for any human lenitives to reach. In these extreme bereavements, an application by prayer to the throne of grace is strongly recommended to the sufferer, that patience and resignation may have their perfect work, and lead to a reliance on the Divine wisdom and goodness, even while clouds and shadows conceal the motives which cause the heart to bleed.

The great and formidable obstacle which this book has to encounter, while administering consolation to a pious mind, is, the apprehension lest those over whom we mourn should not have their names written in the book of life. Here the only anchorage is, the Judge of the whole earth will do right; and in his justice, clemency, and mercy, submission to his will is a duty which we owe to his commands, and to our own peace of mind.

To the remembrance of many, these pages will suggest motives of sterling importance, which in the tide of sorrow might be forgotten or overlooked. These will have a powerful influence on the living, although they cannot affect the dead; and through their operation, tribulation may work patience, and patience experience, and experience hope. It is a work that is piously designed, and ably executed; and if carefully perused, will administer tranquillity to multitudes, who think that their woes can admit of no alleviation. It is, on the whole, the best book, within a narrow compass, that we ever recollect to have seen written avowedly on this momentous subject.

REVIEW.-A Text-Book of Popery, comprising a brief History of the Council of Trent, a Translation of its Documents, Decrees, and copious Extracts from the Catechism published by its Authority, &c. By J. M. Cramp. 12mo. pp. 450. Holdsworth. London. AGAINST the method which the author has adopted to bring popery fairly before the public, we think no papist can reasonably urge any weighty objection. The council of Trent is admitted by all parties to furnish a legitimate source of authority; and while its decrees shall remain unrepealed, the picture of popery which it presents to the world, must be allowed to exhibit a faithful representation of its likeness.

It would occupy more room than we can spare, even to enumerate the expedients to which the doctors of the Romish church have resorted, to countenance the monstrous absurdities that have crept into this unholy communion.

The second commandment, which prohibits idolatry, is wholly suppressed in Butler's Catechism, a work extensively circulated in Ireland; and the tenth is divided into two parts, to preserve the number. The word "repentance" is almost invariably translated " penance. "The sacrifice of the mass," ," "pilgrimage," "tradition," "human merit," and the "fire of purga. tory," are equally indebted to similar interpolations, and forced translations, for their existence.

On the subject of transubstantiation, the author quotes several pages from the Council of Trent, which are too extended to be transcribed. The following passage, however, conveys a correct idea of their import.

"Since, therefore, Christ our Redeemer affirmed that it was truly his body which was presented under the species of bread, the church of God hath

always held, and this holy council doth now renew the declaration, that by the consecration of the bread and wine, the whole substance of the bread is converted into the substance of the body of Christ our Lord, and the whole substance of the wine into the substance of his blood; which conversion is by the holy Catholic church fitly and properly called transubstantiation.”—p. 153.

After thus citing from the decrees of the Council of Trent, which will remain to the latest generations as a monument suspended on the gibbet of infamy, a variety of passages, the author exposes their enormity, and the insults which they offer to all legitimate reasoning, and to the dictates of common sense, in a copious assemblage of

smartly-written notes. This is judiciously done, that the poison may not be propagated without its accompanying antidote. These notes he does not profess to be Many of them have been wholly original. long before the world in various forms. The enemy has nibbled at them, but they are too strongly fortified with truth to be demolished, either by jesuitical sophistry, the sorceries of criticism, or the thunders of the Vatican.

When the infant is arrested in its cradle, and fetters are imposed on the intellect before it has acquired its natural energy, it is impossible to say what it may not be persuaded or compelled to believe, especially when sanctioned by the prevalence of example, and terrified by priestly fulminations, if it presume to doubt. But where the understanding has attained a state of maturity, and ecclesiastical anathemas are unaccompanied with physical power, we should imagine that no person of sound mind, after reading this book, can become a convert to popery, or hear its dogmas without indulging the sneer of virtuous indignation.

REVIEW.-The History of Charlemagne ;. with a Sketch of the State and History of France, from the Fall of the Roman Empire to the Rise of the Carlovingian Dynasty. By G. P. R. James, Esq. 8vo. pp. 520. Longman. London, 1832. THERE can be no doubt that Charlemagne, in the ample fields of policy, government, and war, was the greatest man of the age in which he lived. When surrounding luminaries were sinking beneath the horizon, or retiring behind clouds from which they never afterwards emerged, he arose like a star of the first magnitude, and imparted a steady lustre to the hemisphere in which he shone.

