addressing almost exclusively, those familiar with Wordsworth's poetry, these memoirs must be esteemed a highly valuable addition to literary biography. We find in this volume one or two passages which, if they had been sooner accessible, would have saved us some labor in the discussion of Wordsworth's poetry, in our last number. It appears from his own testimony that he did not profess to write sacred poetry. On the contrary, he doubted if it were not presumptuous for uninspired men to attempt that style of composition; but he "considered it to be the mission of all pocts, and he regarded it as his own vocation, to endeavor to elevate the mind to sacred things. He did not feel authorized or qualified," continues his biographer, "by his profession to conduct others into the inner shrine within the veil, but he endeavored to prepare their minds to worship with more devotion in the outer court of the natural world, and thus to fit themselves for admission into the sanctuary, under the guidance of revealed religion." It is to be regretted, that, by his representations of this "outer court," he did much to make the mind content with its attractions, and to induce forgetfulness that there is any higher sanctuary. On this point the poet himself remarks:

"For my own part, I have been averse to frequent mention of the mysteries of Christian faith; not from a want of a due sense of their momentous nature, but the contrary. Besides general reasons for diffidence in treating subjects of holy writ, I have some special ones. I might err in points of faith, and I should not deem my mistakes less to be deprecated because they were expressed in metre. Even Milton, in my humble judgment, has erred, and grievously; and what poet could hope to atone for his [mis] apprehensions in the way in which that mighty mind has done?" And a friend, who conversed with him on the subject, says that Wordsworth, after repeating these views, added, "the earnest protest that his works, as well as those of any other poet, should not be considered as developing all the influences which his own heart recognized, but rather those which he considered himself able, as an artist, to display to advantage, and which he thought most applicable to the wants, and admitted by the usages, of the world at large."

The words we have italicised imply a limitation of the poet's aims, that cannot be deemed characteristic of a distinctively religious poet. We have only to add, that while these quotations abundantly confirm the view we have felt compelled to take of his productions, the motives they seem to disclose tend to neutralize, in a measure, the unfavorable inferences that his course, unexplained, might provoke.

Life and Manners from the Autobiography of an English Opium Eater. By THOMAS DE QUINCEY. Boston: Ticknor, Reed and Fields. 1851.

This is the fifth volume in the series of De Quincey's writings, and the first of the autobiography of that extraordinary and most interesting man. We have read it with great pleasure, as it indicates the progress of his life and the formation of his character, under the several heads of" Early Days," "Residence in London and in Ireland," "The Irish Rebellion," "Residence at Oxford," and "The Study of German Literature." These and a few kindred topics form the nuclei around which the leading events of his life, and the forming agencies of his character, are made to gather. They constitute together a story of singular dramatic interest and power. The volume, like those which have preceded it, is handsomely prepared, and will be cordially welcomed by all who appreciate the department of polite literature to which Mr. De Quincey has delighted to contribute.

Nouvellettes of the Musicians. By Mrs. E. F. ELLET, Author of "The Women of the American Revolution." New-York: Cornish, Lamport & Co. St. Louis: McCartney and Lamport.

This is a beautiful volume, containing eighteen nouvellettes, or little sketches of the lives and characters of eminent musicians. Of the tales it contains, six or seven are original; the others are translated either from the German or the French. They portray the characters of most of the great professors in the several branches of musical art, and embody many of the most interesting incidents recorded in their lives. Handel, Tartini, Mozart, Beethoven, Bellini, Tamburini, and many others, are made to rise before us to dazzle us with the brilliancy of their genius, and astonish us by their wonderful performances of art. The book is adorned with many well executed heads of the great musicians, and is bound in highly ornamental style. It is prepared by Mrs. Ellet, the well known author of "The Women of the Revolution," and with its handsome binding and beautiful engravings, it cannot fail to make its way alike to the centre table of the parlor, and the choice shelf of the library.

Christ's Second Coming: Will it be Premillennial? By Rev. David Brown, A. M., St. James's Free Church, Glasgow. New-York: Robert Carter & Brothers.

This work relates to a question which seems periodically to return to the Christian church, and to divide the opinions and sympathies of its members. When and in what manner the second advent of Christ to the earth will take place, are inquiries on which revelation throws just light enough to make the minds of men eager to frame some theory which shall satisfy the deep yearnings of their curiosity. Hence we find in different ages of the church, that speculations upon this subject have been the chosen occupation of many of the ablest and most excellent writers who have contributed to theological literature. Chiliasm, Millenarianism, Second Adventism, and at last, Millerism, are among the most familiar of the names which have been assigned to the various theories which have had their origin in these speculations. They all, in one form or another, maintain that Christ's second coming will be long before the end of the world, and while the human race is still going on as it now is. These theories, which, indeed, in their general character, are one and the same, and which, in the work before us, are grouped under the general name of Premillennialism, Mr. Brown has subjected to the tests of divine revelation. The doctrines which he opposes are fairly stated and ably answered in the first part of the work. In the second part, he sets forth and advocates the theory which is now most generally entertained in all portions of the Christian church, that the second advent will not be till the kingdom of Christ has become universal on the earth, and the world is prepared for the final consummation of all created things. In the third part, the author considers the objections which have been supposed to lie against this view, and replies to them with great fulness and fairness. The work, which contains about 500 pages, appears to us to present a complete view of the subject to which it relates, and will be found exceedingly useful both to those who are in doubt themselves, and to those who desire to satisfy the honest questionings, and to remove the pernicious errors of others concerning the second advent of Christ.

