1925.] REVIEW-Time's Telescope. pended so lightly and elegantly from one side of the river to the other, one cannot feel astonished at Canova having said that he would willingly resign all his glory for the honour of having created that masterpiece of Rennie's genius. But we are now beyond the boundaries of the City, and have reached Charing Cross, in the centre of which stands the equestrian statue of Charles I. Further on, in a sort of courtyard behind Whitehall, the palace from which the Monarch was conducted to the scaffold, is the statue of the last King of the House of Stuart, James II. which was erected to him the year before his abdication. The pedestal bears the inscription of his name and his title of King, which the new dynasty did not deface." In the tenth Chapter we find some remarks upon the present state of sculpture in London, at the conclusion of which the following passage occurs: "The English Sculptors, it is true, have, like the French, generally disguised historical personages by what I could call anachronisms in costume. Thus we sce the Charleses and the Jameses clothed in the Roman Toga, and the periwigs are disregarded, an omission very creditable to the artists. In our busts and statues of Lewis XIV. the wig usually encircles the brow of Grand Monarque. There is, however, nothing offensive in the figure of Charles Fox, represented in a consular robe in Bloomsbury-square; for there was a certain degree of Roman eloquence in the parliamentary speeches of that leader of the Opposition. He is represented seated, with his right arm extended and supporting Magna Charta. His name forms the only inscription on the pedestal. The countenance is said to be a striking resemblance of the distinguished statesman. The attitude is dignified, and the statue, upon the whole, reflects great credit on the talent of Westmacott. In Russell-square, in a situation facing the monument of Fox, there is another statue, which also calls to mind one of those illustrious statesmen of ancient Rome, whose time was divided between the labours of the senate and the care of their Sabine farms. This statue represents the late Duke of Bedford, with one hand resting on a plough, and in the other holding some ears of corn. There are four emblematic figures of the Seasons, at the pedestal of the monument, which is adorned with various rural attributes in bas-relief." The earlier portion of the second volume is devoted to the poets, and in this department the author has evinced considerable knowledge of our litera 541 It is the custom of the Editor to give as an introduction, a dissertation at length on some interesting subject: that chosen for the present year, is a very able essay" on Man, by Thomas Myers, LL.D." Section I. treats of the Physical Powers of Man. The chief varieties are, 1. The Caucasian race, with white skin; 2. The Mongolian, with olive skin; 3. The Ethiopian, with black skin; 4. The American, with red or copper coloured skin; and 5. The Malay, with brown or tawny skin. The Caucasian must be considered as the centre division, the Mongolian and the Ethiopian as the two extremes, while the American and the Malay constitute the middle terms. This diversity, the author thinks, is not sufficient to warrant the unscriptural idea that mankind has sprung from different sources, as man is endowed with a greater degree of pliancy of body than he can exist with comparative ease in the lower species of animals, by which all countries, and in all varieties of temperature. The difference between these apparently various races may therefore be sufficiently accounted for by the continued operation of physical, political, and moral causes. The whole article is extremely interesting, and we heartily join with Dr. Myers in the feelings expressed in the following extract: "On reviewing the whole mechanism of the human frame, we cannot fail of being struck with the peculiar adaptation of its different parts. Manifestly complex and elaborate in its organization, it combines so much 542 REVIEWMagistrate's Pocket Book. much harmony and unity in its plan, and displays so much power and wisdom in its execution, as at once to bid defiance to scepticism, and justify the expression of the learned Bellini: Magnus Dominus! Mag nus Fabricator Hominum Deus! Magnus atque mirabilis ! Conditor rerum Deus quàm magnus. es'!" The second Section treats "Of the Intellectual Faculties of Man;" in which the opinions of Dr. Reid, Alison, Dugald Stewart, and other writers, are well condensed. Section III. embraces the Moral Perceptions of Man," in discussing which, Mr. Myers borrows largely from Dr. Collyer's Lectures on Ethics, delivered at the Surrey Institution. The body of the work contains the usual diversified feast under "Remarkable Days," and each Month is closed with "Astronomical Occurrences." The Editor takes every proper opportunity to interweave pious effusions, both in verse and prose, with his other matter. The following Hymn was composed by the late highly respected Dr. Middleton, Bp. of Calcutta, and always sung on New Year's Day by his desire. My Life's brief remnant all be thine! Bids me this fleeting breath resign, Numerous worthies who have died in 1825, are noticed under the days of their departure. Nor are living worthies forgotten, for we observe a memoir of Mr. J. H. Wiffen, who may be styled the Poet