442 REVIEW.-Davy's Discourses. Recommendations of the work from correspondents, who affirm that, indeed they cannot think too well of a plan that promises to exhibit proofs of the existence and attributes of the Deity,-and the truth of his Revealed Will, collected from the accumulated arguments of the most judicious writers on such subjects. "It seems also more peculiarly adapted to the present day, when we should use every weapon in our power, to oppose the attacks that are made from every quarter upon the fundamentals of our holy Religion; hoping that the apprehensions expressed for the success of the work were groundless, and that no want of encouragement may have induced to relinquish the undertaking, which promises to possess such evident utility most cordially wishing to be possessed of the work,-to add their names to the list of my subscribers, and offering their assistance towards procuring others. "Though I was extremely obliged to these advocates in my cause yet, as the head was without fruit (towards me at least), these lower branches were not of sufficient strength." Then follows the opinion of the writer in the British Critic; part of which shall be here copied : "We can scarcely conceive a more striking proof of honourable and laborious zeal, or, on the whole, a more extraordinary production than the present book. A Clergy man, desirous to diffuse the most important branches of sacred science, by compiling the sentiments of the ablest writers into a System of Divinity, attempts to publish his work by subscription, in 6 vols. 12mo. A tolerable List of Subscribers appears, but their number being thinned by desertion, he is left, at the end of his enterprise, 100l. out of pocket, out of about 270/. which he had expended. This happened in 1786. Not discouraged, though by no means in circumstances to sustain such a loss, he contracts his necessary expenses, and continues to labour assiduously towards improving his compilation, and preparing it for a second edition. That being effected, but the author equally unable to risk a second loss, and procure a second subscription, how does he proceed? By a mode the most singular that was ever attempted, and one that evinces the most indefatigable perseverance. -He constructs a press himself, he purchases old types at a cheap rate, and by his own manual labour, pursued unremittingly for five months, he produces forty copies of a specimen, consisting of 328 pages, besides prefatory matter; and these he distributes to such persons as he thinks most likely to appreciate the work, and to assist it if proved. It cannot indeed be affirmed, that the typography thus produced is fit to rival that of Bulmer or Bodoni, or that it is free ap 1 [Nov. from errors; but, though its imperfections are obvious enough, when the mode of production is considered, it appears a very extraordinary effort. Contractions, and a few awkward expedients are very excusable, and insufficient to remove the wonder of seeing such a volume executed by a single person, untaught in the art, and with implements so uncommonly imperfect." The learned Critic, after enumerating the contents of the eleven Sermons, and part of a twelfth, announced in this Volume, thus proceeds : "Such are the topics which this worthy and indefatigable Divine has, by his own personal labour, presented to a few, as a specimen of his whole work. It appears, though we have not an opportunity of comparing, that the whole is very greatly augmented since it was first published; and we do not hesitate to pronounce, that if it could fully be completed for general sale, it would form a very useful and excellent acquisition to the public. It has been, as the author informs us, the labour of thirty years, and certainly the labour has not been bestowed in vain. Though it is professedly a compi lation, the parts are so blended together, that it is not easy to trace whence the writer has selected them: and we doubt not that he might, without much difficulty, have passed it as an original work.-Perhaps also, without much impropriety; for, if he has adopted only the sentiments in general of other writers, without their words, it may be altogether as original as many publications which are so announced. "Here follow some specimens of the production, in which (as the Review proceeds) the author appears throughout as a very able advocate for the doctrines and practice of our Church.'-But these may be seen either in the Reviews here referred to, or at large in the work itself.-Concluding thus, "We must here take our leave of Mr. Davy, and shall feel much satisfaction, should we be at all instrumental in procuring for him the great object of his long continued, peculiar, and meritorious labours, the power of producing his whole work, in a proper manner for the use and advantage of the public.' The Literary Panorama, in 1811, work, according to the title-page, and after giving an account of the whole prefacing, hath the following: "Mr. Davy has selected some good things, and his Compendium includes much information, not readily to be found in any other work. We commend the intention of the author, as he hath expressed it in his Preface:-we admire the spirit of perseverance, with which he is endowed;-his courage in undertaking the work, and his 1825.] .1. REVIEW.