Amidst the desolation of nations, he appeared as a monumental beacon, and held forth a torch to guide despairing intellect across the morass of confusion, where the mighty Roman empire found its grave, to a region in which civilization might erect her standard, and prevent barbarism from obtaining universal dominion over the inhabitants of the earth. His intellectual energies, wisdom, and courage were suited to the exigencies of his times; and although more than a thousand centuries have elapsed since the period in which he flourished, many of his institutions still remain, nor is it probable that they will ever be discarded, until the nations of Europe shall mingle with the savage hordes that prowl through the deserts of the world.

The reign of Charlemagne extended through nearly forty-seven years, during which period he rekindled that light which the dissolution of the Roman empire had nearly extinguished, and concentrated in himself a considerable portion of the power which the conquering barbarians had dispersed. It is, therefore, both pleasing and instructive to trace the biography of so celebrated an individual, pursuing his march through a region of comparative darkness, and, under such disadvantageous circumstances, to follow the movements of his powerful mind, amidst the evolutions of its exercise, and the perils of its adventures. This very important task, Mr. James has undertaken, and accomplished in the volume before us, in a manner that can hardly fail to prove satisfactory to every impartial reader.

There can be little doubt that the compilation of this work has been attended with considerable difficulties. Of transactions so remote, many records must have been found obscure; and the occasions were not few, in which the events were very differently represented. Between these conflicting memorials the author had to steer

In all the great and leading characteristics of Charlemagne, we perceive no deficiency, which the historian can be expected to supply, and in occurrences of inferior magnitude we have no particular interest. The condition of the surrounding nations at that period, is a subject of far greater importance. To this the author has transiently directed our attention in his sketch of the history of France, for, without this, the spirit of his hero would want an area in which to display its operations.

Having pursued this mighty monarch through his vicissitudes of peace and war, and, finally, seen him gathered to the sleep of his fathers, A.D. 814, in the seventysecond year of his age, and the fortyseventh of his reign, Mr. James thus concludes the concentration of rays which form his character; and with this brief extract we take our leave of the author, his hero, and his book.

"He (Charlemagne,) was sober and abstemious in his food, and simple to an extreme in his garments. Passionately fond of robust exercises, they formed his great relaxation and amusement; but he never neglected the business of the public for his private pleasure, nor yielded one moment to repose or enjoyment, which could be more profit

ably employed. His activity, his quickness, and

his indefatigable energy in conducting the affairs of state, having already been spoken of at large, it

only remains to be said, that in private life he was

gentle, cheerful, affectionate, and kind;-and that, with his dignity guarded by virtues, talents, and mighty renown, he frequently laid aside the pomp

of empire, and the sternness of command.

"No man, perhaps, that ever lived, combined in so high a degree those qualities which rule men and direct events, with those which endear the

possessor, and attach his contemporaries.

No

man was ever more trusted and loved by his people, more respected and feared by other kings, more esteemed in his life-time, or more regretted at his death."- 499. -p.

REVIEW. A Guide to the Orchard and Kitchen Garden, with Calendars for the Work required in the Orchard and Kitchen Garden every Month in the Year. By George Lindley, C. M. H. S. &c. 8vo. pp. 632. Longman. London 1832.

THE author of this volume appears to be chiefly indebted for the information he communicates to practical observation, which every one must allow to be the only rational source of real knowledge. To the common reader, however, it will be found a work of no great interest. It is among gardeners, horticulturists, and the scientific pupils of

Pomona, that it must look for support, and to these it will prove of no inconsiderable value.

There can be no doubt that this has been a work of great labour to the author. His experiments must have been numerous, and his diligence in watching their results unremitting. Into this account must be taken the seasons of the year, heat, cold, sunshine, and rain, together with the shelter, exposure, age, and character of the articles cultivated; and also the soil and aspect best calculated to bring them to perfection. These, for common purposes, are subjects far more interesting and useful than scientific names, genus, species, and classifica. tion; and to these the author has paid particular attention, without neglecting those branches on which science has an imperious claim.

