it convenient to invest it in the garments of disguise, and to erect his temple in the empire of romance. In its fictitious department, we find a strange combination of historical delineation and flights of imagination, that might furnish entertainment to a company of Arabian knights. It is a strange compound, in which truth and fancy are curiously mingled together; where we are led onward in pursuit of an object that generally contrives to elude our grasp, and yet never retires from our sight. For this disappointment the author endeavours to make some compensation, by the extravagance of his episodes, and the wildness of his imagination, and in many instances his efforts are crowned with success. In its historical allusions, we find much vigour of intellect, many profound philosophical reflections; and judicious observations on bondage, freedom, wealth, civilization, government, and law. The effects of tyranny, war, superstition, credulity, industry, idleness, prudence, and economy, are depicted with a masterly hand. The author thus furnishes the rough materials, and leaves his readers to erect the building; he gives permanence to delineation, and consigns to others the task of making the application. In the following observations we find no obscurity : "A king is a man of business. Call men of business to your service, and with such on your right hand, and on your left, administer the affairs of your empire solely on those common, intelligible, long-tried, and indisputable principles, which the good sense of the mass of mankind approves. Be not too impatient of things confessedly imperfect: old and familiar errors are less dangerous often than young truths. Revise, amend, corroborate, press towards the better; but be slow to renovate. Act more than meditate." With many parts of these volumes we have been highly pleased; with some we have been amused; and with others we have been astonished. In their great and predominant feature, the trappings of fancy wave around us in wild exuberance, and with their unexpected glare too frequently eclipse the sentiments, for which, in the eye of sober reason, this work can alone be considered as truly valuable. The author's name no where appears; but whether he resides in the moon, or in the land of Utopia, he is a man of splendid talents, of vivid imagination, and one who possesses an extensive acquaintance with the affairs of nations, and with the strength and weakness of mankind. On past events he engrafts modern follies, and thus teaches us to laugh at the absurdities of ancient times, without allowing us to perceive that by so doing we condemn ourselves. REVIEW.-The Manual for Invalids. By a Physician. 12mo. pp. 378. Bull. London. 1829. THE author informs us in his preface, that his object in writing this manual is, to instruct his fellow-creatures first to know in what health consists; to lead their judgment to the care of it while it is in their possession, and to the regaining of it when disease may have deprived them of it. Secondly, by his advice, to enable the invalid to say, thus far should I go, and no farther: here I can assist my health, and here I should consult my physician. In these preliminaries the author appears with fair promises, and we are glad to find that in his details we are not left to mourn over disappointed hopes. From a general survey of the bodily structure, he proceeds to describe the distinct and combined uses of each in the complicated system of human economy. He then advances to the conduct, and supplies, needful to preserve the animal machine in proper order, adverting to the pernicious consequences of excess, and on all occasions strongly enforcing the necessity of caution, prudence, and moderation. Of late and hearty suppers the author thus delivers his opinion : "Effects are constantly attributed to wrong canses: we are continually bribing our judgments to justify our inclinations. In a great proportion of the sudden deaths which are continually happening, two-thirds at least, are found dead in their bed in the morning. In these cases, the victim is prevented from relating a detail of the sufferings, or his opinion of their cause; but a large portion of cases of gout, asthma, hæmorrhoids, apoplexy, and many other diseases, may be fairly attributed to late and hearty suppers; for they happen very often among that class of persons who give themselves this indulgence. A light supper, of easy digestion, no meat, and an early retirement to rest, give the best promise of repose upon the pillow, and the best security that you will awake with renovated powers, and rise like a giant refreshed in the morning.”—p. 162. For early rising the author is a strenuous and faithful advocate. The quantity of sleep necessary to preserve health, he observes, though certainly various in different persons, may, perhaps, be laid down as a general rule, at not less than six hours, and not more than eight. Active exercise he also strongly recommends, not to produce languor by excess, but to give due motion to the muscular energies, which will eventually facilitate all the natural functions of the body in their respective branches of operation. To his various lessons of advice we have little doubt that multitudes will assent in theory, who will never reduce his admonitions to practice. He seems to be decidedly of opinion, that were that care which is within the reach of every one, taken of our bodily health, as it stands connected REVIEW.