771 Review. Prayer, a Poem. burn, in the discourse before us, brings forth all the legitimate evidence he was able to collect respecting them, and, at the request of the congregation, the result of his inquiries and reflections, is here presented to the world. We can readily conceive, that on the occasion and delivery of this discourse, the situation of Mr. Blackburn was peculiarly arduous; and that this was felt by him with no small degree of acuteness, may be inferred from the extreme caution associated with many of his expressions. His belief that the work was of God he most readily avows; but the wild excesses which many under deep awakenings manifested, would seem to be irreconcileable with the ordinary operations of the Holy Spirit on the souls of men. Through these difficulties, Mr. Blackburn contrives to pass with much prudence and ingenuity. The facts themselves he gives in the words of others, and in reflecting on them, he assigns the various effects to distinct causes, but vindicates on scriptural authority, and example, numerous deviations from what falls under our immediate observation, although many serious persons have been disposed to abandon them as defenceless operations of passionate excitement. Among the means by which Revivals have been produced, Mr. B. enumerates-the preaching of the gospel,-fasting and prayer,-Christian visitation of families, scriptural instruction of the young, -special meetings for christian advice,-and a faithful exercise of church-discipline. These, however, are but means in the hands of God, to whose agency all that is good, though marvellous in our eyes, must be ascribed. 772 and we happen to live in an age when This volume contains many beautiful pieces, and, perhaps, not one which any reasonable person would wish to see expunged. The names of their respective authors furnish them all with passports to public attention, and, having already passed the ordeal of examination, exonerate them from paying the tribute which criticism might otherwise exact. REVIEW.-Prayer, a Poem, in Four Ir pious motives and a good design were a Prayer, a Poem," is a very discursive But although Mr. B. vindicates, ex-flight of a very intractable Pegasus, whose plains, apologizes, and defends, in a path is as difficult to be determined as the manner that is creditable to his piety as a windings of the Cretan labyrinth. Leaving christian, and to his understanding as a man, regularity of design, however, out of questhere appears to be a want of tangibility tion; we seem to want more power of running through the whole discourse. We description, more beauty of pathos, more look with solicitude for something definite strength of language, and more felicity of on numerous topics, but when it seems to verse, to redeem the character of this melie within our reach, it flits away and trical essay. It is a composition, in which eludes the grasp. bad rhymes, broken figures, and feeble exsubject, and as Mr. B. has handled it with pletives, too frequently appear, to the dis much delicacy, it would be indelicate in advantage of the muse in her more fortunate us to extend our observations. Revivalism is a delicate excursions. The volume contains also some miscellaneous pieces, among which, lines written on seeing the tomb of Marshal Ney, claim REVIEW.-The Poetical Cabinet for the pre-eminence. Youth. A New Edition. 266. White. London. 12mo. pp. Το copy extracts from the writings of others is an easy method of book making, 3 Review. Elegy of Life.-Tribute to Religion, &c. hat one incessant struggle render life, EVIEW.--The Elegy of Life. A Poem. 8vo. pp. 107. Whittaker and Co. London. 1830. E anonymous author of this poem has tainly taken but a very superficial survey life. He contemplates it, indeed, under merous aspects, but rarely deviates from common topics, on which every writer ys his hands. We cannot, however, Eny, that he has found the art to render s subjects interesting. Realities, whether smiles or tears, rarely fail to appear in e garb of neatness; and if the path, in hich the reader is invited to walk, is not rewed with flowers, it is always swept, ad nothing of slovenliness is permitted to ffend the eye. The lines throughout this poem, are in eneral constructed with so much elegance nd poetical harmony, that, even when they old forth no ideas but such as have been ong familiar to the reader, they will, peraps, be perused with pleasure, chiefly for he sake of the euphony which they conain. The following passages may be conidered as a fair specimen of the whole. Why I have seen reclining in her pride, A mother's blossom stationed by her side, And I have marked the timid glance that crept, A stolen march while observation sleptThe conscious blush, o'ermantling with its shade The dimpled cheek where modest graces played, And, half responding to its hidden fires, The swelling bosom pregnant with desiresAnd I bave wept to think that charms like these Must brave the horrors of tumultuous seas. How wondrous fair, how complicate is man, His soul capacious, and his life a span! Who can define the nature of a thought, So vast in strength, so exquisitely wrought! Yet he who gave intelligence its ray, Allares its hopes and energies away! The mind, fair specimen of God-like skill! With power to act, depending on the will, Displays a world of principles and laws, Sustained in being by one Great First Cause." p. 45. a London at Midnight, displays many excellent lines, but the scenes are not such as would readily present themselves to deeply reflecting mind. With the harmonies of verse, the author appears to be well acquainted, and should he cultivate an expansion of thought, render his reflections more profound, and range beyond the beaten tract with equal success, he will he capable of producing something hereafter that will associate his name with immortality. 