467 Review. Chronology and General History. that may be advanced on the occasion, it will communicate a considerable portion of valuable information. REVIEW.-Conversations upon Comparative Chronology and General History, from the Creation of the World to the Birth of Christ. 12mo. pp. 480. Longman, London. 1830. A KNOWLEDGE of the subjects discussed in the present volume, is an acquisition of the first importance to the youthful mind, and any attempt to simplify the means by which it is engrafted on infantile capacities deserves the highest praise. History is the key-stone of wisdom, without which the expansive arch of human science and learning would be little more than a crumbling ruin. 468 refine his mind by a desultory contempla. tion of floral beauty; but if he desires any thing beyond the gratification of the moment, he will methodize his research, and arrange the various florescences in such a manner that he may be able to recal them to his memory, and discriminate at leisure. Some lenity is, however, due, from the critic to every author. The latter has manifold difficulties to encounter in the compilation of his work; and, if it be of much magnitude, he will himself perceive dis crepancies in his performance, when it is perhaps too late to remedy them. The fallibility of human opinion should induce every censor to speak with moderation; since his own ideas on any particular subject may be equally crude with those he is disposed to reprehend. The localities of the present day, also, have an undue and imperceptible influence on the judgment; and a condemned volume has frequently, after no great length of time, become popular and admired. question of its utility; but whether a written conversation can be generally useful will admit a doubt, since the writer cannot anticipate all the difficulties which the pupil will have to encounter, and what is a sufficient explanation to one child, is obscure to another, and perfectly unintelligible to a third. The origin of the world, the progress of society, the rise and fall of empires, and the various grades of rational beings unfolded to the student in his regular descent along the stream of time, communicate such comprehensive ideas of man-of the It is, however, but just to state, that in world he inhabits-and of "that Unseen reference to these "Conversations," the Power which governs all below," as can method is the only ground of objection; alone render the theories of science pracand we readily conceive, that there is some tically useful, and the reasonings of phi-When used cum viva voce, there can be no difference of opinion respecting dialogue. losophers universal in their application. They likewise give the mind that tone and energy which fit its possessor to mingle in social intercourse with his fellows; and afford a powerful stimulus to action, arising from the conviction that every man forms a part of the vast multitude by whose united exertions, under Providence, the mighty of human existence are fulfilled. The volume under review embodies all the leading events of general history, from the creation, to the nativity of Christ; and the catechetical method adopted by the author will perhaps recommend it to the favour of the young. We are not, however, in this instance very favourably disposed towards the clumsy mode of question and answer it seems to employ considerably more verbiage than is necessary, and to distract that method and regularity so essentially necessary to the study of history. More information, it is possible, may be given, and a greater number of facts elicited, in a dialogue than in a continuous narrative; but events and incidents will, in the former, be unavoidably isolated, and the style will be altogether too digressive. purposes As a source of rational amusement the present work is unexceptionable; but as a vehicle of sound instruction, it is perhaps amenable to censure. A person may rove through an extensive garden, to delight and The talent of the author we have not the remotest intention of calling in question. The work is elegantly written, as the following brief remarks relative to ancient Rome will sufficiently show: "We have traced the Roman power through all its gradations, raising itself from a nest of wretched huts, the hiding place of a horde of wild banditti, to a splendid city, boasting its philosophers, states. men, and warriors, and giving laws to the whole of the known world. But it had now nearly reached that point from which we have already seen that all glory must necessarily decay. Rome only wanted her chief to be crowned with imperial dignity, to raise her grandeur to the highest pitch; and this climax of her magnificence was fast approaching. But, alas! like the princess in the Eastern tale, when she had seized the gorgeous enchanted diadein, and bound it round her brow. it only glittered for a moment ere scorching tires darted through her brain, and she sank a victim to her own inordinate vanity and ambition. Such was the destiny of Rome: unwarned by the fate of her once brilliant rivals, Greece and Carthage, and unconscious of her danger, she plunged into the abyss; and, like them, was doomed soon to become the mere ghost of her former self."