"Divine service was formerly performed over the jail, and was well attended by the blacks; but lately, in the unfinished new church, in the centre of the town, where but few of either Europeaus or blacks attend. The latter have erected several places of worship of their own.

"The Maroons deserve credit for the neat little chapel they have erected by subscription among themselves.

"They had formerly a Methodist preacher, whom they procured from England; but, like most other Europeans, he did not survive long. There is also a respectable Wesleyan chapel in Settler Town, which is well attended; and many other private places of worship for dissenters are in different parts of the town, which are supported by contributions from congregations consisting principally of liberated Africans and discharged soldiers. Very few of these can even read, and many of the former hardly understand English; and perhaps the preacher, who may be a discharged soldier or a liberated African himself, scarcely knows his letters; yet they join heartily in singing psalms, which constitutes the principal part of their service. These latter places are open at day-light for about an hour, and in the evening from six till eight o'clock: the chanting may be heard at a considerable distance, and their discordant voices are not a little annoying to the Europeans who happen to reside in the immediate neighbourhood. On the Lord's day the shops are closed, and the sabbath is otherwise religi ously observed by the coloured population."-p. 193. We must now take our leave of this very interesting work, strongly recommending it to the notice of our readers, as a depository of valuable information, respecting the causes, disasters, vicissitudes, and issues of the Ashantee war, and as furnishing a compendious account of the present

state of Sierra Leone.

REVIEW.-Edinburgh Cabinet Library. 12mo. Vol. V. p. 461. Lives and Voyages of Drake, Cavendish, and Dampier. Simpkin, London. 1831.

BESIDES the three celebrated circumnavigators whose names are mentioned in the title-page, this volume contains a condensed account of many others, who visited the American continent, and the oceans which surround it, during the early parts of its history. It also has an immediate reference to those daring piratical adventurers known by the name of Buccaneers. These desperadoes, who, for many years, traversed the American seas, committing depredations on all whom they could conquer, were for a season the terror of every maritime nation in Europe. Rapine, plunder, inhumanity, courage, and profligacy, were their distinguishing characteristics. Collected from among the desperate of all nations, they acknowledged no authority but that which was cherished among themselves; and never, perhaps, since the ocean has been navigated by man, has its billows been disgraced with such a floating banditti.

But while the exploits of these ferocious marauders occupy a portion of this volume,

and other incidents arrest the reader's attention, the lives of Drake, Cavendish, and Dampier, form the burden of its pages. Of these celebrated adventurers, the personal history is but short. We speedily enter into

a survey of their public character, and follow them in the various vicissitudes of fortune which marked their enterprising career.

Nor is the survey confined to these men, their crews, their ships, or their successes. We are introduced to the numerous tribes of Indian natives whom they visited, and have an opportunity of inspecting their character and manners, before they were tinctured with either the virtues or the vices of their invaders. In the accounts thus given, many curious incidents and remarkable discoveries enliven the narrations; and, although in modern days our acquaintance with the Indian tribes is far more extensive and accurate than these early circumnavigators were able either to acquire or furnish, their observations are replete with interest, while their journals appear to retain all the freshness of originality, and all the charms of novelty.

It is, however, painful to reflect, that the pleasure derived from a perusal of these discoveries and adventures, should be nearly all tarnished with crimes of a revolting nature, and that robbery, inhumanity, and injustice, should have been so frequently the companions of these daring spirits. The keels of their vessels seem to have left in the ocean, a furrow polluted with enormity, and stained with blood.

The historian, however, is not more responsible for the deeds of injustice which he records, than the mirror is for the deformity and blemishes in the countenances which it reflects. In both we expect fidelity, and when this is supplied, no further responsibility is required. In this respect the writer of the volume before us has discharged his duty with commendable integrity.

It is recorded by Abbe Raynal, that, in the conquest of the new world, fifteen millions of human beings actually perished. To the far greater part of this tremendous sacrifice, the Spaniards have the dishonour of laying an exclusive claim; but it would be difficult to find, in those days of ferocity, an adventurer bringing back from a speculative voyage to America, hands undefiled with robbery, or unstained with blood. Among the bad, England may, perhaps, have been the best; or, if this title should be disputed, she is most undoubtedly to be regarded as possessing the negative excellence, of not being the worst in the world.

REVIEW.-The Gem: a Literary Annual for 1832. pp. 276. Marshall. Holborn Bars. London.

