in Music, at such hours as least interfere with their general education: they are all taught reading, writing, and arithmetic; and their classical instruction is entirely optional. The number of Choristers has lately been augmented from six to eight, as in the original Foundation. Their general conduct and proficiency are represented as meriting warm approbation. M. H. Mr. URBAN, Montague-place, BOUT the year 1808 i became tion of the National Society, who are to compile a general and comprehen sive catalogue of all such publications as are fitted for the instruction and amusement of this class of the people. I do not pretend, Mr. Urban, that I can entirely approve of the whole of this scheme, but I think that it is deserving of serious attention. If properly conducted, it might certainly do much to draw off the notice of the poor from seditious and criminal publications. But whether it be praclicable or not, I will not determine. A Subscriber to a series of Plates This is an age of wonders; and lac illustrative of the Paintings in Fresco, which were then recently discovered at Stratford upon Avon.-The Third part of this Work was published in December 1809;-to this, an advertisement was prefixed, stating the intention of the Editor, Mr. FISHER, to publish another Number, which, in addition to the Plates, was to contain copious letter-press descriptions. Year after year has rolled on; and, notwithstanding the most earnest inquiry, I have been unable to learn why the ingenious Editor has not completed the Work which he so ably and with so much correctness began, and thereby gratified thoseSubscribers who have been anxiously wishing to place his Book amongst the more valuable part of their antiquarian collections. Yours, &c. Mr. URBAN, M. B. March 25. ALLOW me, as a friend to the education of the common people, to introduce to your notice a plan for the formation of Circulating Libraries, adapted to the wants of the lower orders of society. I have lately met with this plan in rather a singular and unexpected situation. It forms an appendix to two Sermons, entitled, "Reflections on Infidelity and Profatter much betler if the author had thrown it into a distinct publication. However, the idea is so valuable in itself, that we must not fall out with it for trifles. If the poor are taught to read, it is surely but right and proper that we should afford them the best means of indulging their curiosity. This, as the Author truly remarks, can be done in the cheapest of all manners by a Circulating Library. This Library, he propuses, is to be formed under the direction and sanc count this not amongst the least interesting of those novelties by which the public attention may be at once awakened and gratified. AN OLD SUBSCRIBER. Mr. URBAN, Enfield, Feb. 5. Tment in Westminster Abbey reHE inscription on the Monucently erected to the memory of Dr. Vincent (vol. LXXXVII. p. 636), seems to be deficient in the following particular, viz. in not noticing, with the other information, that the Dean was also Dean of the most honourable Order of the Bath. Surely it does not follow that every Reader must know the Deanery of the Order of the Bath is annexed to that of Westminster; or else this information on all the monuments of the Deans of Westminster in the Abbey, since the revival of the Order in the year 1725, useless. I forbear remarking on the may be considered as redundant and omission of heraldic insignia, and a representation of the badge of the Dean of the Order, as exhibited on the said monuments of the very Reverend Dean's predecessors. Mr. URBAN, I Bere leave H. C. B. April 16. serious consideration of the Magistrates, particularly of Middlesex and Surrey (many of whom I know are constant Readers of your Maga. zine), whether regular Prize-fighters, and those who act as their seconds, are proper persons to receive Publichouse Licenses; and whether the usual testimonials from parish officers respecting moral conduct, can with any propriety be granted to charac ters who are constantly setting the Laws of their Country at defiance. AN OBSERVER. ין 3 1 REVIEW OF NEW PUBLICATIONS. 40. Scriptural Essays, adapted to the THOUG HOUGH the modesty of the Author has withheld her name from these volumes, yet few Readers will fail to recognize Mrs. West, under the description of "The Author of Letters to a Young Man." That Work, so remarkable for its sound piety, and judicious, though affectionate maternal admonition, obtained for the Author a species of reputation which the present will not fail to extend: while the recollection of it may serve to remove all feelings of surprise, that the Author of so many ingenious and interesting fictions should devote so much of her time to the investigation of Christian History and the Illustration of Sacred Truth. Giving all due praise to the pious and judicious Nelson, whose Work on the Fasts and Festivals has so long been the manual of the soundest members of the Church, and disclaiming all idea of an attempt to supersede it; Mrs. West says, still "the usefulness of a new admonitor is evident, from the general neglect of the Church holydays, excepting a few of