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to be well attested; nor has any doubt been entertained of its authenticity by the Lady's friends.

There can scarcely be any question, that the man, who had concealed himself behind the thorn fence, had a design to terrify the lady, and perhaps to rob, if not to murder, her. The place was well adapted for his purpose, as no dwelling was near the spot. It is also more than probable, that the dog first began to grow sullen when the man was perceived to be on the other side of the fence, and that they walked side by side until they reached the aperture, where, with a knife in his hand, he was seized by the courageous animal.

Can the friendly interposition of this dog be accounted for on those principles which we generally denominate instinctive? This is hard to be conceived. The Lady, it seems, had no knowledge of the animal before. It came unsolicited, and accompanied her in direct opposition to her efforts to drive it away: and after having associated with her during the day, and guarded her from danger when returning in the evening, disappeared, to be seen by her no more. These phenomena must have arisen either from instinct, or a particular providence; and we shall find more difficulty in resolving all into the former, than in allowing the latter to be a branch of the moral economy of God.

Review. The Youth's Spelling, Pronouncing, and Explanatory Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, &c. &c. 8vo. pp. 409. price 7s. Longman, &c. London, 1818.

THERE is scarcely any department of Literature, in which an author can employ his pen, where the hazard of disgrace so far outweighs the probability of applause, as in the writing or the compilation of a Dictionary. His orthography, his accentuation, his definitions, and, on some occasions, his classification of terms, are destined to undergo the rigours of critical examination. Should he escape censure on one occasion, he can scarcely hope to be equally successful on all; and it rarely happens, that the errors of a lexicographer can be so concealed as to elude detection, or, when discovered, that they are treated with mercy.

"It is the fate," says Dr. Johnson, "of those who toil at the lower employments of life, to be rather driven by the fear of evil, than attracted by the prospect of good; to be exposed to censure, without hope of praise; to be disgraced by miscarriage, or punished for neglect, where success would have been without applause, and diligence without reward.

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Among these unhappy mortals is the writer of dictionaries; whom mankind have considered, not as the pupil, but as the slave of science, the pioneer of literature, doomed only to remove rubbish and clear obstructions from the paths through which Learning and Genius press forward to conquest and glory, without bestowing a smile on the humble drudge that facilitates their progress. Every other author may aspire to praise; the lexicographer can only hope to escape reproach, and even this negative recompense has been yet granted to very few.” - Preface to Dictionary.

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In the prefatory parts of this work, we have the sounds and accents of letters distinctly marked, as they stand in their varied combinations in the formation of words. A compendium of Grammar is also introduced, accompanied with a table, showing the family compact between verbs, nouns, adnouns, and adverbs, and also the manner in which they have been derived, and how, by their varied terminations, they constitute these distinct parts of speech. Nothing, however, is contained in this analysis, that apmand either reprehension or praise. pears of sufficient importance to de

of one syllable, arranged in alphabetiThe work itself begins with Verbs cal order, accompanied with their respective definitions, and occasionally with a short dissertation on the sense, which, in various parts of the sacred writings, they are intended to convey. From these, the author passes to verbs of two, of three, and finally to those of four syllables, defining and explaining each in a similar manner, and giving to some words, as he proceeds, such an additional orthography, as accords with the actual pronunciation of them.

Having finished verbs, he next introduces Nouns, preserving the same alphabetical arrangement and manner, and comprising, in distinct classes, all words from one to six syllables.

Adnouns or Adjectives follow nouns. These proceed in the same order, beginning with words of one syllable, and ending with those of five.

Adverbs are treated in a similar way; but of the other parts of speech, no notice is taken in this arrangement.

The preceding list is followed by some few nouns, which terminate in er, or, and ess. These are accompanied with about forty active participles, which are occasionally used as nouns. After these, we have some additional verbs, which precede some additional nouns, that seem to have been previously forgotten; and, finally, the whole is accompanied with a very copious index, referring to all the words which had been classified according to their parts of speech. These are now arranged in a general alphabetical order. Such is the general outline of the work before us.