-SUNDAY LIBRARY AGAPE. with aliment, in quantity, time, and quality, with sleep, exercise, atmosphere, and indulgence, gentlemen of the medical profession would find much less employment than they do at present. For all these he gives some plain and practical directions; but those who disregard his advice must abide the consequences of their own negligence. In many cases, when health is on the decline, the author recommends methods that should be adopted in order to its restoration; but throughout the whole book he is more intent on its preservation, than in prescribing remedies when it is gone. This is a natural consequence of his own system; for so various are the degrees of disease, and so widely different the constitutions of individuals, that what in one case would be found beneficial, might in another prove highly injurious. Health is the gift of Heaven, and the means of its preservation are committed to each of the human species. But when these have been neglected, or found inefficacious, he recommends measures to be adopted; but, finally, should further medical aid become necessary, he cautions his readers against quackery in all its imposing forms. The spirit, simplicity, moderation, and rationality of this volume, have strongly prepossessed us in its favour. THIS volume is ornamented with a beautiful portrait of Dr. Howley, primate of all England. The dedication is short, simple, and appropriate. Most of the authors from whose works these sermons are selected, have long been known as conspicuous characters among our Church of England divines. In this list we find the names of Porteus, Paley, Horsley, Mant, Horne, and Blomfield. These will be a guarantee for others with whom they may be associated. In making his selections, Mr. Dibdin appears to have happily blended prudence with zeal. The discourses have uniformly a strong bearing on practical religion, and nothing is permitted to intrude, which in fair construction is calculated to give offence. Their only vulnerable point appears to be a want of spirituality, a deficiency in warmth and energy, a vacancy respecting experimental religion, which, having its 189 seat in the heart, becomes the vital source of that practical godliness which can alone render the discharge of duty acceptable in the sight of God. Admitting their purity of principle, these discourses carry with them their own recommendation. The truths which they inculcate are of the utmost importance to man, in all his social relations of life, as an inhabitant of time, and a candidate for immortal felicity. The observance of these duties is enforced, in all, with much strength of argument, repeated appeals to scripture, in a meek and affectionate spirit, and with a strength and perspicuity of diction every way consonant to the stations of their respective authors, and the solemnity of the occasions which have called them before the public eye. We must not, however, presume to draw any decided conclusions, either for or against an extended series, from the mere inspection of a single volume. We have not found any thing we could wish the compiler had omitted, and the deficiences of one volume may be amply supplied in another. this that is now before us we have a sufficiency of evidence to prove, that "godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come." In REVIEW.-Agape, or the Sacred Love Pledge. By Mrs. Lachlan. 12mo. pp. 567. Simpkin and Marshall. Lon don. 1831. THIS volume bears some little resemblance to the annuals, but it makes no pretensions either to graphic embellishments or exterior decorations. It is, however, neatly put out of hand, and is ornamented with an emblematical engraving, and a coloured presentation plate. The materials of which it is composed are peculiar to itself. From first to last it contains nothing more nor less than passages of scripture, arranged under a great variety of heads, perhaps nearly two hundred, embracing religion, morals, personal and relative conduct, numerous branches of domestic economy, and the multifarious events which diversify human life. In the table of con− tents, the name of each distinct article refers to the page in which the scriptures that establish, elucidate, or guard the duty prescribed, concentrate their collective force. To pious individuals, who feel anxious to know what the sacred writings contain, relative to given cases that are of frequent occurrence, but have not time to examine the pages of inspiration, this book will be found serviceable, the writer having collected them to the reader's hand. Through this medium, the latter will enjoy the advantages of study, without the trouble of application; but beyond this, the utility of this volume is not very apparent. REVIEW.