—p. 424. "We are generally apt to view ancient Rome through a false medium; for the eloquence of her poets and historians so completely intoxicates the 469 Review.-Topographical Account of Wainfleet. imagination and bewilders the judgment, that we find we cannot censure what they praise. Their diction is also now sanctioned by the authority of time; and as very few condescend to take the trouble of judging for themselves, their opinious have passed currently through the world, and have been often adopted without the slightest examination."-p. 464. In some respects the style of these "Conversations" may be too refined for the youthful capacity. They will, however, be useful in the hands of a judicious teacher, and they present many attractions for the adult reader. REVIEW.-A Topographical and Historical Account of Wainfleet, &c. in the County of Lincoln. By Edmund Oldfield. 8vo. pp. 370. Longman. London. 1829. THIS book is interesting principally to the antiquarian, yet, being a work of high authority, it is entitled, for occasional reference, to a place in every extensive library. We are not very solicitous to know whether a nondescript piece of copper is a coin of the Claudian era, or an old halfpenny that had been dipped in vitriol, and deposited in the vicinage of some feudal ruin by a mischievous schoolboy. Perhaps this indifference to the study of antiquities_may be traced to the following fact.-Some time since, in a neighbourhood where Roman remains had recently been discovered, curiosity leading one of our fraternity to visit the hallowed spot, he was shewn, amongst other things, an uncouthly shaped vessel containing an acid fluid; this, it was said, had been found in an oven, under a layer of tessella, and no doubt was entertained of its great age. Sage speculations were afloat for some days, till, unfortunately, the woman of the house caught sight of the relic, and instantly claimed it, as a bottle of gooseberry vinegar deposited in the oven by her own hands. Whilst glancing over this volume, we were much amused with the quaint epitaphs, and interesting fragments of history, which lie dispersed through it. Some of these are extracted for the reader's entertainment. In the church of Burgh, a small markettown four miles from Wainfleet, is the following inscription in Latin hexameters, on a plate of brass :— Who lies here? Leonard Palmer, Gentleman. Catherine. Who his heir? Christopher, (to whom Anne was married.) Who his other son? Robert. How many daughters had he? Three, Do they survive? They do. Do you inquire where the soul of the deceased is? Doubtless it has sought the stars."-p. 91. 470 The following, taken from Addlethorpe Church, is perhaps as beautiful, as the one just cited is quaint and ludicrous. "Let not this marble bound the inspector's eye, p. 107. Speaking of the church of Braytoft, the author says, "Above the arch which opens into the chancel, is a painting, representing the Spanish Armada, under the figure of a dragon. At each corner a portion of terra firma is visible, on which are inscribed Anglice, Scotland, Hibernia, France. Ships of war are stationed off the different coasts, and on that of England, the royal standard is displayed, having on its left three forts, and on its right a body of troops. Robert Stephenson is inscribed at the bottom. Below are the following lines. 'Spaine's proud Armado with great strength and "In no part of England has there been less improvements in the mode of cultivation. This may possibly be attributed in a great measure to the natural fertility of the soil, the truth of the obser vation being incontrovertible, that where nature has been the most bountiful of her gifts, the exertions of man, in the cultivation of the soil, are generally the least conspicuous; and that we are most indebted for the advancement of agriculture, to those who have been placed in situations where the sterility of the soil has made, on human skill and industry, a demand of the most imperious and urgent necessity."-p. 303. In the appendix we find a very interesting account of the Miracle Plays, or Mysteries, first known in England in the time of Edward the First. As it will be interesting to every reader, we give it at length. The term 'Miracle Plays' seems sufficiently appropriate; but the propriety of the other designation, Mystery,' is not so apparent. It appears to have originated from the French metier,' or, as it was spelt in former times, mestier,' trade; in which sense it was used by our forefathers, when, to designate a craft or trade, they used the words art and mystery.' As these miracle plays, which appear to have been performed at least once a year in every great city, were always enacted by the incorporated trades, it seems most probable that the term, originally used to signify the trades themselves, in process of time came to designate their performance. The rules of the various incorporated companies throughout the kingdom have many references to their enacting these miracle plays, and in the laws of nearly all the guilds of Newcastle this clause is inserted,-' None shall fail being at the setting forth of the procession on Corpus