-Morrison's Chinese Miscellany. diligence in executing it, alike excite our astonishment. If his salary* be equal to his labour, it will be a pretty thing enough." For one copy presented to the Dean and Chapter of the Cathedral Church of Exeter, by the advice of Bishop Fisher, whose assistance I requested for the proper distribution of my labour, the following was received: "Rev. Sir,--I am directed by the Dean and Chapter of this Cathedral, to present to you their thanks for the very handsome donation made by you to them of your System of Divinity, in twenty-six volumes; which they have ordered to be placed in their library. I am, Rev. Sir, your most obedient GEO. SHORT, Chapter-Clerk."" servant, A long extract then follows from the Quarterly Review; for which, and Mr. Davy's annotations on it, we refer to vol. II. pp. xxvi-xxxiii. We shall conclude the present by copying a letter from the munificent Bishop of Durham, requesting a copy of the work: "Rev. Sir, I have lately met with a copy of your late volume, entitled 'Divinity, or Discourses on the Being of God, the Divinity of Christ, and the Personality of the Holy Ghost.' I have been much struck with your piety and perseverance, in the prosecution and completion of a work collected and composed by you, and printed with your own hand. I do not remember to have had the pleasure of seeing your former numerous volumes, but you ask for information where and how you may direct the copies of this impression of the last Volume may be sent: I will gladly receive two copies of the volume of this impression (leaving the rest to your disposal) to be directed to the Bishop of Durham, Cavendish-square, London, for which you will do me the favour to accept the accompanying Bank-bill of twenty pounds. "Your own mind is, I have no doubt, prepared to receive every real satisfaction from the consciousness of having done so much to the furtherance of that plan which Lord Bacon said was likely to be productive of the best system of divinity in the world. "I cordially congratulate you on the conclusion of such a Work in your eightieth year. I am, Rev. Sir, with much regard, your well-wisher, S. DUNELM." Prefixed to the work is a pleasing portrait of the Author, ætatis suæ 82, 1825, very finely engraved by R. Cooper. For the copies variously sent, we are informed, Mr. Davy has received some pleasing acknowledgments; and, thus Then 40%. per annum; now, by various applications, 60L. 443 encouraged, it has been intimated, that a subscription, if opened by the great, and publicly known as encouraged by them, in some respectable place in London and at the Universities, a sufficiency would doubtless soon be raised, for the due publication of this worthy man's whole labours. In such a plan we should cordially assist. 80. The Chinese Miscellany, consisting of original Extracts from Chinese Authors, in the native Character; with Translations and Philological Remarks. By Robert Morrison, D. D. F. R.S. M. R. A.S. &c. &c. 410. pp. 52. Kingsbury, Parbury, and Allen. THE author of this small Tract is a labourer in the department of philoHis logy of no ordinary eminence. Grammar of the Chinese Language was published at Serampore in 1815, and his Dictionary of the same language was commenced at Macao in 1815, and completed at the same place in 1822. These works, it may be fairly presumed, are imperishable monuments of his learning and industry; to which also the British public is indebted for several minor productions. The design of the present publication appears to be, the initiation of the reader into some of the elementary principles of that very difficult language the Chinese, by displaying those principles in a manner not less entertaining than useful. The first section exhibits the 373 ancient symbols, from which it is stated the modern radicals or heads of classes in the Chinese were formed. These symbols represent numbers, celestial objects, terrestrial things, hu-' man beings, animals, plants, human productions, and miscellaneous subjects. The invention of them is as cribed to a learned Chinese named Tsang-hee, of whom a very curious portrait is given in plate 5, which symbolizes the penetration of the sage, by representing him with four eyes, and his humility and contempt of worldly grandeur, by long straight hair, and a mantle of leaves. Many of these symbols are very rude pictures, faintly analogous to the hieroglyphics of the Egyptians; and their import is often comprehensive, including two, three, or more similar ideas, of which we will give only two examples: No. 314 444 REVIEW.-Tracts on Colonial Slavery. No. 314 Threads cut asunder; to cut off; decision. No. 339-Separate from selfishness; public; just. On page 17, Dr. Morrison has given a table of the order of the 411 syllables, of which, exclusive of tones and accents, the Chinese language consists. This is followed by a table exhibit ing the pronunciation and meaning of 214 radicals. The author has appended to these tables, free and verbal translations of a few Chinese sentiments and detached phrases, with specimens of Chinese verse; some brief historical remarks on the literature of the Chinese; a summary of the Chinese ancient books called Woo-king" and Sze-Shoo," or Chinese Chronicles;" and notices of European intercourse with China, and of books concerning it, arranged in chronological order. 