774 REVIEW.-A Tribute to Religion. A Poem in two parts. 8vo. pp. 96. Chappell. London. 1830. ALTHOUGH the great mass of our poetical adventurers have been taught both by precept and example that their volumes bring more copies to the shelves of the booksellers, than money into their own pockets, nothing can daunt their courage, or lay an embargo on their pens. This Parnassian mania may continue for a season, but the antidote being also in operation, must in time work a radical cure. Of this "tribute to religion" the motive and design appear commendable, but beyond this we have made no discoveries to merit exalted praise. Like many other similar poems, it will have admirers among a certain class of readers, but extensive fields do not always yield the most valuable harvests. The verse is frequently rugged and cramped; it wants an easy flow of language; and the ideas are not always sufficiently dignified to compensate for the deficiency. With the morals inculcated no fault can be justly found, and the reflections arising from given topics are natural and appropriate. Some good lines may also be selected, but for some of these the author is rather indebted to his subject than to his muse. "Devotion" and "Resignation" are inspiring themes, but fervour and energy both of thought and expression are neces. sary, to place them in a commanding light. To the author's principles and intention we readily pay every tribute of respect, and feel persuaded that his sentiments may prove useful without the fascinating power of versification. REVIEW.-The Affectionate African, or the Reward of Perseverance, a Tale for Youth, founded on Facts. By the Rev. J. Young. 32mo. pp. 84. Holdsworth. London. WHEN the reader is informed that this little volume conducts us into the regions of slavery, he need not be told that the tale is both afflicting and affecting. For something of this kind the title directs us to prepare, and on such occasions we scarcely know whether fact or expectation concentrates the largest portion of horror. The scene opens on the coast of Africa; the father of a family is shot by the white men, and his wife and children, whom he lost his life in defending, are seized, consigned to the hold of a slave-ship, and carried to the land of fetters and of groans. From a branch of this family sprang Juba, the hero of the tale, but we have not time to pursue his narrative. Suffice it to say, that he became rich, serious, and kind to all in distress. The tale is well told, but the latter part is not so fertile in incidents as the former. A sufficiency is however preserved, to display in Juba a mind capable of cultivation, of braving and surmounting difficulties, and, above all, to illustrate the overruling providence of God, in causing the wickedness of man to become an instrument in the promotion of his gracious designs. In the juvenile library we expect this book will be a favourite with many youthful readers. REVIEW. The Pulpit. Vol. XIV. 8vo. pp. 400. Harding. London. 1830. SEVERAL volumes of this work have already passed under our review, and, in every instance, furnished us with occasions to speak strongly in their favour. This volume is not inferior to its predecessors, either in appearance or matter. It may be considered as a religious publication, but without being under the control or influence of any particular sect. Each number contains an epitome of two or three sermons, delivered by popular ministers, both among churchmen and dissenters. The remaining part consists of miscellaneous articles, most of which, though not numerous, are in general interesting. The Pulpit is a periodical of high respectability, and, by publishing the outlines of sermons, taken from the lips of the speakers, pursues a path peculiar to itself. The character of this work is too generally known to require any elaborate analysis, or any new recommendation. The present volume is ornamented with a portrait of the late Bishop Heber. 776 Anecdotes are occasionally too diffuse, but they generally exhibit energy of language, and novelty of incident. Part I. contains "Anecdotes of Folly;" many of which, though as well known as the giants in Guildhall, can hardly fail to prove entertaining to a large class of readers. Part II. containing "Anecdotes of Impiety and Infidelity," is tolerably respectable throughout, so far as relates to composition, but the interest excited is not strong, and it seems deficient in the charms of novelty. The small portraits which adorn this work are very similar in character to those of the Percy Anecdotes, and the wood-cuts exhibit considerable spirit; but the typo graphical errors that deface Parts I. and II. ought not to have escaped the notice of the editor and printers. BRIEF SURVEY OF BOOKS. 