The Authority of God; or the True Barrier against Romish and Infidel Aggression. Four Discourses, by Rev. J. H. MERLE D'AUBIGNE, D.D., President of the Theological Institute, Geneva. Author's complete Edition. New-York: Robert Carter & Brothers. 1851. 12mo. Pp. 305.

The publication of this little work, relating as it does to the questions which lie at the foundation of all true Christian faith, cannot fail to be

timely. The four discourses which it contains were preached in Geneva during the last year, two of them to the Evangelical Congregation with which Dr. Merle is connected; one before the General Assembly of the Evangelical Society, and one before the students and friends of the Theological College. They are designed to set forth the authority of Scripture, as resting: 1. On the testimony of God. 2. On the testimony of men. 3. On the testimony of history. 4. On the testimony of theology. They have been revised by the author, and are here prefaced by a well-written introduction, explaining their origin and the importance of the questions to which they relate. The work is marked by many of the best qualities which usually distinguish both the style and the thought of its eminent author.

Expository Discourses on the First Epistle of the Apostle Peter. By Jonx BROWN, D.D., Senior Minister of the United Presbyterian Congregation, Broughton Place, Edinburgh, and Professor of Exegetical Theology to the United Presbyterian Church. 1 vol. 8vo. New-York: Robert Carter & Brothers.

It is now about two hundred years since the "Practical Commentary on the first Epistle General of St. Peter," by Archbishop Leighton, was first published. To the present generation that beautiful and most excellent work is comparatively little known-certainly far less than its high merits deserve. In the volume before us, however, we are most happy to find a work of kindred character-conceived in the same high appreciation of the writings of the earnest-minded apostle, and executed with a corresponding delicacy, discrimination, and practical effect. Unlike the Commentary of Leighton, this work is drawn out into twenty-four Discourses relating to the several topics under which the teachings of the Epistle are arranged, and each discourse contains both an exegetical analysis, and a practical elucidation and application of the passage to which it relates. The discourses are preceded by a carefully prepared translation of the Epistle, and followed by a general index, and all together make a volume of nearly eight hundred pages. The work, which is a fruit of the author's own labors as a parish minister, is well suited to many different classes of readers. To the scholar and the Christian minister, it will convey many useful suggestions and striking views of the apostle's teachings; while to the less instructed reader, and especially to the head of the family who would read holy lessons to his household, it will furnish invaluable aid, and shed comfort and peace over every circle in which it forms a part of the daily exercises of religious instruction.

A Wreath around the Cross; or Scripture Truths illustrated. By Rev. A. MORTON BROWN, author of "The Leader of the Lollards," &c., with a preface by JOIN ANGELL JAMES. Boston: Gould & Lincoln. 1851.

This handsome little volume is devoted to the commendation of the Cross, with all its associations, to the attention of the reader. The book is highly spoken of in an introduction briefly and simply written, and setting forth its character and merits. Such a work is always timely, but especially so now, when the Cross is regarded as an ornament—as a holy relic-or as anything but the foundation of human hopes. We commend the volume to the attention of our readers.

Arnold's First Latin Book; remodelled and rewritten, and adapted to the Ollendorf Method of Instruction. By ALBERT HARKNESS, Senior Master in Providence High School. New-York: D. Appleton & Co. 1851.

This volume, we think, is worthy of an honorable rank among the numerous classical text books which have been published by Messrs. Appleton & Co. Mr. Harkness is an experienced and skillful instructor, and has modified the works of Mr. T. K. Arnold in such a manner as to render it far better suited to the wants of the young scholar. As is remarked in the preface, Mr. Arnold's books, when first introduced into the schools of this country, were a great improvement on any which had preceded them. Experience, however, has proved that they require to be simplified. This has been done in the volume of Mr. Harkness, who has availed himself of the labors of several other authors. We have no doubt that the book will be found eminently useful in the teaching of Latin.

Nathalie: A Tale. By JULIA KAVANAGHI, Author of "Women in France," "Madeleine," etc. New-York: D. Appleton and Company. 1851.