It is obvious, from these classifications and arrangements, that the author has spared no pains in preparing his work for publication; but whether the benefit which his readers will probably derive from this branch of his labours, may correspond with his industrious application, may perhaps admit of some considerable doubts. We should be exceedingly sorry to throw any obstacle in the way of an author, who has for his object the welfare of the rising generation; and particularly those who are indebted for their instruction to the bounties of benevolence. We cannot, however, perceive the advantages which a Dictionary is likely to derive from this singular classification. "The following Dictionary," says the author, being chiefly designed for the use of young persons, the words are arranged under their respective parts of speech, and classed in alphabetical order, according to the number of syllables, for the purpose of exercising the mind of the learner. After a little practice in ascertaining the parts of speech, and distinguishing the number of syllables contained in any word, of which the explanation may be required, the reference to the Dictionary will become pleasant and easy. To such as may not be disposed to take that trouble, the Index at the end of the book will be found useful."--Intro. p. 11.

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To children, and adults like children, who are acquiring the first rudi

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ments of learning, every facility should be afforded; but we have our fears, that the repetition of the alphabet twenty-four times, independently of the Index, which must compel the learner to turn to a distinct department of the book for every word of which he wishes to know the meaning, merely that he may find how many syllables it contains, will not greatly accelerate his progress.

As a school Dictionary, however, in places where Religion and Morality are prominent branches of the learning that is taught, this book will not be without its use. Many words are accompanied with their religious import, as well as their philological definitions; and no man who is pleased with the judicious observations of the celebrated Cruden, will be offended at seeing his sentiments transcribed. The various senses in which the same word is used in the sacred Scriptures, will be insensibly impressed upon the reader's mind; and his acquaintance with the inspired writings will increase by his being so constantly referred to passages in which these varied senses of the same word distinctly occur. The following examples will illustrate the truth of these remarks.

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BLESS, (v.) to prosper, or make happy; which, properly, is the act of God alone, the author and giver of every temporal and spiritual blessing. God blesses, especially, by the rich provision which he has made in his glorious plan of redemption, to recover man from the effects of the fall; in the supplies of his grace, and by the gifts of his Holy Spirit, whereby man is enabled to serve him acceptably in this world, and to receive a meetness for that eternal inheritance in heaven, where he will be perfectly happy in the enjoyment of God for ever.

"This word is often used in an inferior sense; and man is said to bless God, when, with a grateful heart, he praises him for benefits received, and lives to his glory. He may be said to bless his fellow-creatures, when he wishes them every good, and uses his best endeavours to promote their happiness."

"BLOW, (v.) blo, to move forcibly, or to be put in quick motion, as the wind in a brisk gale, which moves freely and acts powerfully; its force being felt, and its cffects evident, but

the manner cannot be fully understood: to which our Saviour has compared that spiritual change which is wrought in the soul of the believer by the operation of God's Holy Spirit." "BURN, (v.) to consume or destroy by fire; to scorch with heat; to be inflamed with unlawful desires, 1 Cor. vii. 9; to be filled with a holy zeal for the glory of God, and the good of others."

FAITH, (n.) fath, a dependence on the credit of another for the truth of an assertion, or the performance of a promise. Hence a person is said to keep his faith inviolate, when he performs the promise which another relied on. Divine faith, is a firm assent of the mind to things, upon the authority of Divine revelation. It is thus we are persuaded to believe all those truths relating to God, which he has revealed to us in the Scriptures. Justifying or saving faith, is a saving grace wrought in the soul by the Spirit of God, whereby we receive Christ as he is revealed in the Gospel, to be a Prophet, Priest, and King; trust in him, and rely upon him and his righteousness alone, for justification and salvation. This faith begets a sincere obedience in life and conversation. Faith which worketh by love, Gal. v. 6. is not an idle, inactive, inoperative grace; but shews itself by producing in us, love to God, and to our neighbour. It is put for the belief and profession of the Gospel; Rom. i. 8."

"GRACE, (n.) favour, or mercy. Divine grace, is the free and undeserved love and favour of God, which is the spring and source of all the benefits which we receive from him, especially redemption through Jesus Christ; Rom. xi. 6. Grace is taken for a lively sense of this favour, or the love and fear of God dwelling in the heart; 2 Cor. i. 12: for the doctrine of the Gospel, which proceeds from the grace of God; 1 Pet. v. 12."

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WILL, (n.) that faculty of the soul, or operation of the mind, whereby a man freely chooses or refuses things. Scripturally, to will any thing is of nature; but to will what is good, is of grace; Psal. cx. 3; John viii. 36,xv. 5; Phil. ii. 13. The will of God is taken for his absolute will, purpose, or decree; Rom. ix. 19; Eph. i. 11: for his laws and commandments; Matt. vii. 21; Rom. xii. 2. The will of God may be known by reading his word,

by observing his providences, and by praying for his Spirit, to enlighten, instruct, and guide the soul."