the more solemn ones, most intimately connected with our Redemption. For the rest, they are only recollected as interruptions to some species of public business, or as denoting the period in which some transactions should be performed." Under such circumstances, the attempt to recall attention to these holy institutions, by a set of Essays, pleasingly written, and adorned with the varieties of biographical and other kinds of research, will doubtless be admitted to be laudable: and "the revival of a religious spirit among us from our late dangers, and signal deliverances," affords the Author a wellgrounded hope of success. The Author very justly claims for sacred biography a share of favour and estimation which has long been bestowed on the commoner subjects of that science: "Since biography," says, "has become so popular GENT. MAG. April, 1817. she a study, it seems a proper reason to invite attention to the founders of our religion."-The pleasing manner in which this invitation is held out by Mrs. West may afford us a good hope of her success ;-variety arises out of the very nature of the design; and with that advantage, a mind so fertile, and a pen so well exercised, can hardly fail to attract a multitude of Readers. The design originally suggested, she tells us, was "to modernize Nelson's Festivals, &c. discarding the catechetical form, omitting the account of ancient theological controversies, and abridging the more abstruse arguments.' But, for various reasons, this design has been relinquished, for that which appeared to the Author less difficult, "an original work, de signed to be supplementary and popular, rather than elementary and profound," and adapted to the use of those who have previously read Nelson, and wish rather to vary the manner than to change the matter of their theological meditations. Mrs. West speaks with a becoming modesty of her theological aċquirements; but she is evidently conversant with our best English Divines; and whoever is so, must have much less talent of his own than belongs to this Author, if he make not a respectable and an edifying use of that knowledge. hesitation, that sound theology has We can say without not often word a more attractive form than it does in these "Scriptural Essays:" nor have we any doubt that they will attract many Readers whom the didactic form of Nelson's admirable work would rather appal than invite; who even could not be brought to read in question and answer the very facts which they will eagerly peruse when conveyed in a pleasing narrative. Nothing can be better calculated for social reading in families; for which liar instruction, especially among fe purpose, as well as for that of famimales, we have no doubt that the Work will be largely demanded. We must, in justice, give a specimen of the execution of the Work; which we shall take, without any anxious anxious selection, from the very first Essay on the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin. "The Collect prays for a large influx of divine grace, to perfect us in the knowledge of those saving truths, which the message of the angel, as on this day, first unfolded to man; that, from belief in the incarnation of Christ, we may proceed to claim the benefits of his expiation, and finally partake the glories of his resurrection. It makes no mention of the Virgin Mother, as is usually the case in days appropriated to the commemoration of Saints, though she certainly affords as eminent an example of piety, humility, and resignation, as any in the sacred calendar. But it must be remembered, that our Liturgy was adopted when we had just escaped from Popery: and even a tempered and deserved eulogium might bave alarmed many zealous Protestants, who had been accustomed to see the idolatrous worship of what was called, the Queen of Heaven, impugn the mediatorial supremacy of her Son; for this reason, in the two festivals where her name is combined with that of Christ in the title, no mention is made of her in the service. She is frequently introduced in Scripture, always in an amiable and interesting point of view; never as claiming or receiving any other distinction from her relation to the Messiah, but that of preeminence in sorrow: thus verifying the prophecy of Simeon; and evincing that acquiescence in the will of God, which she promised in her reply to Gabriel. On some occasions, when the fears and prejudices of the mortal parent interfered with the divine mission of the Son, the incarnate Deity answered by announcing the immutability of his purposes: thus recalling to her mind the declaration of the Angel, that that holy thing, which was to be born of her, would be called the Son of God: but generally Mary acted as a disciple of her child and Saviour, pondering in her heart the wonders which she saw, and urging others to do as he commanded." The first volume, besides the Introduction, comprises 13 Essays, on the principal days of celebration founded on the life and acts of our Lord. The second volume has 19 Essays, on the days which are appointed for the commemoration of Saints, and of events relative to them: and in each Essay, the several parts of the appointed Service for the day are noticed and illustrated. The Work, we confidently pronounce, is calculated to do much good. 41. A Word for my Country; or, An Address to the Parishioners of Crosstone, and all whom it may con cern. By Melville Horne, Curate of Crosstone *. 