And now, when comes a calm mild day, as still such days will come, To call the squirrel and the bee, from out their winter home; When the sound of dropping nuts is heard, though all the trees are still, And twinkle in the smoky light the waters of the rill, The south wind searches for the flowers, whose fragrance late he bore, And sighs to find them in the wood, and by the stream, no more! And then I think of one, who in her youthful beauty died, The fair, meek blossom, that grew up and faded by my side: In the cold moist earth we laid her, when the forest cast the leaf, And we wept that one so lovely, should have a life so brief! Yet not unmeet it was, that one, like that young friend of ours, So gentle and so beautiful, should perish with the flowers! APOSTACY TO BE DEPLORED. MOST persons will own, the apostolic creed Is to follow their Master in word and in deed; That Christians shall constantly let their light shine, And prove to the world that its source is divine. But if any person, late wash'd from his stain, Should wallow, swine-like, in the mire again; Does reason allow, that we always should blend With hypocrites, all who religion commend? This maxim, however by some understood, Will not be maintain'd by the wise and the good. If a sheep be diseas'd, and to wander is prone, Are the flock the less pure for defect of that one? If a man is entrusted with goods of the crown, Yet studies no interest but that of his own, And by pilfering grows rich with the national pelf, Are all placemen scoundrels as well as himself? If Judas prov'd traitor, does that make it true, That all Christ's disciples are hypocrites too? You shudder I hope at the impious thought, When your mind to the touchstone of reason is brought. The man who feels not for another man's woes, When sickness assails, or is prest by his foes, We justly condemn as inhuman and base, And hold such an one in eternal disgrace. But should we not feel, when by a worse evil, You are the worst sinner by far of the two. F. KENT. THE CHRISTIAN'S FAREWELL TO THE WORLD. YE flatt'ring scenes of earth, adieu! Thou tempting world, farewell! I go my Saviour's face to view, And in his kingdom dwell. O life! what are thy shadows now- They charm no more; how dim they grow, WHEN torn is thy bosom by sorrow or care, Be it ever so simple, there's nothing like Prayer. Oh! how hurtfully pleasing till hallow'd by Prayer. When pleasure would woo us from piety's arms, Prayer, sweet Prayer, &c. While strangers to Prayer, we are strangers to bliss; Heaven pours its first streams through no medium but this; And till we the seraphims' ecstacy share, Is Man a slave to his fell appetite ? That spark divine-connecting link with Heaven! SERENADE. REST!-no crystal billow Rest! each rill reposeth Rest!-then in thy bow'r; "A Manchester Strike" is a lively, but melancholy picture, which appears to have been taken from the commotion it describes ; and is, like the prophet's roll, "written within and without, with mourning, lamentation, and woe." The following short extract will convey some idea of the author's descriptive powers. The tale begins at the gates of a factory, around which some hundreds eagerly engage in consultation, in consequence of a reduction in wages that had taken place. Allen, one of the men who wishes to hasten home, after some time escapes from the crowd, and walks so rapidly as presently to overtake his little daughter, Martha, who had left the factory somewhat earlier. "He saw her before him for some distance; and observed how she limped, and how feebly she made her way along the street, (if such it might be called,) which led to their abode. It was far from easy walking to the strongest. There were heaps of rubbish, pools of muddy water, stones and brickbats lying about, and cabbage leaves on which the unwary might slip, and bones, over which pigs were grunting, and curs snarling and fighting. Little Martha, a delicate child of eight years old, tried to avoid all these obstacles; but she nearly slipped down several times, and started when the dogs came near her, and shivered every time the mild spring breeze blew in her face. "Martha, how lame you are to day!' said Allen, taking her round the waist to help her onward. "O father! my knees have been aching so all day; I thought I should have dropped every moment.' "And one would think it was Christmas by your looks, child, instead of a bright May day.' "It is very chill after the factory,' said the little girl, her teeth still chattering. Sure the weather must have changed, father?' "No: the wind was south, and the sky cloudless. It was only that the thermometer had stood at seventy-five degrees within the factory. "I suppose your wages are lowered as well as mine,' said Allen; how much do you bring home this week?' "Only three shillings, father; and some say it will be less before long. I am afraid mother "The weak-spirited child could not say what it was that she feared, being choked by her tears. Martha. I will go with you to Mr. Dawson, and he will find out what is the matter with your knees.' By this time they had reached the foot of the stairs which led up to their two rooms, in the third story of a large dwelling, which was occupied by many poor families. Barefooted children were scampering up and down the stairs, at play; girls nursing babies, sat at various elevations, and seemed in danger of being kicked down as often as a drunken man or an angry woman wanted to pass; a thing which frequently happened. Little Martha looked up the steep stairs and sighed. Her father lifted and carried her. The noises would have stunned a stranger, and they seemed louder than usual to accustomed ears. Martha's little dog came barking and jumping up as soon as he saw her, and this set several babies crying; the shrill piping of a bullfinch was heard in the din; and over all, the voice of a scolding woman. "That is Sally Field's voice, if it is any body's,' said Allen; 'It is enough to make one shift one's quarters, to have that woman within hearing.' "She is in our rooms, father. I am sure the noise is there and see, her door is open, and her room empty.' "She need not fear leaving her door open,' observed a neighbour in passing. 