Then Isaac, when the stony altar-pile The death of Judas, Mr. Montgomery thus describes : "But where the vile traducer? while the doom On wings of horror!-like a maniac, wild The ground grew fire beneath his guilty tread, The preceding extracts cannot fail to give the reader a favourable idea of Mr. Montgomery's poetical talents, his application of them, and also of the poem before us. The language is uniformly harmonious, brightened with perspicuity, and fortified with vigour. The sentiments inculcated, in general, appear under the sanction of divine revelation. We must not, however, forget, that on some few oc casions, deviations may be found. Hence, in page 49, when the poet asks, "For what is virtue, but a vice withstood? Or sanctity, but daring sin o'ercome?"— virtue and sanctity appear solely in their passive character; nor could it be inferred from this representation, that active energy ever entered into their composition. Blemishes, however, such as these, are too trifling to require any severity of animadversion. The beauties and excellencies of this poem are brilliant and numerous, its defects few and insignificant. The Messiah is a poem, from which an unknown author would have gathered unfading laurels and lasting reputation; and on Mr. Montgomery it will confer no inconsiderable addition to the fame he has already acquired. REVIEW.-The Record of Providence; or, the Government of God displayed in a Series of Interesting Facts from Sacred and Profane History. By the Rev. J. Young; Author of Scripture Balances, &c. &c. &c. 12mo. pp. 372. Houlston. London. 1832. DURING the dreary months of November and December, when universal nature seems as if sunk into a state of profound torpor, and when, with our forefathers, it was customary to imbibe no small portion of their influence, we are happily relieved from the gloom; and the monotony of the olden times is chased away by a kind of artificial sun, with which the intellectual part of man is cheered; and by the flowers and scents proceeding from the literary parterre, into which Old England is now in a great degree transformed. All this is very well, to a certain extent; but we fear that the poisonous qualities of many of these literary semi-exotics are not perceived until their fatal influence has been experienced; while even such as may be considered half harmless, from the amusement they afford, and the gratification they convey, are not less certainly, although more insidiously, working according to their own fatal tendency, in producing imbecility of mental energy, and nausea for such as are wholesome and good. We have been led to these desultory observations from looking through, or, rather reading with avidity, the volume before us, which, while it exhibits a pleasing exterior, and yields a fragrance equal to its more gaudy competitors for fame, contains all the elements best calculated to invigorate and give healthiness to the mind. Mr. Young not only possesses the pen of a ready writer in an eminent degree, having already sent forth several important works, but invariably employs it in the noblest cause in which it could be engaged. The talents with which he is intrusted are consecrated to the interests of religion, and, notwithstanding the diversity of their application, all bear the same impress. In the importance and interesting character of a work on the subject of Providence, every believer in the Sacred Scriptures will agree; but all are not equally harmonious in their opinions, as to the best mode of treating it, so as to make it possess that attractiveness which it should ever maintain. To ourselves, however, it does not appear that any can be adopted more likely to accomplish so desirable an end, than that pursued by the author of the "Record." We are aware of the existence of many long and powerfully written essays on the subject, and of some volumes, in which close and deep thinking, and considerable philosophical ability, are displayed, to prove and exhibit the superintending providence of God. Yet we have not met with a work better adapted, both for the subtle theologian, the aged Christian, and the juvenile reader, than the present; since whatever is calculated to excite to prayer, to encourage under difficulties, to induce dependence on God, or to lead to holy reverential fear, is richly furnished. Here facts, which benefit while they amuse and interest, are brought together from almost innumerable sources, and are judiciously