HERE is indeed a gem, the sparklings of which may illumine the gloomiest eve of the dreary winter. In general interest, and

the talent displayed in its contents, together with the splendour and; novelty of its engravings, "the Gem" may vie with the proudest of its rivals; and it can boast of having, amongst its sterling contributors, most of the popular poets and authors of the day; amongst whom we may enumerate, Bernard Barton, W. M. Praed, Esq., the author of "Lillian;" Dr. Bowring, the Hon. Mrs. Norton, Miss Agnes Strickland, Miss Emma Roberts, Miss L. H. Sheridan, Richard Howitt, Archdeacon Wrangham, the author of the "History of Poland," Thomas Haynes Bayley, Esq., the author of "May You Like It," the author of "The Castilian," &c. &c.

By way of extract, we cannot do better than quote the first piece in the volume, illustrating a splendid plate by Martin, entitled the "Temptation in the Wilder

ness.

THE TEMPTATION IN THE WILDERNESS.
By Bernard Barton.

"Not in the noise, the tumult, and the crowd,
Did the Arch-tempter spread his snares for Thee:
There he might hope to catch the vain, the proud,
The selfish;-all who bend the willing knee
To pageants which the world hath deified;
Seeking from such their pleasure and their pride.

But Thou, who, even in thy tarriance here,

Didst bear about Thee tokens of the high And holy influence of thy primal sphere, Stamping thy manhood with Divinity Who, in the world, wert still not of it-Thou, He could not hope, unto its spells would'st bow. Therefore he sought and found Thee-in the gloom Of the vast wilderness, perchance employed In meditating on man's hapless doom;

Who but for sin had still in peace enjoyed The bliss of Eden, ere the serpent's thrall Had wrought our earliest parents' fatal fall.

But vain the tempter's power and art! Though spent
With long, lone-fasting, in that desert drear;
Thou, in thy Deity omnipotent,

As man-from human crimes and follies clear,
Wert still temptation-proof, from frailty free:
He left-and Angels ministered to Thee!

Oh! then, as Eden, when by sin defiled,
Was Paradise no more, thy presence made
A brief Elysium in the desert wild,

And more than sunshine pierced its matted shade;
Its darkest depths by heavenly hosts were trod,
And the rude wilderness confessed its God!

We regret exceedingly, that the prose articles, which are most of them excellent, are all too long for quotation. "Jane," by the Hon. Mrs. Norton, is a vividly pathetic narrative. Among the Tales, we may name, as superior compositions, "Lady Anne's Bridal; a tale of the Two Churches:" by Miss Agnes Strickland. "The Story of Fiesco:" by the author of "May You Like It." "A Tale of the Desert:" by John Carne, Esq;-and, "Innocent Flirtation; or, the Rescue of the Inconstant:" by the author of "The Castilian."

We must content ourselves with another short extract or two from the poetry, and then advert to the engravings which adorn this attractive bijou :

SONNET ON THE COLOSSAL STATUE OF
MOSES.

By Michael Angelo: Translated from the Italian of
Zappi, by Sir Aubrey de Vere.

"What form, in everlasting marble wrought,
Sits giant-like, art's noblest triumph, there?
Voice almost trembles on the lip, high thought
Seems throbbing on that brow of grandeur rare.
'Tis Moses! lo! that beard of wreathing hair,
And the twin glories from his temples shot-
Moses! but with that yet diviner air,
Upon the mount, from God's own presence caught.
Such was he once, when the wave's wild rebound
Hung o'er him vast-such, when the deathful roar
Of waters closed, at the command of heaven.

And ye, vile crew! once worshippers around

A worthless calf-had it but been before A shape like this, almost your crime had been forgiven."

We should like to gratify our readers, by giving "A Fragment of a Ballad, teaching how Poetry is best paid for;" by the author of "Lilian;" but must confine ourselves to an extract from "The Unwilling Bride:" by T. H. Bayley, Esq.:

THE UNWILLING BRIDE.

By T. H. Bayley, Esq.
"They kneel round the altar,-the organ has ceased,
The hands of the lovers are joined by the priest;
That bond, which death only can sever again!
Which proves ever after life's blessing or baue!
A bridal like this is a sorrowful sight:

See! the pale girl is bride to the feeble old knight. |
Her hand on her husband's arm passively lies,
And closely she draws her rich veil o'er her eyes.
Her friends throng around her with accents of love:
She speaks not-her pale lips inaudibly move.
Her equipage waits, she is placed by the side
Of her aged companion-a sorrowing bride!
Again the bells ring, and the moment is come
For the young heart's worst trial, the last look of home!
They pass from the village-how eagerly still
She turns and looks back from the brow of the hill?
She sees the white cottage-the garden she made,
And she thinks of her lover, abandoned-betrayed!
But who, with arms folded, hath lingered so long
To watch the procession, apart from the throng?
'Tis he! the forsaken! the false one is gone-
He turns to his desolate dwelling alone;
But happier there, than the doom that awaits
The bride who must smile on a being she hates!"

