269 Review.-My Grandfather's Farm. 270 that we have been led to view productions | surveyed by the reader with the mingled of this description, as belonging to a sus- emotions of disgust, contempt, and indigpicious family. In the theatre, we too fre- nation. quently perceive experiments made on the depraved taste of the auditors, to ascertain how much vice may be thrown into the composition without exciting expressions of disapprobation, and how far its grossness may be exposed, without shocking their nervous and moral sensibilities. The observations made on the last representation, frequently furnish a guide to those which follow; and the more nearly an author can approach the confines of iniquity without actually plunging into the vortex, the greater is the probability that he will be rewarded with success, and crowned with applause. The tragedy which now presents itself to our notice, the author avows, takes its stand on fictitious ground. The plan is laid in the region of fancy, and the various characters which furnish out the scenery, exist as such only in the writer's imagination. They are, nevertheless, in their radical principles, true to nature, though coloured too highly to be generally perceived in active life. The Stepmother, who is the principal figure, is what may be called a paragon of every thing that is wicked; or, if she find a rival in her ascent to this bad preeminence, it can only be found in the Prior and Monk, through whose instrumentality she contrives to execute the diabolical purposes of her heart. In her movements through these regions of villany, murder marks her steps; but on many occasions when the object of her iniquitous solicitude seems within her grasp, some unforeseen event defeats her intentions, and finally unravels all her horrid machinations. At length, overtaken by the pursuits of long insulted justice, in a moment of attempted suicide, she is struck dead by the lightnings of Heaven, and the Prior dies by the hands of the executioner. Some branches of these episodes seem involved in clouds of obscurity, which nothing but conjecture will enable us to pierce; and the major characters occasionally display appearances which might have been rendered more luminous without any disadvantage. One general feature, however, prevails throughout the whole: Vice, though it prospers for a season, is uniformly overtaken by justice; while Virtue, though severely depressed, is ultimately triumphant. The language of this tragedy is bold and energetic, but less impassioned than might have been expected. With exalted sentiments it does not abound: but this deficiency is somewhat supplied by the local incidents that are numerously introduced. The author is no stranger to Parnassus, and the favours he receives from the Muses, are fully sufficient to encourage the repetition of his visits to the hallowed mount. REVIEW.-My Grandfather's Farm; or Pictures of Rural Life. 12mo. pp. 335. THIS is a book of amusement, made up of The tales, which are twenty-two in number, exhibit different degrees of merit, which The plot contains several interesting seem to arise more from the region which episodes; among which, her contrivance the author explores, than from any peculiar to confine in a dungeon her husband's first power of invention, or facility of elucidawife, who is supposed to be dead, and her tion. In their character and tendency, they efforts to transfer the wealth and titles are strictly moral, and simplicity distinwhich the former children would inherit, guishes the style in which they are written. to her own son, are particularly prominent. It is a book which may be read and underTo accomplish this latter purpose, she stood with the utmost facility, no depth of stimulates him to murder his rival brother- thought or vastness of comprehension being in-law; but his failure in the attempt, necessary to catch the ideas which run along finally discloses the wickedness of her soul. the pages. This to many readers will most The Prior, and his confederate Monk, ap- probably operate as a strong recommendapear, through all their transactions, in their tion, and the number of those who are genuine hypocritical character, and ulti-strangers to mental energy is by no means mately retire from public view, the victims contemptible. of superstition, cowardice, and despair; In a work of this description, where no 271 Review.-Crosley's Poems-Stories from Scripture. thing could reasonably be expected besides what floats on the surface, it is no mean proof of the writer's talents, that he can allure his readers to persevere to the end. Difficult as this task is, it is one which we think the author of "My Grandfather's Farm," has fully accomplished, as few who peruse books for amusement, will be inclined to lay it aside, until the conclusion of the last story is known. In addition to the entertainment which this volume affords, several of the tales furnish wholesome lessons, and the instruction they convey, improvement may render extensively valuable. It is not always that the amusements of literature are associated with innocence, much less with moral utility; but whenever we find these combined, as in the case before us, we always think such books entitled to recommendation. REVIEW.-Poems, Lyric, Moral, and Humorous. By Thomas Crosley. 