'There is nothing there that any body would wish to carry away.' pp. 2-4. Although the preceeding extracts may convey some idea of the author's manner, it can give no adequate conception of the book. With equal spirit, vivacity, and keenness of observation, the various branches of a "Manchester Strike," are detailed with dreadful minuteness; and the consequences which follow, fill up every vacancy in the picture of hunger, poverty, drunkenness, desperation, and misery. "Cousin Marshall," although totally different in its scenery, is nearly allied to the former in general character. It ranges among the lower orders of society, and familiarizes the reader with overseers and paupers; with the despotism of the former, and the stratagems of the latter; and delineates in awful colouring, the demoralizing effects which may always be expected from such a state of society. The repulsive language and unfeeling spirit displayed by men entrusted with a little parochial "brief authority," cannot but awaken indignant feelings in the children of want. Neglect and disregard, are so nearly allied to oppression, that they generate revenge; and by many minds it is deemed a virtue to practise imposition. In this combination of wretchedness, profligacy, fraud, and oppression, the independent spirit of "Cousin Marshall" shines with great advantage. Active in its operations, and influential in all its dictates, it appears like a little oasis in the midst of a desert; and we cannot but infer from what we observe in this individual character, that were all in similar circumstances actuated "Come, Martha, cheer up,' said her father. 'Mother knows that you get sometimes more, and sometimes less; and, after all, you earn as much as a piecer as some do at the hand-loom. There is by the same exalted principles, society Field, our neighbour: he and his wife together do not earn more than seven shillings a week, you know; and think how much older and stronger they are than you. We must make you stronger, among the lower orders would speedily a more healthful and pleasing assume aspect. REVIEW.-A Funeral Address delivered in Southwark Chapel, Sept. 8, 1832, on the Death of the late Dr. Adam Clarke. By Joseph Beaumont. Simpkin and Marshall. London. THE Occasion of this discourse, in the religious community of which Mr. Beaumont is a minister, was one of very memorable import. The deceased, for nearly half a century, stood conspicuously in the foremost ranks among his brethren, and by his learning, talents, and stability of principle and character, had done more to advance the respectability of Methodism, than any other man since the days of Mr. Wesley. To the memory of this venerable minister, many tributes of respect have been paid throughout the kingdom, both from the pulpit and the press, and among them is the discourse which is now under inspection. Mr. Beaumont's text is from John xi. 25. "Jesus said, I am the resurrection." From this passage Mr. B takes occasion to descant, first, on the ravages of death; secondly, to contemplate the resurrection of the pious dead; and, thirdly, to show the connexion between that magnificent event, and the mediation of the Redeemer. Having devoted something more than one half of his discourse to the elucidation of the passage, the author appropriates the remaining part to a brief narrative of Dr. Clarke's life, and a development of his cha racter. In the former part, while contemplating the resurrection of the pious dead, we find many thoughts and expressions which are remarkably striking and appropriate. To the question, "how shall the bodies of those that shall be then (at the last day) alive, be changed into immortal, seeing they die not, seeing they rise not?" the author thus answers? "How was the water at the marriage of Cana in Galilee turned into wine? In a moment-instantly -was the water changed, and became wine? How shall it be with those who shall be found alive, when the Saviour descends in the clouds of the air? They shall not undergo the long processes of the transmutation which the dead in Christ undergo. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, the pulse of immortality shall beat through the whole of their frames, and in an instant all the feculencies of their primitive physical condition shall pass away; and there they are, immortal as those that have been raised from the dead."-p. 17. In a subsequent page, Mr. Beaumont observes as follows: "The same voice that called up the dead at Bethany, shall be heard pealing through all the repositories of the dead-into the tones of the archangel's trumpet, Jesus shall put an infinite energy, that shall startle from their slumbers many generations of the children of Adam. He shall call, and they shall answer-he shall send forth an irresistible summons into the wide regions of the grave, and, lo, the universe shall at once obey. Say not, how can these things be? how can that dust of humanity, which is scattered throughout every region of nature, and which has formed new and endless combinations, be recomposed again? Jesus is able to do it. Where can your dust go, that the eye of omniscience shall not trace it? Into what manifold and tenacious combinations shall it enter, that omnipotence cannot dissolve? Extensive and mighty is the work, and confounding to our imagination is the very idea of its being accomplished; but he is able to do it according to the mighty working whereby he is able to subdue all things unto himself." is To the memory of the deceased, the tribute of respect which the author pays, rational, exalted, and appropriate; and, although some inaccuracies may be found among the incidents which give interest to the narrative, the aggregate is not unworthy either the author or his friend. From the attention we have devoted to the examination of this discourse, we are satisfied that it is far above the common mediocrity of sermonizing; and, after perusing its contents, we feel no surprise that it should be published, in compliance with the earnest solicitation of the leaders' meeting, at whose desire it was delivered. REVIEW.