1814.]

By John Overton, M. A. Rector of St. Crux and of St. Margaret, 8vo. pp. 32.

This is altogether a political sermou, in which, from Deuteronomy xxvi. 19, the author draws a very animated picture of the state of the country, and traces, with considerable ability, the causes which have led to our present high preeminence. The mischief of innovation, under the specious pretences of reform and liberality, is also forcibly depicted; and though, perhaps, the discussion of the Catholic claims might have been spared in a thanksgiving sermou, yet, upon the whole, the discourse does credit to the preacher, and deserves a serious perusal.

Sermons de feu Mr. D. H. Durand, Pasteur à Londres, choises par J. L. Chirol, l'un des Chapelains de la Chapelle François du Roi, &c. et dediés au Roi de Prusse, 1814. Grand 8o. Prix 15s.

From these sermons Mr. D. seems to have been endowed with all the qualities which give pre-emineace in the pulpit. Remarkable for the clearness, legance, and energy of style-the originality of thoughts-the solidity of reasoning-the greatness of sentiments-and the consolatory and practical view in which are exposed all the essential funda mental truths and doctrines of religion, these dis

courses are calculated to make a deep and most powerful impression. The sermons on the following subjects-Man born to be a Christian-Regeneration-The Labours of the Evangelical Mimistry-The Immortality of the Soul, and the Resurrection of the Body-The British Consti tution-The Misery of Life-are particularly, in sur opinion, maɛterly pieces of composition, which certainly rank the author in that first order which we know he deservedly held among the French Protestant preachers. An Historical Discourse is prefixed to this volume, by the editor, the Rev. Mr. Chirol, in which some very important points of morality are delineated in vindication of Mr. D.'s character against those foul calumnies to which a Fan of 'transcendent merit is, not uncommonly exposed.

Does Faith ensure Good Works? An Answer in the negative. By the Rev. Jas. Beresford, Rector of Kibworth, Leicester, 1s. 6d.

A Sermon preached at Cheshunt, on the Thanksgiving Day, July 7. By the Rev. W. Armstrong, B. A. F. S. A. 1s.

A Sermon preached at Barton-underNeedwood, Staffordshire, on the Thanksgiving Day. By the Rev. Thos. Gisborne,

M. A. 1s.

Sermons by the Rev. Percival Stockdale,

8TO. 7S.

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perdit rum secundi, tertiique sæculi fragmenta. Ad codices M.S.S. recensuit notisque illustravit, M. J. Routh, S. T. P. Coll. S. Magd. Præses. 2 vols. 8vo. 11. 10s.

The Evidence and Authority of the Christian Revelation. By the Rev. Thos. Chalmers, of Kilmany, fc. 8vo. 7s. 6d.

Sermons on the Duties of Man, and other subjects. By Robert Stevens, Preacher to the Asylum and Magdalen, svo. 12s.

Sermon preached at the Abbey Church, Bath, at the Archdeacon's Visitation, July 6. By the Rev. Harvey Marriott, svo. 1s. 6d.

Explanation of the Church Catechism. By the Rev. Harvey Marriott. 8d.

Discourses on the Principal Points of the Socinian Controversy. By the Rev. Ralph Wardlaw, 8vo. 10s. 6d.

A Treatise on the Nature and Importance of true Religion. With an Account of the Death of some Christians and Unbelievers. By the Rev. George Marsden, 12mo. 5s.

A Familiar Religious Conversation, in verse, between a Calvinist and an Arminian, on the subjects of dispute between those two religious denominations. By Thomas Wright, 12mo. 2s.

Preached

A Sermon on Isaiah xxvi. 12. in Albion-street-chapel, Leeds, on the Thanksgiving Day. By the Rev. Richard Watson. 1s.

A Dissertation on the Dragon, Beast, and False Prophet of the Apocalypse, in which the Number 666 is fully explained. To which is added, an Illustration of Daniel's Vision of the Ram and He-Goat. By John Edward Clarke, 8vo. 10s. 6d.

THE DRAMA,

Tragedies, by William Sotheby, esq. 8vo. pp. 361.