The specimens thus given can hardly fail to serve two occasions; namely, to exhibit the author's manner of proceeding in his work, and the pious disposition by which he has been actuated. Those who are not disposed to question his sincerity in the preceding examples, will not hesitate to give him credit for his motives, which, in the concluding paragraph of his Introduction, he thus states:

"As it is the intention of the author to submit this work to the inspection of the public, he hopes that it will be found useful to those well-disposed persons, who are every where manifesting a pious zeal to remove ignorance, the parent of vice, from the minds of young persons, to impart religious instruction, and to inculcate good moral habits. And he trusts that it will, in some measure, prove an instrument in the hand of God to promote his glory; by directing the attention of youth to a more serious perusal of the oracles of divine truth, and thereby diffuse more extensively religious knowledge, make the principles of the Christian religion better understood, and its precepts more carefully practised. With this end in view, and to add a mite to that stock of knowledge which forms the only sure basis of national virtue and individual happiness, he offers up his ardent wishes, and most fervent prayers, for a blessing upon his labours, to the Father of Lights, from whom proceedeth every good and perfect gift; to whom, the only wise God, our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.'

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Egleston."

"E. D." Who the author of this compilation is, we do not profess to know. It appears before the world as an anonymous production, and the initials, &c. with which the introduction is concluded, are insufficient to satisfy the demands of inquiring curiosity. But neither the concealment nor the communication of the author's name can either diminish the merit of his work, or augment its excellence. It is presented to the public as a Dictionary for Youth, to give directions in spelling and pronouncing such words as frequently occur in the sacred writings; and, as the specimens we have given

evince, to elucidate the various doc- | that inquiry with the more general his

trines which many terms import. To such as these, we have no doubt that this work will be found highly serviceable; especially if they have no other books of reference that are more amplified in their details.

tory of the British nations, something of that kind was drawn up, by way of introduction, which was afterwards considerably enlarged."

The work in its present form, as it appears before the public, is divided into three departments; and although each of these may, in some respects, be considered distinct and separate, yet each Part seems necessary, to form a complete view of our national antiquities. Thus, in pursuing the history of the British churches, under the Roman government, it is desirable to be made acquainted with the situation of the different tribes, and their superstitions; their laws, customs, and language, previous to the Roman conquest of the island; and to trace the remote origin of the primordial Britons, and the period of the first population of the Queen of Isles. These topics are attended to in the first and second Parts, making up the first volume.

To critical discriminations the author makes no pretensions; and the price of his book plainly shews, that profit was not his primary aim. His lan- | guage is plain and unadorned; equally removed from pedantry and meanness, but calculated to communicate the ideas which he aims to impress upon the reader's mind. We therefore concur with him in opinion, that "the work will be found very useful to all those who undertake the education of the rising generation in the national, parochial, or Sunday schools, where the children are taught to read only the Word of God. It is likewise well adapted for the use of young persons in general, as it will give them clear notions of the most important doc- In the second volume, both the natrines of the Christian religion, and of tional and religious history of ancient their duty towards God, towards their | Britain are treated of, from the first neighbour, and towards themselves." establishment of the Roman Government, until the final settlement of the Saxons in this country. Our accounts as to the first introduction of the Gos

Analysis and Review of a recent publication, entitled "Hora Britannica, or Studies in Ancient British History, containing various Disquisitions on the National and Religious Antiquities of Great Britain.' London, 1818-19, Blanchard, Ogles, Hat

2 vols. 8vo. chard, &c. THE design of the present volumes is to supply the desideratum of a compendious work on the historical antiquities of our native Isle. In the present age, when Britain maintains so conspicuous a station in the world, it is of some interest to the curious, to look back and trace the state of the primary population, the customs, pursuits, and various superstitions, of our ancestors previous to the Christian era; as well as the circumstances attending the first introduction and consequent progress of Christianity among the Britons.

In the preface to the first volume, it is observed, that," when the first draught of the work was sketched out, the design was merely to afford a summary view of the history of religion among the ancient inhabitants of Great Britain; but as this could not be done with satisfaction, without connecting No. 5.-VOL. I.

The rise

pel into this island are investigated;
its progress is then traced throughout
the ages which succeeded.
and spread of Pelagianism are treated
of; and the history of Pelagius, who
was a Cambro-Briton, is given from
the best authorities. The wars be-
tween the Britons and Saxons, and
the consequent distress; the coming
over of Augustine from Rome to evan-
gelize the heathen English, and the
result of his labours, in conjunction
with his disciples; with an account of
the Culdees of Iona, and their exer-
tions in Northumberland;-these form
the concluding topics of the second
volume.

