391 Review.-Familiar Letters-Jones's Classical Library. 392 REVIEW-Familiar Letters on a Variety | of Mr. Dickenson, has given in his seventh of Seasonable and Important Subjects in Religion. By the Rev. Jonathan Dickenson, A. M. New Jersey. With an Introductory Essay, by the Rev. David Young, 12mo. pp. 480. Bald win and Co. London. 1829. Tuis volume belongs to that valuable class of publications entitled "Select Christian Authors, with Introductory Essays," sent into the world by Collins of Glasgow, Oliphant of Edinburgh, and various other booksellers both in Dublin and London. Several of these volumes we have already reviewed, and, on an impartial examination, have invariably found them as so many constituent parts of a genuine Christian library. The letters of Mr. Dickenson which constitute the fifty-first volume, are in general devoted to the evidences of Christianity. These the author views in various lights, exploring the sources whence they are derived, examining the objections to which they are exposed, and drawing inferences from obvious premises, to which reason and impartial inquiry compel our assent. These inferences are at once argumentative in their character, and practical in their result. The principles of Christianity are found on strict examination to be of an operative nature, and the transformation which they produce by their influence on the heart and life, proves that they are genuine, and could have been derived from no other cause but God. The mode of reasoning adopted by Mr. Dickenson lies about midway between metaphysical profundity, and popular declamation. His arguments are always rational, and though not pursued through all their branches with logical precision, they make a powerful appeal to the understanding, as the medium through which the heart should be always affected. Among his data, Mr. D. assumes it as an indisputable fact, which all must allow, that if God were so pleased, he is capable of revealing his will to man. On this position is founded the inquiry-what kind of revelation might we reasonably expect under all the circumstances of human nature, and the moral relation in which it stands to God? This is precisely the revelation which he finds unfolded in the Bible, being at once worthy of its Author, and adapted to the condition of a responsible agent, whose sins want pardon, and whose nature requires spiritual regeneration. The author of the Introductory Essay, fully entering into the views and reasonings page a condensed epitome of what the letters contain; and in the subsequent parts, their truths and doctrines are illustrated, confirmed, and enforced by an appeal to scripture, and to the well-known character of man. Perhaps, on the whole, this essay may approximate to the province of sermonizing a little too nearly, but this can form no real objection to its intrinsic worth. In reference to the great object which they have in view, the Letters and the Essay are suited to each other, and claim for this volume an admission into the Christian library, of which it will become a worthy member. DR. JOHNSON has somewhere remarked, that choice is always difficult where there is no motive for preference." This sentiment applies very powerfully to us on the present occasion, having to compare the respective merits of two cotemporary publications so similar in design and execution as the Classical Libraries of Jones and Valpy. The size of the latter, perhaps, adapts it better to the boudoir, while it derives no trifling recommendation from the known erudition of its editor. On the other hand, the work under review, exhibits no want of tact and talent in its compilation; and the condensation of matter into the pages of these beautiful octavos, must, on pecuniary grounds, have very great weight with the public. A small portion of Herodotus is included in the second volume of the present work, the principal part being occupied by the miscellaneous productions of Tacitus, and the conclusion of his history. It is enough to say, that this part is nothing inferior to the former, recently reviewed in the Imperial Magazine. To those readers whose acquaintance with Herodotus extends no further than his name, we cannot more powerfully state his intentions, or recommend his work, than by extracting his much admired exordium. "To rescue from oblivion the memory of former incidents, and to render a just tri bute of renown to the many great and wonderful actions, both of Greeks and Barbarians, Herodotus of Halicarnassus produces this historical essay." p. 1. This beautiful opening, and the inscription of the nine books to the Muses, whose names they bear, will prepare the student 393 Review.