Laureat of the Time's Telescope, as besides the Introductory Poem, before noticed, there are in the present volume more than a dozen ex tracts from his Poems. : [Dec. and general Inder. By Wm. Robinson, Esq. LL.D. of the Middle Temple, er. 8vo. pp. 446. C. Hunter. DR. ROBINSON'S name is known by different publications connected with topographical literature; and he has probably contributed more towards the history of the county of Middlesex than any cotemporary writer. His Histories of TOTTENHAM, STOKE NEWINGTON, ENFIELD, &c. have rendered his name familiar to every useful work is likely to extend his antiquary; and the present highly reputation amongst the profession member. Indeed its utility will not of which he forms so respectable a be confined to the Magistracy or legal profession alone: the publick at large (particularly those connected with trade and parochial duties) may derive the most necessary and important information respecting the present state of the Criminal Law. The most recent authorities are carefully adduced; and the whole is arranged in the most judicious and systematic manner. Its conciseness is the only thing to be regretted; but perhaps the addition of summonses, orders, &c. would have so extended the work, and increased the price, as to have limited its circulation. On this subject we extract the following paragraph, explanatory of the Author's future intentions. "To have added forms of SUMMONSES, WARRANTS, CONVICTIONS, ORDERS, ADJUDICATIONS, &c. would have increased the bulk of the book so much, that it would have defeated the author's intention of compressing the matter so as to bring the book into a convenient size for the pocket; bat as it has been considered by some that a set of practical forms would be a useful appendage to the Pocket Book, the Author has it in contemplation, at some day not far distant, to add a series of the most useful and approved forms, as a supplement to this little volume." 101. The Visitation of the Sick. In three Parts. By the Rev. Henry Wintle, A.M. Rector of Somerton, Oxfordshire. 12mo. pp. 104. THE Visitation of the Sick is far from an easy duty to a conscientious Clergyman. If he leans too much to severity, he defeats the object, or limits its application to the virtuous alone, and, if he be too easy, he opens a door to procrastination of reform. We would therefore call the Visitation of the Sick, the sanction and aid of the Church afforded 1825.] REVIEW+Boyd's Sermons,Kitto's Essays. afforded to repentance. The question able part of the service (at least it has been made so) is the absolution. According to Mr. Low, in his elaborate treatise on the subject, it has no prospective operation. Mr. Wintle quotes Dean Tucker's words, "The form of absolution in our order, for the Visitation of the Sick, is justly liable to censure; because it pretends to such a knowledge of the human heart, as cannot belong to any mortal man, without an express revelation from heaven." P. 102. We apprehend, that it forgives sins so far as we have power to forgive them; i. e. we make a grant subject to approval. Whatever a conscientious and pious man would have done to produce a proper effect upon the mind of the sick, is shown in this excellent little work. It states, that the object of the visiting minister is to produce repentance, that kind of it which worketh salvation, for without that the visit is of course nugatory. It is the only means of rendering the office instrumental to public good. Here Mr. Wintle's judicious basis entirely does away any unjustifiable use of the atonement, with regard to men of wicked life. Young Clergymen cannot do better than adopt the modes recommended by Mr. Wintle, in this useful manual. 102. The Catholick Faith, a Sermon translated from the Greek. To which is added, a brief Refutation of Popery, from the Writings of the Fathers. By Hugh Stuart Boyd, Esq. 8vo. pp. 70. THERE is much felicitous illustration in the writings of the Fathers, par ticularly in regard to those abstruse mysteries which we give up as inexplicable, without reflecting that it may be possible to exhibit modes of being, without presuming to comprehend its essence or properties. Tertullian is very happy in such illustrations, and Basil is not less so in his representation of the Holy Trinity. There must have been a beginning, say many scepticks, to the existence of the Son, but St. Basil shows, that the sound Scripturist admits of no such necessity. He thus explains the matter: Since a son, by natural right, possesses whatever belongs unto his father; and since an only begotten hath in himself the whole, not possessing any thing which is participated by another, we learn from the very appellation of the son, that he is participant of the father's nature; not having been made 543 by a decree, but having beamed forth from the paternal essence, indivisibly and eternally conjoined unto the father; his equal in excellency, his equal in power, the participator of his glory." P. 7. As to the Holy Spirit, he says: << The soul, which is purified from material dross, and disengaged from terrene affections; the soul, which can leave behind it all created natures; which, like a fish emerg¬ ing from the depths of ocean, can rise above its native element, can breathe celestial air, and swim on the pure waves of incorporeal where it perceives the Father and the