arranged under the distinctive classes to which they properly belong. Much patient research and extensive reading must have been employed in obtaining the materials. The plan of the work is in itself novel, without being quaint. The sections into which it is divided are, "Prayer answered - Deliverance accom. plished-Help afforded-Judgments inflicted." Under the first head are fifty-five cases-under the second, ninety-under the third, fifty-nine-and under the fourth, sixty-nine; making a total of two hundred and seventy-three deeply interesting facts. The justly popular anecdotes of the late Rev. C. Buck are well known; and we dare predict, that the "Record of Providence" will not be less valued, and, what we think more important, will, no doubt, be really more useful. In the preface, Mr. Young states, "Should it (the present work) be received with approbation by the Christian public, it is not unlikely that he may be encouraged to prepare a second volume of a similar kind.' That it will be favourably received cannot reasonably be doubted; we hope, therefore, that he will prosecute his intention, and that we shall, at no very distant period see another volume equally valuable with this before us. REVIEW.-The Juvenile Forget-Me-Not, for 1833; Edited by Mrs. S. C. Hall. Westley & Davis, London. BOTH Mrs. Hall, and her juvenile offspring, are well known to the public, this being the sixth time of paying their annual visits, among the splendid productions of the winter months. During a few years, two rival publications appeared under nearly the same title, which, we doubt not, proved injurious to the sale of each. An adjustment, however, has recently taken place between the competitors for public patronage, so that this volume appears under the united support and sanction of the formerly independent parties. These circumstances are announced in a short preface, which concludes with the hackneyed vulgar phrase of wishing the readers "a merry Christmas, and a happy new year." This, however, is the only exceptionable expression we recollect to have seen throughout the volume; and to this, no one can suppose that any severity of censure can attach." A poetical preface, by W. H. Harrison, contains much appropriate innocent humour. My Dog Quail, by the late Edward Walsh, M.D., exhibits a fine development of instinct. Seven and Seventeen, by Mrs. S. C. Hall, is a well-written article. We must, however, assign the palm of superiority to "The Indian Island," by L. E. L. It is a tale replete with incident and interest; and if our room would allow, we should have gladly transcribed it into our pages. Several other pieces both in prose and verse, deserve individual notice, but we must content ourselves with observing, that in their combined merit they honourably sustain the character which this juvenile annual has through a series of years acquired. This volume is embellished with eleven engravings, executed in a style at once creditable to the work, and to the talents of the respective artists. With those which adorned the preceding volumes, every reader must be well acquainted. In this we perceive no inferiority either of ingenuity in design, or of ability in execution. 66 In its moral character, the juvenile Forget-Me-Not" has never merited an impeachment. The articles in this volume inculcate in sprightly language many exalted sentiments, which evince that their authors are not strangers to gospel truths, nor ashamed to speak of them in terms of due respect and approbation. REVIEW.-The Comic Offering, or Ladies' Melange of Literary Mirth, for 1833. 12mo. pp. 358. Smith, Elder, & Co. London. Ir caricature, grotesque appearance, and distorted representations can present a claim to patronage, this Comic Offering will not be in want either of recommendation or readers. It contains a great number of wood-cuts, which cannot fail to operate on the risible muscles, and to extort a laugh at the whims and fancy of the inventor. The prose and verse which accompany these wild outrages on human nature and human life, are in perfect accordance with the engravings. Witticism, punning, and strange misapplication of words, are among its brilliancies. It is a book which calculates on finding a rich harvest among the votaries of Momus, and is admirably adapted to confirm them in that character. REVIEW.-The Sacred Musical Offering. Edited by Charles Henry Purday. Zenas, J. Purday, and Simpkin and Marshall. London. 