-The Family Library: Life of Napoleon, &c. to meet in these annals with historical events embellished; yet he will be glad to learn, that they are not disguised by all the charms of Homeric verse. The third volume takes in the remainder of Herodotus, but we perceive with regret, that the index is incomplete, and is intended to form part of the succeeding volume. In works of this nature, the publishers may rely, it is better to leave the public at liberty to take any part or parts complete in themselves, and to discontinue them without fear of imperfection, than to bind them in any fetters which art may invent. We mention this, because the series is now in a state to admit of such an arrangement being observed. Viewed in any light, this publication is a valuable accession to the thinking part of the community, and marks very decisively the progressive advance of literature through all classes of society. REVIEW.-The Family Library, Nos. 1 & 2. Life of Napoleon Bonaparte, pp. 372-377. No. 3. Alexander the Great. pp.414. Murray, London, 1830. THIS interesting publication is intended to include in an elegant and uniform series, the most valuable gems of literature, and to form a popular library that shall be accessible to every class of purchasers, both with respect to price, and the talent employed in its compilation. The life of Napoleon is delineated with impartiality and manly vigour; while the variety of romantic incidents it includes, invests it with an interest doubly captivating, from their historical truth, and recent occurrence. The writer has dared to view the greatest warrior of modern times, in that light in which succeeding ages will contemplate his career of glory, and ultimate overthrow. He shews us the young soldier of fortune, possessed of no other recommendation than dauntless intrepidity and military skill, and with no other resources than that colossal strength of mind which conceived his lofty plans, and the promptitude of decision by which he at once adopted and executed them;--passing onward in his eagle flight, till he had reached an imperial throne, and achieved the conquest of the world. He exposes to us the bold fatalist, who, relying on destiny and the proud fortunes of his natal star, formed schemes that prudence would never have projected, and which required scarcely less than superhuman strength and perseverance for their accomplishment. He then exhibits the hero sunk into the despot, wrapt | 394 in undefined dreams of boundless ambition, and finally sinking beneath the overwhelm ing host, which rose simultaneously to wrest the sceptre of Europe from his iron grasp. No extract that we could make, would give the reader a just idea of these two volumes: an intense interest pervades the whole history; and when, at its close, we are told, that "a hugh stone was lowered over the remains of one who needs no epitaph.”—then, and only then, the climax is found to be complete. A few anecdotes connected with the early years of Napoleon we have extracted; the first of which relates to a singular incident attending his birth. "It is said that Letitia, (his mother,) had attended mass, on the morning of the 15th of August; and, being seized suddenly on her return, gave birth to the future hero of his age, on a temporary couch covered with tapestry, representing the heroes of the Iliad.' —p. 2. The following anecdote shows that Napoleon despised the adventitious honour of exalted ancestry. In after days, when he had climbed to sovereign power, many flatterers were willing to give him a lofty pedigree. To the Emperor of Austria, who would fain have traced his unwelcome sonin-law to some petty princes of Treviso, he replied, 'I am the Rodolph of my race, and silenced, on a similar occasion, a professional genealogist, with, Friend, my patent dates from Monte Notte."+-p. 2. In the succeeding page the following Occurs. "Being detected stealing figs in an orchard, the proprietor threatened to tell his mother, and the boy pleaded for himself with so much eloquence, that the man suffered him to escape. His careless attire, and his partiality for a pretty little girl in the neighbourhood, were ridiculed together in a song, which his playmates used to shout after him in the streets of Ajaccio: Napoleon, with his stockings about his heels, makes love to Giacominetta."