-The Doctrine of Universal Atonement Vindicated, in Seven Letters to the Rev. John Smyth, D.D. Strictures on Dr. Wardlaw's Essay on the Extent of the Atonement. By John Kennedy, 12mo. 228. Mason. London, 1830. THIS brief treatise comprises a large portion of important and interesting matter respecting the extent, the efficacy, and the application of the Atonement made by Christ for the sins of mankind. Few theological subjects have been more frequently brought before the public, than this branch of the Calvinistic and Arminian controversy. Each side has still a vast number of adhetents and advocates, distinguished alike for talents, erudition, and piety; and each party thinks that the points at issue ought long since to have been decided in their favour. But "who shall decide when doctors disagree?" In this volume the author has taken the liberal side of the question, and, in his discussions, shewn himself to be an able polemic. With the hinges on which several branches of the controversy turn, he is intimately acquainted, and the acuteness and moderation, uniformly displayed, are highly creditable to his talents, and to the spirit in which he has written. To the investigations of scripture the author has brought a powerful mind, and in no case has shrunk from the difficulties which it was incumbent on him to face. No time is wasted in unmeaning circumlocution. He starts his object, and pursues it with vigour to a legitimate termination. His arguments are powerful, and, on most leading points, decidedly conclusive. His interpretations of scripture appear to be congenial with our unsophisticated views of the Divine attributes, without having recourse to the tortures of criticism, to impress them into the service of a pre-established hypothesis. To such, indeed, as have already embraced a manufactured system, his arguments may sound like idle tales. A rigid papist might as soon be persuaded that transubstantiation included an absurdity, as many, against whom Mr. Kennedy argues, would be induced to believe that any por tion of their creed could be wrong. Yet even these, we suspect, on reading this treatise, will be ready to adopt the ingenuity ascribed to an honest Quaker, and exclaim, "O argument! argument! the Lord rebuke thee." In the estimation, however, of all who prefer truth to system-the unvarnished declarations of scripture, to the dogmas of hypothesis-and plain common sense, to the jargon of hard-hunted ingenuity, this little volume can scarcely fail to hold an exalted rank. Most leading topics are so advantageously discussed, and so followed out in their principal ramifications, that we are not more disposed to compliment the author on his abilities, than to admire his uniform impartiality, and to congratulate him on his success. REVIEW.-The History of the Bible. By the Rev. G. R. Gleig, M. A. M. R. &c., in two volumes, 12mo. Vol. I. pp. 384. Colburn. London. 1831. In a work of this description, scarcely any original matter is to be expected. All that can be said, has been long and repeatedly placed before the world, so that little remains to reward the industry and toil of modern gleaners. Although collateral evidence may be derived from foreign sources, to illustrate customs, elucidate language, and to corroborate facts, yet the Bible itself must furnish the principal field whence the materials of its history can be drawn. The treasures, however, which former adventurers in this wealthy region have discovered, still remain as valuable monuments of human research, and from these, when stripped of extraneous matter, may be obtained all the essentials which an author can desire, to facilitate his progress. To these, and to the sacred writings, Mr. Gleig has had recourse; and the result of his labours will be found imbodied in this work, which he intends to complete in two volumes. In this second volume of the "National Library, and the first of the History of the Bible; the events connected with the early periods of mankind, are traced down to the reign of David. In the subsequent volume, the subject will be resumed, and conducted to a termination. From the existence of man as an intelligent finite being, Mr. G. infers that of an infinite and unoriginated Creator; and from the moral relation in which they stand to each other, he draws the conclusion, that a communication of the divine will is necessary for the guidance of a being in whose nature moral agency is included. All the essential properties of such a required revelation, he REVIEW.BARROW'S WORKS-HISTORY OF REDEMPTION. finds in that which we possess; it being adapted to the moral condition of man in time, and every way applicable to his interests in a future state. In proceeding through the detail of its progressive events, Mr. G. notices the objections to which certain passages, incidents, and facts, have been exposed. To these he pays becoming attention, and obviates their force in a very satisfactory manner, not by profound criticisms and learned dissertations, but by popular arguments, which are intelligible to common understandings, even though they have not been tutored in the schools of subtlety and erudition. We do not, however, mean to suggest, that all the objections which ingenious