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371

Review. The Christian Remembrancer.

the numerous articles composing these volumes may be considered as an illustrative commentary on the subjects to which they respectively refer; and that reader, who makes himself acquainted with their uniform adaptations to inform his mind, will have also learnt, that the sacred writings furnish a source of rational amusement, as well as of authoritative doctrines and preceptive ethics.

It is, perhaps, scarcely needful to observe, that while the names of the numerous tribes, both represented and characterized in these volumes, are mentioned in scripture, the materials of which this history is composed must be sought and found in other sources. This has led Mrs. Hewlett to consult the writings of voyagers and travellers, not merely of ancient, but also of modern days; and from their concurring testimony, as an authentic source of information, she has furnished out the gratifying repast, with which the youthful reader is to be regaled.

At the close of the second volume, a list of the plates is given, and reference is made to the page where each shall be finally introduced, that the engraving and the description may appear together. Detached from the embellishments, we have perused many of the articles with peculiar pleasure; but this is considerably augmented, by connecting them with the characteristic plates by which they are illustrated. Congratulating Mrs. Hewlett, therefore, on having produced a work so admirably calculated to make an impression on the juvenile mind, that promises to be as useful as it will be durable, we cannot hesitate strongly to recommend these volumes to the attention of our readers.

REVIEW.-Scripture History for Youth.

By Esther Hewlett. 2 Vols. 12mo. pp. 412-512. Fisher & Co. London. THIS Work bears so strong a resemblance to the preceding, by the same lady, that it may be considered as the completion of what she had so happily begun. So far as general terms are applicable, nearly all that has been said respecting the "Scripture Natural History" may be said of these volumes. Written by the same printed at the same press, sent into the world by the same publishers, arrayed in the same neat costume, and ornamented with one hundred and fifteen appropriate and highly expressive engravings, these striking kindred resemblances will supersede the necessity of any particular analysis.

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The first of these volumes, and part of

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the second, are devoted to the history of events and prominent circumstances recorded in the Old Testament, together with biographical sketches of the more prominent individual characters that rise and pass before us as we proceed through its books and chapters. The remaining portion of the second volume conducts us in a similar way through the biography and historical events of the New Testament, the whole of which the plates either illustrate or render peculiarly interesting.

In both of these volumes, as well as in the Scripture Natural History, the style is easy and expressive; unadorned, indeed, with metaphor, but equally free from bombast and servility. To any sparklings of thought, or brilliancy of expression, Mrs. Hewlett makes no pretensions, nor does she aim at any critical_investigations or profundity of research. But what is of more importance to those for whom these volumes are designed, she traces with fidelity the leading features in each character and event, and inculcates moral lessons while apparently furnishing nothing but entertainment, deduced from facts which the sacred writings record.

Both the "Scripture Natural History," and "Scripture History," belong to one common family; and although the two volumes belonging to each work are distinct, and complete in themselves, yet the wider range which these Works in the aggregate combine, cannot but render the whole desirable; and we doubt not that those who have seen either, will readily procure the volumes they do not possess. On the talents and industry of Mrs. Hewlett, (now Copley,) these Works reflect great credit; and to a juvenile library they will form a valuable acquisition.

REVIEW.-The Christian Remembrancer, or Short Reflections upon the Faith, Life, and Conduct, of a real Christian. By Ambrose Serle. 18mo. pp. 182. Fisher & Co. London.

THIS treatise is almost exclusively confined to experimental and practical religion; not as these subjects are sometimes delineated on paper, with all the marks about them of the sectarian mould in which they were cast, but as they are exhibited in the real experience of the penitent, when he passes from death into life, and his actual practice in his daily conformity to the will of God. These delineations, no mere theory could so accurately describe. Reality alone could have furnished their genuine source; and nothing short of religion, operating upon the heart, could

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have depicted Mr. Serle as one of those amiable characters who

"never dealt

In the false commerce of a truth unfelt."

The copy before us belongs to the fifth edition, through which the Christian Remembrancer has already passed. This circumstance denotes its sale to have been very extensive, but not more so than its merits justly deserve. From its diminutive size, this book would seem to be exclusively adapted for the use of young persons, but it will be found on perusal to contain many valuable lessons, which Christians of longer standing, and of more stately growth, might advantageously learn. In the estimation of many readers, magnitude of dimensions, and splendour of appearance, contribute much to the value of a book. To all who have been thus deluded, we would strongly recommend the perusal of this unostentatious and unpresuming volume. They will then learn, that modest worth can exist without external decoration, and that sterling truth has more intrinsic value than all the embellishments which art can bestow. Already it has been honoured with five editions, and if it pass not through as many more, it will only be because its excellence is not more generally known.

