subjects, we find corrected in this volume; and several cases occur, in which the general character that had been given to a genus, has been found true only in that particular species, which the discovery embraced.

It is needless, however, to follow in its details, a work which has already established its reputation in the public mind, and which the interest and the ambition of the publishers conspire not only to keep alive, but to cherish in healthful vigour. The 66 Edinburgh Cabinet Library" is a work with which we have been highly pleased from the beginning, and this ninth volume is not calculated to sink it in our estimation.

REVIEW.-Lardner's Cabinet Cyclopædia: Vol. XXXIV. Chemistry; Vol. XXXV. Spain and Portugal. Longman and Co. London. 1832.

VOLUME 34 contains a general survey of the permanent principles on which chemistry is founded. It then follows the progress of experiment in its various details, to the exalted state in which the science now appears. To those who delight in exploring the arcanum of nature, this volume will prove at once amusing, interesting, and instructive. It comprises the latest discoveries that have been made, and furnishes rules through which nature may be imitated by art in many of her surprising operations. In talent, knowledge, and utility, it is equal to any volume that has preceded it in the series, and in several respects it has a claim to superiority which few can presume to rival.

The history of Spain and Portugal is resumed in volume 35, which is the fourth that has been devoted to this subject, and others may be expected to follow in succession. The events and occurrences of modern times will confer on this department a degree of interest, in which, as a nation, England will appear to be deeply involved. We are now standing on the margins of an eventful crisis; from which the clouds of obscurity may be expected speedily to be withdrawn, and in its issue, it is not improbable, that the nations of Europe will be embroiled. To these, the attention of the author will be steadily directed; and for the concluding volume of this historical series, the reader will wait with the most intense solicitude.

The present volume conducts us through scenes of tyranny, oppression, cruelty, and injustice; it is a region of darkness, in which ecclesiastical despotism stifles the 2D. SERIES, NO. 23.-VOL. II.

generous feelings of nature, and stains the pages of history with blood. Of court intrigue, and papal dominion, the picture is truly appalling. The minions of each are ever ready to execute its mandates; and the greatness of their triumphs seems to depend on the number of their victims, and the privations and tortures under which they were deprived of life.

REVIEW.-Family Classical Library, Nos. XXXIII. & XXXIV. 12mo. p. 373 -343. Valpy. London. 1832.

THE first of these two volumes gives the works of Sophocles, to which is prefixed a brief memoir of the author. Sophocles is said to have flourished nearly five hundred years before Christ. This fact strongly indicates, that his writings embody much intrinsic merit, otherwise they would have been lost on the stream of time, and his name have been buried in oblivion. Instead of this, he has continued to occupy an exalted station in the ranks of classic literature, and although two thousand years have elapsed since his laurels began to bloom, they remain unwithered to the present day. His works, which are extant, consist of seven tragedies, but upwards of one hundred are presumed to be lost. He has been represented "the prince of ancient dramatic poets:" his fables are interesting and well chosen; his plots regular and well conducted; his sentiments elegant, noble, and sublime; his incidents natural; his diction simple; his manners and characters striking, and unexceptionable; his choruses well adapted to the subject; his moral reflections pertinent and useful; and his numbers, in every part, to the last degree sweet and harmonious." This reprint is from the translation of Dr. Thomas Franklin, in whose elegant and nervous language Mr. Valpy has given it to the world.

The second of these volumes enters on the works of Euripides, which are to be continued, until his finished compositions appear in this new edition. The translation is by the Rev. R. Potter, M. A. when prebendary of Norwich. Euripides was intimately acquainted with Socrates, and their pursuits after wisdom, cemented by a similarity of manners and studies, ripened into a friendship which nothing but death could dissolve. This celebrated poet owed much to his study of nature. His genius appears bright and glowing; his images are vivid, and deeply impressed; and, in moving the tender passions, his powers are unrivalled, and almost irresistible. But of works so well known, and so hig

3 Y

167.-VOL.

THIS book belongs to that class of religious narrative, which brings the powerful principles of Christianity to bear on the wily seductions of infidelity. This contrast is, however, rather to be inferred from the practical effects which each produces, than from precepts, axioms, and arguments, with which an author might very easily and speedily fill a volume. The influence of example is here placed in a commanding light; and as nothing is stretched into the region of extravagance, it exhibits a picture of domestic life, not overcharged with colouring, nor embellished with facts that reality hesitates to acknowledge.

The individuals introduced, are admitted to be fictitious, but the characters are such as real life constantly supplies. In the preface we are told, that "The form of a domestic story has been adopted, in order to present to youthful readers, in a more interesting and familiar manner, the important lesson it is the author's aim to inculcate; and to enable him to exhibit in a more striking point of view, the wide contrast that exists between the fruits of true holiness," and those of the "natural and unrenewed heart," however amiable, externally, they may appear."

Surveyed as a tale, in the carrying on of which several persons come before us, this book has many attractions, and the reader is introduced to scenes which render the narrative pleasingly interesting. But when from these minor subjects of recommendation we turn to the author's motives, and the end which he has in view, we find amusement supplanted by superior excellence, which induces practical Christianity, to claim this volume as her own, and to give it a place in her library.