These Tragedies are six in number, and thus de. nominated-The Death of Darnley-Ivan-Zamorin and Zama-The Confession-and Orestes. The

two first are founded on facts well known, but historical verity is violated by the poet, who has drawn Rizzio as a very estimable personage, and made Ivan commit suicide in a spirit of romantie friendship. Zamorin and Zama is admirably adapted for the stage; and, with respect to plot, character, and incident, it is far superior to Pizarro.

The Confession is still more rich in description, and powerful in language, but the story too soon developes itself. Of the last we would wish to say nothing, for it has all the horror of the Grecian dramu, without any of its beauty.

The New British Theatre; a Selection of Original Dramas, not yet acted, some of which have been offered for representation, but not accepted. With critical remarks by the Editor. Vol. II. 8vo. pp. 500. 10s. 6d.

The decline of dramatic poesy in this country has been a general subject of complaint for several years, and the scarcity of good pieces since the demise of the elder Colman and the secession of Sheridan, proves that the complaint is not without foundation. As this degradation cannot be ascribed

to the want of genius, the cause must be sought in the management of the theatres, the taste of the public, or the indifference of our poets. There

154

may be, and probably is, a concurrence of all three; but t is to be feared that the two last are only the necessary consequences of the first. We, therefore gladly hail the work which is regularly published in a cea periodical form with the avowed object of rescuing from oblivion pie. rs that have either been condemned by the capriciousness of managers, or withheld through the diffidence of the authors. Though some of the articles in the collection are not fitted for representation, there are several which possess great merit, and such as could hardly fail to have excited a lively interest in any audience of common feeling and disera ment. We trust that the work, by its progressive spirit and judgmest in selec.ion will accomplish an essential revolution in the British stage.

EDUCATION.

A Manual of latin G ammar; intended to combine the ancient plan of Grammatical Institution, originally enjoined by Roval Authority, with the advantages of Modern Improvement; to which are prefixed some Prefatory Hints and Observations on the methods of commencing and pursuing classical learning, in schools, and by private study. By John Pye Smith, D. D. Pp. 72.

12mo.

2s. 6d. We can safely take upon us to recommend this elementary book as extremely well adapted to prepare the way for the use of the more complex grammars, in the regular course of instruction; and as being, in itself, an easy guide to those who, without a tutor, are desirous of acquiring or renewing an acquaintance with the Latin language. The Synoptic Tables of the same author will also be found of considerable advantage both to the teacher and the learner, as they shew at one view almost all that is necessary to be fixed in the memory.

A First or Mother's Dictionary for Children; containing upwards of three thousand eight hundred words which cccur most frequently in books and conversation; simply and familiarly explained, and interspersed throughout with occasional remarks: the whole adapted to the capacities of younger pupils. By Anna Brownwell Murphy. 12mo. pp. 300.

The very first definition in this excellent little book, will be a convincing proof of its utility:"T ABANDON, is to leave, or go away from; an abandoned man or womati, means a very wicked man or woman After exhibiting this single specimen, it would be needless to say that the pan of the Mother's Dictionary is ingenious, and that the execution of it is such as to deserve our recommendation.

Letters on the Management and Economy of Schools. By the Rev. S. Catlow. 2s. 6d. Grammar of the English Language. By John Grant, A. M. 12mo. 6s.

Continuation of Early Lessons. By Maria Edgworth. 2 vols. 6s.

An Introduction to the Diurnal Readings. By T. Haigh, A. M. 3s.

The Classical English Letter-Writer, or Epistolary Selections. 12mo. 4s. 6d.

5S,

A Key to Bonnycastle's Trigonometry. By Griffith Davies. 8vo. The Traveller in Africa. By Priscilla Wakefield. 12mo. 5s, 6d,

GEOGRAPHY.

[Sept. 1,

Neele's General Atlas, No. III. imp. 4to. 11. 1s.

HISTORY.

Campaign in Germany and France, from the expiration of the Armistice, signed and ratiñed June 4, 1813, to the period of the Abdication of the Throne of France by Napolcon Buonaparte; with an appendix, containing all the French Bulletins issued during this period, and other official documents. By John Pholi, part, esq. 2 vols. 8vo. pp. 754. 11. 15.