On the selection of seeds, plants, graffs; on planting, training, watching their pro. gress, both in luxuriance and tardy growth; and on their treatment and manure when sickly, or in full vigour, the author has given ample and diversified directions, from which the most unskilful in horticulture may derive much useful information. It is a work which no scientific gardener should be without, in what situation soever he may be placed. He will, no doubt, find many things with which he is already intimately acquainted; but it can hardly be questioned that others will appear, on which he may be glad to receive information. Even a solitary hint is sometimes found of essential service, by opening a door to experiments that are attended with the most beneficial results. Practice can never approximate so nearly to perfection, as to exclude all the advantages that may be derived from variety in process and operation. These, however, can only be known by the transmission of thought, and an interchange of ideas, to which science, in every branch, is laid under continued and lasting obligation. In this volume, Mr. Lindley has done his part; and all who are anxious to improve in this department of knowledge, have an opportunity of profiting by the information which he communicates.

could have crowned it with laurels that will never fade. While the name of the mighty Roman lives, the fame of his Com. mentaries will never die. With men of learning, taste, and extensive reading, they have always been held in high reputation, but it has been reserved for Mr. Valpy to present them to the public in a portable form, and at a moderate price, and thus to bring them within the reach of thousands, whose ancestors could have known little of them besides the name.

REVIEW.-Lardner's Cabinet Cyclopedia, No. 33, History; Vol. 11. The United States. 12mo. pp. 354. Longman. London, 1832.

EVERY reader knows that the history of the United States of America is full of interest, as the principal part of its great occurrences have not yet been carried by time beyond the memory of man. Over these numerous and diversified topics, this volume ranges with admirable dexterity. The subjects which it embraces, might easily have been expanded into three times its present dimensions, but it is not improbable that it Iwould have lost in interest more than it would have gained in magnitude. We will only add, that the leading incidents, and more prominent occurrences, which distinguish the vicissitudes of this vast republic, are luminously, though briefly stated, in this thirty-third volume of Dr. Lardner's Cabinet Cyclopedia.

THIS is a kind of gossiping publication, in which is recorded the tete-a-tete conversation which may be supposed to have taken place on board a vessel conducting its precious cargo of passengers to a port in France, and also after their arrival at the foreign inn. The prevalence of the cholera, free trade, bad times, machinery, the advantages and disadvantages of commerce, political economy, and, what is for dinner? are among the topics discussed. Even the Reform Bill, Whig and Tory influence, and annual parliaments, engross the attention of the company, who decide on nothing, but to leave every thing undecided.

It has frequently been said, that this is an age of light reading. If the remark be just, this volume will most assuredly suit the public taste, and gain many admirers. The characters are exhibited under fictitious

names, but if this volume is intended to satirize any of our public men, as an anonymous paper intimates, we cannot but think that it will prove an abortion. Scattered throughout its pages, we find a few pungent remarks-but tittle-tattle and frivolity may lay claim to all the rest.

REVIEW.-The Byron Gallery, a Series of Embellishments to illustrate the poetical Works of Lord Byron, Part II. Smith, Elder, & Co. London. We cannot accumulate our epithets of admiration with so much facility as the artists in these engravings display the delicate and varied beauties of their profession; our readers must, therefore, be content with common language, although employed to direct their attention to a work of uncommon merit. If the word exquisite had not been stolen by the dandies, and degraded from its original meaning, to express the appearance of a varnished fool, it might, in some measure, have served our purpose, on the present occasion; for whoever looks at these beautiful productions of graphic skill, must acknowledge, that art has lavished upon them her commanding powers, in all the glory of exquisite consummation.

Of the five engravings which this part contains, the artists are well known; and celebrity has long been associated with their names. They can, therefore, only hope from the productions of their patience, perseverance, and genius, for an extension

and perpetuity of that fame which they have already acquired. It is only from a few highly favoured individuals, at the head of their profession that works like these are to expected. Others, stimulated by a noble emulation, eye them from afar, and travel hard in the path of experience, towards the tempting elevation; but they need not be informed, that it is only

"Divines of the Church of England," several of which we have already noticed. Mr. Ogden flourished during the former half of the last century, but his works appear destined to live through future generations. They bear evidence to his intellectual energy, his zeal for truth, and his ability to place it in a commanding attitude. The subjects are doctrinal, experimental, and practical, and in each department they evince that their author was a sound and orthodox divine.

By those who attended Mr. Ogden's ministry, his delivery and voice have been represented as ungraceful; but all concur minded Christian, and an honest man. that he was a good scholar, a liberalIn these sermons he deals faithfully with all to whom his observations apply, but we perceive little or nothing of that severity which report has transmitted, from his pulpit discourses.