Christi Day, on pain of forfeiting one pound of wax; and each brother shall pay six pennies to the procession and play, yearly.' These performances were always in the open air; a large cart, bearing a raised platform, was the stage, and upon this the gratuitous actors strutted their short heur. Each cart, with its appropriate actors, 471 Ingram's Mathematics. drawn by strong horses, and preceded by minstrels, and a banner on which was inscribed the name of the piece to be performed, took its place in the procession; the clergy of the eity, in their most splendid array, going before, they thus paraded through the principal streets. Arriving at the ,place of destination, proclamation was made by the criers, of indulgences of so many days to all the devout attendants, and denunciations of penance against all who should by brawling, or thiev ing, or rioting of any kind, disturb the intended performance; and then, silence being commanded, the first piece in order commenced. The Whitsun Plays of Chester occupied the whole week, and the Corpus Christi of Coventry seem to have been as long. Those performed in London frequently lasted loager; and a series of performances, commencing with the Creation,' and ending with the Ascension,' were played on Clerkenwell-green, towards the close of Richard II.'s reign, by the different fraternities of the city, which lasted fourteen days. Each company appears to have had its appropriate play, the expenses for the performance of which, including dresses and properties,' together with a tolerable sum for ale and wine, to enable the performers to go through their parts with spirit, were all defrayed out of the common stock. Many singular and laughable items occur in the old account books of these companies such as a kyrtel, a rosary, and a boke of prayers, for oure ladye; a cape and mittre, and mass-book, for ye buschope in ye temple of Heirusaleme; three cappes, mayde Sarazin-wise, for ye three kynges of ye East.' Nor are the entries less ludicrous that relate to the apparelling of the angels and devils, who, much to the delight and edification of our simple-minded forefathers, had also no unimportant part to perform in these mysteries. The angelic wardrobe was very expensive for we meet with mantles of saye, (a rich silk,) poudered with gold starres; crownes of fyne gold double gilt; besides wings well payntede, and cheveTures, (wigs) of curled silke." The apparel of Sathanus and his company were of lesser cost; a 'hode of blacke serge wythe a payre of crookit hornys' was, however, indispensable, and a goodly assortment of fire-forks, hooks, chains, and man ́tles, depayntede with flames,' was always provided. "The most ancient miracle play now extant is the Descent into Hell,' the subject of which is said to be taken from the apocryphal book, so much admired among our ancestors, the Gospel of Nicodemus. The interlocutors are-Christ, Sathan, the Porter, Adam, Eve, Abram, David, Moses, and John the Baptist. It commences with a prologue"All herkeneth to me now, A strife wel I tellen you. Of Jbesu and of Sathan When Jhesu was to helle ygan For to thenceforth feche all hys. And bringen them to Paradys.' "It then proceeds to recount the names of those who, sithe Adam and Eve the appel ete,' had been carried away by Sathan, including, according to the strange belief of the times, all the patriarchs and prophets; then, reciting the various prophecies of deliverance, it concludes, As ye now shall sec.' Then Christ advances, and declares what he has done for the redemption of mankind, and his intention to open the gates of hell, and set free all those that believe on him. Sathan at this starts up, and protests against it. A long colloquy follows, which ends in the porter at the gate throwChrist ing down the keys and running away. enters and is thus addressed by Adam : "Welcome Lord Godde of londe "Then Eve, and all the patriarchs and pro -472 phets, offer similar prayers and are answered by assurances of deliverance; they are led out; and the piece concludes with the following petitions offered on behalf of the performers and their audi ence ; "Lorde! for thy mickle grace Having already exceeded the limits we had assigned for this review, we can only add, that the illustrations are numerous and of a very superior character, and that this volume is a valuable accession to antiquarian records. REVIEW.-A Concise System of Mathematics. By Alexander Ingram, Author of "Elements of Euclid,” &c. 12mo. pp. 384. Simpkin, London, 1830. If the lovers of indeterminate analysis, and the differential calculus, could but perceive the look of despair with which a schoolboy glances at their "Concise Systems," they would surely deem it expedient to subdivide the Mathematics into their several departments, and form a separate treatise of each. We have ourselves a vivid remembrance of "that dark day," when the ferula assumed an appearance unusually terrible, as it pointed out to us, for the first time, Hutton's Course of Mathematics. A quadratic equation seemed nothing less than a Tartarean depth, into which no one could look, without sensations of dizziness and horror. Seriatim: Mr. Ingram's compilation is one