8vo. pp. 16. 1807. ADDRESSES from Magis trates t, or persons in official situation, claim attention from the dig. nity of the persons, as well as from the weight of the sentiments; but that of the Curate of Crosstone can have no recommendation (beyond the limits of his parish) but what is derived from its intrinsic value. Yel, on this single ground, will it stand distinguished, as an antidote, most ju diciously prepared, against the poison of anti-constitutional demagogues. With The Curate addresses his parishion ers as friends, whom Jacobins had invaded, for the purpose of diffusing their pernicious doctrines. those who are already Jacobins be attempts not to reason, as being persons beyond the hope of cure; but to those who are honest men, of good consciences, who read their Bibles, and believe that they have souls to be saved, he here addresses a most energetic and able remonstrance. He first warns his friends of the desperate tendency of the seductions by which they were assailed: "None," says he, "should engage with Jacobins, who are not prepared to brave all consequences; to kill, or be killed." On the subject of Parliamentary Reform, whether required or not, he ventures to remind his parishioners direct it." In his own art," he ob of their incapacity to undertake or serves, "every man is respectable; he becomes the object of contempt but the moment he steps beyond it, and derision. If Coblers will be Phy sicians, they will kill more than they cure; and the fools who trust their lives in their hauds deserve the death they find. If you are so absurd as to think you can reform and govern Parliament, are you so mad as to dream that the first deliberate assem bly, of the first men, of the first of * Crosstone is in the county of Lan caster. +Such pre-eminently is the Speech of the Rev. Thomas Dunham Whitaker, at Blackburne, which is printed in the Gentleman's Magazine for March, p 218; and well deserves preservation in letters of gold. nations, nations, will take the medicines, and Those who would throw the powers 'Government, say they, was ordain- Mr. Horne then points out dis- He proceeds, in due time, to vin- "For the last 24 years, Britain has been the wonder of the world; an unbroken column among ruined kingdoms. Throughout this dire debate, not a foot of her soil has been lost, at home or abroad; wisdom and patient fortitude have inspired her counsels, disciplined valour bath led her arms, and victory bath crowned them with a safe and honourable peace. Under the divine blessing, she hath not only preserved her own independence, laws, liberty, and religion, but also restored those inestimable blessings to the Continent. her own welfare, and the general welfare of man, her treasure and blood have been poured forth and Europe, beaten to the earth, hath been sheltered, revived, and again stands erect, under the cover of Britannia's shield. Other nations have conquered to enslave the world, Britons alone have conquered : For with no such design. To whom shall we give the glory? This hath God wrought! "But the demagogues ask; 'Do not our present distresses prove that we are weakly and tyrannically governed?' I answer, No; no more than a severe sickness will prove a feeble constitution, and a bad state of general health; no more than present distress for money will prove that a man is not possessed of a valuable estate." On the subject of the outery against placemen and pensioners, among many sound remarks, he says, "Nor should the lower orders, who are pensioned to the amount of from three to five millions (by the Poor Laws), murmur at the merited reward of a few faithful servants of the publick." As it is impossible to go through every topic, ably handled, in this most vigorous address, we shall only add the conclusion of it; and recomitself, in its due place and connec mend the rest to be read in the Tract tion; where its force is greater than can be estimated from detached specimens: "Englishmen, of all ranks and names, rouse you, stir you; be bold, resolute, united, active, indefatigable, yet calm and temperate; and move heaven and earth to save a Country, which far exceeds all that Greece or Rome ever were in their meridian splendour. With all her faults acknowledged, unvindicated, unpalliated, she is the Queen of Nations. O love this incomparable mother, and let her welfare be dearer to your hearts than fortune, fame, or life. In life and death be it your prayer, and that of your children, ESTO PERPETUA: LIVE FOR EVER, THOU GLORY OF ALL LANDS.” 42. The History and Antiquities of the Abbey Church of St. Peter, Westminster: illustrated by Fifty Engravings. By J. P. Neale. The Literary Department by E. W. Brayley. 