Son. existence; that soul will perceive the Spirit It will see, that the Spirit subsists in one common essence; that it is co-eternal, commensurate, and equipotent; possessing whatever they possess goodness, righteousness, sanctity, and life. Of these perfections, not one is acquired or adventitious; but, as to cast a heat is inseparable from light, so also to sanctify and to give life can never be separate from the Spirit." P. 9. Concerning the Son, he says: "I partook of the celestial image, and did not preserve it. He [the Son] participates of my lowly flesh, that he may not only restore the image, but make this flesh immortal." P. 17. Stronger representations cannot be made, and we are inclined to think with Mr. Boys, that there are passages in Chrysostom and Nazianzen, fully equal to Demosthenes, Isocrates, or Plato. In subtlety and acumen the Fathers are exceeded by no metaphysicians whatever; and it is plain, that the scholastic Divinity is not of pure Aristotelian origin, but an alloy of the Fathers cast in the mould of the Stagyrite. Mr. Boyd has many shrewd remarks upon the unwarrantable corruptions of Popery, but we have room only to recommend his pamphlet to Theologians. 103. Essays and Letters. By John Kitto. With a short Memoir of the Author. 12mo. pp. 210. MR. KITTO is the son of a working stone mason at Plymouth; and followed his father's trade. A fall from the roof of a house occasioned, in the deplorable result of the accident, a total loss of hearing. He was thus obliged to take refuge in the workhouse, and was apprenticed to a shoemaker. Through his deafness, reading became his amusement, and he cultivated good natural powers by composition. Liberal feelings dictated a handsome subscription, and have brought his effusions into broad daylight. He has evidently read and di gested 544 REVIEW.-Lawson's Lost Spirit;-Cadijah.—The Bar. [Dec. gested much. We should little think that an author of the humble pretensions of Mr. Kitto, should write an essay upon Sublimity, and yet he has done so, and male remarks not unworthy the attention of the most profound philosopher. The sublime it self is, in our judgment, nothing more than that sensation or idea, which produces awe and admiration; and one which authors divide and subdivide merely because they make a Thesis of it; for Nature certainly has but one mode of creating the sublime, and the feeling is in its essence quite simple. We agree however with Mr. Kitto in the following position. "Association is the chief source of the pleasures experienced by the Moralist, the Philosopher, the Poet, and by every man of taste and feeling. And it is from the paucity of their associations, that so many are incapable of appreciating the emotions produced by the sublime and the beautiful." P. 169. Now it is certain, that we take no interest in any thing with which we do not combine ideas. The following is a happy and tasteful remark: "I never saw the passion of Love so admirably described, even in books devoted solely to the subject, as in the laconic description of Jacob's love. And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed to him but a few days for the love he tore to her." P. 181. We all know what Touchstone says of those with whom Time flies swift, and though we should not like seven year indentures of apprenticeship to the courting trade, yet lovers and odd misers will do odd things. 104. The Lost Spirit, a Poem. By John Lawson, Author of Orient Harping. 12mo. pp. 129. THIS Poem, which is written in good Miltonian blank verse, contains energetick sentiment, and powerful figure; but though we agreee with the Editor, that the execution of the Poem is unquestionably of the first order, we do not think with him, that it exposes error in a striking manner, and inculcates in forcible language religious truth, and that it will afford " great pleasure to every well-principled mind." (Pref. iv. v.) In our judgment, there is no pleasure at all in thinking that a person is damned to all eternity; and that the wretched Ugolino, who was starved to death, should have the further misery added, that his soul was, through his impatience under suffering, utterly lost, we by no means think a subject happily chosen. Ugolino, if he had become the "Lost Spirit" here described, no doubt was insane through suffering; and we know, that it is not a divine attribute, "to crush bruised reeds." Furthermore, it is the opinion of various deep Theologians, that the evil ascribed to Providence does not exist, at least that God is not and cannot be the author of evil at all. It is rather to be supposed, that apparent evil is connected with some law in the economy of the Universe, unknown to us, and in reference to that law is a good. 105. Cadijah, or, The Black Palace; a Tragedy in five Acts. By Mrs. Jamieson. 800. pp. 104. G. B. Whittaker. 66 MAGNIS tamen excidit ausis." We dare not sacrifice truth to gallantry. If Ladies will attempt a flight beyond the strength of their pinions, they must disposed to yield to their failure. be content with the sympathy we are The Authoress of Cadijah, it is evident, has talents sufficient to bear her not only harmless, but with credit, through some less aspiring path of Literature; but it belongs not to her to grasp the wand of Shakspeare—a wand Our love of the sex forbids that we that resisted the attempts of Byron. should discourage any well-founded would direct them rather to subjects efforts of Literary amibition. We more congenial with their nature, and more suited to their real pretensions. Of Cadijah, the less we say the better. The language, where it would be most impassioned, seldom rises above mediocrity. The Epithalamium is far below it. 106. The Bar, with Sketches of Eminent Judges, Barristers, &c. &c. a Poem, with Notes. 