Among young readers we expect that "Family Scenes" will find its chief admirers. The sprightliness of the style will suit their taste; and no great intensity of thought will be required, to comprehend the author's meaning. Incidents, when judiciously arranged, exert an attractive power, which few are disposed to resist.

REVIEW.-The Byron Gallery; a Series

of Historical Embellishments to illustrute the Poetical Works of Lord Byron. Smith, Elder and Co. London. 1832. THIS is another Part of these exquisite engravings, to which the powers of language are hardly adequate to do justice. We have examined the former parts with minute attention, and to this we have devoted an equal portion of time. Where all are superlatively beautiful, it would be dangerous, and even invidious, to make selections. In such a series of graphic excellence, fancy rather than judgment must give direction to choice. In some, the figures and their attitudes may not be so captivating as those of others, while the superiority of execution may more than compensate for the imaginary deficiencies. Much also will depend upon the habit and taste of those who venture on a preference. In these respects youth and age will perhaps be at variance; but we think all must concur in this, that a more beautiful series of engravings has never before been presented to the public, and that in every respect they are worthy the pen of the noble bard, and of that superb edition of his poetical works which they are intended to illustrate, now publishing by Mr. Murray.

REVIEW.-The Amulet, a Christian and Literary Remembrancer for 1833. Edited by S. C. Hall. 12mo. pp. 312. Westley & Davis. London.

WERE it not that these annuals bloom in the dreary month of November, when scarcely any other flower appears to enliven the face of nature, Flora would be in danger of losing her dominion over the smiling tribes of vegetation. The beauty of the Amulet having been displayed before the world during the last seven years, its character and decorations are too well known to require any extended amplification. The present volume contains the family excellencies, and is a suitable companion for its predecessors. Bound in purple morocco, and the edges of its leaves covered with gold, the following twelve engravings embellish its interior department.

3. The

1. The gentle student, painted by G. S. Newton, and engraved by Charles Rolls. 2. Vignette title-page portrait of Lady Montjoy, painted by Sir Thomas Lawrence, and engraved by J. C. Edwards. Golden Age, by Sir Thomas Lawrence, and engraved by F. C. Lewis. 4. Vignette, the Golden Age, by Eir T. Lawrence, and engraved by F. C. Lewis. 5. The Duchess

times approximate to the marvellous, they will yield little or no gratification.

Throughout this volume, we, however, have not discovered even a single expression, which can sap the foundation of principle, or deteriorate the reader's mind. It affords rational entertainment. The style is lively and animated, and the greater number of articles are original. The persons by whom they have been furnished, are well known as authors of reputation, whose names are a sufficient guarantee for the moral tendency of what they have written.

From the variety which this volume affords, we should be glad to select some article to lay before our readers, but the month having been far advanced before it reached us, we have neither time nor room for any extract that might supply an adequate specimen of its contents. In a future number we may take an opportunity to compensate for the present deficiency. On the whole, we consider Friendship's Offering as a flourishing plant in the garden of annuals, which few flowers can surpass either in fragrance or beauty. In this tenth year of its growth it appears as vigorous and healthful as ever, having no blasted buds or decayed limbs, but flourishing with luxuriance in the soil first selected for it by the literary gardener.

BRIEF SURVEY OF BOOKS.

1. The Parent's Cabinet of Amusement and Instruction, (Smith and Elder, London,) gives some pleasing fragments of natural history, incidents, and anecdotes, that can hardly fail to be intelligible to the understanding of a child, and to prove both entertaining and instructive. Some woodcuts will give it additional attraction in the eyes of children.

2. The History of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, (Religious Tract Society, London,) has in substance been long before the world in various shapes. The history is here condensed within a narrow compass. It contains much useful information on subjects of vast importance, and is deserving the attention of all whose means of purchasing books are limited.

3. The Noble Office of a Sunday-school Teacher, by Rev. G. W. Doane, (Sundayschool Union Depository, London,) is a small import from America. It is, however, well written, and is deserving the attention of teachers.

4. The Cholera and its Consequences, (Religious Tract Society, London,) is a

serious address to all, founded on an awful instance of this terrible disease, which fell under the author's immediate notice. It inculcates, from the alarming visitation, the necessity of preparing to meet our God.

5. Memoir of Nathan W. Dickerman, (Religious Tract Society, London,) displays in a remarkable manner the influence of divine grace on the mind of a child. Nathan died at the age of eight, but his religious experience would have adorned the character of one more than double his years.

6. The Saint Indeed, by the Rev. John Flavel, 1667, (Religious Tract Society, London,) is a little work well known, and duly esteemed in the Christian world, and one that is in no danger of getting wholly out of fashion.

7. Believers' Baptism, the only Scriptural Mode of Entrance into the Christian Church, &c., by Theophilus, (Bagster, London,) is less calculated to drown us, than some other treatises we have seen on the same subject. The author pleads for adult baptism, which should only follow genuine conversion. He has gone over the old ground, but does not appear to have made any new discovery. The necessity of regeneration he has urged with considerable force.