4to. Longman and Co. THIS beautiful Work is intended to be comprised in Ten Parts, each containing Forty Pages of Letterpress, and Five Engravings, of which three will be Finished Plates in the Line Manner, and two Etchings. The Plates are to consist of Ground Plans of the Building, comprehending, as far as is practicable, those shewing its antient limits and state;-Views, exhibiting the general effects of the Edifice, both exterior and internal, and such of its parts as are marked by pe culiarity euliarity of architecture, or beauty of feature-enlarged Details of such detached portions as display, with the greatest force and interest, the variations of architectural style; and Representations of such of the Monuments as demand particular notice, from connexion with history, or from excellence of execution. When we add that all the Drawings will be executed by J. P. Neale; and that he has engaged Messrs. J. Pye, J. Le Keux, W. Woolnoth, R. Sands, J. Byrue, J. Lewis, W. R. Smith, J. Roffe, C. Pye, W. Radclyffe, H. Hobson, W. D.Taylor, and the Misses Byrne, to execute the Engravings; it may fairly be presumed that full confidence will be placed in his intention to render this Work worthy to be classed with the best contemporary Topographical Publications. The two Parts which have already appeared afford a pleasing specimen of what may be expected from those which are to follow. Mr. Brayley observes, "The Abbey Church of Westminster may be safely pronounced the most interesting Ecclesiastical Structure in this kingdom. Considered as a Building, its architecture, rich in the varieties of successive ages, and marked by some of the most prominent beauties and peculiarities of the Pointed style, affords an extensive field of gratification to the Artist and the Antiquary. Rising in solemn magnificence amidst the Palaces and dignified structures connected with the seat of Imperial Government, it forms a distinguishing feature in the Metropolis of England. Its History, as connected with a great Monastic Establishment, immediately under the notice of our antient Monarchs, and much favoured by their patronage, abounds in important and curious particulars. But this Edifice has still a stronger claim to notice-it has been adopted as a National Structure, and held forward as an object of National Pride. Whilst contemplating these venerable walls, or exploring the long ailes and enriched Chapels, the interest is not confined to the customary recollections of sacerdotal pomp: ceremonies of more impressive interest, and of the greatest public importance, claim a priority of attention. The grandeur of architectural display in this building is viewed with additional reverence, when we remember that the same magnificence of effect has imparted increased solemnity to the Coronation of our Kings, from the era of the Norman Conquest.-At a very early pe riod this Abbey Church was selected as a place of burial for the English Monarchs; and the Antiquary, and the Student of History, view their Monuments as melancholy, but most estimable, sources of intelligence and delight. In the vicinity of the Ashes of Royalty, a grateful and judicious Nation has placed the remains of such of her sons as have been most eminent for Patriotic Worth, for Valour, or for Talent. Sculptors, al most from the earliest period in which their art was exercised by Natives of England, down to the present time, bave here exerted their best efforts, in commemoration of those thus celebrated for Virtue, for Energy, or for Intellectual Power. In Antient Architectural Feas ture;-in Interest arising from Appro priation;-in Importance from Histori monumental embellishments; it is cal Relation; and in regard to splendid evident that Westminster Abbey pre sents a truly desirable object of illustra tion in the highest style of the present advanced state of the Arts. It may be added, that the munificent attention lately bestowed by the Legislature on the renovation of decaying parts of this venerable pile, renders particularly desirable an accurate notice of its present state; whilst such public efforts towards its perpetuation assuredly demand the correspondent labours of the artist and topographical writer. That such a Work is yet a desideratum in the Arts and Li terature of an Age honourably eminent for its patronage of Topographical and Antiquarian pursuits, must be admitted by all: for though two attempts, the one by Dart in the early part of the last century, the other by a more recent, yet nameless Editor, have been made to illustrate the Abbey Church, yet the design here laid down is so very different, that with respect to those works this undertaking may be considered as essentially distinct. The want of such a Pub. lication is the more especially to be regretted, as the Cathedral Antiquities of England are in the process of Illustra tion, in a manner satisfactory to the Connoisseur, and worthy of the existing state of the Graphic Art." 43. Cursory Remarks on Corpulence; or Obesity considered as a Disease: with a Critical Examination of An tient and Modern Opinions, relative to its Causes and Cure. Third Edition, containing a reference to the most remarkable Cases that have occurred in this Country. By William Wadd, Surgeon. 8vo. pp. 129. Callow. THE good opinion which we expressed of this pleasant but scienti fic |