An Appendix is given to each
volume.
That of the first is upon
the following articles:-The worship
of Rocks and rude Stone Monuments,
with reference to some remarkable
Cromlechs. 2. Sacred Caverns and
Grottos. 3,4. Thoughts on Language.
5. The Origin of Letters. 6. Thoughts
on Ossian. 7. Taliesin.

The Appendix of the second volume relates to,-1. The Antiquities of St. Alban's. 2. Glastonbury. 3. Caerleon. 4. Lantwit, in "Glamorgan. 5

2 H

The Cornish Cathedral, 6. Whithern. |
7. The Easter Controversy. 8. Splen-
dour of the Saxon Churches. 9. The
Last Days of Venerable Bede. 10.
The Welsh and Breton languages.
The disquisitions on the state of
Britain, the manners and
stitions of our ancestors, and the pe-
culiarities of the Druids and Bards,
are interesting to those who have any
taste for studies of this nature; but
the second volume, on the Antiquities
of the British Churches, promises to
have a fairer claim on the especial
attention of the religious public. The
Author has observed in his preface,
that "While the present age is so
laudably engaged in zealous exertions
to diffuse Christianity among the Hea-
then, and in particular among the wor-
shippers of Brahma and Budhu; the
history of the first introduction and
consequent progress of our divine
religion among our once heathen an-
cestors, cannot fail to prove highly
interesting. The Gospel travelled of
old from Asia to the West of Europe:
and as, from the Isles of Western
Europe, it has shone with bright beams
on the Transatlantic world; so, now,
the sons of Britain are conveying it
back to Asia, and, in particular, to
continental and insular India."-On
this work, it is our intention to publish
a critique in a future number.

Rev. Mr. Kidd, Rev. G. D. Mudie, and
Mr. Alderman Wood.

The Report began by stating, that the Committee were happy that the past year had furnished them with so many opportunities of extending the super-sphere of their exertions, and of collecting so much information upon the subject. They noticed, first, the state of education abroad. From France, their Committee have for two years received the most pleasing information; the great work of instruction still continues to go forward, and its salutary effects are already manifest. About 1200 children are now educating on the new system, and the Minister of the Interior has signified his intention of extending its benefit to all the corps under his direction; the Committee sincerely rejoice in the cooperation of the French Society, and cordially adopt the language of the French minister, who says, that the union of zealous persons of the two nations may produce the most beneficial results, and tend to extinguish that rivalship which has led to the shedding of so much human blood.”From Spain, the Committee have heard that the School founded in the preceding year at Madrid still continues, though they regret that no measures have yet been taken to propagate the system through the country. From Russia, the Committee had reason to expect encouraging success, and they have not been disappointed. His Imperial Majesty still continues to spread On the 15th of May, 1819, the thir- schools through his vast dominions, and teenth anniversary of this society was a large school was opened last year at held at Freemasons' Hall, London; the Petersburgh, under his immediate auDuke of Kent in the chair. His Royal spices. At Florence, a School Society Highness, on this occasion, was sup- has been established under the patronported by his Serene Highness the age of the Grand Duke of Tuscany. Prince of Hesse Philipstall, and Prince Mr. Allen, who has visited Sweden, Ernest, his brother. The company Denmark, and Russia, has lost no was large, and highly respectable; and opportunity of gaining information, so completely was the hall thronged, and suggesting means for the improvethat many were unable to gain admit- ment of schools in various parts: he tance. The principal speakers among speaks of the assistance afforded him the numerous gentlemen who attended, in the warmest terms; and he is now were the following:-His R. H. the gone to the southern part of the RusDuke of Kent, Mr. Foster, (who read sian empire. At Brussels, the Comthe Report,) Rev. Dr. Schwabe, Rev. mittee have corresponded with seveG. Hamilton, Right Hon. Lord Eb-ral persons of the highest authorington, Hon. and Rev. Gerard Noel, Hon. G. Bennet, M. P., Rev. Charles Anderson, W. Wilberforce, Esq. M. P., Rev. J. Townsend, G. Phillips, Esq. M. P., Mr. Sigismund Billing, (a member of the French Legion of Honour,)

BRITISH AND FOREIGN SCHOOL
SOCIETY.

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rity, and hope soon to have the pleasure of hearing of a school established in that city. In North America, the system spreads extensively. At New York, several schools have been new-organized, and new schools

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