Of the engravings of "the Gem," Martin's "Temptation in the Wilderness," deserves the first mention. Truly this is a fine production. The startling intricacy and gloom of the trackless and tangled wood-the awful barriers of bare and skyaspiring rocks-the tomb-like silence suggested by the tree-blasted aspect of the inaccessible solitude,-testify at once, that the design is the work of the great artist. "Miss Siddons," by Sir Thomas Lawrence, is a beautifully-executed portrait: as a likeness, we cannot offer our judgment upon it.

"The Broken Pitcher," by Witherington, engraved by Warren, is a composition of sweet and natural simplicity. "Love's Reverie," by Newton, engraved by Marr, is so lovely a figure, that it disarms criticism. "Private Theatricals," by Farrier, engraved by Duncan, admirably illustrates its subject. "Touchstone and Audrey," by Leslie, engraved by Goodyear, is Shaksperean and characteristic. "The Cottage Emigrants," is not so much

to our taste. "The Asinelli Tower, Bologna," by Bonnington, engraved by Cooke, evinces the excellences of the former artist. "Cologne," by Stanfield, engraved by Kernot, embodies an architectural and marine grouping, with admirable figures, in the exquisite style of that inimitable artist. "The Corsair," illustrative of Lord Byron's poem, is a bold and original design. "The Rescue of the Inconstant," by Cooper, engraved by Rolls, presents us with one of the painter's matchless horses; though we dislike the figures. "The Only Daughter,”—which, next to the Temptation in the Wilderness," we deem the sweetest engraving in the whole volume.

To conclude: This fourth appearance of "the Gem," in no way belies the promise of its preceding volumes. The editor deserves no slight commendation for the taste and skill with which he has selected and arranged the different articles. We wish the proprietor ample remuneration; and hope "the Gem" will have that extensive circulation, to which, by its interest and worth, it is veritably entitled.

REVIEW.-Divines of the Church of England, with a Life of each Author, and a Summary of each Discourse. By the Rev. T. S. Hughes. Vol. XVII. Jeremy Taylor, D.D. Vol. V. 8vo. pp. 600. Valpy. London. 1831.

THIS Volume concludes the works of this celebrated divine, of whom England may be proud, and the establishment may hoLourably boast. It includes his celebrated treatise on "Holy Living and Dying," in which we are at a loss whether most to venerate the christian or to admire the man. Unhappily, the instances are less numerous than could be wished, in which talents of the superlative order, and piety of the most exalted character, meet together in the same individual. Many, however, of this description may be found, and in this list we gladly place the name of Jeremy Taylor.

By some pious individuals, indeed, this work has been treated with no small degree of coldness, as being too legal, too much devoted to the duties of religion, too minute in expatiating on the injunction of precepts, and paying too little regard to the sublime and evangelical doctrines of the gospel. It will readily be admitted, that on these latter topics, many leading truths, which might have been amplified to great advantage, are but transiently touched. At the same time, it is but fair to state, that nothing is inculeated which the serious reader could wish

the author had omitted. It is a valuable body of practical divinity; but the merits of Christ, and the efficacy of his atonement, can alone furnish a permanent foundation for this admirable superstructure.

The intrinsic excellences of this work are, however, too well known to require any recommendation. From their first appearance, the subjects of this volume have been always held in high esteem, and no apprehension can be entertained that their value will be diminished in the eyes of posterity.

REVIEW. Divines of the Church of England, with a Life of each Author, and a Summary of each Discourse. With Notes, &c., by the Rev. T. S. Hughes, Vol. XVIII. Hall's Con

templations, Vol. I. pp. 452. Valpy, London, 1831.

THE memoir of Bishop Hall, which occupies about sixty pages, is rendered particularly interesting by the vicissitudes and sufferings which it was his lot to endure, and by the amiable and pious spirit which he uniformly manifested under the severest privations and disasters. It furnishes an awful comment on the language of inspiration, that they who will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. Of this the pious author sustained an ample share, but he also enjoyed the blessing pronounced on those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake.

Bishop Hall was at once distinguished for exalted piety, elegance of taste, high classical attainments, and a profound understanding. This rare association, accompanied with an undeviating attachment to truth, exposed him to the vengeance of the papal party, who could neither subdue his integrity, nor rival his mental acquirements, nor imitate his moral virtues.

The biographical sketch prefixed to this volume delineates both the man and the times in which he lived; and the contemplations which follow, illustrate and confirm all that we had been taught to expect. Who can read the annexed paragraph without admiration?