12mo. pp. 140. Hunt. London. IF our young ladies were favoured with as many admirers as the Muses, it is not unlikely that they would be equally haughty, disdainful, and regardless of the prayers of their numerous petitioners. To a favoured votary they might, perhaps, occasionally extend a smile, but by far the greater number would be compelled to sigh and court in vain. 272 some exalted sentiments, that correspond in vigour with the language in which they are expressed. The moral pieces always sustain their character; but the author, travelling in general a beaten path, they derive but little assistance from the charms of novelty. The humorous compositions never transgress the rules of decorum, or range beyond the boundaries which the smiles of innocence and chastity prescribe. Although these poems contain no profundity of research, no brilliant coruscations of thought, no elevated flights of imagination, they possess a nameless charm, which seems to captivate, while it remains unseen, and please, we hardly know why. To this, the ease, simplicity, and harmony of the numbers may in part contribute, but we think the greater portion must arise from a degree of poetical merit, which, though latent in itself, is seen in its emanations, and for which, at present, we are at a loss to find an adequate name. THE first of these volumes is devoted to events and incidents recorded in the Old Testament, and the second to such as are furnished in the New; and whether we view them as detached from their sacred character, or invested with it, they appear both amusing and instructive. The volume on So far as the Nine are concerned, Mr. the Old Testament contains twenty-four Crosley has no reason to complain of being narratives, each of which is illustrated with a treated with disrespect, although they have neat copper-plate. The language in which not condescended to admit him into the these stories are told is simple and familiar, more splendid or more elevated apartments but on all occasions the author has observof the Parnassian mansion. In the presented a strict adherence to the materials which volume he has knocked at their habitation about sixty different ways and times, and in most of his calls has received a friendly nod, although he may perhaps be inclined to think There is a prettiness in these little effusions, on which we cannot look without being pleased; but this pleasure never rises into astonishment, and it is but rarely that we pause to explore the real source of our approbation. As flowers, these compositions may be compared to daisies, primroses, and violets, cheerful to the eye, and fragrant to the smell, though destitute of that vivifying aroma, for which the mossrose and the carnation will always be distinguished. In those parts which may be termed Lyric, we find many excellent lines, and the sacred text supplies. To young persons they will be found particularly interesting as detached narratives, while in their combined effect they can hardly fail to impart a general knowledge of many leading events recorded in the Bible; and it is not improbable that many readers will be induced, from a perusal of them, to seek after an acquaintance with the general history with which they stood connected in the inspired pages. The volume, founded on events selected from the New Testament, is also ornamented with twenty-four neatly executed engravings, thus corresponding with the preceding, but the stories are extended to thirty, to which is appended a brief sketch of the evidences in favour of divine revelation. To these narratives, the plates will give an additional interest, from their having a light and elegant appearance, with which nearly 273 Brief Survey of Books. 274 every reader will be pleased. It can be | Qualification, by John Howard Hinton, scarcely needful to say, that the sacred writings abound with incidents and materials for such sketches and graphic illustrations more than any other work extant; and the difficulty lies, not in finding subjects for the pencil and the pen, but in making a selection from the abounding profusion. In the work before us, the author has judiciously fixed on those incidents and events that are, perhaps, more pathetic and interesting in themselves than many others, and more susceptible of graphic embellishments. In both respects it assumes a pleasing appearance; and as a present to a young friend of either sex, or a reward for a Sunday scholar or other pupil, it would be considered as a valuable prize. Publications of this description cannot be too extensively circulated. BRIEF SURVEY OF BOOKS. 1. A Guide to Acquaintance with God, by the Rev. J. Sherman, (Nisbit, London,) having passed through three editions, must already be tolerably well known throughout an extensive circle. The substance of this little volume, as we are informed in the preface, was first delivered in three discourses to a congregation in Reading, of which the author is the minister, and published at their request. It is now divided into six chapters, in which this important subject is examined in various lights. It is not a philosophical acquaintance with the Divine Being which the author recommends, but that which is experimental and practical. To this all his observations tend, and, if perused in the same spirit and with the same views with which it appears to have been written, the reader will not complain that he has wasted his time in looking through its pages. 2. The Scripture Student's Assistant, being an Index and Dictionary to the Holy Bible, by the Rev. John Barr, (Simpkin, London,) is thus described in the preface. "Every difficult word is here briefly explained, figurative language is illustrated, allusions to Eastern customs shortly noticed, the situation of cities, countries, &c. mentioned, and the symbolical style of prophecy expounded." Great and numerous as these pretensions are, all that they promise may be found in this volume, though on a diminutive scale. It is a Dictionary of the Bible in miniature, and will be found of great service to those who have not any larger work of a similar nature, to which they can refer. 3. On Completeness of Ministerial 123.-VOL XI. (Holdsworth, London,) is a sermon, preached in London in June 1826, and, with considerable variations, at the anniversary of the Baptist Academy at Bradford, York-. shire, and now first published. In his preface, the author distinctly avows his belief in the ability of man to do good under the present Gospel dispensation, and his decided conviction that Christ died for all mankind. Without the former, he contends, responsibility must be done away; and without the latter, there can be no good faith in universal invitations. In his catalogue of excellencies belonging to the ministerial character, he has given an extensive enumeration; the whole resulting in these points, that in personal piety, a minister should be a bright example to others; and in general knowledge, a workman that need not be ashamed. Young ministers may peruse it with much advantage. 