of the rise and progress of a small volume of poems, with some account of their decline and fall," is highly amusing, and we feel half inclined to think, that many a modern poet, on perusing it, will be ready to exclaim, I suspect that in this sketch, the author of the Old Portfolio had his eye fixed on me." "The two sides of the picture," is a respectable imitation of Dr. Franklin's whistle; and the lessons, which it teaches, may, if duly improved, be found instructive in every department of life.

But we have neither time nor inclination to particularize all these tales. Some have truth for their basis, others are so obscured by the appendages of art, that their origin, import, and application, cannot easily be ascertained, while another class must claim fancy for their parent, and imagination must supply the atmosphere in which they breathe.

That all these tales furnish amusement no one acquainted with them can for a moment doubt; and although several among them commit the most glaring outrages on probability, the author must be acquitted of any attempt to undermine the foundations of virtue, to render religion contemptible, or moral principle questionable or insecure. On the contrary, many of the sketches satirize with much pungency some of the prevailing follies of the age; and it is pleasing to add, that this is not done in a way better calculated to invite imitation than to deter from practice, but in such a manner as to exhibit a picture, on which nothing but frivolity can look with admiration.

REVIEW.-The Shakspearian Dictionary, forming a general Index to all the Popular Expressions, and most striking Passuges in the Works of Shakspeare, &c. &c. By Thomas Dolby, 12mo. pp. 372. Smith, Elder, and Co., London, 1832. IN some respects, this volume is, to the works of Shakspeare, what a Concordance is to the Bible. In others, however, it is very different; for while the Concordance refers to the same word, in its various occurrences, this refers to subjects, alphabetically arranged under heads that are almost innumerable, together with the expressions, both in prose and verse, that are scattered through the writings of this immortal bard. In the margin of each page we are referred to the play, the act, the scene, in which the topic is introduced in its various combinanations; and occasionally directed to titles, which are nearly synonymous, for further expression and elucidation.

So far as this work extends, it will be found of considerable assistance to the admirers of our great dramatist, but numerous passages that might be added, are permitted to repose in silence, and very many important topics remain unmentioned and untouched. To have introduced more, the author indeed, must have extended his researches far beyond the limits of this volume, but this we conceive would have been more than compensated, by the nearer approximation to completion, which his labour would then have assumed.

It will readily be admitted, so profusely does the bard of Avon abound in beauties, that, to transplant them all, would be to publish a new edition of his works. Yet we cannot but think, that many passages have been omitted, which, from their prominent character, exalted sentiment, and intrinsic poetical excellence, were highly deserving of a place in this volume. It will be obvious from these remarks, that we do not blame the author for any thing he has done, but regret that he has not done more. We accuse him of omissions, not of errors, for so far as this general index extends, its value cannot fail to ensure due appreciation.

REVIEW. The Theological Library.No. 1. Life of Wiclif, by Charles Webb Le Bas, M.A. 12mo. pp. 470. Rivington. London. 1832.

Turs volume is the commencement of a series, the exact limits of which are not specifically announced. Several subjects, however, are named for the succeeding volumes, such as, the Lives of British Divines; the Consistency of the whole scheme of Revelation with Itself and with Reason; the History of the Inquisition; the History of the Principal Councils; Lives of the Continental Reformers; the latter Days of the Jewish Polity; History of the Church in Ireland; History of the Reformed Religion in France; Illustration of Eastern Manners; Scripture Phraseology, &c.; History of Sects; Sketch of the History of Liturgies; History of the Church in Scotland; the Life of Grotius. From this transient survey of the promised land, we may gather, that if it does not flow with milk and honey, it presents an ample field, rich in vineyards and olive gardens, from which the industrious reaper will gather a valuable harvest.