A tale of unusual interest and power. Its apparent design, as stated in the brief preface, is simply to portray two characters of entirely opposite qualities and temperaments; but it really draws aside the veil from the moral machinery of human nature, and presents its workings with marvellous interest and effect. The scene of the story is laid in Normandy, and one of the leading contrasts on which its action is made to turn, is that which generally exists between the temperament of the north, and the temperament of the south. The two are placed side by side, and are made to walk together along the pathway of life, and to illustrate the impulses and cautions-the passion and the reason-by which they are respectively actuated. Of Julia Kavanagh we know nothing, save what is contained in the work before us, but this of itself is certainly no mean proof of genius.

Plymouth and the Pilgrims; or Incidents of Adventure in the History of the First Settlers. By JOSEPH BANVARD. Boston: Gould and Lincoln, 1851.

18mo.

This is the first of a series of twelve or more volumes of consecutive American history which Mr. Banvard is engaged in preparing for the press, and which are to be issued by Messrs. Gould and Lincoln. The conception of such a series is a most fortunate and useful one, and, if faithfully executed, will do more than has yet been done towards making the stirring events of American history familiar to the American mind. The volumes are designed for popular reading, and are especially suited to interest the young. In the one now before us, the incidents are very happily selected, and the narrative is simply and faithfully told. We commend it with great confidence to all who would learn for themselves, or who would teach to their children, the wonderful history of Plymouth and the Pilgrims.

Lays of the Kirk and Covenant. By Mrs. A. STUART MONTEATH. NewYork: Carter & Brothers. 1851. 12mo. Pp. 245.

A collection of thirteen poetical pieces-some of them of heroic spirit and stirring melody-on scenes and incidents in the history of Scotland in the times of her greatest trials. The several pieces are illustrated by wood-cuts, some of which are beautifully executed. Among the most elaborate and

finished of the poems in the volume, are those entitled "The Signing of the Covenant," "The Martyrs of Wiglin," and "The Cameronian Dream," al! which breathe the spirit of a heroic age.

Posthumous Poems of William Motherwell. Now first collected. Boston: Ticknor, Reed and Fields. 1851.

Motherwell died at Glasgow, in 1835. Several editions of his poetical works have been published in this country since that period, which have been received with marked favor. This collection of his Posthumous Poems has been made under the sanction and with the advice of his friend and poetical ally, Mr. William Kennedy, and the volume is prefaced with some beautiful stanzas, written by him after a visit to the grave of Motherwell in 1847. The poems it contains are characterized by the same qualities as are those with which the public are already familiar. They indicate the same versatility of genius, the same gentleness and pathos, the same energy and intensity of passion which have been so much admired in the best of his poetical works.

An Allegorical Dialogue, between a Professed Messenger from Heaven and an Old Man, on the assumption by the messenger, that Immersion is an essential condition of Salvation. By Rev. LEBBEUS ARMSTRONG. New-York: published by the author. 1851. 12mo. pp. 408.

A work perfectly in the spirit of Dr. Featley's "Dippers Dipt, or the Anabaptists Ducked and Plunged over Head and Eares, at a Disputation in Southwark." It was our design to compare the two somewhat in detail, for the special edification of those divines, grave and honored among us, who have yielded to the importunity of an "Old Man," and lent the sanction of their names to a book which misrepresents and traduces a denomination of Christians; but we have concluded that we could make better use of our pages. The book is characterized by neither learning nor religion, neither truth nor charity, neither wit nor logic.

Among the works intended to be noticed in the July number of the Review, but unavoidably postponed, were the following from the press of TICKNOR, REED & FIELDS. It is needless to say, that the style in which they appear is uniformly tasteful and elegant.-The House of the Seven Gables. A Romance. By NATHANIEL HAWTHORNE. 12mo. pp. 344. This is a story which savors somewhat of the olden time in New-England history, though with all its antique allusions, it runs marvellously into the fancies and interests of the present age. The story is admirably told, and invested with an interest which is not surpassed, if indeed it is equalled, in any other of the author's works. The moral which he aims to illustrate is, in his own words, "that the wrong-doing of one generation lives into the successive ones, and divesting itself of every temporary advantage, becomes a pure and uncontrollable mischief;" a truth of the highest importance, whether it be set forth in the moral essay or the thrilling romance.-WARRENIANA; with Notes Critical and Explanatory. By the Editor of a Quarterly Review. 12mo., pp. 192. A most sprightly and amusing book, in the style of the celebrated "Rejected Addresses," of James and Horace Smith. "Warreniana" is nothing less than a collection of encomiums and puffs, in prose and verse, on Mr. Warren's famous London blacking, purporting to have been written by the great masters of contemporary literature both in England and America, and edited by William Gifford, lately the manager of the London Quarterly Review. Its imitations are unusually successful,