1. A Grammatical Collection of Phrases and Idioms in the French Language, systematically arranged, for the use of the Edinburgh Academy, by C. P. Buquet, Author of the "Nouveau Cours de Littérature," &c. (Simpkin, London,) is a well arranged and masterly exemplification of the peculiarities of expression in the French tongue. Phrases and idioms, which are in truth the very essence of a language, are, too generally, neglected, or at best, very imperfectly stated in elementary treatises. The pupil is frequently confined to the inflections of words, and those general features in which one language assimilates with another; and the conse after a slow and wearying progress through sequence of this injudicious plan is, that his grammar and exercises, he finds himself unable to comprehend the simplest composition, unless it be one got up with immiediate reference to the narrow limits of his previous inquiries and investigation. When a work is laid before us, wherein there is much to admire and little to censure, it may seem invidious to glance too strongly on a casual imperfection. Justice to the public and the author obliges us, however, to say, that the lectional parts ought to be in the mother tongue. For example :— How can the young pupil, ignorant of French, understand that "Tout adjectif, termina au masculin par un e muet, be change pas de terminaison au féminin," sinifies" Every adjective, ending the musculine with mute e, does not change its termination for the feminine?" This is certainly not less objectionable than the 777 Brief Survey of Books. 778 antiquated practice of writing explanatory | employing poor children to climb chimneys Greek Grammars in Latin. In the latter is on the decline, and that for the continucase the pupil usually takes up the Greek ance of this barbarous practice there is no before he can have acquired any adequate necessity. We should rejoice to hear the knowledge of the Latin; and the author of sound of its departing knell. the present work states, in his preface, that he intends his performance "should supersede the necessity of a grammar." 2. A Practical Grammar of Music, by W. Harker, (Longman, London,) appears to be a very methodic exposition of the rules of musical composition, expressed with much brevity and perspicuity. We, however, have a natural inability to judge of an euphonic treatise, and candidly confess, that, whilst many persons will be sharp enough to appreciate its merits, it has been a flat and unprofitable work to us. 3. French and English Dialogues, &c., by J. F. G., (Whittaker, London,) is a useful manual, containing a great variety of phrases and idioms in the French language. It is calculated to store the mind of the pupil with a copia verborum; to facilitate his progress through the Grammar; and to lay a solid foundation for a competent knowledge of the Gallic tongue. small 4. Universal Mechanism, &c. by G. M. Bell, (Simpkin, London,) is a volume, concentrating the hypotheses and reasonings of many authors, on the subjects of creation, and the phenomena of the natural world. The crude theories in reference to the former, might, in our opinion, have been omitted. The truths of Revelation, and the results of scientific research, are surely sufficient to secure us from the absurd philosophy both of the Stoics and Epicureans; and they ought to deter every prudent Christian from placing much dependence on any physical inquiry that can be made into the process of creation. Analogy, the legitimate basis of human reasoning, being denied, every hypothesis relating to this subject is a random shaft menacing equally the faith we cherish, and the fanciful theories we deny. The evidences of mechanism or Divine contrivance in the varieties of the visible world are stated in a clear, intelligible, and scriptural manner. 5. The Pulpit, (several Numbers,) (Harding, London,) is a valuable periodical. It contains many original articles; and others, which are not so, having been selected with care, promise to be useful among various classes of society. It has heen long before the public, and preserves a truly respectable character. 6. Report of the Society for superseding the Necessity of Climbing Boys, (Bagster, London,) shows that the practice of 7. Anti-slavery, Monthly Reporter, (No 60-63, and Supplements, for 1830,) like all their predecessors, drags the monster slavery into light, and justly exposes it to the abhorrence of humanity. It combines fact with colonial law, but no language can furnish epithets of detestation, commensurate with the enormities it unfolds. 8. The last Days of Mary Mackay, in an Address to the Children of Rosneath Sabbath-school, by their Minister, (Nisbet, London,) delineates an amiable and pious character with much affectionate feeling, and we doubt not with an equal degree of fidelity. To the children of the school, this must have been an interesting and affecting address. The experience of Mary, which is given with much simplicity, frequently in her own words, shows, in a striking manner, the powerful influence of divine grace on the youthful mind. For a Sunday-school library it is a suitable and valuable book. 9. A Catechism of Useful Knowledge for the Use of Schools, Original and Selected, (M'Phun, Glasgow,) is not confined to religious subjects, but embraces very many which belong to commerce, the productions of nature, and the arts. It is intended for children, to whom it will impart, within a narrow compass, much useful information. 