In the Life of Wiclif, which is the subject of this volume, but little original matter is to be found, nor was much reasonably to be expected. The character of this parent of the Reformers was too conspicuous to be

overlooked by the biographers of his day, and the triumphs of the Reformation which succeeded, in the sixteenth century, rather illuminated than eclipsed the splendour of his name. In succeeding periods, every record connected with his writings or his exertions, has been minutely examined; and the result of inquiry already before the world has left very little, that is new, to enrich the biography of this venerable man. The industrious author of the present volume, availing himself of the researches of his predecessors and of his own personal acquaintance with the writings of Wiclif, has concentrated in “No. I. of the Theological Library," all the information which the incidents of his eventful life, and the diversity of his writings, can supply. It gives a frightful picture of the times in which this venerable Reformer lived, "when abstinence from blasphemies was deemed one sure symptom of Lollardy," and represents him almost like Milton's Abdiel,

"Among the faithless, faithful only he;
Among innumerable false, unmoved,
Unshaken, unseduced, unterrified.

His loyalty he kept, his love, his zeal¡
Nor number, nor example, with him wrought,
To swerve from truth, or change his constant
mind,

Though single."

A beautifully engraved portrait of Wiclif is prefixed to this volume; a volume, which, embodying all that research can furnish or reason require, is every way deserving the decoration it has received, and the patronage it expects.

REVIEW.-The New Bath Guide; or, Memoirs of the **** Family, in a series of Poetical Epistles. By Christopher Anstey, Esq. 8vo. pp. 252. Washbourne, London, 1832.

THIS work having been more than half a century before the world, is so well known, that little needs to be said, either of its merits or defects. More than twenty editions, from its first appearance, have thrown their copies into circulation, but its fame still remains undiminished, and will probably continue so, until genuine humour shall cease to charm, and Bath shall no longer be visited with invalids.

The series of poetical epistles, of which this volume consists, are light, playful, and entertaining; familiar in expression, yet not grovelling in sentiment, abounding in strokes of humour, and pungent remarks, of which every reader can perceive the force and application. The freaks and fancies, mad schemes, and imaginary illness, of multitudes who frequent this city, are deli

neated with a masterly hand; while the fraternity descended from Æsculapius, and pretending to cure every complaint, although their patients are daily dropping into the grave, are portrayed with a more than ordinary degree of satirical humour.

In addition to the poet's pen, the celebrated George Cruikshank has lent his magic pencil to ornament the present edition; and, in the combination of sedanchairs, doctors, patients, physic, hairdressers, routes, gambling, description, and pictoral representation, a very curious medley appears to court our attention, and excite our risible muscles. Taken altogether, it is as comic a scene as can well be imagined; and those who honour this fashionable watering place with their presence, on taking a general survey of its characters, associations, and grouping, must acknowledge that the features and likeness are admirably preserved.

With this edition of the New Bath Guide, a biographical, and topographical preface, is presented to the reader, including anecdotal annotations, by Mr. John Britton, F.S.A., whose intimate acquaintance with architectural antiquities has rendered his name familiar to every friend life and writings of the author, with reof topographical research. His essay on the marks on Bath, communicates much interesting information; and his annotations, and historical observations, by elucidating events connected with times and circumstances, will give additional zest to the incidents recorded in the poetical epistles which follow.

REVIEW.-Nights of the Round_Table, or Stories of Aunt Jane and her Friends, 12mo. pp. 338. Simpkin & Co. London. 1832.

WHATEVER resemblance, in sound, the title of this book may bear to the renowned Arthur, his Knights of the Round Table, and the days of chivalry, we can most sincerely assure the reader, that there is none in reality. This is a Round Table which some industrious ladies are supposed to encircle, where, while plying their needles, they beguile the night with the stories which are here presented for our perusal.

By whom these tales were written, we are not expressly told, any further, than that they are by "the author of "The Diversions of Hollycot,' 'Clan-Albin,' 'Elizabeth De Bruce,' &c. &c." with which books, the writer presumes, every reader must be intimately acquainted. It is added in the title-page, that this is the first series,

and immediately afterwards we learn that a second is near at hand, and that it will contain "The Quaker Family, or Modes of Discipline; The two Scottish Williams; and The Little Ferryman." The first volume comprises seven tales, which bear the following titles: "When I was a Little Girl; the Spitalfield's Widow; the Royal Chapel of Windsor; the Magic Lantern; the Curate's Tale; Fashion and Personal Ornaments; and High Life."