8. Questions on St. Paul's Epistle to the Romans, (Holdsworth and Ball, London,) may be considered as a moral schoolbook, and the plan which the author has adopted, we conceive to be well calculated for its intended use. Practical and explanatory observations are occasionally introduced, but nothing of a controversial aspect is allowed to appear. It is a plan calculated to make the pupil acquainted with the Scriptures.

9. The Best Things Reserved till Last, by Thomas Brooks, 1657, (Book Society, London,) may be known by the quaintness of its title, to belong to a generation that has passed away. Time, however, that alters manners, cannot alter truth, nor impose an erroneous character on a book, which, like this before us, is frought with gems.

10. A Letter to the Right Hon. Lord Brougham and Vaux, on the subject of the Magistracy of England, (Cawthorn, London,) is laden with heavy materials, and dictated by justice and common sense. The author complains that the magistracy of England are not held sufficiently responsible for their abuse of power, and that as the law now stands, they are entrenched in almost impregnable fastnesses. He clearly establishes the fact, that serious evils exist,

and appeals to his Lordship for an adequate remedy.

11. The Power and Pleasure of the ·Divine Life exemplified in the late Mrs. Housman, (Society for Promoting Religious Knowledge, London,) is a reprint which the care of the Rev. Mr. Charles Gilbert has brought from obscurity. It contains the diary of a pious woman, and promises to be useful to the present generation.

12. Two Catechisms and Keys, for the use of Families and Schools, by William Darling, (Compiler, Edinburgh,) belong to a class of school books now much in use. The questions are fair and rational, and the answers pertinent and satisfactory, until we come to the keys; in which much tautology appears, and we fear the learner will be perplexed by the numerous questions to which answers are required. The intention, however, is highly commendable; and under certain moderating regulations, they may be used with great advantage.

13. Anti-Slavery Reporter, Nos. 99, 100, 101, sustain the uniform character of their predecessors. The negroes are black, but the tyranny of their white oppressors is of a much deeper shade. When will this curse of human nature cease to insult our eyes and ears with its enormities?

14. A Funeral Sermon for the Rev. John Kinghorn, preached in Norwich, Sep. 9th, 1832, by John Alexander, (Simpkin, London,) contains the usual topics introduced on such solemn occasions. Of the deceased, the author gives an interesting character, but one which appears to have been drawn by the hand of fidelity. To the numerous friends of the departed minister, it wants no recommendation; and to all who fill the sacred office, it holds a bright example worthy of imitation.

15. Anti-Slavery Record, Nos. 5, 6, details some enormities of the slave system, giving names, places, dates, and particulars. They all belong to modern days; and if slavery is now in a mitigated state, while such flagrant acts of cruelty and injustice exist, as this record details, what must slavery have been in former years? Let slave-holders answer the question.

16. The Child's Book on the Soul, Part II., (Seeley, London,) follows up with commendable taste and talent the former part, which we noticed in our last Number. The questions, though on subjects of great depth and moment, are proposed with perspicuity in simple language. This little book bears evidence, that, with a little ingenuity, abstruse subjects may be rendered comprehensible to children.

17. Considerations for Young Men, (Religious Tract Society, London,) is an importation from America, and is well deserving its passage across the Atlantic. It lays open the dangers and temptations to which young men are exposed; and furnishes admonitions and warnings, which the prudent will not disregard. It is a series of well-written letters, to which we heartily wish an extensive circulation.

18. A Sermon on the Death of the Rev. Dr. Adam Clarke, Brunswick Chapel, Leeds, Sept. 12, 1832, by John Anderson, (Mason, London,) improves with much ardour the solemn visitation, which called for the discourse. Independently of death and its consequences, to which the author adverts, he pays a tribute of respect to the learning, talents, piety, and ministerial usefulness of the deceased. Dr. Clarke was a burning and shining light, and Mr. Anderson has not neglected to introduce him, to illuminate the pages of his discourse, which is at once creditable to the author, and the venerable man whose loss it deplores.

19. A Charge, intended to be delivered at the Ordination of his Son, by the Rev. Wm. Williams, of Norwood, (R. Baynes, London,) comes before the public under very peculiar circumstances. It was prepared by a father for the ordination of his son; but before the time for its delivery arrived, the parent was no more. charge is well written, and suited to its intended occasion. A brief memoir of the deceased is prefixed, which contains all that the public can be interested in knowing.

The

20. Hours of Reverie: or the Musings of a Solitaire, by Louisa Coutier, (Whittaker, London,) might have added to the title," or, the dreams of a roving imagination, the unmeaning excursions of fancy, or the visionary excursions of mental aberration." We presume that the young lady had some meaning in what she wrote; but, unfortunately, little besides the words is at present discoverable.

21. Synopsis of Stenography, or Short Hand, by W. H. Sigston, of Leeds, (Pickard, Leeds,) exhibits the whole system on an open sheet, which also contains a portrait of his present Majesty, to whom it is dedicated. The alphabet, combinations, contractions, specimens, and directions to the learner, all find appropriate places in this sheet, which, spread before the pupil, discloses the whole in one view. This is certainly an advantage in one respect, but an extended sheet is liable to be dirtied and damaged, and these are serious incon