1119 Review.-Account of the Life of Bishop Heber. left their seminaries of learning, and embarked on the turbulent ocean of life. The preface is appropriate; and the introduction suggests some valuable hints to the pupil, who wishes to acquire a general knowledge of the great events on which history has employed her pen. Beginning with ancient Egypt, Mr. Taylor conducts us through Phoenicia, Assyria, Babylon, Media, and Persia, directs our attention to the Argonautic expedition, to the wars of Thebes and of Troy, to the history of the Carthaginians, the successors of Alexander, the Grecian colonies, to the feudal system, and the age of chivalry. These epitomes of history are interspersed with the lives of heroes and demigods, and with the more prominent peculiarities, either | in arts or arms, for which the nations of antiquity were renowned. The crusades, the extension of commerce, and the connection of Great Britain with India, form also a considerable part, and this is follow-❘ ed by a biographical sketch of the leading characters that have figured in British history, from the time of the Saxons down to the commencement of the present century. Much interesting matter relative to the constitution, laws, offices, and titles of our country, is also given at the conclusion, the whole terminating with a copious index of the principal events, incidents, and persons comprised within the volume. At the conclusion of nearly each chapter, a string of questions is subjoined, respecting the principal circumstances which it contains. To these, as each paragraph is distinctly numbered, the pupil is expected to give answers from a recollection of what he has read, and in order that the substance of his acquirements may be the more deeply impressed upon his memory. We have neither right nor inclination to exalt this work, at the expense of others of a similar character and tendency. It professes to form a supplement to Pinnock's Grecian, Roman, and English histories, and as such it is every way adapted to fill the station which it occupies. The contracted limits within which each topic is confined, have compelled the author to touch only on their more remarkable characteristics. This prevents tediousness, and renders the book not less entertaining than it is instructive. REVIEW.-Some Account of the Life of Reginald Heber, D.D. Bishop of Calcutta. With a Portrait. 12mo. pp. 239. Simpkin. London. 1829. To those who are acquainted with the character of Bishop Heber, it will be | 1120 needless to say, that his life is interesting; and the journal of his voyages, travels, intercourse with the natives of India, and observations on manners, and passing events, published in three large octavo volumes, must have furnished the author of the little work before us with an ample fund of valuable materials. Of these facilities he has readily availed himself, and in this brief account of the pious prelate, we are presented with the result of his labours. Containing in the early chapters some biographical notices, which many sources have been opened to supply, this volume may, in its subsequent parts, be considered as a diminutive abridgment of the journal published by Mrs. Heber, whose work is too large and too expensive for multitudes, who know much better how to appreciate its value, and enjoy the entertainment its perusal will afford, than to spare one pound sixteen shillings to effect the purchase. Similar obstacles prevent the extensive circulation of many valuable.books, which, from the want of a condensed epitome, are confined to the libraries of the wealthy, and the shelves of Paternoster row. Into the pages of this "Account" the author has introduced much that is valuable, much that is interesting, without encumbering any chapter with facts or details which an intelligent reader would wish to see expunged. Many incidents and narratives which would have been perused with eagerness, and remembered with delight, are necessarily omitted, in a work so contracted in its limits, and so moderate in its price. Viewing it, however, as ranging along the line of Bishop Heber's life, we find the principal events of his personal history introduced in a condensed form, but giving, on the whole, a faithful delineation of a biographical picture, on which none can gaze without reverence and admiration. On many, into whose hands this volume may fall, a perusal of its contents will operate as a stimulus to examine the larger work, in which numerous articles may be found to repay their researches, notwithstanding what may be deemed its essence, has already regaled them with its fragrance. To the character of an abridgment, this volume makes no formal pretensions, though, in reference to the journal at large, this is the only just light in which it can be fairly surveyed. It contains much useful and interesting matter, and, for five shillings, presents to the public the life of Bishop Heber in miniature. 1121 Review.-Morning and Evening Prayers. THE two subjects included in these discourses, are of the utmost importance to man, whose enmity to God appears in all his actions; and whose motives, thoughts, and language, bear witness, to the awful fact. His moral condition renders Divine mercy necessary, and this beams upon him through the gospel of Jesus Christ. In the volume now under inspection, these momentous topics are boldly asserted; they are amplified in detail; their sources are explored, and their consequences are anticipated; the existence of the former renders the latter indispensable, and the author has clearly proved that, without the operation of the Holy Spirit, and the efficacy of His grace, human nature could never be divested of its depravity, nor, abstracted from compassion, be permitted to inherit the king dom of God. 1122 REVIEW.