the authentic detail of conversations which passed between the author and the wretched culprits who suffered the penalty of their share in the late riots; and the narrative is confirmed by the Chaplain of the gaol. Much is it to be regretted, that deluded characters like the subjects of this tract cannot be better apprised even of the temporal consequences of their course. Davis, it may be recollected, was a man in easy circumstances, who had earned a small but comfortable independence. He had, however, become the blind disciple of a profligate press, and had long held the most abusive language against the Church, the Bishops, and the Clergy in general, expressing his wish that every church in the kingdom might be destroyed. But when the world had no further interest for him, and the concerns of eternity became the absorbing consideration, his first recourse was to that ministry whom he had so atrociously outraged; nor did he find them backward to instruct him with meekness and forgiveness. Let us hear our Layman's

account:

"Davis, addressing me, expressed himself in substance as follows:-Oh! sir, I have been a great sinner. I do not wish to speak any thing but the truth. There was a time when I used to hear that good gentleman there, (pointing to Mr. Day,) with delight, and when I heard Mr. Thorpe, also, and other ministers. (He lately told Mr. Day, that he had then been accustomed to read the Bible with comfort and profit.) But, continued he, I became connected with evil companions, and addicted to drinking, and then I gradually left off attending the public worship of God; and all this has caused my ruin. For the last eight or nine years I have been leading an irreligious life, and have spent my Sundays in driving about from place to place, and have been flighty and raving. In answer to something that was said to him, he then owned, with expressions of self-reproach, that he had been a great scoffer at religion, that he had been in the habit of using very profane and wicked language, and that he had often abused and vilified the Clergy by opprobrious epithets; but he disclaimed ever being in his heart an infidel. He

recently said to Mr. Day, It seems to me, sir, when I reflect on my having used such bad language, that I must have been under the influence of an evil spirit."-P. 7.

Clarke was exceedingly ignorant, and seems to have received his first impressions of religion in the gaol. Concerning him we have only space to adduce an extract from his farewell letter to his friends, adding nothing to the awful eloquence of its untutored language:

"My dear Friends,

"I hope you will take this as a friendly warning. It is my particular wish to inform you of the evil of Sabbath-breaking. It is the cause of bringing me to this disgraceful end. I hope you will take warning by us, my dear friends. Look at us who did seek our death, October 30th, 1831. Look at this particular point first, and then you will see, my dear friends, that if I had been to my church, I should not have got into this disgrace that I am in. My dear friends, let me beg of you to attend your church. It is the particular wish of a poor dying sinner. Do let me beg of all Sabbathbreakers to attend your church, as you will find every good advice there. If I had gone to my church, I should not have gone into town that Sunday afternoon. Let me beg of you to take warning by me, as Sabbath-breaking and drinking are two of the greatest evils that ever a man can be guilty of. My dear friends, I was a great drunkard and a Sabbathbreaker; and, I must own, a very great sinner and I hope you will take warning. Let me beg of you to leave off bad company: let me beg of you to think of my words, as it is my dying wish. My dear friends, think of my dying words; leave off all evil ways, attend your church, and hearken to your friends' good advice. If I had hearkened to my dear friends, I should not have been in this distressed trouble. Do let me beg of you to take this as a warning to you all."-Pp. 16, 17.

The Layman's observations are in the best style; and the only point on which we should be disposed to qualify our praise, is his indiscriminate application of the term "Reverend."

And these horrors are the result of an abandoned press! Whoever has

abetted, or encouraged, or connived at the dissemination of opinions which conduct to such results, be he high or low, may God turn his heart, and forgive him!

A Discourse on the New Year, preached in Camden Chapel, St. Pancras, on Sunday, January 1, 1832. By the Rev. A. C. L. D'ARBLAY, M. A., F. C. P. S. Fellow of Christ College, Cambridge, and Minister of Camden Town. London: Rivingtons, 1832, 8vo. Pp. 20.

The Apostolic Gift of Tongues contrasted with some modern Claims to Inspiration; a Sermon preached in Camden Chapel, St. Pancras, on January 8, 1832, being the Sunday following the Epiphany: preceded by an Introductory Discourse on the prevailing Spirit of the Times, and its Effect on National Religion. To which is added an Appendix, containing an Answer to Hume on Miracles, and to Laplace on Atheistical Necessity. By the Rev. A. C. L. D'ARBLAY, M. A., &c. &c. London Rivingtons, 1832. 8vo. Pp. 60.