66 The work is ornamented with twelve lithographic plates, of which the last contains the author's autograph. We have seldom met with so much amusement and instruction combined in so small a compass in any work, and especially in a work professedly philological, as in that now before us. We came to the perusal of it with an apprehension that we should have to wade through a dry detail of forms and sounds with scarcely any interesting ideas, and were most agreeably disappointed in finding ourselves in a few minutes almost in the very arcana of Chinese intellect. We have been informed that Dr. Morrison, who holds an appointment in the service of the East India Company at Canton, is expected to return to China early in the next year. 81. Account of a Shooting Excursion on the 119. Hatchard and Son. 83. The Slave Colonies of Great Britain; or a Picture of Negro Slavery drawn by the Colonists themselves; being an Abstract of the various Papers recently laid before [Nov. Parliament on that subject; with a Postscript. 8vo. pp. 164. Hatehard and Son. 84. Anti-Slavery Monthly Reporter. 800 Nos. 1 to 5. 85. Extracts from the Royal Jamaica Gazette, June the 11th to June the 18th, 1825. 8vo. THE appearance of these Tracts, which are for the most part published under the patronage and circulated at the expense of the Anti-Slavery Society, is understood to be preliminary to the revival in Parliament of discussions respecting Colonial Slavery. The first article contains the details of an attack which was made by some planters in the Island of Jamaica upon a colony of runaway slaves, who had without observation established themselves, and during many years resided peaceably, in the centre of a wood in the parish of Trelawny. When attacked, their defence was both for skill and courage worthy of a better fate, if not of a better cause; and their final discomfiture will very probably be considered by some as having been marked by excessive severity. Upon this subject we forbear to offer an opinion. It is so interwoven with the question of original proprietory right, upon which the most decided as well as the more candid partizans are com pelled to agree to differ, that we hold it prudent in an article designed rather to extend information, than to deter mine doubtful points, to leave the arguments which are contained in this short tract as we find them, that our readers, after having perused them, may form their own individual opi nion. The second article professes to be an Authentic Report of the Debate in the House of Commons upon Mr. Buxton's Motion on the 23d of June last; and we see no reason to believe that it falls short of its pretensions. The third article is full of interesting matter, to which we must advert, rather than an abstract of some volualthough briefly. It contains a digest minous papers relative to captured Slaves, and to the condition of Slaves in the British West Indies, which have been transmitted from the Colonies, and laid upon the table of the House of Commons, in obedience to its orders. These returns are far from being perfect or even satisfactory upon all the points at issue; but so far as they go, they appear to be favourable 1825.] REVIEW. Watts's Literary Souvenir. to the views of the Abolitionists. Among the points established by them are the continued existence of a Slave Trade in the Mauritius: also the indisposition of the Colonists in general to the adoption of those ameliorations in the condition of the Slaves in the West Indies, which have been repeatedly and earnestly recommended from the Mother Country; and the cruelty and injustice which the slaves continue to experience at the hands of their overseers. With such details before us as those which are quoted and referred to in this pamphlet, we confess that we should be happy to see the whole system abolished to-morrow; provided its abolition were accompanied by the introduction of a system of legal govern ment by moral motives, and no injury done to vested interests. It is obviously an effect of slavery to degrade the whites equally with the blacks. Where ever it exists, the passions prevail over reason and all those better motives to action which ought to influence mankind. The postscript is an abstract of the most interesting document in the series, viz. the official Minutes of the Fiscal of Berbice. This Colony contains little more than 20,000 slaves, and the Fiscal's Report embraces a period of not more than five years, viz. from 1819 to 1823 inclusive; yet it must be acknowledged, that so great a mass of cruelty as is here exhibited, could scarcely be imagined to have existed in so fimited a population, and so short a space of time. To enumerate in the briefest manner all the flagrant cases of cruelty which are brought to light by these Minutes, would swell out our Review to too great a length, we shall confine ourselves to the following: "Minkie, a young female, cruelly flogged, and had her mouth broken, by order of her owner one Jones, for no other reason than because he wished to part with her, and money enough had not been offered.—1819. "Felix, compelled to allow his wife to prostitute herself to the manager, and upon expressing dissatisfaction, he and his wife subjected to severe and repeated floggings. -1822. "Brutus, a watchman, flogged for not allowing his daughter Peggy to be deflowered by the manager, the poor man considering her to be too young.