— Observations founded on Select Passages of Scripture, with Original Hymns adapted to the Subjects. By Thomas Bradshaw, Paragon Chapel, Bermondsey. 12mo. pp. 214. Holdsworth and Ball. London. 1832. 66 In every publication we certainly ought to regard a writer's end," and by this rule we shall measure the volume before us. In page 200, Mr. Bradshaw observes, "He felt no wish to imitate those individuals, who seem resolved never to appear in the character of authors, without bringing forth something novel and startling; thinking it much better to adhere to the old paths, where is the good way.' He would rather be the means of converting one sinner, or of edifying one saint, than of exciting the astonishment of a multitude." The author's motive in publishing, appears to be in accordance with this principle. "The profits, if any, arising from the sale, will be applied to the liquidation of a debt on the Sabbath-school connected with his place of worship." Those principles, and this motive, have a right to command our respect, and we readily allow them, as pleading strongly in the author's favour. The scriptural passages selected for observation are such as lead to practical development, and to this the author has adhered, without leading his readers into the thorny labyrinths of controversial speculation. His book is designed for the edifi cation of those who are seeking to be made wise unto salvation, and by the humble Christian it may be perused with much spiritual and practical advantage. The hymns are only fifteen in number; they therefore make a more conspicuous figure in the title-page than in the book. The metres are adapted to common tunes; and, as compositions, they are distinguished by simplicity and perspicuity. In all its parts, this book exhibits one common character. Its aim is not to amuse the curious, or captivate the vain; but to unfold duties, precepts, and promises, set forth in the sacred writings, "that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." The author has done his part, and it is incumbent on his readers to do theirs. REVIEW.-A Memoir of the Rev. John Jenkins, late Wesleyan Missionary in Jamaica. By George Jackson. 12mo. pp. 228. Mason. London. 1832. THE life of a missionary who has of late years spent much of his time in the West Indies, is generally an article of considerable interest. Nothing can be more obvious, than, that the planters are hostile to the instruction of their slaves, unless it be by teachers who exert themselves to rivet the fetters which they wear. Hence, missionaries have been made the subjects of colonial vengeance; and persecution in its worst forms has been inflicted, to drive them from the colonies. Men who love darkness rather than light, because their deeds are evil, are unwilling to have the secrets of the prison-house disclosed; but secrecy cannot be secure, while any enemies of slavery are permitted to witness its abominations. The subject of this memoir was born in 1798, and, after furnishing the most unequivocal evidence of a saving conversion to God, was called to the work of the ministry. For some time he was employed in England; he was then sent to the island of Jamaica in 1824, where he remained about between two and three years. He was thence appointed to the Bahamas, from which place his want of health compelled him to return to England in 1827. He was afterwards stationed in the Scilly Islands, where he finished his course on the 9th of August, 1830. In this biographical sketch, the author has exercised a degree of literary prudence, which many of his cotemporaries want. He has not extended the narrative to an immoderate length, by introducing matter which has little or no connexion with his subject, nor augmented his pages with sermonizing dissertations, which leave the reader no room for the exercise of his own reflections. With a commendable degree of affectionate fidelity, Mr. Jackson has followed his departed friend through the more prominent evolutions of his life, recording instances of his zeal for God, and unwearied efforts to promote the cause of the Redeemer. On glancing over his pages, we cannot but conclude, that the late Mr. Jenkins was a pious, intelligent young man, every way calculated for the missionary station which he was called to fill, and that his life affords a bright example, which, under similar circumstances, will at all times be worthy of imitation. Of West India law and justice, some pages in this memoir draw a frightful picture; and as the writer was for some time a missionary in these regions of slavery, his own observations confirm the statements which the deceased had recorded in his diary. That this excellent young man should have been cut down in the prime of life, and in the midst of his career of usefulness, we can only resolve into the inscrutable providence of God. On the shadows which encircle his moral government, there can be scarcely any end to questions that may be proposed. Who can say why slavery is permitted to continue, under the universal superintendence of a wise and benevolent Being? We see but in part, and know but in part, and must wait in faith for the light of eternity to dispel the shadows of time. REVIEW.