This compilation embraces a great variety of information on the military and political history of Europe, and in connexion with the author's former volumes on the northern campaigns of 1812 and 1813, may be properly recommended not only as a necessary work of reference, but as a well con. nected and accurate narrative of one of the most eventful periods in the annals of the world. The editor has sedulously sought out the most authen. tic sources of intelligence and it is no more than justice to say, that he has made the best use of what they imparted by examining with diligence, and reporting with fidelity,

An Historical View of the Philippine Islands: exhibiting their Discovery, Popula tion, Language, Government, Manners, Customs, Productions, and Commerce. From the Spanish of Martinez de Zuniga, Published at Manilla, 1803. In two volumes, with a new and accurate Map of the Islands, from the best authorities, public and private,

This is a valuable addition to the stock of histo rical and geographical information; for the author, though a Spaniard, narrates freely the crrors of which his countrymen have been guilty in the ac quisition and government of their eastern posses

sions.

He is also very moderate in his accounts of the expeditions of other nations, and of this a

striking instance is given in the detail of the mili

tary operations which preceded and followed the conquest of Manilla by Cornish and Draper in 1761. The conduct of the English is faithfully re ported, and the whole of this part of the work will afford so much satisfaction in the perusal, as to convince the reader that the writer is a man of liberality and observation, whose integrity may be fully relied on for the only history which we have of those interesting islands. Narrative of the late Revolution in Hol By G. W. Chad. 8vo. gs. 6d.

land.

LAW.

The Trial of Lord Cochrane, Is. 6d.

MEDICAL.

A View of the Comparative Advantages and Disadvantages of the Navy and Army Surgeon; and of the Surgeon in Private Practice; together with a proposed Amend. ment of the Condition of Assistant Surgeons at their outset in the Navy. By William Cullen Brown, M. D. 8vo. pp. 80.

This pamphlet is extremely well written, and on the condition of the surgeons in the navy it exhibits much that calls for the attention of the govern ment. The author has shewn clearly that the op portunies for improvement in this branch of the which do not exist in the army, and that the stock service are narrowed by privations and restrictions of knowledge which the young surgeon brings with

1814.3

him on board of a man of war is more likely to be lessened than increased owing to invidious distinctions and improper associations. As the subject of complaint admits of an easy remedy, we trust that the hints here suggested will be duly regarded. Letters addressed to his Royal Highness the Duke of Kent, on Consumption. Containing Remarks on the Efficacy of equable and artificial Temperature in the treatment of that Disease, &c. By Thomas Sutton, M.D. 870. pp. 59.

155

far as to say, that the new reviewer was one who had filled a judicial situation of higher character, but who was suspected to be as completely illuminated by the doctrines of this philosophical lady, as the orientalist Halhed formerly was by the visions of the prophet Brothers. The author of these letters, however, sets himself to refute the

caluminy, being indignant at the supposition that a respectable magistrate and senator should stoop so low as to become the panegyrist of the equivocal morality, and fantastic opinions, scattered throughout Madame de Stael's note 1 book on Germany. Whether the letter write: be right or wrong in this, we will not pretend to decide, but truth compels us to say, that he has rendered an acceptable service to the public in providing an effectual antidote to the poison contained in the work of which he has here given a faithful analysis.

of consumption even in those countries whose atmosphere we are attempting to imitate, is sufficient to shew the fallacy of the measure. An Essay on the Venereal Disease. Richard Carmichael, M. R. I. A.

4to.

MISCELLANEOUS.

By

Part 1.

The Port-Folio; containing Essays, Letters, and Narratives. 2 vols. 12mo. pp. 550. Though these little volumes have no claim to the distinction of ranking with the essays of Addison, Johnson, Hawkesworth, or Cumberland, they may be read to advantage, particularly by the la dies, for whose use they seem to have been purposely adapted. The tales are, for the most part, very pleasing; but to the last, on the folly of for. tune telling, we have a strong objection, for while it is intended to shew the wickedness of that pretended art, it does, in fact, go the length of encouraging the worst species of superstition, by supporting the notion that mortals may hold an intercourse with the spirits of darkness, and thereby he enabled to disclose the secrets of futurity.

The Flowers of Wit, or a Choice Collection of Bon Mots, both Ancient and Modern, with Biographical and Critical Remarks. By the Rev. Henry Kett.