REVIEW.

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The Christian Parent, or short and plain Discourses concerning God, and his Works in Creation, Redemption, and Sanctification, &c. By Ambrose Serle. 18mo. pp. 144. Fisher, & Co. London.

IT is a circumstance highly favourable to this little volume, that from its first appearance in public, a few years since, it has passed through six editions, and that it still sustains a respectable rank in the market of religious literature. Designed chiefly for children and young persons, the style and arrangements are adapted to their capacities, and its contents are of such an unquestionable character, that no thoughtful parents can hesitate for a moment to place it in the hands of their offspring. The whole is divided into three distinct parts. The first relates to subjects connected with Creation; the second to those included in Redemption; and the third, to the work of Sanctification on the heart. Each of these parts is subdivided into numerous short chapters, which are rendered interesting by the topics to which they are devoted, in addition to which, their brevity will prevent them from becoming tedious.

In that part which treats of Creation,

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many geographical and historical facts are introduced to the notice of the reader; but in all, he is taught to see that the wisdom and power of God are pre-eminently conspicuous. The great subject of Redemption, the author briefly unfolds, in all its leading characteristics, connecting it immediately with the human soul, the intrinsic value of which can only be known in the regions of immortality. Sanctification is finally introduced, as essentially necessary to prepare the finite spirit for those abodes of blessedness, to which redemption gives it an unequivocal title. With these momentous subjects, the author furnishes proof that he is intimately acquainted, although to peculiar modes of faith he has paid but comparatively slight attention, these diminutive localities being swallowed up in the magnitude of more exalted considerations.

BRIEF SURVEY OF BOOKS.

Of this fact they

1. An Essay on the Cultivation of the Infant Mind, &c., by Robert Brown, (Marshall, London,) proceeds, in several respects, upon the same principles as the treatise of Mr. Wilderspin, which we reviewed in our last number. Both these authors assert, and with much reason, that the infant mind is capable of receiving impressions, which will influence the conduct of the individual through future life, at a much earlier period than is generally believed. must be admitted to be competent judges, both having been engaged in watching for a long season, the development of the infant faculties, under the influence of that early instruction which they recommend. Within a narrow compass, Mr. Brown has, in this pamphlet, laid open the principles of his system for infant education, and shewn their application, as operating in actual practice. It contains much useful information, and will be read with interest, excited by its diversified materials, its numerous anecdotes, and the instructive entertainment which it is calculated to afford.

2. Palmer's Select Pocket Divinity, (Palmer, London,) appears before us both in detached parts, as they were first sent into the world, and also in two volumes, neatly printed, and elegantly put out of hand. Both in their distinct and combined state, they have a pleasing aspect; but what is of greater moment, the articles of which they are composed, are of a very superior quality. These are

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Astronomical Occurrences for April, 1829.

of a strictly religious nature, and bear the names of their respective authors, most of whom are of high repute in the theological world. Of this work the circulation has been very extensive, about fifteen thousand copies of the different articles having been sold within fifteen months. In their combined state they embody most of the essentials of Christianity, and in their detached forms, they are as admirably adapted for public distribution, as their contents are for general

usefulness.

3. Sketch of the Character of the late Mrs. Greville Ewing, of Glasgow, a Discourse, by Ebenezer Miller, A. M. (Holdsworth, London,) is rendered interesting, both by the excellent sentiments which it contains, and by the melancholy occasion of their being delivered. Mrs. Ewing, a pious lady, having been overturned in a carriage, received an injury which terminated her life. This disastrous incident the author endeavours to improve for the benefit of survivors. It contains a delineation of her character, which is truly amiable, but rather leaves us to infer the uncertainty of human life from the awful event, than to point it out in any striking or impressive language.

ASTRONOMICAL OCCURRENCES FOR
APRIL, 1829.

In our last two papers we have laid before our readers the time that elapses between the Moon quitting any point of her orbit until she arrives at the same again, and also from her quitting a certain position until she arrives at another: in these statements it has doubtless been noticed that the periods are irregular, some increasing and others decreasing; it will therefore be the endeavour of the writer to offer to the notice of his readers, a few observations on the causes of these phenomena.