of much merit, and has evidently laid heavy contributions on his time and talents; but it certainly does form too large a volume for the use of schools, or of students generally ;-to use a vulgar saying-there is too much of a good thing. The budding energies of a boy's mind are blighted at the first approach of these formidable treatises. The eye of the pupil is arrested by the size of the volume, and he is dejected, as he thinks of the time that must elapse before he can master it-and, consequently, before he can become a wise man. It is our conviction, that youth may be educated by steam to nearly as much purpose as at our public schools. The same monotonous routine of studies is adopted for every boy, whatever may be his future prospects and destination in life. This cit cumstance has frequently given rise to laughable absurdities:-Among our school ae 473 Review.-Oberlin and De Stael. quaintances were three boys, since grown up to manhood, and now settled, the first as a baker, the second a tailor, and the third a pastry cook. The baker spoils every thing by his attachment to geometrical progression; the tailor, while measuring a customer for a pair of small-clothes, descants too learnedly on the centre of gravity; and the pastry cook wastes all his energies in an endeavour to solve the trisection of an angle (Q. E. D.) in a penny tart. How great soever the commendations we are inclined to bestow on Mr. Ingram's book en masse, we should have felt more gratification at seeing separate well-arranged treatises on the different subjects to which it refers. For even admitting that a boy requires a knowledge of them all, he would more readily obtain that knowledge from a number of small books, each confined to one department of the science, than from a volume condensing the whole circle of the mathematics. There is, however, a more powerful argument in favour of distinct treatises on the various subjects of education, than the one last mentioned. Scholastic instruction is intended to be preparatory to a youth's entrance into the world, and should therefore be conducted with the closest possible reference to his future station and occupations: consequently no branch of learning should, at this important period, be pressed upon his notice, but such as is likely to be practically useful. For though to instruct an embryo doctor in the management of fluxions might be witty, it would be useless. And could any thing be more absurd, than to teach a draper, whose daily employment consists in measuring gauze and "fine-spun wind," the mensuration of solids? REVIEW.-Brief Memorials of Jean Frederic Oberlin, Pastor of Waldbach in Alsace; and of Auguste Baron de Stael, Holstein, &c. By the Rev. Thomas Sims, A. M. 12mo. pp. 190. Nisbet, London, 1830. In our number for February last, "Memoirs of John Frederic Oberlin,” in an octavo volume of 372 pages, passed under our review. The present work contains condensed memorials of the same indefatigable and pious divine; and from its portable size, it may be more within the reach of many readers, than the larger account to which we refer. A memoir of this venerable man can never assume too many forms, or be too widely circulated. John Frederic Oberlin, was an eminent protestant minister, by whose zeal, piety, 474 perseverance, and example, the villages, churches, and territory of two parishes, which had been desolated by the despotic intolerance of Louis XIV. and XV., were restored to comparative prosperity, and the gathering population enjoyed the word of life. It would be no great compliment to any biographer to say, that he had placed the character of Oberlin in an amiable light. Something bordering on satanic ingenuity, would be required, to give it any other aspect; and even then, the writer would gain no credit, except among those who never heard of his name. The more prominent features of character which distinguish this extraordinary man, Mr. Sims has comprised within a narrow compass, but the memorials are sufficiently extended, to display his worth, and to hold him up to all gospel ministers, as an example worthy of their imitation. We must not, however, forget, that what was said of the celebrated Richard Baxter, may be applied to Oberlin-" Men of his stature are not to be drawn in miniature." Of Baron de Stael, the memorial is rendered particularly interesting, by the superior talents of his mother, the exile and persecution which the family endured, and by his own personal piety. He was born in 1790, and died in 1827, rich in good works, if not full of days; leaving behind him a name which Christianity will enrol on the records of her triumphs, among the great and the honourable of the earth. Prefixed to these two memoirs, is an introductory sketch of the history of Christianity in France. This is given in a very condensed manner. It is a mere outline of prominent events and vicissitudes; but to multitudes of pious readers, this will communicate all the information they require. An appendix, which concludes the volume, states compendiously, the condition of protestantism in France; and also enumerates the means that have been adopted for the diffusion of useful knowledge, and the spread of vital Christianity. These desirable objects meet with many serious obstructions arising from various causes, some of which, nothing but patience and perseverance can overcome. Numerous and formidable, however, as they are, the zeal and pious exertions of Oberlin, and Baron de Stael, prove that they are not insurmountable. Much has been done through their instrumentality, and the brief account recorded in this neat and useful volume, furnishes a pleasing intimation that faithful ministers are not permitted to labour in vain. 475 Reviews.