-Morning and Evening Prayers, On the nature and character of prayer, the author of this little volume gives an excellent dissertation in his introduction, sanctioning his observations with the autho rity of several able divines, whose names With us, this dissertation has operated are of just renown in the theological world. much in his favour, by preparing our minds for a series of devotional compositions conformable to its general principles, and under these impressions, his prayers make their appearance before us. Those which are In these two discourses, Mr. Charnock ħas unfolded the leading principles of the christian system, and embodied in his paragraphs nearly all that is needful for man to know, in order to his attainment of The volume contains prayers for mornsalvation, and a qualification for the enjoying and evening through two weeks, and ment of felicity in heaven. On speculative concludes with several prayers for chilopinions, and abstract theories, he has wasted none of his pages. He views sin dren, expressed in language suited to the youthful capacity. as a malady, and the gospel as a remedy; designed for the use of adults, in family and, as a faithful servant of the great Physician, directs the afflicted spirit to the worship, are written in a more elevated sacred balm which can cure all its diseases. style, but without being inflated with selfThe whole work is entirely of an experi- sive in their subjects, but without aiming at sufficiency. They are also more comprehenmental and practical nature; and, wherever the principles inculcated are reduced to the elegance of expression, or indulging in only uses for which they are valuable, they solemn occasions, can never be acceptable those flights of fancy, which, on such cannot fail to produce an entire revolution to God. throughout all the moral and mental powers of the soul, and to transform the sinner into a saint. The language is solemn and unvarnished, every way suited to the seriousness of the occasion, deriving its principal ornaments from the awful sublimity of the momentous subjects which it illustrates and enforces. It borrows no meretricious embellishments from the sounding terms of diction, and never sacrifices perspicuity to the captivating tinsel of harmonious periods. It has been said, "A man that's rich may venture to go plain ;" and those who believe the truth of this poetical aphorism, have only to read these two discourses of Charnock, to be convinced of its propriety. 132. VOL. XI. The path in which the author's mind travels, is that which the gospel prescribes, and many of its leading truths are embodied in the petitions. Jesus Christ, as the procuring cause of human salvation, is uniformly acknowledged, and the influence of the Holy Spirit is implored, as the only efficient agent that can apply these truths to the heart. Occasionally they are interspersed with expressions taken from our excellent national liturgy, but these are so interwoven with other terms and phrases, that the writer may be rather said to adopt them as his own, than to introduce them with the formality of quotations. With their unostentatious simplicity we have been much pleased. They seem calculated to awaken devotional feelings 4 C 1123 Review.-Colosseum, Regent's Park. while the blessings for which they petition, and the confessions which they make, are of such a general nature, that all may join in them, notwithstanding the peculiarities of their respective creeds. To individuals and families, who wish for a plain and concise, yet comprehensive manual, which in general excludes the terms of party designation and sectarian phraseology, we would seriously recommend this volume, as a useful assistant in family devotion. REVIEW.-Clark's Introduction to Heraldry. 12mo. pp. 324. Eleventh Edition. H. Washbourn. London. 1829. THE books which treat on Heraldry are, generally speaking, so tedious and obscure, that the majority of readers have been accustomed to consider it one of the occult sciences; and the number of those is comparatively few, who would venture to wade through a folio volume, to discover the distinction between party per saltire and party per cross. Our knowledge of heraldry is not very extensive; but, whether this slight acquaintance with the science arises from a decided antipathy to a rampant lion, and a tiger passant, or from the free-mason-like mystery usually observable in heraldic writings, we have not leisure to determine. The moderate size of the present volume, however, has given it a claim on our attention, which we have no inclination to dispute. Au reste. Mr. Clark conducts his subject with greater regularity, and exposes it with more simplicity, than the generality of authors who have preceded him. He briefly He narrates the various circumstances and events which gave rise to heraldry; and includes, within a few pages, many interesting particulars relative to tournaments, the crusades, and funeral devices. next explains the different kinds of arms; and, after acquainting us with the locations of the shield or escutcheon, proceeds to describe and exemplify all its features, and the numerous minutia which it occasionally includes, Then follow rules for blazoning and marshalling coat-armour. A copious dictionary of technical terms, and an alphabetical list in English, French, and Latin, which follows, can hardly fail, in conjunction with the numerous illustrative plates, &c., to render efficient service to those who wish to acquire a general knowledge of the science. It is questionable whether we shall ever be able to say more, in reference to heraldry, than that, "the dozen white luces do become an old coat well." 1124 REVIEW.