10. An Inquiry into the Birth-place, Parentage, Life, and Writings of the Rev. William Gurnall, M.A. &c. by H. Mc Keon, (Holdsworth, London,) is not a work of general interest. Of a person who died nearly two hundred years ago, very few will feel anxious to know the birthplace. His writings are of more importance, and these, together with a memoir of his life, and also of the Rev. William Burkitt, the author has introduced in this volume. At the conclusion, we find many things crude, quaint, and curious. 11. Objections to the Doctrine of Israel's Future Restoration to Palestine, National Pre-eminence, &c. in Twelve Letters to a Friend, &c. (Holdsworth, London,) will be deemed either formidable, or of no weight, according to the preconceived notions of those into whose hands they may happen to fall. On these obscure and doubtful topics, we feel much hesitation in risking an opinion; but the objections in the volume before us appear to have much force, which the author's opponents will find it needful to counteract. 779-780 INTERMENT OF HIS LATE MAJESTY GEORGE IV. AND PROCLAMATION OF KING WILLIAM. In our preceding number, when announcing the death of his late Majesty, we expressed an intention of furnishing in this, an account of the funeral rites connected with his interment, and also of the ceremonies observed on the proclamation of his august successor. During the intervening weeks, however, all the circumstances connected with these nationally momentous events, have been so amply detailed in all the newspapers circulated throughout the kingdom, that excited interest is on the wane; the novelty having subsided with the gratification of curiosity. Little, therefore, can be acceptable from us beyond the mere outline of the processions, leading, in opposite directions, to the melancholy vault, and the splendour of the throne. On Of the numerous and varied particulars, preparatory to the royal funeral, no adequate idea can be communicated within the limits of our pages. From the moment of his late Majesty's death to the night of his interment, all was bustle, activity, and preparation for the approaching event. the afternoon of Saturday, July 10th, the royal corpse was placed in the state coffin, and conveyed, in the presence of his Royal Highness the Duke of Cumberland and many official characters, to the drawingroom. The machine on which the royal coffin was placed, though somewhat enlarged, was the same on which the remains of his royal Father were conveyed to their final home. It was constructed of wood, moving on castors, and covered with drapery. The computed weight of the machine, coffin, and contents, was estimated at between eleven and twelve hundred. On the 14th the necessary preparations having been completed, the public were admitted to see the body lying in state. As early as nine o'clock in the morning the barriers were crowded to excess, and many hundreds were excluded at the closing of the doors at four o'clock. The royal coffin rested on tressels about three feet high, elevated on a platform, and beneath a canopy of purple cloth. The avenues were all lined with horse guards, leaning in silence on their swords. On the coffin was placed the imperial crown of the United Kingdom, and the royal crown of Hanover, and pendent beneath the canopy waved the royal standard of England. The whole apartment was draped with black. On each side the coffin, were three stupendous wax lights in massive silver candle sticks richly gilt, and the walls were mou fully decorated with double wax-h's bell glasses, intermingled with emba ments of heraldry. At a late hour on the 14th, a party of tillery, with twelve nine-pounders, amved from Woolwich, and remained beneath the trees of the noble avenue. About four o'clock on the ensuing morning they com menced firing, and thus continued, coce each minute, during nearly the whole of te day. Much about the same time the be began to toll, and their mournful sed knew little or no intermission until ala over. The multitudes attracted by previo Enouncement, and by these melancholy m cations of the closing scene, it would be z vain to estimate. A continued stream carriages, horses, and foot, so complete deluged Windsor, that vast numbers cock not obtain either refreshments or accan modations, and so dense was the mass a times, that some guards were placed acce the streets, to prevent accidents from the unexampled pressure. The day having thus passed, about eigh in the evening, the trumpets and kers drums gave the signal that the preparatos for the movement of the procession hat commenced. A band also played the "Dead march in Saul." Twilight having now set in, a flambeau was given to every fifth soldier, on each side the line, at the same time every voice was hushed m silence, and not a human accent was to be heard. A discharge of two rocke's nounced to those at a distance that the procession was in motion, and gase s signal for the firing of minute guns. These continued until another rocket comm cated the intelligence that the ceremony was concluded in St. George's Chapel, and that the remains of His Majesty were lodged in the mausoleum of his royal an cestors. The whole time of the ceremony was about two hours, but connecting circ stances added much to the period. Al however, was over about twelve o'clock, and during the remaining part of the or rather on the Friday morning, the road to London was crowded with vehicles ar! passengers. Such is the termination of human life! With the exception of artificia parade, the monarch and the peasant submit to the same destiny, retire from life in the same manner, and, though differently interred, meet one compa |