"Paradise was made for man, yet there I see the serpent; what marvel is it, if my corruption find the serpent in my closet, in my table, in my bed, when our holy parents found him in the midst of Paradise! No sooner is he entered, but he tempteth: he can no more be idle than harmless. I do not see him in any other tree; he knew there was no danger in the rest! I see him at the tree

forbidden. How true a serpent is he in every point; in his insinuation to the place, in his choice of the tree,, in his assault to the woman, in his plausibleness of speech to avoid terror, in his question to move doubt, in his reply to work distrust, in his protestation of safety, in his suggestion to envy and discontent, in his promise of gain."-p. 53.

REVIEW.-The Cabinet Cyclopedia, conducted by Dionysius Lardner, LL.D., &c. &c. &c. Optics, by David Brewster, LL.D. &c. Vol. XIX. 12mo. pp. 393. Longman, London. 1831.

Ir will be almost needless to say, that this volume is purely scientific; but though we may add, that it is in some degree divested of technicalities, yet it is better adapted for those who have a tolerable acquaintance with light and vision, than for such as are

seeking some knowledge of elementary principles. Many diagrams are scattered through its pages, to elucidate the phenomena described, but they do not appear to be exceedingly abstruse, or difficult to be understood.

This volume contains many striking peculiarities relative to light, colour, and vision, which the reader will peruse with admiration bordering on amazement. Some of these we would gladly insert, but our limits will not grant permission. For the following short paragraph, room, however, must be made; but for all besides, we must refer to the volume.

Extraordinary Velocity of Light. -"Light moves with a velocity of 192,500 miles in a second of time. It travels from the sun to the earth in seven minutes and a half. It moves through a space equal to the circumference of our globe in the eighth part of a second, a flight which the swiftest bird could not perform in less than three weeks."

REVIEW.-Lardner's Cabinet Cyclopedia, Vol. XX. History of Poland. 12mo. pp. 344. Longman, London. 1831.

THERE is, perhaps, no nation on the face of the earth, which at this moment excites so much general interest and sympathy as that of Poland. Long excluded from the list of kingdoms, by the overwhelming power of Russian despotism, the Poles have lately made a noble effort to regain their former independence. But the struggle has been unsuccessful; and they once more clank their chains in the ears of Europe, and renew their groans under the tyranny of their oppressors.

In this eventful struggle, though pitied by the surrounding states, not one came forth to lend them the least assistance. If good wishes could have overruled their fortune or their fate, Warsaw would still have been the capital of an independent people, and the ferocious hordes of their barbarous conquerors would have been roving among the icebergs and mountains of snow, which are emblematic of their unfeeling hearts. Independently of the vicissitudes at which

we have just hinted, the history of Poland is filled with occurrences of the most lively interest, through all the stages of its eventful passage on the stream of time. The occurrences and revolutions of this ill-fated people are traced in this volume with an able hand, and its pages are enlivened with numerous anecdotes of its sovereigns, heroes, armies, public characters, and leading men. The reader who seeks for a compendious history of Poland will be sure to find it in the twentieth volume of Lardner's Cabinet Cyclopedia.

REVIEW.-Lardner's Cabinet Cyclopedia, Vol. XXI. Biography, Vol. I. Eminent British Statesmen, 12mo. pp. 360. Longman, London. 1831.

ON opening this volume, we were surprised to find that it contained the lives of only four men, namely, Sir Thomas More, Cardinal Wolsey, Archbishop Cranmer, and William Cecil, Lord Burleigh. If this commencement is to be received as a specimen of what is to follow, the anxious reader may feelingly inquire, "To how many volumes will this biography of eminent British statesmen extend?"

From the portentous load which may thus be fairly apprehended, the preface is by no means calculated to relieve the reader. In this we are told, that "the literary contributors being persons who cannot be dictated to, nor required to modify the expression of their opinions, so as to adapt them to the views of others, the editor will not hold himself responsible for the various political and literary opinions which may be found in this series."

Biography is at all times an attractive species of composition, and the interest which it excites is always increased when the character delineated has filled some station of importance, either to his country or to his fellow-species. Such public

stations the individuals memorized in this volume have undoubtedly filled; and a record of their services is nothing more than a tribute of respect which they have a right to claim. But if " this series is intended to include the lives of the most considerable persons who have appeared in the political history of these countries, from the reign of Henry the Eighth, inclusive, to the present time," as we are informed in the preface; and if four memorials will fill one volume, as in the case before us-most libraries will require additional shelves.

These lives are well written, and furnish much amusing as well as instructive matter. To every lover of biography, this volume