There is nothing in these tales of a very romantic nature, but every reader will perceive that they have been manufactured for the occasion. They contain no incidents which real life may not be supposed to supply; and yet, perhaps, it will be exceedingly difficult to find any one individual in whom the whole have ever been actually concentrated. The author appears to have summoned for inspection a great variety of characters, from which has been selected such features and portions, as were best adapted to the tale. These are ingeniously combined, and exhibited as the production of actual life. This in the abstract may be literally correct, but, in descending to individuality, fiction will be found to supply the place of fact.

In the morals of these tales we find nothing particularly objectionable, nor have we discovered any thing to command profound admiration. They spring up in what may be called the atmosphere of fashionable society, life, and amusements, and teach us more about theatres than churches, more concerning actors than ministers, while personal ornaments appear of higher importance than mental acquisitions.

We, however, readily allow that these stories contain nothing to offend the ear of female chastity, nothing to raise a blush, of which modesty must bear the expense. Yet we cannot avoid thinking, that an accommodating laxity too frequently displays its pervading power, and that the standard of excellence is erected with much convenience for those whom these tales will chiefly

amuse.

REVIEW.-A Description of a singular Aboriginal Race, inhabiting the Summit of the Neilgherry Hills or Blue Mountains of Coimbatoor, in the Southern Peninsula of India. By Captain Henry Harkness, of the Madras Army. 8vo. pp. 180. Smith, Elder, & Co., London. 1832.

THIS volume is in every respect Oriental in its character. The country, including its mountains, its valleys, its passes, and all its 2D. SERIES, No. 17.-VOL. 11.

vegetable productions, claim a natural relationship to each other; and the numerous tribes of wild animals, which inhabit these territories, seem to say in language that cannot be mistaken-" It was India that gave us birth." If we turn to the aboriginal race, whose persons, manners, modes of life, and prevailing characteristics, the author has minutely described, the Asiatic likeness is strikingly portrayed. They seem, indeed, to be distinct in appearance and peculiarities from the surrounding tribes, and to live as remote from the influence of example, as from all intercourse with merchants and travellers, through whom they might become known to the nations of Europe.

The appearance of these people, whom the author calls Tudas, he describes as very prepossessing, being generally above the common height, athletic, well-made, with bold, open, and expressive countenances, which denote them to be of a different race to their neighbours. On their heads they never wear any covering, whatever may be the state of the weather, but their hair grows to an equal length of six or seven inches, parted from the crown, and formed into natural bushy circlets, which, at a little distance, resembles an artificial decoration. With a large, full, and speaking eye, a Roman nose, fine teeth, and a pleasing contour, having occasionally the appearance of great gravity, but ever ready to melt into the expression of cheerfulness and good humour, they are prominently distinguished from all the other known inhabitants of India.

In describing their persons, habitations, employment, intercourse with others, dress, modes of life, marriage ceremonies, funeral rites, and superstitious observances, the author has been very minute. Nothing that can be deemed necessary to the illustration of their customs, development of character, or elucidation of their local peculiarities, has escaped his notice. The whole volume is an extended picture of an aboriginal race, abounding in features of originality, and drawn with a commanding pencil.

From the description given, it appears that the manners of the Tudas are very simple and patriarchal. To the grosser vices which dishonour more enlarged and refined communities, they seem to be entire strangers. The glory of murdering their fellow-creatures, under the deceitful name of war, they leave to civilized man, being content, in bequeathing to posterity their native mountains, unstained with human blood. Of theft they have never been known to be guilty, nor does it appear that they are ever haunted with any suspicion of

such a vice. Hence, we are told, that they have no weapon of defence, and no fastening to their dwellings sufficient to exclude the nightly plunderer. On this branch of their moral character, Mr. Harkness makes the following observations.