1832. A work of the kind now before us, has long been wanted, and if its sale equal its merits, we predict from the contents, that it will have an extensive circulation. Among the writers we find the names of Mrs. Hemans, Caroline Bowles, Mrs. Opie, J. Montgomery, Bernard Barton, Rev. J. Young, Rev. J. Cunningham, &c.: and among the composers, Beethoven, Mozart, Von Weber, Neükomn, Gluck, Spohr, &c. From these we could not but expect a treat of no ordinary kind, and in this we have not been disappointed. We do not remember to have met with a single portion of the compositions in question before. We, therefore, think it a valuable addition to our really classical chamber music. The delightful pieces composed by Neukomn, and Joshua's Command, from the pen of the Rev. J. Young, the music by that master-spirit, Von Weber, will impart a high degree of credit to this publication. The following pieces by other writers, are not without their attractions: "Morning and Evening Prayer, for Four Voices," by the editor. "The Harp of David," by Neilson, a delicious duet. "When shall we meet again," by Westrop: "O read to me that Sacred Book:" a high treat, by the editor; and "The Village Church," an exceedingly beautiful song, by H. Westrop. The work is got up in a respectable style, the size of the Bijou. It contains twenty compositions! with two exquisite embellishments, designed by J. M. Joy. BRIEF SURVEY OF BOOKS. 1. Daily Prayers and Promises, from the Holy Scriptures; and Daily Verses, (Religious Tract Society, London,) are two very neat little articles, which external decoration and internal excellence unite to recommend. The former contains passages of Scripture in prose, and the latter, exhibits similar ones in verse. In both cases the supply extends to every day in the year. 2. The Travels of True Godliness, &c., by Benjamin Keach, (Society for Promoting Religious Knowledge, London,) is a book so well known, that to mention its title and its author, will render every other encomium unnecessary. 3. Daily Incense; consisting of Scripture Prayer and Praise, (Religious Tract Society, London) we have already noticed in a former edition. Its circulation appears to be extensive, but not more so than its excellencies deserve. 4. The Family Temperance Meeting, (Gallie, Glasgow,) is a rational and spirited dialogue on the nature, objects, and advantages of temperance societies. A vitiated appetite may rebel against the principles advocated, but unsophisticated reason must decidedly approve of the arguments and conclusions which the friends of temperance have advanced. The narrative of George Leman is instructive, and full of interest. It traces the progress of drunkenness from its cradle to incurable inveteracy. 5. Gems for Christian Ministers, (Religious Tract Society, London,) is composed of short nervous and sententious expressions, extracted from the writings of cele brated men. The passages selected have much the nature of aphorisms, and are worthy of a permanent lodgment in every minister's mind and conscience. By private christians they may be perused with much advantage. 6. Illustrations of Political Economy, No. IX. Ireland; a Tale, by Harriet Martineau, (Fox, London,) is another of those wellwritten articles, which this lady has sent into the world. Ireland presents a soil fertile in political weeds, the pernicious nature and tendency of which, this number exposes with much clearness and commanding energy. The tale itself may be considered as divided into nine sections or chapters, each of which has some strong distinguishing features that alternately awaken our pity and our indignation. 7. The Parent's Cabinet of Amusement and Instruction, No. II., (Smith, Elder, & Co., London,) contains articles that are calculated to communicate useful ideas, as well as to gratify the youthful mind. 8. The Reign of Grace, from its Rise to its Consummation, by Abraham Booth, (Society for Promoting Religious Knowledge, London,) is quite in accordance with the harshest notes of the Geneva fiddle. The author renounces antinomianism, but inculcates doctrines which inevitably lead to the detestable vortex. The cloven-foot is but badly concealed. 9. Grammatical Exercises on the Moods, Tenses, and Syntax of the Latin Language, by George Ferguson, (Simpkin, & Co., London,) like most other works of this kind, consists of principles already established, and variously elucidated. The author, however, gives a great number of appropriate examples to illustrate what he has advanced, and to assist the learner in his acquirement of accurate knowledge in the Latin tongue. 