since elapsed, it still retains its original character. It is a translation which no one has the vanity to mend, or the temerity of attempting to supersede.

Of this excellent translation, Mr. Valpy has availed himself, and the very low price at which the volumes of this family classical library, are published, will give to the wisdom and learning of antiquity a diffusion far more extensive than any former age was ever permitted to enjoy.

REVIEW.-A Three Months' Tour in Switzerland and France; illustrated with Plates, &c. &c. By the Rev. William Liddiard. 8vo. pp. 280. Smith, Elder & Co. London. 1832.

TRAVELS, narratives, and tours, are_in general very interesting compositions. The reade renters on a perusal of them with undefined expectations of pleasure, to be derived from a delineation of customs and manners, which bear little or no resemblance to those of his own country, and a description of scenery that will charm by its varied beauties, or absorb his contemplative faculties by exhibitions of grandeur, or displays of awful sublimity.

In works of these kindred classes, incident, episode, and anecdote are hailed with inexpressible delight. They tend to break down the monotony of narrative, and frequently communicate more accurate and more lively ideas of national character, and domestic habits, than the most laboured descriptions that are closely confined to simple detail.

It would appear from the contents of this volume, that the author passed over a

vast extent of territory, and visited, during his journey, many places of a highly interesting character. But when we are told in the title-page, that no more than three months were devoted to his observations and researches, we are naturally led to infer that his survey was transient and superficial, and that this is a book not much calculated to augment our stores of philosophical information.

Such is precisely the character of this volume. The author notices what he saw as he passed from place to place, mentions various parties into whose company he happened to fall, relates occasional conversations, dines, looks round the town, sleeps tolerably well sometimes, and, after detentions arising from various causes, renews his journey, and again relates the little adventures of the day.

The whole of this three months' tour is comprised in twenty-six letters; and to the friend who received them, there can be little doubt that they were both welcome and interesting epistles, but, beyond the importance which local friendship imparts, we find very little to command public attention.

The style is sprightly and flowing, expressive of that buoyancy of spirits which a flying tourist may be supposed to possess, who, on his return, will be able to recount how many miles he travelled in three months. In all his epistles, Mr. Liddiard has been careful to disfigure his pages with scraps and terms of foreign language, which, without any translation, every person is presumed to understand.

To a reader who wishes for amusement that will neither impose labour on thought, nor levy a tax on reflection, this volume will afford gratification. He will not be detained long in one place, and every one knows that rapid changes and sudden transitions add much to the felicities of life. To this praise the volume before us is fairly entitled, but beyond this we can hardly extend our notes of approbation.

REVIEW." Remember Me," a Token of Christian Affection consisting of entirely original pieces in Prose and Verse. 24mo. pp. 192. Simpkin. London.

THIS elegant little volume being confined entirely to original pieces, the reader will be in no danger of repurchasing articles which he has already seen. To this we must add, that all the compositions are of a religious character, and are associated with authors, whose names become vouchers for the

purity of their principles, and the beneficial tendency of what they have respectively written.

We are not aware, however, that a cloud of gloom is suffered to hover over the pages of this book; but we cannot be ignorant that a religious publication has no charms for any one whose heart is not in harmony with the songs of Zion. To the younger part of the religious community it will be an acceptable acquisition, and an elegant token of remembrance to be presented to any youthful friend.

We learn from an observation at the conclusion of the preface, that "Remember Me," will be discontinued in its present form, but that it will be succeeded by a somewhat similar volume under a different title. In this we shall rejoice, as works of sterling utility are much wanted to counter act the delusive glare of tinsel glitter.

REVIEW.-Illustrations of Political Economy, Nos. 4, 5, and 6. By Harriet Martineau. 18mo. Fox. London,

1832.

EACH of these numbers contains an interesting tale, not merely a tale that is calculated to amuse the fancy without reaching the understanding, but one that bears in hard round numbers upon existing evils of enormous magnitude, and that makes a powerful appeal to every feeling heart.

"Demerara," in No. 4, whips slavery with as much sincerity as a negro-driver would whip the slaves under his control. The castigation given to the accursed fiend, serves only to increase our detestation of its horrors, and our wishes to see it perish on the gibbet of infamy.

"Garveloch," in No. 5, is both amusing and scientific. Its lessons are of high importance; and the genius displayed in the composition, impresses it with a character which any author might be proud to associate with his name.

"Weal and Woe," in No. 6, coincides with the preceding. Its chapters have very interesting titles, and their contents invariably nothing romantic, nothing to surprise belief, keep political economy in view. They exhibit nothing to demand more evidence than occurrences of life and manners every day supply.

The first three numbers of this work we have not seen; but presuming that they are in accordance with those before us, such happy illustrations of political economy are, perhaps, not to be found, so condensed and yet so sprightly, within the whole compass of English literature.

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