2 vols. 12mo. 14s. When the French abounded in anas, the English had their jest books. The present work seems to rank between the two, neither rising to the elevation of the former, nor sinking to the vulgarity of the latter. These volumes, however, are well calculated to beguile the vacant hour with rational amusement, without exciting any disagreeable emotion even in the gravest and most delicate mind. The editor has manifested in the selection equal taste and industry, but he would have increased the value of his collection by giving his authority for each article.

Remarks on Madame de Stael's Work on Germany. In Four Letters addressed to Sir James Mackintosh, Bart. M. P. 162, 65.

8vo. pp.

That the same cri'ies who, in the Edinburgh Review, had so strongly censured the extravagan. cies of this celebrated female, should all at once veer about and eulogise the identical principles which they before condemned, was such a paradox as could not fail to excite astonishment even in those who were most accustomed to literary versa. tility. Some persons, however, who pretend to the gift of second-sight, affected to perceive a new manager in that concern, and they even went so

Apparitions; or the Mystery of Ghosts,

ed: being a Collection of Entertaining Stories, founded on fact, and selected for the purpose of eradicating those ridiculous fears which the ignorant, the weak, and the superstitious, are but too apt to encourage, for want of properly examining into the causes of such absurd impositions. By Joseph Taylor. 12mo. pp. 223, 58.

Though this volume contains many amusing stories, we are far from thinking the collection calcu lated either to remove su, erstition where it has

already taken place, or to prevent its intrusion when the nature of spiritual subsistencies engages the thoughts. Some of these tales are evidently fictitious, and others only show the effect of men. tal weakness when credulity contributes to facilitate the operations of the cunning, or the frauds of the designing The compiler has no doubt pro. vided an agreeable entertainment on a subject which never fails to awaken attention; but he would have done better in selecting relations of more authority, and such as would have afforded room for rational speculation.

A Treatise on Domestic Wine-making, calculated for making excellent Wines from all the various fruits of this United Country, in relation to strength, brilliancy, health, and economy; explanatory of the whole process, and every other requisite guide after the Wine is made, and in the Cellar. Composed from practical knowledge, and written expressly and exclusively for domestic use. By P. P. Carnell, Esq. 8vo. pp. 158.

The great merit of this treatise is its simplicity and pe.spicuity; for though the author is evidently a man of science, he has wisely communicated his instructions in language level to the capacities of those who may be desirous of practising the valu. able improvement in family economy here recommended, but who would be deterred from making any essay towards it, if the book had been written in an elevated style, and encumbered with a multiplicity of observations Plain directions are given for making sixty different sorts of wines, from the most agreeable and wholesome productions of our own country, the use of which, by following the rules here laid down, will be found equally beneficial to the purse and the constitution.

156

than 280 of the most celebrated Authors, Ancient and Modern, on Man, Lite, Death, and Immortality, systematically arranged. 2 vols. 115.

Essay on breaking the English Spaniel or Pointer, with instructions for attaining the Art of Shooting Flying. By the late Wm. Dobson, of Eden Hall, Cumberland. 125.

England's Triumph; being an Account of the Rejoicings, &c. which have lately taken place in London and elsewhere. 8vo. 7s. Narrative of the Grand Festival at Yarmouth, April 19th. 8VO. 4s.

The Miscellaneous Papers of John Smeaton, F. R. S. communicated to the Roy. Soc. printed in the Phil. Trans. 4to. (forming a fourth vol. to his Reports,) 1. 11s. 6d. Tide Tables for all the Sea-ports in Eu rope. By Alex. Ingram. 125.

NATURAL PHILOSOPHY.

Experiments and Observations on the Atomic Theory, and El-ctrical Phenomena. By Wm. Higgins, Esq. F. R. S. M. R. I. A. Prof. of Chem. to the Dublin Soc. 8vo. 6s.

Primum Mobile, with Theses to the Theory and Canons of Practice, wherein is demonstrated, from astronomical and philosophical principles, the nature and extent of Celestial Influx on Man. Translated from the Latin of Diducus Placidus de Titus. By John Cooper. No. I. (to be continued weekly.) 8vo. 1s. 6d.

NOVELS, TALES, &C. Waverley; or, "Tis Sixty Years Since, 3 vols. 12mo. pp. 1099, 11. 1s.