"I never saw a people, civilized or uncivilized, who seemed to have a more religious respect for the rights of themselves and others. This feeling is taught to their children from the tenderest age. The curiosity of the men, as well as of the women, was strongly excited by the numberless things they

saw about our persons, or in our dwellings, all being new and wonderful to them; and they have frequently been in my rooms, during the absence of myself and servants, without my ever missing the smallest article."-p. 18.

But while the author thus exonerates them from the charge of dishonesty, and that of inflicting on each other the miseries of war, he does not dress them in the garb of per

fection.

"We must not, however," he observes, "picture to ourselves a scene of Utopian felicity, or suppose them altogether strangers to the passions and vices incident to human nature. They call falsehood one

of the worst of vices, and they have a temple dedicated to Truth; but I fear that both the temple and its object are but too often forgotten. Report also speaks of their following some barbarous customs, particularly that of infanticide."-p. 17, 18.

On the origin and source of this singular race, no light whatever is thrown; even conjecture is silent on these points; and, perhaps, all inquiry is useless, where no hope of information can be rationally entertained. They appear to be an isolated branch of the great human family, that, from time immemorial, had taken up an abode among the mountains of India; and future researches may probably bring to light many more, that European travellers have never yet discovered.

Of these Tudas, the account given by Mr. Harkness is full of lively interest; several plates delineate their persons, scenery, and abodes; and to every reader who delights in contemplating the human character in all its branches, this volume will be found both pleasing and instructive.

BRIEF SURVEY OF BOOKS.

1. The Phenomena of Nature familiarly explained, translated from the German of Wilhelm Von Türk, (Wilson, London,) is chiefly intended for the use of schools; and we may add, that many persons who are not avowed pupils of any particular seminary, might peruse its pages with considerable advantage. It is a book which, within a narrow compass, lays open the great arcanum of nature, running through her elements, and distinguishing her varieties. It is a familiar treatise of

experimental philosophy, with which we have been so highly pleased, as to give it our most cordial recommendation.

2. The Eighth Report of the Committee of the Society for the Improvement of Prison Discipline, &c., (Arch, London,) with the genuine spirit caught from the immortal Howard, conducts us through the gaols of England, Scotland, and Ireland, to survey the accommodations of their wretched inmates, and then takes us into foreign countries, to contemplate, in places of confinement, the melancholy association of misery and crime. In this volume, a general view is presented to the reader, of prisons, discipline, punishment, and the means adopted to reclaim offenders, and to prevent delinquency. On the one hand, it shows the depravity of human nature in the criminals; and on the other, the benevolence of those who are solicitous for the welfare of their fellow-creatures.

3. Punishment of Death, &c., (Harvey, London,) is a collection of admirable articles, on the severity of our criminal code; and the chief object of their publication is, to awaken public attention to a subject in which the honour of our nation, the feelings of humanity, and the dictates religion are so deeply involved. Public attention, when awakened, if followed by an unequivocal expression of it, may call forth legislative interference, which will, ultimately, so far soften the rigours of punishment, that England will no longer be a disgrace to neighbouring states, nor have it said, that her laws, like those of Draco, are written in blood. This pamphlet contains several powerful appeals to justice, and humanity, by some of our more able legislators, who have shown a laudable anxiety to wipe away the sanguinary stain. The comparative view of the punishments annexed to crime in the United States of America and England, which Mr. J. Sydney Taylor has taken, places our country in a disadvantageous light, and strongly urges the necessity of revising our code of criminal jurisprudence.

4. Illustrations of the Christian Faith and Christian Virtues, drawn from the Bible, by M. S. Haynes, (Longman, London,) we have perused with an eye to the design for which they were written, namely, "for the heads of families, in their instruction of their servants." The truths illustrated are of an obvious description, presenting themselves on the surface of life through popular argumentation, in language of comprehensible simplicity. To. M. S. Haynes, whom, we learn from an introductory preface, to be a female, we give

the fullest credit for purity of intention, and for a creditable performance of a task, which we hope will not have been executed

in vain.