It is well known that the Moon revolves in an elliptical orbit, the Earth, or rather the centre of gravity between the Earth and Moon, being situated in the lower focus; a line drawn from the Moon, when at her nearest distance from the Earth, through the centre of the latter body, and extended to the opposite part of her orbit, is called the line of the apsides; and a line drawn from the Sun through the Moon and Earth, and extended to the opposite part of the Lunar orbit, is called the line of the syzigies; a line situated at right angles to the line of the syzigies, is termed the line of quadratures. In February, the line of the apsides and that of the syzigies coin

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cided, the perigean point being situated between the Sun and Earth; the portion described by the Moon from her last quarter to her first, is consequently the lower part of her orbit, and is passed over in a much shorter period of time than the higher portion, arising from two circumstances, the increased velocity in consequence of the Moon's approach to the Earth when near her perigee; and the small extent of the lower part of her orbit compared with that of the higher. This may easily be illustrated by fixing two pins firmly in a board, having a sheet of paper placed on it; let a string having both ends joined be placed over the pins, and a pencil introduced, so as to describe a revolution round the pins, keeping the string stretched as far as possible-the figure described will be an eclipse, and a line drawn over the points where the pins were inserted, will be the line of the apsides. Now, if a line is drawn at right angles to this line through one of the abovementioned points, it will divide the orbit into two parts, the smallest representing the lower, and the largest the higher portion; the point of the insertion of the pin being the common centre of gravity between the Earth and Moon; it is therefore evident that the revolving body will describe the smallest portion in a less period than the largest.

While indulging in the gratification of an evening's walk, the brilliancy of the western hemisphere cannot fail of interesting the admiring beholder. The constellation Taurus is a conspicuous object, and the planet Mars an important feature in it; below is observed the splendid constellation Orion, and above the constellation Auriga : to the east is seen the constellation Gemini; and still farther is noticed the Crab, which although it possesses no brilliant stars, yet is conspicuous on account of the Nebula that it contains, and the planet Saturn, which is now situated in it. These, with the planets above-mentioned, form an interesting group, Mars being observed a little to the south of the Pleiades, directing his course between them and Aldebaran ; and Saturn, near the same spot as last month, very slowly approaching the third and fourth with the included Nebula of the Crab. The former planet sets at 40 minutes past 10 in the evening; at 12 minutes past 12, the noble planet Jupiter rises in the constellation Ophiuchus, he is noticed under a star of the sixth magnitude marked 28. Saturn sets at 20 minutes past three in the morning of the 2d; at 12 minutes past four, the wirelike crescent of

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Astronomical Occurrences for April, 1829.

the Moon ascends above the horizon; and 32 minutes 43 seconds later, the first satellite of Jupiter suffers an eclipse: the glorious luminary of the Solar system rises at 32 minutes past five; the Moon arrives at her perigean point on this day, and at 45 minutes past 12 at night, she passes the planet Venus.

At 21 minutes past 10 in the evening of the 3d, the Sun and Moon are in conjunction, after a lapse of twenty-nine days, nine hours, and forty-five minutes, which is twenty minutes less than the preceding revolution; the half revolution, or from full to change, is completed in fourteen days, eight hours, and thirty minutes; and from her last quarter to her present situation, which is a quarter of a revolution, six days, fifteen hours, and two minutes, have elapsed. Her situation in the ecliptic is in the 13th degree of Aries, and having passed it in her descending node at noon, she deprives a portion of the Earth's inhabitants of the invigorating beams of the Sun. This eclipse is not visible to us, in consequence of the luminary's having descended below the horizon. On the evening of the 5th we hail the approach of the Moon, to add an increasing lustre to the interesting objects that are observed in the western hemisphere, her crescent being noticed under the three first stars of the Ram; she is directing her course under Mars and the Pleiades towards Aldebaran. On the following evening she is observed considerably nearer Mars, and will evidently pass him before her next appearance; the planet is noticed between the Pleiades and the third of the Bull; he is in conjuction with the Moon at 45 minutes past one in the morning of the 7th. In the evening of this day he is observed between the Pleiades and & Tauri, the Moon being noticed a considerable distance to the east of him, increasing in magnitude and splendour, and directing her course to the planet Saturn, which is observed near the same spot as at the commencement of the month, at some distance to the east of her. On the evening of the 8th, Mars is seen between Aldebaran and the Pleiades; and on the following evening between the latter stars and ɛ Tauri.