4. Report of the Proceedings at a Dinner to Commemorate the Abolition of the Sacramental Test, June 18th, 1829, Freemason's Hall, H. R. H. The Duke of Sussex in the chair, (Wightman, London,) might at first sight seem a strange subject either for publication or review. The speeches, however, which were delivered on this occasion, give to the proceedings quite a new aspect. Animated by this memorable event, the repeal of the test and corporation act, the speakers, among whom were many of our most distinguished national characters, entered into an investigation of the principles of ecclessiastical liberty, which they advocated as an unalienable right of man. Among these, we find the Duke of Sussex, Lord John Russell, Lord Holland, Mr. John Abel Smith, Mr. William Smith, Lord Althorp, the Rev. Dr. Cox, the Rev. Robert Aspland, Mr. Weymouth, Sir John Newport, Mr. Brougham, Earl of Carnarvon, Mr. Denman, Lord Nugent, Sir Francis Burdett, Mr. Spring Rice, and Dr. Brown. The speeches of the above noblemen and gentlemen, warmed with the triumphs of religious liberty, are followed by several interesting letters, which form an Appendix, all advocating the rights of conscience, over which no human authority can exercise a just control. 5. A New Version of the Psalms of David, from their original Text, by James Usher, Part 1, (Stephens, London,) appears before us in a promising form. There are in several parts manifest departures from the versions we have been accustomed to read, but we find no deviations which do not bring their own sanctions. The variations, however, are not important. T 275 Brief Survey of Books. They consist more in terms of expression, than in a change of ideas. The versification is smooth, but not elevated, the author's aim being fidelity rather than splendour, and to exalt the real sentiments of the sacred writer, rather than to display his own abilities. 6. Scripture Questions concerning the Life, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension of our Lord, by the Rev. Albert Judson of America, (Religious Tract Society, London,) will be found useful in schools, and among the younger branches of private families. The questions, which are very numerous, are divided into two classes. The first is followed by a reference to the passages which give the answer; but the replies to the second class can only be obtained from a previous acquaintance with the Scriptures on which they are founded. To meet all these questions fully, will require a degree of memory which few children can be expected to possess; but even a partial progress, which all may make, will be an advancement in religious knowledge. 7. The Catechism of Scripture Biography, No. I, (Religious Tract Society, London,) will be found both amusing and instructive to children, the style being familiar, and the pages adorned with several wood cuts. In this, the answers follow the questions, and a knowledge of both may be acquired without exhausting the patience of the little pupil. 8. Hints designed to promote a profitable Attendance on an Evangelical Ministry, by the Rev. W. Davis, (Hatchard, London,) appear in a decent pamphlet, that contains much useful matter. The design of the author is, to inculcate the religion of the heart and the religion of the life. The imperative duty of attending public worship is enforced by many powerful arguments, and the advantages of attending an evangelical ministry are pointed out with conclusive perspicuity. Against the rocks of Legality, and the whirlpool of Antinomianism, an equal guard is placed; and the hearer is directed to look for pardon and regeneration from Christ alone, through that faith which worketh by love. 9. The Communicant's Spiritual Companion, or an Evangelical Preparation for the Lord's Supper, by the late Rev. T. Haweis, LL. B., M. D., (Hamilton, London,) is a reprint of a small treatise, which, having been long in circulation, has passed through numerous editions, and received the sanction of general approbation. The author's principal aim is, not to enter into doubtful disputation on the nature of the ordinance, but to render it 276 subservient to the spiritual welfare of all to whom it is administered. 10. The Christian Recorder, Nos. I. II. and III. (Cowie, London,) is a new publi. cation, issued in weekly numbers, at threepence each. Its professed design is to furnish occasional essays on biblical criticism, to give sketches from the discouses of cele brated preachers, with other articles of a more miscellaneous and incidental nature. From the specimens before us, we should be inclined to think it will be a useful work. 11. An Essay on the Lever, containing a Mathematical Investigation of its Properties, &c. &c. by G. G. Ward, (Steill, London,) is a pamphlet to which was awarded a prize by the London Mechanics' Institution, in December, 1828, as being the best that had appeared on this subject, among the competitors for fame. "Taken as a whole," Dr. Birkbeck observed, when distributing the prizes, as an historical, mathematical, and practical dissertation on the lever, I will venture to assert that it stands unrivalled." After such a testimony, coming from such an authority, all additional remarks would be superfluous. 