-A Practical Commentary upon the First Epistle General of St. Peter. By Archbishop Leighton. 2 Vols. 12mo. Religious Tract Society. THIS justly celebrated prelate was distinguished, during the period in which he lived, by vigour of intellect, extensive learning, ardent zeal, and exalted piety. His works have survived their author, and in every new edition they preserve the lustre of his name. It was the misfortune of this worthy man to live in turbulent times, the severity of which he strongly exerted himself to mitigate all his efforts, however, proved unavailing; he, therefore, resigned the mitre, and retired into private life, where his days were spent in doing good to those who resided within the sphere of his benevolence and influence. Few prelates have left behind them a character more completely embalmed in its own perfume. "The Practical Commentary upon the First Epistle of St. Peter" by this able divine, may be justly reckoned among his 536 REVIEWS. CONSTABLE'S MISCELLANY-CABINET LIBRARY. more valuable works. It contains elucidations of many obscure and difficult passages, and then turns the whole into a channel of practical utility. Into subjects of controversy, which several passages would seem to suggest, he very sparingly enters; it being more congenial with his natural disposition to promote peace and good-will among men, than to generate strife and animosity in the Christian church. On the amiable spirit which breathes in every page, no serious reader can look without admiration. His unassuming piety, and duly tempered zeal, appear to swallow up every inferior consideration, and to lead him at once to the hearts and lives of all who may peruse what he has written. The Religious Tract Society, generally judicious in their selection of books from the writings of the old divines, have rarely displayed their taste and judgment to greater advantage than on the present occasion. A neat body of divinity may be said to be included in this commentary. Rational motives, scriptural authority, a mild and persuasive eloquence, founded upon learning, which shines without ostentation, and imparts a grandeur to simplicity, are among the prominent characteristics of these volumes. They bring with them a passport of usefulness and tranquillity, which entitle them to a place in every Christian library. REVIEW.-Constable's Miscellany, Vol. LXXVI., Butterflies, Sphynxes, and Moths Illustrated, by 96 Engravings, coloured after Nature, in two Vols. Vol II. 12mo. pp. 208. By Captain Thomas Brown, F.L.S. &c. Whittaker. London. 1832. THE preceding volume of this entomological series, we noticed in our number for October; and there was no praise bestowed on that, to which this may not lay an indisputable claim. Numerous as the species are which these volumes represent and describe, they form only a small portion in this department of the vast family of nature. Their beauties and varieties, however, are sufficient to awaken the most profound admiration, and to create in the inquiring mind a strong bias in favour of the insect world. Each specimen is distinctly exhibited, in form and colouring resembling what nature displays, and to young persons the inspection must afford high gratification. The descriptions which accompany the drawings, though brief, are satisfactory to all who only seek for amusement, and common information. The natural philosopher will, without doubt, extend his researches through more voluminous regions, and to his inquiries no boundaries can be prescribed. The empire of animated nature is seen to encircle us on every side; yet in all probability, among the minute and the diminutive, a much greater portion still remains unnoticed by man, than has hitherto engrossed his attention. The two volumes of this work, if carefully perused, can hardly fail to excite adoration in the contemplative mind. The varieties, peculiarities, and exquisite symmetry every where observable, lead inquiry to a great intelligent Cause, as the primary source of all. "The wisdom of God in creation," so admirably developed by Ray, is a subject that never can be exhausted; and as the invention of instruments enables us to extend our researches, new worlds of creative wonder burst upon our senses, and unfold more and more the infinity of God. REVIEW.-Edinburgh Cabinet Library, Vol. IX. Northern Coasts of America. 12mo. pp. 444. Simpkin. London. 1832. THIS volume comprises a general survey of the more northern coasts of America, of the discoveries made by numerous adventurers, and the hardships they endured while prosecuting their arduous labours. It is not, however, confined exclusively to the arctic regions; the detestable exploits of Cortez, in the more southern territories, claim a transient notice; and the efforts of modern voyagers and travellers bring down the contents of this volume to the present day. From simple discovery, the author turns his attention to natural history; and sur. veys the mountains, plains, and valleys, extended over this almost boundless region. He then devotes one chapter to the quadrupeds; a second, to birds; a third, to the fishes, and other zoological productions; a fourth, to vegetation; and a fifth, to geology. The subjects themselves render these chapters exceedingly interesting; while the manner in which they are treated gives an aspect of originality to facts and incidents, with which most readers have been long familiar. No one can be ignorant, that, to the historian and naturalist, America furnishes a rich fund of materials. Into this arcanum of wealth the author has boldly entered; and, enriched with the spoils he has acquired, the public are invited to share the prize. The statements of former historians, founded on an imperfect acquaintance with many |