:

that the benefit of his labours will not be confined to the immediate scene of their operation.

A Sermon preached in Trinity Church, St. Mary-le-bone, February 26, 1832, upon the Necessity of Prayer, particularly at the present period of God's Visitation. By the Rev. WILLIAM J. E. BENNETT, M. A. Curate of Trinity Church, &c. &c. London: Rivingtons, 1832. 8vo. Pp. 27. A Sermon preached before the University of Oxford on the 21st of March, 1832, being the day appointed for a General Humiliation. By the Rev. EDWARD BURTON, D.D., Regius Professor of Divinity, and Canon of Christ Church. Oxford: Parker. London: Rivingtons. 1832. 8vo. Pp. 27.

The Infliction of the Sword of God upon our Land, betokening actual Wrath and future Judgment; a Sermon delivered on the National Fast-day, before a numerous Congregation in a Country Town. By a CLERGYMAN OF THE ESTABLISHED CHURCH. London: Longman and Co. 1832. 8vo. Pp. 16.

We have classed these three sermons together, as bearing mainly upon the same important topic; the first of them being, in a manner, anticipatory of that solemn act of humiliation, which called forth the other two. They are all well calculated to produce that sense of national humiliation for which the sins and dangers of the country so loudly call; but it would be impossible to give any adequate idea of the powerful and convincing appeal of Dr. Burton. Alluding to the notion that the appointment of a general fast was wholly unnecessary, and insisting upon that notion as in itself a sufficient reason with every thinking mind for establishing its very reverse, he proceeds to point out the deplorable state of political wickedness and confusion in the empire, and concludes with an appropriate exhortation to the younger and older members of the University, in reference to the duties incumbent upon them at the present alarming crisis. Those who are acquainted with the preacher's energetic discharge of the pastoral office will not fail to procure

this sermon; and those who are not will do well to procure it, in order to commence an acquaintance so truly valuable and instructive.

The third sermon is well worthy of perusal.

A Sermon, preached on Monday, July 25, 1831, in the Cathedral Church of Peterborough, at the re-opening of that Church, after the erection of the New Choir. By the Right Rev. JAMES HENRY MONK, D. D., Lord Bishop of Gloucester, and late Dean of Peterborough. London: Rivingtons. 1831. Svo. Pp. 28.

As far as regards this sermon itself, our object is attained in describing it as a most appropriate and effective discourse upon Haggai ii. 9. No other preacher could have done the same justice to the particular occasion which he had undertaken to solemnize. The learned Prelate, however, has appended a short document, which ought to be circulated widely, and preserved as a memorial of that attachment to the Church and her concerns, which is still alive amongst her faithful members, in the midst of that spirit of detraction and obloquy with which we are surrounded. We wish that our space would allow us also to record the names with which it is accompanied. But here follows the statement itself:

"The scheme of a new Choir, with an Organ-screen, Altar-screen, and appropriate accompaniments, was proposed by the Author of this Sermon, being Dean of Peterborough, in July, 1827; he having first obtained designs for the purpose from Mr. Edward Blore, the architect. The Chapter adopted the proposition, and determined that measures should be taken for the accomplishment of the work, in case a subscription of adequate amount could be raised. They themselves set the example, by subscribing as a body £1000, although they had at that time, entirely exhausted their funds, and had anticipated the revenue of the succeeding year in the thorough repair, both substantial and ornamental, of the Cathedral: at the same time the individual members of the body added their private contributions, to the amount of £1050. Both these subscriptions were afterwards increased.

An appeal was then made to the inhabitants of the city and neighbourhood of Peterborough, to assist in the work. This appeal being promptly and handsomely answered, and above £5000 being very soon collected, the Dean and Chapter commenced the work, at the beginning of 1828, according to the designs, and under the inspection, of Mr. Blore. An additional subscription was afterwards set on foot. The following are the principal parts of the undertaking; the expense of which, being somewhat more than £6000, was defrayed by the Contribution :

"1. The Pulpit, Throne, Stalls, Pews, and complete furniture of the Choir, of Norway oak.

"2. The Organ-screen, of stone. "3. The Altar-screen, of stone. "4. The Pavement of the Choir. "5. The Organ-case, of Norway oak.

"The whole of the carved woodwork was executed by Francis Ruddle, and the whole of the stone-work, by John Thompson, both natives of the city of Peterborough.