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At 6 minutes 43 seconds past one in the morning of the 10th, the shadow of Jupiter eclipses his first satellite, and on the evening of the same day, the Moon appears half illuminated, being observed under the two first of the Twins; she is rapidly approaching Saturn. At 7 minutes past two on the following morning, she enters her first quarter, her synodical re

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volution at this point of her orbit being
completed in 29 days, 16 hours, and
38 minutes, which is 2 hours 20 minutes
longer than the preceding.
The half re-
volution, or her passage from her last
quarter, is performed in 13 days, 18 hours,
and 48 minutes, being an increase on the
last of 5 hours and 19 minutes; and 7
days, 3 hours, and 6 minutes having elapsed
since she was new, which makes a difference
of 5 hours and 53 minutes greater than the
last period between the same points. At
15 minutes past three in the afternoon of
this day, she is in conjunction with the
planet Saturn, and is noticed considerably
below him in the evening; her recess from
him, and her progress through the constel-
lations Leo and Virgo, are the principal
features in her course; she is in apogee on
the 14th.

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On this day, Mars is noticed in a line with Aldebaran and Tauri; and on the 16th he is observed very near Tauri, his passage by this star and being an interesting feature in his course. On the 17th, at 26 seconds past three in the morning, the first satellite of Jupiter is immersed in his shadow; on the following morning, at 45 minutes past one, the planet Saturn is in quadrature with the Sun, 173 days having elapsed since he was last in quadrature with this luminary; at noon the Moon crosses the ecliptic in her ascending node, and in the evening Mars is observed in a line with the third and fourth of the Bull.

The Moon arrives at the point of her orbit opposite the Sun on the 19th, at 22 minutes past six in the morning, being situated at that time in the 28th degree of Libra, with upwards of a degree of latitude which is now north of the ecliptic; she consequently passes too far north of the Earth's shadow to suffer an eclipse; her synodical revolution from her last full, is 29 days, 16 hours, and 3 minutes; which is 2 hours and 5 minutes less than the preceding; the time elapsed since the change is 15 days, 18 hours, and 1 minute, being 6 hours, and 10 minutes greater than the preceding half revolution between the same points; the quarter of the revolution from the first quarter, is completed in 8 days, 4 hours, and 15 minutes, which is 7 minutes longer than the period between the same points in the last revolution.

At 7 minutes past nine in the morning of the 20th, the Sun enters the sign Taurus, 365 days, 5 hours, and 53 minutes having elapsed since he last entered this sign: on this day, he rises at 57 minutes past four, and sets at 3 minutes past seven ; his declination is about 11 degrees, 31

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minutes north; his semi-diameter is 15 minutes, and 56 seconds; his hourly motion in space is 2 minutes, 26 seconds, and 2 tenths; and the time that his semidiameter occupies in passing the meridian is 1 minute, and 5 seconds. In the evening of this day, Mars is seen in a line with the third and fifth of the Bull. On the following morning, the Moon is observed in the constellation of the Balance; she is rapidly approaching the noble planet Jupiter, noticed to the east of her. On the morning of the 22d, she is observed nearer Jupiter, and will pass him previous to her next appearance, the conjunction taking place at 7 minutes 30 seconds past eight in the evening. Mars is seen on this evening in a line with & and Tauri. The Moon is observed after this day to recede from Jupiter.

E

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in uncovering a magnificent dwelling-house at Herculaneum, the garden of which, surrounded with colonnades, is the largest that has yet been discovered. Among other mythological subjects, are the following:-Perseus killing Medusa, by the aid of Minerva; Mercury throwing Argus into a sleep, in order to carry off from him the beautiful lo (a subject which is exceedingly rare in the monuments of art;) Jason, the Dragons, and the Three Hesperides. But the greatest curiosities in this house are some bas-reliefs of silver, fixed on elliptical tablets of bronze, representing Apollo and Diana. A vast number of other articles, furniture, utensils, &c. of the most exquisite workmanship, add to the interest which the discovery of this rich and beautiful mansion is so well calculated to excite.-Literary Gazette.