12mo. pp. 160. Hurst, Robinson, and Co. IT is evident that this Poem has been written some years-much of it is inapplicable, and much of it prophetic. It has some pretensions, but they are very unequally sustained. Many lines are remarkably healthy and vigorous, while others are as tame, feeble, and prosaic. There are some infelicitous parodies, and others more happily executed. Upon the whole, it is a harmless and entertaining effusion, which it would be captious to censure, and tasteless to praise. Ready for Publication. Mr. CRADOCK's Literary and Miscellaneous Memoirs, with the Appendix (dedicated, by permission, to his Majesty), are now completed; and a Second Volume is prepared for the press, consisting of "Zobeide, a Tragedy (5th edit.) to which is prefixed an English Couplet to the Author by Mons. de Voltaire; likewise The Czar, a Tragedy, (2d edit.) inscribed, by permission, to her late Imperial Majesty, Empress of all the Russias; and Four Essays, Moral and Religious, addressed to the rising gene ration. Testamenta Vetusta; being Illustrations from Wills, of Manners, Customs, &c. as well as of the Descents and Possessions of many distinguished Families, from the reign of Henry II. to the Accession of Queen Elizabeth. By NICHOLAS HARRIS NICOLAS, Esq. F.S.A. Barrister at Law. Traditions and Recollections; domestic, clerical, and literary; in which are included Letters of Charles II. Cromwell, Fairfax, Edgecumbe, Macaulay, Wolcot, Opie, Whitaker, Gibbon, Buller, Courtenay, Moore, Downman, Drewe, Seward, Darwin, Cowper, Hayley, Hardinge, Sir Walter Scott, and other distinguished Characters. By the Rev. R. POLWHELE. In two volumes 8vo. The Eighth Part of "The Progresses of King James the First." A Picturesque and Topographical Account of Cheltenham, by the Rev. T. D. FOSBROKE; with Medical and other Contributions, by Mr. JOHN FOSBROKE, resident Surgeon at Cheltenham. A Translation of the first Georgic of Virgil, with Notes and Explanations. By the Rev. R. HOBLYN. P. Virgilii Maronis Bucolica; containing an Ordo and interlineal Translation accompanying the Text; a Treatise on Latin Versification; and References to a Scanning Table, exhibiting, on musical principles, every variety of Hexameter Verse. With an explanatory Index. Intended as an Introduction to the reading of the Latin Poets. By P. A. NUTTALL, LL. D. Editor of Stirling's Juvenal interlineally translated. An Enquiry into the Origin of the Laws and Political Institutions of Modern Europe, and in particular of those of England. By GEORGE SPENCE, Esq. of Lincoln's Inn. Recent Discoveries in Africa, made in the years 1822, 1823, and 1824, extending across the Great Desert, to the tenth degree of Northern latitude; and from Kouha in Bornou, to Sockatoo, the capital of the GENT, MAG. December, 1825. Soudan empire. By MAJOR DIXON DENHAM, of his Majesty's 17th reg. of Foot, Capt. HUGH CLAPPERTON, of the Royal Navy (the survivors of the expedition), and the late Dr. OUDNEY. Proceedings of the Expedition despatched by his Majesty's Government to explore the Northern Coast of Africa, in 1821 and 1822; comprehending an account of the Syrtis and Cyrenaica; of the ancient cities composing the Pentapolis, and other various existing remains. By Capt. F. W. BEECHEY, R. N. and H. W. BEECHEY, Esq. The Mission from Bengal to Siam, and to Hue, the capital of Cochin China, never before visited by any European, in the years 1821-22. By GEO. FINLAISON, Esq. with an Introduction and Memoir of the Author, by Sir Stamford Raffles, F.R.S. Travels of the Russian Mission through Mongolia to China, and Residence in Pekin in the years 1820, 1821. By GEORGE TIMKOWSKI. A concise System of Commercial Arithmetic, adapted to modern practice. By JAMES MORRISON, Accountant. The Union Shakspeare, being the 1st of an original Series of Plates illustrative of the Plays of Shakspeare. By the most eminent Painters and Engravers. Domestic Preacher; or short Discourses from the MSS. of some eminent Ministers. Hints for Ministers and Churches. By the late Rev. ANDREW FULLER Memoirs of the late Miss Jane Taylor. By her brother Mr. ISAAC TAYLOR, jun. Selections from the Works of Dr. John Owen. By the Rev. W. WILSON, D.D, Author of "Selections from Leighton's Works." The Father's Guide in the Selection of a School for his Son; being a short Account of all the Schools in England, from which Scholars have a claim to Fellowships, Scholarships, Exhibitions, or other honours and emoluments in the two Universities. By a Member of the University of Cambridge. An Essay on Craniology. By the Rev. R. W. HAMILTON, one of the Vice-Presi dents of the Leeds Philosophical and Literary Society. The Prospect and other Poems. A Practical Treatise on Life Assurance. By FREDERICK BLAYNEY, author of "A Treatise on Life Annuities." The Danciad. By THOS. WILSON, Teacher of Dancing. A new historica! Novel, entitled Henry the Fourth, being a specimen of Shakspeare's Plays. Preparing |