-Colosseum, Regent's Park. WE have now before us "A brief Account of the Colosseum in the Regent's Park;" and, though this description, with its illustive etchings, joined to any thing we may be able to say, can give no adequate idea of this stupendous depository of art, we feel it an incumbent duty to notice an undertaking which reflects the highest credit on our national character. We are not prepared to say, whether the name of the building has any reference to the celebrated Flavian amphitheatre at Rome, the Coliseum; or whether it relates solely to the colossal dimensions of the works of art exhibited in the modern erection. This is, however, a point of no great importance: it is a noble building, in which the minds of the projector and his coadjutors have sccceeded, after long continued and gigantic efforts, in calling up the most interesting and sublime creations of human skill. Our limits will not allow us to do more than make a few general observations. We gather from the "Brief Account," that the building was begun in 1824, by Mr. Peto, from the designs and working drawings of Mr. Decimus Burton. The main body of the edifice is of a polygonal form, having sixteen faces, and is connected, towards the west, with a noble portico, of the Grecian Doric order. A dome, rising from the parapet of the polygon, is surmounted by a circular gallery, from which the spectator may extend his view over the subjacent park, and distant country. The saloon is fitted up with great taste and elegance, and includes a fine collection of paintings and sculptures, intermixed with objects of virtu and curiosity. The conservatories and waterfalls have a talismanic effect on the mind, and manifest to the beholder the powerful restraints in which art is enabled to enchain nature. The Panorama, of which no conception could be formed from the most elaborate description, is the distinguishing feature of the Colosseum; and for extent of surface, and power of delineation, is placed far beyond competition with any similar work of art hitherto extant. "Mr. Hornor, the projector of this work, finished the sketches for its execution in 1824, having constructed scaffolding, and a suspended house, or large box, above the highest cross of St. Paul's Cathedral." From this daring eminence, the artist's eye, "in a fine frenzy rolling," noted and sketched all the grand features of the British metropolis, and, connecting them with their details, furnished 1125 Brief Survey of Books. data for the production of a picture on which no Englishman can look, without feeling the amor patria glowing at his heart. Circumstances compelled the spirited projector to open the building rather prematurely, but we are confident that neither this, nor any other adventitious irregularity, can check the ultimate completion and success of an undertaking so greatly conceived, and hitherto so daringly executed. REVIEW.-Astronomy; or the Solar System explained on Mechanic Principles, &c. &c., by Richard Banks, pp. 103. Simpkin, & Co. Stationers' Court, and Whittaker, & Co. Ave Maria Lane. London. 1829. THE fundamental law of this new hypothesis is that of Equilibrium. The sun is Isaid to move in an orbit round a common centre, which is assumed to be the fulcrum of a lever, having the sun at one extremity and a planet at the other. The equilibrium results from a nice proportion between the solidity of the bodies, and the length of leverage: so far it is well. The sun, however, completes his orbital course in nineteen years, and the earth accomplishes its annual revolution in one year; the sun and earth will, therefore, frequently be posited on the same side of the fulcrum. How under these circumstances the equilibrium can be preserved, we are at a loss to conjecture. There is great ingenuity displayed in the formation of this hypothesis, and, though, as far as we can comprehend, it has grasped at more than it is equal to, we cannot withhold the meed of praise which is due to the energetic mind of its projector. His statements are given with great plainness, and much that he has advanced wears an aspect of imposing plausibility. This theory of Mr. Banks, exceedingly simple in itself, is rendered still more intelligible by the numerous engravings which illustrate its various branches. These he endeavours to apply not merely to existing phenomena, but to the deluge which inundated the world, and to the astronomical miracles recorded in the scriptures. Deriving from simplicity a powerful recommendation, and destitute of complication, the whole being comprised within a narrow compass, its excellencies may be easily appreciated, or its errors speedily detected, by scientific men, whose vigorous examination it solicits, whatever 1126 may be the result. To an impartial investigation it has an undoubted claim, and although minor difficulties may for a season retard its progress, yet if the leading principle be found genuine, it will soon force its way into public notice, and take an honourable stand among the discoveries of science. BBIEF SURVEY OF BOOKS. 1. Temporis Calendarium, or an Almanack for 1830. By William Rogerson; Greenwich, (Stephens, London,) contains all that renders these annual registers of time, and its concomitant events, valuable to the public. On many other important subjects relative to commerce, trade, and public affairs, such as postage, porterage, fares, law-terms, stamps-duties, &c.; it also communicates much useful information. To prognostications, excepting those which relate to phenomena resulting from the laws of nature, it makes no pretensions, and we are glad to find that, in general, these laughable impositions on the credulity of mankind, are on the decline. In the vacant space, which predictions in some Almanacks occupy, arguments to prove the existence of Deity, drawn from the book of nature, are introduced. some country farmers this may appear an undesirable exchange, though they will scarcely have the effrontery to call it " religious twaddle." It would be honourable to England if astrological presages were banished altogether from the ephemerides of our land. Το 2. A Sermon occasioned by the Death of the Rev. Samuel Crowther, A. M. Vicar of Christ Church, London, &c., by