66 12. Microscopic Amusements, exhibiting at one view a full Description of West's Improved Pocket Compound Microscope, &c. &c. by E. G. Ballard, (West, London,) is a little work replete with useful philosophical information, on subjects of microscopic inspection. It contains two copper-plates, the first exhibiting the microscope in its various parts, and the second displaying such objects as are nearly invisible to the naked eye, in the dimensions they assume when enlarged by a strong magnifying power. To each article on these plates there is a reference on the subjoined pages, which cannot fail to render the whole perfectly intelligible to every reader. In the book itself, we have, first, a general description of vegetables and their parts, particularly flowers; and in the second, of insects, and their various limbs and members. From these the author proceeds to distinguish the varieties, observing what is peculiar and surprising in each species, as it respects their formation, their dissection, and the exhibition of their parts. It is a pleasing little book, which will be perused with advantage by every inquiring youth, who wishes to explore these hidden departments of nature. 13. Infant Education, or Practical Remarks on the Importance of Educating the Infant Poor, from the age of eighteen months to seven years, by S. Wilderspin, (Simpkin, London,) is a work which we reviewed about two years since. It has now 277 Brief Survey of Books. reached the fourth edition, which includes all the improvements that experience and observation have enabled the author to supply. The establishment of infant schools is at present becoming very general in large towns, and much benefit may be expected to result from them. For this the community will be in no small degree indebted to the talents, industry, and perseverance of the author. In his first chapter he has furnished several instances, which prove that at a very early age children have been taught to steal, from which he very naturally infers, that the same talents, if properly directed, might be applied to what is useful and praiseworthy. This volume will be found not less entertaining than useful. It is interspersed with many incidents and anecdotes, that cannot be read without exciting much interest. In his remarks on the iacrease of juvenile delinquency, Mr. W. drags many causes into light, and fully exposes their fearful tendency. Among these, the gin-shop and its drunken customers hold a conspicuous place. The effects which follow from this source of depravity baffle all calculation; and he recommends infant instruction, as the most effectual means of arresting the progress of this prevailing evil. It is a book, with the perusal of which we have been much pleased; and although it has already passed through four editions, we shall rejoice to hear of its still more extensive circulation. 14. Early Impressions, or Moral and Instructive Entertainment for Children, in Prose and Verse, (Hatchard, London,) is a neatly printed volume, adorned with twelve attractive engravings, illustrative of some subject which is introduced. The tales are simple, and always brought to bear on some useful topic, but nearly every sentence being formed into a distinct paragraph, occasions a great waste of paper. This method, however, has been adopted for the accommodation of children, for whose instruction it is both intended and adapted. 15. Redemption; a Poem, by the late Rev. Joseph Swain, (Palmer, London,) contains a respectable portion of poetical excellence, but the form in which it appears is rather unfavourable to its acquirement of publicity. Prefixed is a life of the author, copied in a great measure from his own diary. From the memoir we learn, that Mr. Swain was a pious minister, of the high Calvinistic persuasion, cut down in the prime of life, and called to his reward in his thirty-sixth year. His poem is in many places strongly tinctured with the peculiarities of his creed, which, though it may pro 278 mote its circulation among a certain class, will, with others, very much retard its sale. It is, however, a composition which contains much internal evidence that the muses were propitious to his wooing, and that they have rewarded his application for favour with success. 16. A Charge delivered at the Settlement of the Rev. Arthur Tidman over the Church assembling in Barbacan, January 18, 1829, by Andrew Reed, (Westley, London,) imbodies the common routine of topics generally introduced on such occasions. Many branches, however, are placed in a new and commanding light. They connect themselves with every department of a faithful minister's life, and extend their influence over all who are committed to his care. The survey which Mr. Reed has taken of the ministerial character, duties, and responsibility, is very comprehensive, terminating in one point, that the whole man should be entirely devoted to God. The language is both energetic and perspicuous, and the address must have been received with peculiar interest by all who heard it, particularly so by the Rev. Mr. Tidman, to whom, and on whose account it was delivered. 17. An Appeal to Britain, recommending the Abolition of the Practice of Burning Hindoo Widows, &c. by the Rev. James Peggs, late Missionary in Orissa, (Wightman, London,) is chiefly extracted from the Suttee's Cry to Britain, by the same author, which we reviewed in col. 671, vol. ix. of this magazine. This epitome has been published by the Coventry society, formed for the abolition of human sacrifices in India. The account is one of mournful interest. Numerous instances of these human sacrifices are given, and during every year some hundreds perish in the flames. It contains many testimonies from unquestionable authority, that the horrid practice might easily be abolished, without endangering the peace of society. A legislative enactment would extinguish this de testable fire for ever. 18. Report of the General Baptist Missionary Society, for the year ending June 30, 1828, furnishes a heart-rending picture of idolatry in India, and of the horrid rites attendant on the abominable worship which it enjoins. Notwithstanding the various and unremitting exertions of all the missionaries who have endeavoured to spread Christianity, paganism still almost universally prevails. One correspondent observes,-"When attending missionary meetings, &c. in England, and favourable reports are brought forward, one is apt to |