—p. 3. The following anecdote has reference to the early part of his military career. "It was during the siege of Toulon, that Napoleon, while constructing a battery under the enemy's fire, had occasion to prepare a despatch, and called out for some one who could use a pen. A young sergeant, named Junot, leapt out, and, leaning his hand on the breastwork, wrote as he dictated. As he finished, a shot struck the ground by his side, scattering dust in abundance over him and every thing near him. 'Good,' said the soldier, laughing, "this time we shall do without sand." The cool gaiety of this pleased Buonaparte; he kept his eye on the man; and Junot came, in the sequel, to be Marshal of France, and Duke of Abrantes."--p. 21. When Cobentzel, chief envoy of the Emperor of Austria, had long wearied Bonaparte with the protraction of his negotiations, the latter thus strongly intimated his intentions towards that country. Rodolph of Hapsburgh was the founder of the Austian family. + His first battle. 395 Valpy's Classical Library.-Brief Survey of Books. "One day, in this ambassador's own chamber, Napoleon suddenly changed his demeanour: "You refuse to accept our ultimatum," said he, taking in his hands a beautiful vase of porcelain, which stood on the mantel-piece near him. The Austrian bowed. "It is well,' said Napoleon, "but mark me,-within two months I will shatter Austria like this potsherd.' So saying, he dashed the vase on the ground in a thousand pieces, and moved towards the door. Cobentzel followed him, and made submissions, which induced him once more to resume his negotiations."-p. 109. We must refer the reader to the history itself for his further gratification. The third volume containing "The Life and Actions of Alexander the Great," does not, for very obvious reasons, require any extended observations from the reviewer. Alexander is known to every school-boy nearly as well as the old elm-tree in the play ground and any modern history of his life can, at best, be only a judicious compilation from ancient annals. Still, there can be no ground of objection to the present performance. It is a highly respectable production, which will serve to recall in the mind of the student classical data, which he may have learned in " Academus' sacred Grove," and which ere now, perhaps, he has forgotten in Pall Mall. Its value will be felt principally by mere English readers, and these, including blues and butcher boys, form the great mass of modern literati. We shall watch the progress of the Family Library with much interest. The parts already published, having conferred a high value on the work, excite the public attention in no small degree. There is little fear of its decreasing in interest; Mr. Murray's name is a sufficient pledge for the character of any publication he may usher into the world. 396 general himself, while it unfolds to us the interesting features of his own character, describes so vividly the circumstances of alternate triumph and suffering, attending the movements of his army, that the reader becomes spell-bound, and, as it were, an actual observer of events which have long since passed into nothingness. We shall, with much pleasure, notice, in a subsequent number of our miscellany, the succeeding part of this valuable series, announced for the present month, and which will contain the Cyropædia of Xenophon. BBIEF SURVEY OF BOOKS. 1. The Toy Shop, or Sentimental Preceptor, (Skill, Swaffham,) is a nice book for children, teaching them moral lessons by the toys with which they are amused. It contains nothing that is low or vulgar, and no small degree of ingenuity was required on the part of the author, to invest trifles with dignity, and engraft fruitful sentiment on so unpromising a stock. 2. A Compendium of Modern Geogra phy, &c. &c., by the Rev. Alex. Stewart, (Simpkin, London,) we reviewed in its first edition, and spoke favourably of its claims to public patronage. This second edition exhibits the work in a revised and extended state. For the use of schools, it includes nearly all that can be either expected or desired; and even when the pupil has left the seminary, he may occasionally consult its pages with much advantage, to refresh his memory. the author's remarks at the conclusion of Many useful maps are interspersed; and each article, are pertinent and instructive. Utility is its distinguishing characteristic ; but its elegant appearance cannot fail to command respect. 