10. The Religion of Taste, a Poem, by Carlos Wilcox, America, (Hamilton, London,) so far as the imagination is indulged in her visionary excursions, the author most decidedly condemns. His versification seldom rises above mediocrity, but the sentiments he inculcates command the respectful attention of every reader. 11. A French, English, and Latin Vocabulary, by T. A. Gibson, (Simpkin, London,) the pupil will find to be a useful book in promoting his studies in this department. If the rising generation should not be wise, we are certain that it will not be through the want of books. 12. The Bible Spelling Book; Parts I. & II., (Parker, London,) is adapted for children in the early stages of learning, and to these they may be rendered exceedingly useful. 13. Sadoc and Miriam ; a Jewish Tale, (Parker, London,) will be read with interest by most young persons, and, if duly im GLEANINGS. Hydrostatic Bed for Invalids.-Dr. Arnot, in the fifth edition of his Elements of Physic, describes a hydrostatic bed, which consists of a trough of convenient length and breadth, a foot deep, and lined with metal to make it water-tight. This trough is half filled with water, and a sheet of water-proof Indiarubber cloth, as large as would be a complete lining to the trough when empty, is thrown over. The edges of this sheet are touched with varnish, to prevent the water creeping round by capillary attraction, and afterwards secured in a water-tight manner all round, to the upper border or top of the trough, shutting in the water as closely as if it had been in bottles. Upon this expanded dry sheet, a suitable mattress is laid, which constitutes ja bed ready to receive its pillow and bed-clothes: this is not distinguishable from a common bed, but by its most surpassing softness or yielding. This bed has been introduced into St. Bartholomew's and St. George's Hospitals, with considerable success; and the author considers that with it the fatal termination called sloughing, now so common, of fevers and other diseases, need never occur again; and that it is particularly applicable to all patients whose diseases, or injuries, require that they should continue in constrained positions. How to know a good Book.-That book does not deserve to be read, which does not impose upon us the duty of frequent pauses, much reflecting, and inward debate, or require that we should often go back, compare one observation and statement with another, and does not call upon us to combine and knit together the disjecta membra. It is an observation which has often been repeated, that, when we come to read an excellent author a second-and a third time, we find in him, a multitude of things, that we did not in the slightest degree perceive in a first reading. A careful first reading would have a tendency, in a considerable degree, to anticipate the following crop. There is a doggrel couplet, which I have met with in a book on elocution: "Learn to speak slow: all other graces Will follow in their proper places." I could wish to recommend a similar process to the student in the course of his reading. Godwin's Thoughts on Man. Instinctive Ferocity.-A party of gentlemen from Bombay, one day visiting the stupendous cavern temple of Elephanta, discovered a tiger's whelp in one of the obscure recesses of the edifice. Desirous of kidnapping the cub, without encountering the fury of its dam, they took it up hastily and cautiously, and retreated.-Being left entirely at liberty, and extremely well fed, the tiger grew rapidly, appeared tame, and fondling as a dog, and in every respect entirely domesticated. At length, when having attained a vast size, and, notwithstanding its apparent gentleness, it began to inspire terror, by its tremendous powers of doing mischief to a piece of raw meat, dripping with blood, which fell in its way. It is to be observed, that up to that moment, it had been studiously kept from raw animal food. The instant, however, it had dipped its tongue in blood, something like madness seemed to have seized the animal; a destructive principle, hitherto dormant, was awakened; it darted fiercely, and with glaring eyes, upon its prey, tore it with fury to pieces, and, growling and roaring in the most fearful manner, rushed off towards the jungles.-Brown's Anecdotes." General Aspect of Palestine.