Daniel Wilson, A. M. Vicar of Islington, (Benning, London,) embodies a happy illustration of the power of religion on the heart and life of man, by an appeal to the experience and conduct of the deceased, to whose memory it thus pays an honourable tribute of respect. In the abstract, Mr. Wilson delineates the character of a faithful minister of the gospel-in the doctrines which he teaches, the spirit in which he discharges his trust, and in the whole course of his behaviour, among those over whom he is placed. These distinguishing excellencies he then applies, as he proceeds, to the late Mr. Crowther, and appeals to his attentive audience for the correctness of all that he advances. The primary inference from the whole is, that, under the preaching and example of such a minister, much improvement is required from all his hearers. To a listening and deeply affected 1127 Brief Survey of Books. 1128 congregation, this energetic discourse must | tive reading, from which important lessons have been peculiarly interesting; for although it gives of their late minister an exalted reputation, nearly all must have been convinced, that no effusions of panegyric were suffered to deviate from truth. It is also pleasing to remark, that while Mr. Wilson, sanctioned by the authority of an apostle, embraced this opportunity of doing justice to the character of his friend, he could conscientiously obey the dictates of his understanding, and indulge the genuine feelings of his heart. relative to principles and life may be learned. The style is easy and familiar, and the characters introduced, which are many, are well sustained. The dialogue form which it assumes, diffuses energy and sprightli ness throughout its parts. The subjects are diversified, embracing history, natural productions, and moral cultivation; a wellexecuted engraving is prefixed to the titlepage; the exterior is neat and inviting; and the contents will afford gratification to all who honour this volume with a perusal. 6. Three Discourses on Eternity, by Job Orton, (Religious Tract Society, Lon truths, in which every reader is deeply interested. They contain a serious appeal to the consciences both of the young and the old, and are published in a cheap form, that they may have an extensive circulation. 3. A Grammar of the French Language, &c. with a Key to the Genders, &c. by H. Thompson, Esq. (Baldwin, London,) are full of solemn and momentous don,) appears calculated to give facility to pupils, who wish to acquire a knowledge of its principles, and the connexion of its parts. By the new method which the author has adopted, the genders are divested of much of that obscurity, with which learners are frequently perplexed. An acquaintance with the French tongue is now ranked among the polite accomplishments of education, and few works, within so limited a compass, are better calculated than the one before us, to promote the attainment of this desirable end. 4. A Discourse delivered at various Anniversaries, by William Orme, foreign Secretary to the London Missionary Society, (Holdsworth, London,) appears from its title to have been a traveller; but this circumstance can neither give it worth, nor detract from its excellencies. This sermon, which may be considered historical in its general character, takes a comprehensive survey of the introduction of the Gospel into the South Sea Islands, in 1797; and traces its progress down to the latest accounts which have been received. As an historical epitome, it is deeply interesting, but as it delineates the spread of the Gospel among savages, and the wonderful effects produced, we can hardly avoid exclaiming, "This is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes." A discourse like this, which embodies in miniature the leading features of all the important information that has been transmitted, must have been heard with eager attention by every congregation; and when we consider the intelligence which it communicates, and the masterly manner in which it is written, we feel no surprise that it should have been repeatedly preached, and at last printed for general distribution. 5. The United Family, or Characters portrayed from Real Life, for the Use of Children, by Matilda Williams, (Joy, London,) contains some animated and instruc 7. An Address to such as inquire "What must we do to be saved?" by the Rev. J. W. Fletcher, late Vicar of Madeley, (Religious Tract Society, London,) breathes throughout its pages that spirit of ardent piety for which its venerable author was so eminently distinguished. Its language is fervid, affectionate, and pathetic, enforcing the necessity of salvation, and directing every penitent to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, with the heart unto righteousness, as the only way of salvation, which God has provided for sinful man. 8. First Lessons in English Grammar, &c. by M. A. Allison, (Simpkin, London,) are adapted for the nursery, and perhaps for the first classes in schools; they will give to the learner a general idea of the nature and use of Grammar, and, since to go beyond this, the writer makes no pretensions, we have no right to extend our observations. 9. A Catechism on the Works of Creation, &c., by Peter Smith, A. M. (Simpkin, London,) introduces us to a fertile field, in which the author and reader would become fatigued long before they could exhaust their subject. The early parts relate to the creating energy of God, in giving existence to natural phenomena; but all the subsequent portions belong to the various branches of natural philosophy; it is a book that will both amuse and instruct the youthful inquirer after knowledge. 10. A Catechism of Geography, comprising all the leading features of that important science, by Hugh Murray, Esq. (Simpkin, London,) promises to be a very useful book, and we flatter ourselves, that whoever reads it with such expectations, |