3. Serious Inquiries, by Miss Frances Colina Campbell, with Answers, by the Rev. J. Campbell, (Nisbet, London,) is a plain tract, that may be read with advantage by every sincere seeker after experi mental religion. THE third number of the Family Classical Library, edited by Mr. A. J. Valpy, contains the Anabasis of Xenophon. The popular and justly esteemed translation of this author by Spelman, is the one which 4. The Causes of Declension in Chrishas been adopted for the present work. tian Churches, (a Discourse delivered at Like the preceding parts, this volume Jewin-street Meeting House, by John exhibits much elegance in the typography, Arundel,) (Westley and Davies London,) and exquisite fidelity in the text; and ap- the author detects and exposes in a very pears altogether in a dress sufficiently satisfactory manner; tracing some of them inviting to excite the attention of every to the minister, and others to the memreader who makes the least pretensions to |bers of his flock. As applicable to the politesse in his literary pursuits. former, he enumerates an inefficient, The Expedition of Cyrus into Persia, ministry, from a want of mental furniture, and the Retreat of the Ten Thousand an adaptation of talent to the sphere of under the guidance of Xenophon, form an labour, a relaxed attention to the great doctrines of divine truth, and a low state which is given of them by the Greek of personal religion. In the people he epoch in ancient history; and the account 397 Tam o' Shanter and Souter Johnny.-Apollonicon. 398 traces declension to a spirit of lukewarm- | Tam's shoes, as he leans his foot on one ness and inactivity, neglect of family duties, a worldly spirit, selfishness, insubordi. nation, and self-importance, censoriousness and malevolence, indiscreet marriages, choosing an improper pastor, want of care in the admission of members, and the partial or too lenient treatment of offenders. These principles and topics speak for themselves. We feel no surprise that the congregational ministers, before whom this discourse was delivered, should request that it might be published, and none will regret that Mr. Arundel has complied with their solicitation. side, are preserved with the utmost exactness. The hanging nightcap of Souter Johnny, finds a counterpart in the careless negligence with which his leather apron is rumpled up, leaving one knee bare, while it conceals the other. Taken together, they are such exquisite imitations of reality, as half to induce the persuasion that they were rather casts from actual existence, than the effect of the chisel in the hands of art. "Tam o' Shanter" is seated in an oldfashioned chair, with a cup of "mine host's nappy" in his right hand, which is interrupted in its passage to his mouth by a hearty laugh to which he is giving vent, TAM O'SHANTER, AND SOUTER (COBLER) at the conclusion of the Souter's story. JOHNNY. (Now exhibiting at No. 28, Old Bond-st., London.) THESE two justly celebrated statues, founded on a tale of Burns, bearing the above title, possess an excellence exclusively their own. They are as distinct from the beau ideal, as the compositions of Wilkie are from the powerful delineations of Martin, and owe their well-earned celebrity to the daring but successful efforts of untutored genius. Mr. Thom, the sculptor, is a native of the same county that gave birth to Burns; and though nothing but a stone-mason, he has, by a felicitous combination of characteristics, the most natural and appropriate that can be well conceived, produced a work of which Scotland may be as proud to boast, as of her immortal bard, whose ideas are thus imbodied and illustrated. These statues are as large as life, and the material out of which they have been carved is a hard freestone, from the estate of R. A. Oswald, Esq. on the banks of the Ayr. The colour is the natural tint of the stone. On entering the room, the spectator's attention is not arrested by any display of artificial attitude or voluptuous grace, but by the expression of countenance, natural position, costume, uniform character, and apparently accidental circumstances connected with the comic couple before him. For aught he knows, "Tam," and his "drouthy crony" may be stone, or they may be the originals petrified by some magician's wand in the posture as they were sitting at their ale, "o'er a' the ill o' life victorious." Never, perhaps, did a sculptor more successfully conceal his art, or display character, position, negligence, and ease, to greater advantage. The