-1819. Rosa, a pregnant woman, flogged by order of Mr. Grade severely with the whip doubled. She was flogged on Friday; and on Sunday, 445 after a severe labour, was delivered of a dead child, its arm broken, and one eye bruised and sunk in the head. This female was one of a gang who were all ordered to be flogged together. The driver remonstrated against flogging the pregnant woman, but in vain. The manager exclaimed, Never mind, flog her till the blood comes.'-1819. "David, a poor infirm dropsical negro, appears to have suffered dreadful persecution from Mrs. Sanders, his owner, between 1819 and 1823. On the latter date he was flogged for alleged idleness not only in the usual way, but with tamarind rods under the soles of his feet; because he bore the marks of former punishments so very evidently, his back being cut up.” These are some of the instances of cruelty of peculiar turpitude; but the whole collection, which in the original document extends to 82 folio pages, closely printed, is a mass of oppression and consequent misery. We repeat that we should be most happy to see the system annihilated,-persuaded that while human nature continues as it is, there is little prospect of any really beneficial modification of a system of slavery. The fourth article contains some interesting Tracts.-The fifth gives a discouraging picture of West Indian society. So far as these Pamphlets are calcu lated to promote a mild and moderate feeling of dislike to Colonial Slavery, not, as we have observed, incompatible with vested rights, we have no objection to promote their circulation and success. 86. The Literary Souvenir; or, Cabinet of Poetry and Romance. Edited by Alaric A. Watts. 1825. Hurst, Robinson, and Co. THIS brilliant literary bouquet contains upwards of 80 original Tales and Poems from the pens of Southey, Millman, Coleridge, Campbell, Hemans, Montgomery, Wiffen, Hogg, Galt, Allan Cunningham, Clare, Barton, Bowring, Dale, Miss Mitford, L. E. L. Bowles, Polwhele, Delta, Maturin, Sheridan, Wrangham, Howitt; the au thors of "Gilbert Earle," "London in the Olden Time," "The Phantasmagoria," "To-Day in Ireland," and the Editor himself, who is a large contributor to the work. The Prose Tales and Sketches are fourteen in number. "The sale of six thousand copies of the Literary Souvenir for 1825 (says Mr. Watts in his Preface) has stimulated my publishers and 1 446 REVIEW.-Watt's Literary Souvenir. and myself to produce in the present volume a work calculated to deserve, if not to secure, a still more extended degree of patron age. It would, however, be disingenuous in me to lead my readers to expect any very material improvement hereafter. The literary contents of the following pages, both prose and verse, whether anonymous or avowed, if my own trivial contributions, and some two or three articles from able, but unknown pens, be excepted, have been supplied at my instigation by a host of the most popular writers of the age. The embellish ments too have been executed, as will be seen, by the most eminent engravers of the day, in a style which, as it regards several of them, has certainly never been surpassed, if equalled, in the small scale to which they are necessarily restricted." The Literary Souvenir contains ten engravings by Heath, Goodall, W. and E. Finden, Rolls, and Thomson (the six most eminent engravers of the day) from designs furnished expressly for the work, by Leslie, Newton, Turner, Dewint, Chauntry, Wright, &c. We think our readers will admire the following specimens of the Editor's own Muse. MY OWN FIRE-SIDE. BY ALARIC A. WATTS. LET others seek for empty joys, At ball, or concert, rout, or play; Whilst, far from Fashion's idle noise, Her gilded domes, and trappings gay, I while the wintry eve away,— "Twixt book and lute, the hours divide; And marvel how I e'er could stray From thee-my own Fire-side! And fill with tears of joy my eyes! A gentle form is near me now; A small, white hand is clasped in mine; I gaze upon her placid brow, And ask what joys can equal thine! In sleep his mother's eyes doth hide ;— Of winds without, that ravage earth; The shelter of thy hallowed hearth;— To thoughts of quiet bliss give birth: Then let the churlish tempest chide, It cannot check the blameless mirth That glads-my own Fire-side! My refuge ever from the storm [Nov. Of this world's passion, strife, and care; By thee-my own Fire-side! To thee my own Fire-side! Fair scene of home's unsullied joys! The smile whose truth hath oft been tried; To thee-my own Fire-side! That bid my thoughts be all of thee, To thy heart-soothing sanctuary; By all the bright saints in the Missal of Love, There is Fanny, whose eye is as blue and as day: Whose form, like the willow, so slender and blithe, Is the home of the sweetness that breathes There is Helen, more stately of gesture and mien, [shroud; Whose beauty a world of dark ringlets enWith a black regal eye, and the step of a [from a cloud. queen, And a brow, like the moon breaking bright With a bosom, whose chords are so tenderly strung, [its sighs; That a word, nay, a look, oft will waken With a face, like the heart-searching tones of her tongue, [and wise. Full of music that charms both the simple |