REVIEW.-The Laws of Christ, being a complete Digest of all the Precepts contained in the New Testament; with Comments and devout Meditations on each Topic of Duty. By Joseph Turnbull, A. B. 12mo. pp. 396. Hamilton and Co. London. 1832. THIS is not a regular treatise, but a collection of precepts and aphorisms from the scribe the line of duty under nearly all the pages of the New Testament, which precommon occurrences of life. They exceed founded on passages selected from the one hundred in number; all primarily

sacred volume. To each of these is sub

joined a short dissertation by the author; either enforcing, explaining, or applying his superstructure. These are appropriated the precepts that had formed the basis of to each day in the week, in consecutive order; and present to the reader many admirable lessons, which may be rendered highly beneficial in all the varied walks of life.

understanding, and expects religion in the heart as well as in the life. His sentiments are liberal; but candour never betrays him into indifference, as though truth had been diminished in its value, and rendered in his estimation but half worthy of regard. Against the unamiable spirit of bigotry he has advanced many judicious observations, and distinguished it from commendable zeal by several characteristics. It is a book that contains a great variety of useful ob

WHEN ministers of the gospel attempt to defend the truths of revelation, the advocates for infidelity, in general, disregard their arguments, and impeach their motives. They are considered as interested in what they advance, that their livelihood depends upon their advocacy, and that their calling leads them to impose upon mankind. Base and sophistical as these insinuations are, they have an imposing aspect, and multitudes have been deluded by their sorcery. Through this delusion, many a powerful argument has been neutralized in the estimation of such characters, and those whose learning, talents, inquiries, and habits of reflection, enable them to judge with accuracy, and defend with vigour, are compelled to reason and expostulate in vain. With others, however, who rise above this prejudice of infidelity, such writers find a more favourable reception. By these, their arguments are impartially weighed; and if they obtain credit for all that is sterling, they desire nothing more. Hence, from persons with whom these writings are received and permitted to operate, Christianity has nothing to fear, and infidelity has little to hope, notwithstanding the moral depravity of human nature is enlisted on its side.

Aware of the preceding facts, the author of this volume has had recourse to the testimony of laymen exclusively; and to these, the above objections will not attach. In selecting these, he has not regarded either period, country, sect, or party. It was sufficient for his purpose, that they were men of talents and of known reputation, competent to judge, and impartial to decide, on the evidence which appeared to them to support the christian system. The names of individuals thus collected, exceed two hundred in number, and among them we find what the author had promised, some "of the most celebrated his torians, philosophers, statesmen, orators, and poets, of all nations." Of these the works have been examined, and the result furnishes the extracts thus concentrated, to

evince their opinion, that revealed religion is of divine origin.

It will be readily admitted, that opinion is not argument, but it must also be allowed, that men of established reputation would not risk their character in favour of an opinion which they had no argument to support. We also find in many of the quotations given, that the opinion advanced, is connected with the foundation on which it rests. On all these occasions, conviction is not the result either of prejudice or education, but of deliberate judgment founded on rational investigation.

Among the number of those whose writings thus afford quotations, we find many avowed infidels, who either in their sober or their unguarded moments have borne testimony in favour of doctrines and facts, which, through the general tenor of their publications, they have endeavoured to destroy. To many of these, we, however, attach but little importance; as it is not improbable that they would resolve every expression of approbation which they have uttered, into political expediency, and represent revelation as a convenient instrument in the hands of government, for exacting obedience from an otherwise refractory people. Yet we should not forget, that there are others, whose testimony is of considerable importance. The discri mination can easily be made; and after granting every deduction that reason can require, we have in this book a formidable phalanx, before which ridicule must cease to sneer, and scepticism must stand appalled.

BRIEF SURVEY OF BOOKS.

1. A Letter to the Right Hon. Earl Grey, on Colonial Slavery, by John Murray, F. S. A., F. L. S., &c., (Holdsworth, London,) attacks the principle on which slavery, in all its branches, is founded. No mild treatment of the slave, he argues, can make that right which is radically wrong. It is an energetic, and well-written pamphlet, which cannot be read without having a corresponding influence.

2. The Sinner Impleaded in his own Court, &c., by Thomas Pierce, D. D., abridged by John Bustard, (Mason, London,) is a work well known in the theological world. The original carries us back to the days of Baxter, when powerful appeals to the conscience, zealous piety, and masculine intellectual vigour distinguished multitudes of works which then issued from the press. "O how unlike the books of times to come!" In this new