infidelity may find occasion to urge, are here stated, investigated, and answered. To do this would require more room than the history itself is intended to occupy, and lead to digressions which would reduce the narrative to a rank of only secondary importance. From the specimens furnished, we may, however, perceive how other difficulties of a kindred character may also be surmounted; and, fortified with this principle, we readily follow the author in his march through the sacred history. The volume before us is replete with sound sense and solid argument. It never conducts the reader into visionary regions, where fancy triumphs over reason, nor leaves him bewildered in the thorny mazes of learned speculations. Taking it as a fair specimen of what is to follow, we conceive that this "History of the Bible" will be every way deserving the place it is intended to occupy in the "National Library." REVIEW.-The Works of Dr. Isaac Barrow, with some Account of his Life, Summary of each Discourse, Notes, &c. By the Rev. J. S. Hughes, B.D. Vol. V. 8vo. pp. 534. Valpy. London. 1831. THE preceding volumes, containing the works of this extraordinary man, we have in several of our numbers taken occasion to notice. His fame was great while he was living, his reputation sustained no injury by death, and time has ever since been forbidden to touch it with his scythe. Of the twenty-one discourses contained in this volume, it will be needless to say more, than that they are founded on passages of scripture, which furnish the basis of what is generally denominated the Apostles' creed; that they display much learning, talent, and piety, and are every way worthy of the celebrated divine whose name they bear. 191 It is, perhaps, almost needless to add, that this volume belongs to a series, entitled, "Divines of the Church of England." Ten volumes have been already published, five of which are devoted to the works of Dr. Barrow. The others are by authors, whose names confer an honour on the national church establishment of our country. REVIEW.-The History of Redemption, &c. By President Edwards. 12mo. pp. 312. Religious Tract Society, Lon don. 1831. THE title of this book has a captivating appearance, but on examination it will be found every way applicable to its contents. The celebrated author, whose name it bears, is of sufficient importance to command respect, as nothing of an inferior order was ever known to issue from his pen. It was first published in 1739, and is now incorporated among the numerous treatises reprinted by the Religious Tract Society, to whose exertions the more valuable part of our community are very much indebted. This work traces, in a concise manner, the prospects, intimations, indications, and development of the great plan of redemption, from the earliest ages down through succeeding periods, until "life and immortality were brought to light by the gospel;" uniting the various branches into one great whole, and illustrating them by an appeal to history, to facts, to prophecies, and to their remarkable and exact fulfilment. Thus far the system is delineated with an able hand, the learned and pious author having unequivocal data for his reasonings and observations. But when he enters on "the completion of the work of redemption" in a future state, the ground on which he stands appears less secure. Entering a region that is veiled by the clouds and shadows of futurity, the light by which he is guided becomes, on many subordinate particulars, somewhat dim and indistinct. With general outline he is supplied by the predictions of the sacred writings, but the details drawn from this source are not unfrequently mixed up with mere human conjecture. We must, however, admit that the author's conjectures are generally accompanied with probability, and beyond this, perhaps, no inquiries can carry our researches. In this little volume Mr. Edwards has successfully traced the light beaming through all the inferior dispensations, and found it shining more and more unto the perfect day; and in the full blaze of its meridian glory, he has placed it before his readers. REVIEW. Writings of John Jewell, Bishop of Salisbury: died 1571. 12mo. pp. 488. Nisbet, London, Religious Tract Society. It is greatly to the honour of this Society, that they are not much influenced by sectarian prejudices in their selections. We say not much influenced, for it is natural to suppose, that, as a matter of choice, they would prefer such authors as had embraced theological sentiments congenial with their own, to others, in whose peculiar views they could not cordially concur. This partiality is, however, permitted to have only a moderate share of operation; for we frequently find among their publications, the works of individuals with whom the hotheaded and the furious would deem it criminal to be found associated. In this volume we have the writings of Bishop Jewell, who, in his day, was actively engaged in promoting the Reformation, and in meeting, on the ground of argument and scripture, his powerful antagonists, the papists. To this great subject, nearly all his works have an almost uniform reference; and