-The hills stand round about Jerusalem as they stood in the days of David and Solomon. The dew falls on Hermon; the cedars grow on Lebanus; and Kishon, that ancient river, draws its stream from Tabor as in the times of old. The sea of Galilee still presents the same natural accompaniments. The fig tree springs up by the wayside, the sycamore spreads its branches, and the vines and olives still climb the sides of the mountains. The desolation which covered the cities of the plain is not less striking at the present hour than when proved, with a proportionate degree of Moses, with an inspired pen, recorded the judgment profit. Of prejudice vanquished by truth, it furnishes a pleasing picture, while the tale itself has many captivating features. 14. Original Family Sermons, Part I., (Parker, London,) will tend to augment the enormous mass of pulpit discourses with which the country is deluged; but to their general character we conjecture that this addition will do very little good or harm. of God; the swellings of Jordan are not less regular in their rise than when the Hebrews first approached its banks; and he who goes down from Jerusalem to Jericho, still incurs the greatest hazard of falling among thieves. There is, in fact, in the scenery and manners of Palestine, a perpetuity that accords with the everlasting import of its historical records, and which enables us to identify with the utmost readiness, the local imagery of every great transaction.-Edinburgh Cabinet Library, No. IV. Cost of the Polish Campaign. It results, from official data, that the losses of the Russian army, either on the field of battle, or in lazarettos and hospitals, have amounted to 180,000 men. In this enumeration, the capture of Warsaw alone appears to have cost 30,640 lives. My Village, versus "Our Village." By T. Crofton Croker, Esq., uniform with Barney Mahoney, by the same author. 8s. boards. The National Portrait Gallery, Part XLIV., containing Portraits aud Memoirs of Lord Palmerston; Admiral Sir Thomas Trowbridge, Bart.; and Jeremy Bentham, Esq. Westmorland, Cumberland, Durham, and Northumberland Illustrated, Part II. containing 8 Views. Price 2s. Baines's History of Lancashire, Part XXII. Biographical Sketches of the present Reform Ministers; with a History of the Progress of the Reform Bills, and a View of the Political State of the British Empire, and of Europe, from the close of the year 1831, to the present time. By William Jones, M. A. 1 Vol. 8vo. boards, 18s. with numerous Plates. The Life and Times of England's Patriot King, William the Fourth. By John Watkins, L.L D. Embellished with many Plates. 1 Vol. 8vo. 18s. boards. The Maxima Charta of 1832, comprising the new Reform Acts for England, Ireland, and Scotland. Also the Statutes which describe the Boundaries. With Explanatory Notes. In an 8vo. Vol., price only 38. 6d. The Amethyst, or Christian's Annual for 1833. Simpkin, London. Illustrations of Political Economy, No. X. Homes Abroad: a Tale. By Harriet Martineau. Letters of the Rev. Griffith Jones; founder of the Welsh circulating schools. Larduer's Cabinet Cyclopedia; Vol. XXXVI. British Military Commanders. Vol. III. Edinburgh Cabinet Library, Vol. X., Humboldt's Travels. Selections from the Old Testament; or, the Religion, Morality, and Poetry of the Hebrew Scriptures. By Sarah Austin. Mortal Life, and the State of the Soul after Death. By a Protestant Layman. The Magnet, Nos. I. II. III. IV. at one penny each. The Works of the British Poets; Milton's Paradise Lost. A Catechism of Greek Grammar. By Rev. George Milligan. Catechism of the Natural History of the Earth. By W. Rhind. The Benefit Society Penny Magazine, No. I. A Voice on the Waters; designed as a gift for Seamen on leaving their native land. The Peasant's Posy; consisting of Miscellaneous Poems, &c. By Robert M. Burnie, Exercises adapted to Hiley's English Grammar. By Richard Hiley. Hiley's English Grammar Abridged. By R. Hiley. The Landscape Album; Sixty Views. The Bird of the Beeches; in Four Cantos. Plays and Poems of Shakspeare, 15 volumes: 170 Illustrations. Hints to Young Mothers on the Early Management and Education of Infants. The Ocean Gem, and other Poems. By. M. M. Davies. Family Classical Library, No. XXXV. Euripides, Vol. II. Safe and Easy Steps towards an Efficient Church Reform. By a Clergyman. Works of the Rev. John Howe, D.D., complete in 1 vol.; with Memoirs of his Life. By Edmund Calamy, D.D. Sermons preached by Members of the Society of Friends. A Manual for