- Lyra Britannica-The Law of Wills. REVIEW.-The Young Wanderers' Cave, at once THERE is a more than common share of incident in this volume; and what is still more praiseworthy, the ramifications are all enlisted on the side of virtue, economy, and moral propriety. The style is full of life and sprightliness, and a bustling kind of activity is kept up throughout the whole. The characters introduced are numerous and diversified, and each sustains the part assigned in a becoming manner. There can be little doubt that all the tales are the offspring of imagination, but it cannot be denied, that the soil which gave them birth is rich in fertility. In no part that we have noticed, is any outrage committed on nature. They will amuse, but not mislead, and inculcate useful lessons without seeming to teach them. The design of the writer seems to be, to entertain the young, who may be found in the latitudes which lie between six and fourteen. Even beyond this, these tales may charm a gloomy hour; and, read aloud by an adult, by gaining the attention of the younger branches, the little urchins will not only be kept from doing mischief, but induced to listen with silence and sobriety, that they may comprehend the story which excites their interest. Already our nursery libraries are stored with many useful books, and this being added to their number, will increase the value of the whole, and only occupy a place to which it is fully entitled. REVIEW. Lyra Britannica, or Select Beauties of Modern English Poetry, &c. with some Original Pieces. By the Rev. J. W. Thomas. 12mo. pp. 252. Stephens, London. 1830. SEVERAL selections from the voluminous works of the British poets have of late years been sent into the world, bearing, in many respects, a strong resemblance to the volume now under examination. The field, however, is by no means robbed of all its flowers. On every side their colours and fragrance still regale our senses; so that a skilful poetical botanist may cull from the variety, and form a garland to command our admiration. In his Lyra Britannica, Mr. Thomas has not extended his researches beyond the poets who are, or were, contemporary with ourselves; but in this contracted sphere, he has found a sufficiency to form a beau 476 tiful collection, which no reader of taste can peruse with attention, without being pleased with the elegance of the pieces The variety also is very considerable, the aggregate amount being about one hundred and sixty. These are arranged in six classes, namely, Narrative, Pathetic, Descriptive and Dramatic; Moral, Serious and Devotional; Humorous and Satirical. On these numerous articles it will be in vain to offer any observations. The names of Byron, Southey, Campbell, Crabbe, Moore, Wordsworth, Scott, &c: &c. furnish a passport which few persons will have the temerity to dispute. The selection appears to have been made with care, and the arrangement is judicious. The original pieces are not numerous, but they confer no disgrace on the companions with which they are associated. REVIEW.-A Practical Exposition of the Law of Wills, with plain Instructions and Advice to Testators, Executors, Administrators, and Legatees, &c. &c. By Richard Dickson, Esq. 12mo. pp. 212, Sherwood, London. 1830. ALTHOUGH we do not profess to be "learned in the law," we are not altogether ignorant of the dictates of common sense, and on this principle the preliminary pages assure us, that this book is founded. The author commences with some forcible remarks on the necessity every person, who has any property to leave, under, of making his will while in health and strength; and this necessity he renders more imperative, by adverting to the fatal consequences which not unfrequently follow the neglect of this duty. Having procautions, to which all persons making their ceeded thus far, he furnishes many preown wills would do well to attend, that nothing may be either inserted or omitted, which the law refuses to sanction. In reference to these points, he has recourse to numerous acts of parliament, which are but little known, except to professional men; and finally concludes, that although every man is legally competent to dispose of his own property, the best intended bequests are frequently defeated through the technicalities of law, when brought to bear upon terms and phrases which are deemed equivocal and inexplicit. He seems to think "that every man who is his own lawyer, has a fool for his client." It does not however appear, that Mr. Dickson supposes all cases to be thus exposed to risks and difficulties, for his design is to furnish advice, which, if followed, will in |