articles of dress are every thing but inimitable. The Scotch bonnet, the coat, its folds, seams, buttons, button-holes, the waistcoat, small-clothes, riding-stockings, spurs, and even the wrinkles in one of Souter Johnny sits very near, and almost facing his companion, with an irresistible archness and waggery in his countenance, mixed with something of triumph as he listens to Tam's uproarious applause of the queerest of his stories. Johnny holds the jug on his half-aproned knee, in a manner which distinctly marks his love for tipple and his craft; while the shrewd leer on his countenance plainly shews that Tam's laugh is not expected to be the sole remuneration for his drollery. These two specimens of genuine sculpture have been exhibited in London about eleven months, during which time they have been seen by about 70,000 persons, among whom are several of the royal family, and numbers of the nobility. We will conclude this brief description and account in the words of Baron Garrow, accidentally elicited on a trial at Cambridge, on the 5th of August, 1829. "They are two of the most interesting and perfect figures that have ever been planned by the mind of genius, or cut by the hand of skill and talent from THIS is one of the most astonishing musical instruments ever exhibited in this country, or perhaps in the world; we mean with regard to sound, harmony, and effect, for of its machinery we can say nothing. To convey an adequate idea of its powers, is not within the reach of language. It is in itself a band, and must be heard many times to be fully appreciated. Although it has been in operation for several years, it still retains all its pristine charms, and multitudes daily flock to St. Martin's Lane, Strand, to be enraptured with its exquisite tones. On Saturday, February 27th, 1830, the day we visited it, about five hundred persons were attracted to the spot. Its customers appear to be as exhaustless as its fame. 399 Gleanings.-Literary Notices. GLEANINGS. Slavery." What a stupendous, what an incomprehensible machine is man! who can endure toil, famine, stripes, imprisonment, and death itself, in vindication of his own liberty, and the next moment be deaf to all those motives whose power supported him through his trial, and inflict on his fellow-men a bondage, one hour of which is fraught with more misery than ages of that which he rose in rebellion to oppose."-Jefferson. Royal Example.-The Emperor of Austria devotes one day in the week to the giving audience to, and hearing the complaints of, his poor subjects. Some years back the writer of this paragraph was at Vienna, when early in the morning he witnessed this scene, and saw the poor people admitted by turns into the presence of their Sovereign, in his private apartment in the Imperial Palace. His example is now followed by the King of the Netherlands and the King of Wurtemberg. Glorious Deed.-General Charles Ridgeley, of Maryland, whose death we mentioned a few weeks since, has, by his last will and testament, emanci pated all his slaves. The number is represented to be from 250 to upwards of 400.-American Paper. My Jefferson in Retirement.-I am retired to Monticello, where, in the bosom of my family, and surrounded by my books. I enjoy a repose to which I have been long a stranger. From breakfast to dinner, I am in my shops, my garden, or on horseback among my farms; from dinner to dark, I give to society and recreation with my neighbours and friends; and from candle light to early bed time, I read." health is perfect, and my strength considerably remforced by the activity of the course I pursue: perhaps it is as great as usually falls to the lot of near 67 years of age. I talk of ploughs and harrows, seeding and harvesting, with my neighbours, and of politic if they choose, with as little reserve as the r fellow-citizens, and feel at length the blessi. ng free to say and do what I please, withou, he, responsible for it to any mortal. A part of u occupation, and by no means the leastpleasing, is the direction of the studies of such young men as ask it. They place themselves in the neigh bouring village, and have the use of my library and counsel, and make a part of my society. In advising the course of their reading, I endeavour to keep their attention fixed on the main objects of all science, the freedom and happiness of man; so that coming to hear a share in the councils and government of their country, they will keep ever in view the sole objects of all legitimate government.