1st of January, says: "On Sunday evening, a Falls of Niagara.-An American paper of the surface of the rock, supposed to be the size of loose, and was precipitated into the immense half an acre, forming the bed of the river, broke chasm below. Our informant describes the part fallen as having been within the Horse Shoe, at that point resembling the Toe Rock. The crash was heard for several miles around, and the effects in the immediate vicinity resembled the shock of an earthquake."

in Persia; beautiful writing, therefore, is conPenmanship.-The art of printing is unknown sidered a high accomplishment. It is carefully taught in the schools, and those who excel in it are almost classed with literary men. They are employed to copy books, and some have attained to such eminence in this art, that a few lines by one of these celebrated penmen are often sold for several pounds.

Extent of the United States.-The territory of millions of square miles-a space equal to twothe American Union extends over upwards of two thirds of Europe, and of which much the largest portion is as yet wholly unsettled.

On the 26th, at 55 minutes past two in the afternoon, she enters her last quarter in the 5th degree of Aquarius; 29 days, 7 hours, and 36 minutes completes her synodical revolution at this point of her orbit; being 3 hours and 23 minutes less than the preceding the half revolution, or her period from the first quarter, is completed in 15 days, 12 hours, and 48 minutes, which is 8 hours, and 42 minutes less than the preceding half revolution between the same points: the time elapsed since the full is 7 days, 8 hours, and 33 minutes; which is 8 hours and 55 minutes shorter than the last period, from the full to the last quarter. At 30 minutes past eight in the evening of this day, the planet Herschell is in quartile with the Sun, he is situated in a barren spot in the constellation Capri-weight the law requires. corn. The Moon, after progressing through the constellations Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces, arrives at her perigean point on the 30th.

GLEANINGS.

Unknown Roman City.-At the distance of ten leagues south-east of Cutahia, one of the highest points of Asia Minor, is an ancient Roman City unvisited by modern travellers, and of which, even the ancient Itineraries make no mention. Its principal edifices consist of a large theatre, a stadium, several groups of columns in good preservation, but of no great height, an Ionic temple of the most elegant architecture, with columns fluted, and of a single block of marble thirty feet in height; these support an entablature very much enriched, and in exquisite taste. From an inscription in the pediment, it appears that this temple was restored in the time of Adrian, and dedicated to Apollo. The site is watered by a small stream which passes over a Roman bridge, in excellent preservation, as is the vault, also Roman, to which it leads.-Laborde's Address.

Herculaneum.-The excavations now in progress at Herculaneum and Pompeii daily lead to the most important results, and authorize the most brilliant hopes. The workmen are engaged

Avalanche. On the 20th of July last, a village named Cathewra, in the East Indies, was buried by an "avalanche" of earth, which slided down from the side of a hill, under which the village was situated. Eighteen houses, containing 65 persons, 86 cows and buffaloes, and 23 goats, were buried to the depth of fifteen or sixteen

feet.

The Mint.-Sovereigns are now struck at the Mint from sheets of gold rolled to proper thickness, and on coming from the dies are the exact

Antediluvian.-Human antediluvian remains are said to have been recently found, in a fossil state, in a cavern near Bire, in France.

Substitute for Tea.-Sir H. Willcock, Charge d'Affaires at Persia, states that a root, well known in England under the name of endive or succory, is roasted, and reduced to powder by the inhabitants of Moscow, and the greater part of Russia, as a substitute for tea or coffee; that he has derived much benefit from its use as a beverage; and that he provided a considerable quantity to take with him to Persia.

Crime in France.-The number of prisoners in France now undergoing punishment is 20, 300, -viz.; Men: for heinous crimes, 4,700; for misdemeanours, 9,600. Women: Galleys, 1,000; solitary confinement, 1,800; lighter penalties, 3,200.Paris Paper.

Antiquities.-In the forest of Harnavast, two leagues and a half from Voloques, M. de Gerville, of the Society of Antiquaries of Normandy, has discovered the remains of an ancient city never mentioned by any geographer.

The Marseilles Hymn.-The celebrated composer Gossee, whose air, "Des Marseillais," is said to have powerfully contributed by its inspiring melody to the victories gained by the French armies, who sang it when going to battle in the early wars of the revolution, died at Passy, near Paris, very lately, at the advanced age of 95, He is to be buried in the Pere la Chaise, within a short distance of the late eminent composer Mehul.

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