We have heard this romance ascribed to a bard of the first order, and there seems to be sufficient internal evidence to warrant a belief that the report is accurate. The story is formed on the circumstances of the rebellion in 1745; and as the principal scenes are laid in the Highlands, the author gives us many beautiful descriptions of the country, and interesting pictures of life and manners. Some of the characters, however, are thoroughly beside nature; and the catastrophe of the highmettled chief of the clan of Mac Ivor casts over the piece a disagreeable shade, which might easily have been avoided by suffering the gallant Fergus to fall in the field, rather than reserving him and his faithful follower for the hands of the executioner.

Tales for Cottagers, accommodated to the Present Condition of the Irish Peasantry. By Mary Leadbetter and Elizabeth Shakleton. 12mo. pp. 227.

These tales are obviously on the popular plan of Miss Edgeworth's delightfully instructive stories, and they certainly possess great merit, exciting a lively interest in the perusal, and conveying many valuable lessons, not only of mere morality, but of practical religion; the one without refinement, and the other without gloom. We could have wished, however, that the last tale, entitled Honesty's the best Policy, had been cast into the form of a simple narrative, like the rest, instead of being made to wear the appearance of a drama, which few cottagers can easily comprehend, and with which, by the bye, it is not desirable that they should be made acquainted.

[Sept. 1,

London Tales, or Reflective Portraits. By Mrs. Roche. 2 vols. 7s.

Bachelor's Miseries. By an Old Maid of Distinction. 4 vols. 11. 45.

The Confessions of Sir Henry Longueville. By R. P. Gillies, Esq. 2 vols. 10s. 6d. Duty, a Novel. By the late Mrs. Roberts. Interspersed with Poetry, and preceded by a Character of the Author, by Mrs. Opie. 3 vols. 12s.

PHILOLOGY.

Researches in Greece, containing Remarks on the Languages spoken in Greece at the present day. By Wm. Martin Leake, Esq. 4to. 31. 3s.

POETRY.

The Mégha Dúta, or Cloud Messenger; a Poem, in the Sanscrit Language. By Cálidása. Translated into English verse, with Notes and Illustrations, by Horace Hayman Wilson, assistant-surgeon in the service of the Honourable East India Company, and Secretary to the Asiatic Society.

8vo. pp. 175, 7s.

Whether, as the translator seems to think, the Sanscrit be the most ancient form of speech known to mankind, or not, it certainly abounds with vari. ous treasures, equally venerable for their age and excellence. To Cálidása, who is supposed to have flourished in the ninth or tenth century, are ascribed numerous works of the highest merit; and with one of them, the drama of Sacontala, Euro prans are already well acquainted through the version of Sir William Jones. The present poem, however, ranks still higher in the estimation of the Hindus, and, as a proof of it, the original has been honoured by no fewer than six elaborate commentaries. The compressed argument is this: A yachsha, or demigod, being banished by his principal for neglect of duty, employs a cloud to con ey his s'ate and his sorrows to a beloved wife, and the execution of this charge affords an oppor tunity for the poet to describe the several objects over which the aerial messenger hath occasion to pass. The translation is easy, flowing, and ani mated; and the notes exhibit much valuable infor mation on the customs, manners, geography, and literature of Hindoostan.

3s.

Persia, a Poem, with Notes. 8vo. pp. 38,

For this very elegant poem we are indebted to one who has traversed the interesting ground here described with peculiar advantages, being clothed with a high political character. The present performance evinces a classical taste and a penetrat ing judgment, and the only fault of which we have to complain is, that the poem is too short. The notes, which are historical and geographical, form a valuable appendix to the piece; though here also we have to regret that the author did not extend both to a greater length, and a more substantial formin.

Lara, a Tale: Jacqueline, a Tale. 12mo. pp. 128, 7s. 6d.

Such of our readers as are acquainted with Lord Byron's "Corsair," will recollect the strange man. ner in which the hero of that tale vanishes, and the poem concludes. For their satisfaction we have to inform them, that Conrad here re-appears under the name of Lara, a Spanish chief, and that Gul. nare, the mistress of Seyd, is the attendant of her new lord, in the disguise of a page, by the nama