- Jefferson's Memoirs. acre No. XII. of the National Portrait Gallery, with Heads of the Right Hon. Richard Brinsley Sheridan -the Right Rev. William Carey, DD. Bishop of St. Asaph-and of James Marquis of Ormonde. The present Number completes the First Volume of this great national Work, and comprises Thirty-six striking Likenesses of some of the most conspicuous characters of the present century, with a Biographical Sketch of each. In one volume, 18mo. a new and beautiful edition of the Rev. J. G. Pike's Guide to Young Disciples in their way to Immortality. No. I. of the Christian Inquirer. 400 An Essay on the Uses of Common Salt for Aga cultural purposes, and in Horticulture, with exper ments and illustrations from the latest authorities By Cuthbert W. Johnson. 3d edition. B Au History of English Gardening, from the In rasion of the Romans to the present time. George W. Johnson. The Argument derived from Miracles, in suppor of the Divine Origin of Christianity, illustrated By George Payne, LL. D. A Clerical Report of the Royal Dispensary, fo Diseases of the Ear, from 1816 to 1830. By Mr Curtis, Surgeon. The Trumpet, a Fragment, dedicated to the Wes leyan Society. Outline of the Plan of Education, to be pursued i the Bristol College. Letters, &c, to Dr. Robert Hamilton. By an Ad vocate for Truth. Fitz of Fitzford, 3 Vols. By Miss Brav. Criminal Executions in England, &c. &c. By Alan Newman. The Christian Hearer, &c. Bickersteth. 4th edition. The Listener, in 2 vols. A Funeral Sermon on John Clunie, LL. D. By the Rev. Edwar By Caroline Fry. the late Mr. Roby. B Sketches from Nature. By John M'Diarmid. Protestant Truths, and Roman Catholic Error By Rev. Plumpton Wilson, LL. B. Dialogues on Natural and Revealed Religion. Ey Robert Morehead, D.D. &c. Remains of the late Rev. Alexander Fisher. Dum fermline, with a Memoir. By the Rev. John Brows. The Work of the Holy Spirit in Conversion, &e By John Howard Hintou, A. M. Practical Sermons on the Epistles to the Seves Churches, &c. By the late Rev. J. Milner, A. M. The Christian Student. By the Rev. Edward Bickersteth 2nd edition. The Christian Ministry, By the Rev. Charles Bridges, B. A. 2nd edition. Manual of Devotion. By Elizabeth Strut. Whittaker's Catalogue of New Publications, and New Editions. In the Press. Memoirs of the late Right Rev. John Thomas James, D. D. Lord Bishop of Calcutta. By Edward James, M. A. Prebendary of Winchester. The First Volume of a Treatise on Optics, con taining the Theory of Impolarized Light. By the Rev. C. Humphrey Lloyd. Six Lectures on Liberality and Experience. By the Rev. J. Grant, M. A. Conversations for the Young, on subjects tending to illustrate the Nature of Religion, and the Truth, History, Doctrines, and Style of the Holy Scriptures, By the Rev. Richard Watson. A New Edition of the Hon and Rev. Gerard T. Noel's Sermons, in 2 Vols. 12mo. The Young Disciples, or Grace Triumphant, 1 Vol. 18mo. By the Rev. J. Young, &c. Acd, The Affectionate African, or the Rewards of Perse verance. 1 Vol. 18mo., by the same. In three Volumes duodecimo, The Living Temple, in which man is considered in his true relation to the ordinary occupations and pursuits of life. By the Rev. Michael Russel, LL.D., a small volume of Discourses on the Millennium, the Doctrine of Election, Justification by Faith, the Assurance of Faith, and the Freeness of the Gospel, &c. &c. Preparing for Publication. Early in May will appear a New and Superb Fdition of the National Portrait Gallery, in royal quarto, to be called the King's Edition, (from the royal approbation recently obtained.) The clot impressions of the plates,-a bolder type,-and a larger and superior paper, will constitute its claims to pre ference among the higher classes. By Mr. Babbage, a work on the Canses which have influenced the Decline of Science in England. A Statement of the Nature and Objects of the Course of Study, in the Class of Logic, and the Phi losophy of the Human Mind, in the University of London. By the Rev. John Hoppus, A. M. A Second Edition, enlarged and improved, of "Historical Sketches of the Native Irish and their Descendants," by Christopher Anderson, is pro mised next month Mair's Introduction to Latin Syntax, with addi tional Notes, Examples in Prosby, and a Copious Vocabulary, by the Rev. Alex. Stewart. A Second Series of Stories from the History of Scotland." By the Rev. Alex. Stewart, which is in tended to complete the Work. LONDON: PRINTED AT THE CAXTON PRESS, BY II. FISHER, SON, AND CO |