"The work being nearly completed, and ready for erection, the whole of the old Choir was removed, and the foundation-stones of the new work were laid by the Author, assisted by the Chapter, on Easter-Monday, 1830. The work occupied a year and a quarter in its erection: and, during that time, the Dean and Chapter laid down an entirely new pavement, of Ketton stone, in the Nave and Transepts of the Cathedral."—(Pp. 22, 23.)

The New Testament of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ; with a Commentary, consisting of short Lectures for the daily use of Families, by the Rev. CHARLES GIRDLESTONE, M.A., Vicar of Sedgley, Staffordshire. Part I. containing the Gospels of St. Matthew and St. Mark. Oxford: Parker. 8vo. London: Rivingtons. 1832. Pp. xvi. 352.

THE idea of this Commentary is singularly happy; and it will, we have no doubt, prove very effective. In order to give additional facility to the daily reading and exposition of the Scriptures, (which is now adopted in every well-regulated family, and which, among the signs of the times, of a

widely different and very fearful nature, is peculiarly cheering and satisfactory,) the gospels of St. Matthew and St. Mark are divided into sections, forming with the commentary a lesson of convenient length for a single service. The explanatory matter is so digested as to complete, together with the text, exactly two pages; such topics being selected as may best serve the purpose of devotional edification at the hour of family worship. All controversial doctrines, all abstruse theories, and all learned discussions are carefully avoided; while the capacities and wants of an ordinary domestic circle, comprising for the most parts the relations of parent and child, of master and servant, are kept steadily in view. Each reading, in fact, as the author well describes it, is "a short sermon with a long text;" and it is the object throughout "to derive, either directly or indirectly, from each single passage of the word of God, some useful lesson of a more heavenly mind, or of a more holy life."

A Practical Exposition of St. Paul's Epistle to the Romans, in a Series of Lectures; with an Appendix, containing remarks on certain leading terms; a Tabular Analysis of the Epistle, &c. By the Rev. THOMAS PARRY, M. A., Archdeacon of Antigua, &c. &c. London: Rivingtons. 1832. 12mo. Pp. xix. 308. THE object of this volume is to facilitate the understanding of the Epistle to the Romans, by tracing the connexion of its various parts in an easy and familiar exposition. Throughout the Lectures the text of the Epistle is inscribed at the side of the paragraph relating to it; which answers the purpose of an explanatory paraphrase and illustrative comment. But though the author has mainly endeavoured to render his work useful and attractive to general readers, who have little opportunity for consulting more elaborate expositions; he has not altogether neglected the wants of the student, or the candidate for Holy Orders. Readers of this class will find considerable information in the notes attached to each successive Lecture; and the Analysis and Remarks contained in the Appendix afford ample matter for consideration

to the more advanced Theologian. Upon the whole, Archdeacon Parry's is no invaluable addition to the many attempts which have been made to simplify this difficult and important Epistle.

The Druid: a Tragedy, in five Acts. With notes on the Antiquities and early History of Ireland. By THOMAS CROMWELL, author of "Oliver Cromwell and his Times," &c. London: Sherwood and Co. 1832. 8vo. Pp. xv. 142.

WITH this Tragedy, as a Tragedy, of course we have nothing to do; but the notes have been pointed out to us as containing much valuable matter, in connexion with the early Religious History of Ireland. There is also some information of considerable interest to Biblical inquirers, as calculated to throw additional light on the sacrificial system of the Jewish and Heathen nations; particularly with respect to their altars and high places.

The Mythology of Ancient Greece and Italy for the Use of Schools. By THOMAS KEIGHTLEY. London: Whittaker. 1832. 12mo. Pp. xii. 202. THIS admirable adaptation of Mr. Keightley's larger work, which we noticed in a former Number, to the younger classes of students, is precisely the volume which has long been wanted in schools. As an introductory manual, it contains all needful information relative to the gods and heroes of antiquity; and not an expression occurs which could offend the delicacy of the most scrupulous female.

On the Portable Sudatory, or Hot-air

Bath, with Cases illustrative of its Medical Powers in various Disorders, and its great Utility in Cholera Morbus, &c. &c. &c. By M. LA BEAUME. London: Highley. 12mo. Pp. 84. ALTHOUGH the prevailing epidemic, according to the official reports, is rapidly on the decline, we deem it still a duty to direct public attention to M. La Beaume, his book, and his highly useful invention. The testimony to its powerful and salutary effects is of the first respectability; and, at all events, the application is so simple that it can do no harm.