the Afflicted, &c. By Thos. Hartwell Horne, D.D. Nights of the Round Table; Second Series. The Harmony of Religious Truth and Human Reason asserted. By J. Howard Hinton, A. M. The Sacred Offering; a Poetical Annual for 1833. No. I. of the Veterinary Examiner; or, Monthly Record of Physiology, Pathology, and Natural History. Edited by H. W. Dewhurst, and H. Braddon, Esqrs. Collections from the Greek Anthology; and from the Pastoral, Elegiac, and Dramatic Poets of Greece. By the Rev. Robert Bland, and others. Sacred Trust; a Charge delivered at the Ordination of the Rev. T. Atkinson. By A. Reed. The Life of Frederic the Second, King of Prussia. By Lord Dover. The Entomologist's Useful Compendium; comprising the best means of obtaining and preserving British Insects; with a Calendar of the times of ap pearance and usual situations of nearly 3000 species. By George Samouelle, A.L.S. Historical Memoirs of the House of Russell, from the Norman Conquest. By J. H. Wiffen. Illustrated by Portraits, Views, and Armorial Bearings. In 2 large volumes. The Seasons; Stories for very Young Children : Winter. By the Author of "Conversations on Chemistry, &c. America and the Americans. By a Citizen of the World. 1 vol. 8vo. Sharon Turner's Sacred History of the World. 3d edition. The Fourth Volume of the Transactions of the Royal Geologial Society of Cornwall; with a Geological Map of the County. An Introduction to the Study of English Botany; with a Glossary of Terms: illustrated by 37 Piates. By G. Bancks, F. L. S. The Chameleon; a name expressive of the changeful variety of its contents. Lectures on Revivals of Religion. By W. Sprague, D. D. With an Introductory Essay, by the Rev. G. Redford, Worcester; and the Rev. J. A. James, Birmingham. Natural Religion Insufficient, and Revealed Religion Necessary, to Man's Happiness in a Present and Future State. By the Rev. Thomas Halyburton. With an Introductory Essay, by the Rev. David Young, Perth. On the Harmony which exists between the Gospel and Temperance Societies. By W. Collins. The Elements of Plane and Spherical Trigono metry. Tableau Général, Progressif et Raisonné, de la Langue Francaise. The Missionary Annual for 1833. The Aurora Borealis ; a Literary Annual. Edited by Members of the Society of Friends. The Revelation of St. John; newly translated from the original Greek: with a plain reading, divesting it of its metaphors. Preparing for Publication. The Natural History of the Oceanic Inhabitants of the Arctic Regions; to which is prefixed a Descrip tion of the Method pursued in the Capture of the Balæna Mysticétus, or Greenland Whale. By Henry William Dewhurst, Esq. The Cabinet Annual Register, and Historical, Political, Biographical, and Miscellaneous Chronicle of 1832. The Leeds Sunday School Union Hymn Book ; containing a Selection of Four Hundred Hymns, suitable for Scholars and Teachers. The Epigrammatist's Annual; to consist of an original epigram for every day of next year. A History of Protestant Nonconformity in the County of York. By the Rev. T. Scales, of Leeds; Author of Principles of Dissent.' The Dramatic Library; comprising all the Standard Dramas in the English Language. Vol. 1. will be published on the 1st of January, 1833. In the Press. Vol. I. of the Life of the late Dr. Adam Clarke: the First Part left in MS. written by Himself; with a Continuation, to the time of his Decease, (collected from Original Papers,) by a Member of his Family. The Concluding Volume of Robert Hall's Works; containing the Memoir. By Dr. Gregory; and Ob servations on his Character as a Preacher. By the Rev, John Foster. Baynes and Son's Annual Catalogue of Books, for 1833; in all Languages, and every department of Literature. A Handsome Christmas Present; with beautiful Frontispiece; entitled, Tales of my Father,' 18mo. By Rev. J. Young, Author of The Record of Providence,' &c. & c. Memorials of the Professional Life and Times of Sir William Penn, Knight, Admiral and General of the Fleet during the Interregnum; in 2 vols. 8vo. By Grenville Penn, Esq. Annual Biography and Obituary; Vol. XVII. will contain Memoirs of Twenty-seven celebrated Individuals. A Collection of the most approved Examples of Doors; from Ancient and Modern Buildings in Greece and Italy, expressly measured and delineated for this Work. By Thomas Leverton Donaldson, Architect. Erratum.-page 480, line 23 from bottom, for need read creed. LONDON PRINTED AT THE CAXTON PRESS, BY H. FISHER, SON, AND CO. |