5. Herbert's Country Parson, Church Porch, &c., (Washbourne, London,) is a little book of sterling excellence, which needs only to be known to be universally admired. It has been in circulation upwards of two hundred years, and remains buoyant even to the present day. If every country parson had been such as Herbert here describes, and such as he exemplified in his life, sectarianism would never have assumed its present commanding aspect, because the established church would not have been disgraced "with cassock'd huntsmen, or with fiddling priests."

6. The Spiritual Gleaner, (Seeley, London,) contains select passages from numerous authors, both of ancient and modern times. The extracts thus gleaned are pithy and sententious, and many among them may be treasured up in the mind as axioms of intrinsic value.

7. The Pilgrim's Progress, by John Bunyan, (Harris, London,) always finds a sufficient recommendation in its name. This edition appears in an abridged form for young persons. It is ornamented with many wood engravings, illustrative of the events and incidents which occur in the allegorical narrative.

8. Self-Discipline, by Henry Forster Burder, D.D., (Westley, London,) is an abridgment, by the author, of his own work, which some time since appeared in a larger form. It relates to self-government, and extends to the desires, thoughts, temper, tongue, and conduct. For the primary authority of what this book inculcates, the author appeals to the word of God, but he does not altogether neglect ethical principles and relations. It is a book that may be read with much advantage by a great number of religious professors, both young and old.

9. A Sermon delivered at Finsbury Chapel, Moorfields, Nov. 22, 1831, by the Rev. J. E. Good, (Nisbet, London,) has more immediately for its object, humanity towards the brute creation; and no person acquainted with the cruelties practised in the metropolis on the animal tribes, can think such a discourse either ill-timed or misapplied. The author enters with spirit into this important subject, and adduces specific facts which are alike hostile to the laws of God and man, and repugnant to the best principles of human nature. We most sincerely hope that this able advocate will not be suffered to plead in vain.

10. A Sermon delivered on the National Fastday, by a Clergyman of the Church of England, (Longman, London,) enforces with commendable vigour this undeniable truth, that national crimes will bring down national judgments, which timely repentance can alone avert. This is inferred from the history of nations now no more, and from repeated appeals to the word of God.

11. Sin laid on Christ, (Simpkin, London,) is marked No. 1., whence we are led to suppose that it is the commencement of a series, which bears the strange name of "Castorean Tracts," but beyond this we have neither preface nor advertisement to guide our conjectures. It moves in the track of the old tomahawk-school, and is not calculated to produce much effect on any except those who believe in the author's infallibility.

12. Prayers adapted for a Season of Sickness, suggested by the Circumstances of 1831-2, by J. H. Raven, M.A., (Simpkin, London,) contain many very suitable petitions adapted to the occasion mentioned in the title. They are few in number, yet sufficient to assist, in the discharge of an important duty, all those who bow before the Almighty with a humble, lowly, penitent, and obedient heart.

13. Familiar and Practical Advice to Executors and Administrators, and Persons wishing to make their Wills, &c., by Arthur J. Powell, Gent., Attorney at Law, (Maxwell, London,) is a work, that, we doubt not, will be found of great utility to numerous persons, in all the common walks of life. It contains extracts from our laws as they now stand, relative to the disposal of property, with various remarks on cases that may be presumed frequently to occur. The appendix presents to the reader several forms of wills, codicils, attestations, probates, letters of administration, duties, legacies, &c. &c. &c., in all of which every member of the community is deeply interested. This volume takes a wide survey of this very important subject, and, with a moderate portion of attention, those who examine its contents may avail themselves of the useful information which it communicates, and adjust the settlement of their temporal affairs, without any professional aid beyond what this book supplies.

14. Lectures on Carbon, Oxygen, and Vitality, the three great Agents in the Physical Character of Man, with Remarks on the Asiatic Cholera, by George Rees, M.D., (Highly, London,) is a well-written pamphlet on the topics noticed in the title page: It contains upwards of one hundred