from a perusal of them may be gathered the subtlety of his jesuitical opponents, and the fund of knowledge and learning which he was enabled to bring into this field of theological warfare. The numerous topics that are brought under consideration in this volume, render it very interesting; and at the present moment, its importance is enhanced by the complexion of the times. His sermons are replete with sound doctrine, scriptural appeals, and solid argument; but in many of the author's allusions a tinge of the days in which he lived is very perceptible. Bishop Jewell's apology, is a masterpiece of argument, eloquence, and learning; and although some few expressions may be found in it, involving concessions which would now scarcely be tolerated, it is perhaps one of the most able treatises that ever appeared in favour of the Reformation during the Romish controversy. It contains a luminous exposure of papal usurpations; and the deep impression which it made on the public mind, may be inferred from the violent opposition with which it was assailed by the papists, and the high esteem in which it has always been held by the friends of Protestantism, even to the present time. The hyena of popery being once more unchained, furnishes a sufficient ароlogy for its reappearance; and the period may not be remote, when all the arguments of our veteran ancestors will be put again into full requisition. 4 REVIEW.-Lardner's Cabinet Cyclopedia, Vol. XIV. Natural Philosophy, by J. F. W. Herschel, Esq. M.A. 12mo. pp. 372. Longman. London. 1831. HAVING delineated the general character of this work in several of our preceding numbers, we have less reason on the present occasion to descant on the character of this volume. The following extracts will supersede our own observations, and enable the reader to judge for himself, on many interesting, but astonishing philosophical truths :— "Wonders of Science.-Anecdote of Captain Basil Hall.-That a man, by merely measuring the moon's apparent distance from a star with a little portable instrument held in his hand, and applied to his eye, even with so unstable a footing as the deck of a sbip, shall say positively, within five miles, where he is, on a boundless ocean, cannot but appear, to persons ignorant of astronomy, an approach to the miraculous. Yet the alternatives hourly staked with perfect confidence on these of life and death, wealth and ruin, are daily and marvellous computations. We have before us an anecdote communicated to us by a naval officer (Capt. Basil Hall, R.N.) distinguished for the extent and variety of his attainments, which shows how impressive such results may become in practice. He sailed from San Blas on the west coast of Mexico, and, after a voyage of 8000 miles, occupying 89 days, arrived off Rio Janeiro, having, in this interval, passed through the Pacific Ocean, rounded Cape Horn, and crossed the South Atlantic, without making any land, or even seeing a single sail, with the exception of an American whaler off Cape Horn. Arrived within a week's sail of Rio, he set seriously about determining, by lunar observations, the precise line of the ship's course, and its situation in it at a determinate moment, and having ascertained this within from five to ten miles, ran the rest of the way by those more ready and compendious methods, known to navigators, which can be safely employed for short trips between one known point and another, but which cannot be trusted in long voyages, where the moon is the only sure guide. The rest of the tale we are enabled by his kindness to state in his own words: We steered towards Rio de Janeiro for some days after taking the lunars above described, and having arrived within fifteen or twenty miles of the coast, I hove-to at four in the morning till the day should break, and then bore up; for alcouple of miles or so. About eight o'clock it bethough it was very hazy, we could see before us a came so foggy, that I did not like to stand in further, and was just bringing the ship to the wind again before sending the people to breakfast, when it suddenly cleared off, and I had the satisfaction of seeing the great Sugar Loaf Rock, which stands on one side of the harbour's mouth, so nearly right ahead, that we had not to alter our course above a point in order to hit the entrance of Rio. This was the first land we had seen for three months, after crossing so many seas, and being set backwards and forwards by innumerable currents and foul winds.' The effect on all on board might well be conceived to have been electric; and it is needless to remark how essentially the authority of a commanding officer over his crew may be strengthened by the occurrence of such incidents, indicative of a degree of knowledge, and consequent power, beyond their reach. pp. 29. "Indestructibility of Matter.-The destruction produced by fire is most striking; in many cases, as in the burning of a piece of charcoal or a taper, there is no smoke, nothing visibly dissipated and carried away; the burning body wastes and disappears, while nothing seems to be produced but warmth and light, which we are not in the habit of |