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and other Tales, By the Author of "The Children's Fire-side." 12mo. pp. 316. Whittaker, London. 1830. THERE is a more than common share of incident in this volume; and what is still more praiseworthy, the ramifications are all enlisted on the side of virtue, economy, and moral propriety. The style is full of life and sprightliness, and a bustling kind of activity is kept up throughout the whole. The characters introduced are numerous and diversified, and each sustains the part assigned in a becoming manner. There can be little doubt that all the tales are the offspring of imagination, but it cannot be denied, that the soil which gave them birth is rich in fertility. In no part that we have noticed, is any outrage committed on nature. They will amuse, but not mislead, and inculcate useful lessons without seeming to teach them.

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The design of the writer seems to be, to entertain the young, who may be found in the latitudes which lie between six and fourteen. Even beyond this, these tales may charm a gloomy hour; and, read aloud by an adult, by gaining the attention of the younger branches, the little urchins will not only be kept from doing mischief, but induced to listen with silence and sobriety, that they may comprehend the story which excites their interest. Already our nursery libraries are stored with many useful books, and this being added to their number, will increase the value of the whole, and only occupy a place to which it is fully entitled.

REVIEW.- Lyra Britannica, or Select Beauties of Modern English Poetry, &c. with some Original Pieces. By the Rev. J. W. Thomas. 12mo. pp. 252. Stephens, London. 1830.

SEVERAL selections from the voluminous works of the British poets have of late years been sent into the world, bearing, in many respects, a strong resemblance to the volume now under examination. The field, however, is by no means robbed of all its flowers. On every side their colours and fragrance still regale our senses; so that a skilful poetical botanist may cull from the variety, and form a garland to command our admiration.

can peruse with attention, without being pleased with the elegance of the pieces. The variety also is very considerable, the aggregate amount being about one hundred and sixty. These are arranged in six classes, namely, Narrative, Pathetic, Descriptive and Dramatic; Moral, Serious and Devotional; Humorous and Satirical.

On these numerous articles it will be in vain to offer any observations. The names of Byron, Southey, Campbell, Crabbe, Moore, Wordsworth, Scott, &c. &c. furnish a passport which few persons will have the temerity to dispute. The selection appears to have been made with care, and the arrangement is judicious. The original pieces are not numerous, but they confer no disgrace on the companions with which they

are associated.

REVIEW.-A Practical Exposition of the Law of Wills, with plain Instructions and Advice to Testators, Executors, Administrators, and Legatees, &c. &c. By Richard Dickson, Esq. 12mo. pp. 212, Sherwood, London. 1830. ALTHOUGH we do not profess to be "learned in the law," we are not altogether ignorant of the dictates of common sense, and on this principle the preliminary pages assure us, that this book is founded. The author commences with some forcible remarks on the necessity every person, who has any property to leave, is under, of making his will while in health and strength; and this necessity he renders more imperative, by adverting to the fatal consequences which not unfrequently follow the neglect of this duty. Having proceeded thus far, he furnishes many precautions, to which all persons making their own wills would do well to attend, that nothing may be either inserted or omitted, which the law refuses to sanction. reference to these points, he has recourse to numerous acts of parliament, which are but little known, except to professional men; and finally concludes, that although every man is legally competent to dispose of his own property, the best intended bequests are frequently defeated through the technicalities of law, when brought to bear upon terms and phrases which are deemed equivocal and inexplicit. seems to think "that every man who is his own lawyer, has a fool for his client."

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most cases effectually guard against them. Legacies in various forms he has stated the mode of bequeathing, adverting to what the law requires, both of testators and executors. Of wills he has given many skeleton copies, accompanied with observations that immediately connect them with the legislative enactments which he quotes.

Of Mr. Dickson we know nothing but through the medium of his book, the titlepage of which states him to be of the "Honourable Society of Gray's Inn." To the very important branch of law which relates to wills, he appears to have paid considerable attention, and, viewing the whole subject within the range of its extended outline, we scarcely know a question of common occurrence that can be proposed, for which he has not provided some judicious advice, if not a satisfactory

THE elementary principles of learning are always important, and when inculcated with care and propriety, they become exceedingly valuable. The work before us is one of this description. Its aim is to give the correct sounds of letters, and to point out, by varied examples, numerous deviations from general rules. To accent and emphasis the author appears to have paid great attention, and most youthful students may derive much profit from what he has written. In many useful lessons his principles are exemplified; those letters being either printed in italics, or distinguished by some other mark, to which his observations refer. Several of the stories are both instructive and pathetic.

The concluding part is a rhyming dissertation on the letters of the alphabet, and on

the parts of speech. In each of these, the character is distinctly noticed, and much information may be gathered from the perusal. They do not, however, appear to be subjects for versification; yet we cannot deny that the author has succeeded better than might have been expected. It is a book for children; and every one knows, that a few lines of poetry committed to the memory, will make a more lasting impression, than the same number of words in plain prose.

"Thirty days hath September,
April, June, and November,"

and not a day passes in which they are not called into requisition. On the same principle, this rhyming grammar may be easily committed to the memory, and stored up for future use; but the pupil must not be taught to believe, that when this mechanical task is completed, he is a finished grammarian. A knowledge of the science must be acquired from other sources. It is, nevertheless, a book which may be rendered very useful in schools, and private persons may peruse its pages with great advantage.

REVIEW.-Criminal Executions in England, with Remarks, &c. 8vo. pp. 222. By Alan Newman. Steill. London. 1830.

THIS volume, among other articles of moment, has an especial_reference to the case of the late unfortunate James Butler, who was convicted at the Old Bailey, nearly a twelvemonth since, of setting fire to a floorcloth manufactory at Chelsea. It is the opinion of the author, judging from contradictions in the evidence, and the continued assertions of innocence by the prisoner, that he was not guilty of the crime for which he suffered. The question at issue is one of dreadful moment; for either the law has inflicted salutary punishment, or it has authorized murder.

lume, we are incompetent to decide on the After a perusal of Mr. Newman's voguilt or innocence of the unfortunate indievidence for the prosecution is certainly vidual, whose cause he has espoused. The rather irreconcileable in some instances; but it should also be remarked, that the principal testimonies in favour of the prisoner were from his relations. The strong protestations of innocence made by the culprit himself, seem to furnish the best presumption that he did not commit the crime for which he died. Considerable mystery, however, still hangs over this

melancholy affair, and it is, perhaps, dangerous to offer a decided opinion on one side or the other.

In his general observations on our penal laws, we fully concur with the author.

REVIEW.-Oliver Cromwell, a Poem, in Three Books. 12mo. pp. 192. Simpkin and Marshall, London. 1829. MANY readers will, perhaps, feel inclined to ask, what incidents can be found in the life of Oliver Cromwell to dignify an epic poem ? Without attempting an answer

"In the prosecution of the attempt contained in the following pages, it has been the general aim of the writer to illustrate some of those portions of the history of Great Britain,which are most worthy of being engraven on the hearts and memories of her citizens to essay the elucidation of a class of particulars which appear to be peculiarly important in studying the progress of the British Constitution; but which are almost buried under the rubbish of mistake and misrepresentation and to put the whole subject into as pleasing a dress as he had it in his power to supply; and thus attain the great end of all literary endeavour-practical utility."

A very lengthy preface is employed to vindicate Cromwell's character from the generally admitted charges of ambition and hypocrisy; and to show that he was not so culpable as many have thought him. Without expressing any direct opinion of the author's arguments, we venture to predict that the reader, whilst perusing this exordium, will be visited with drowsiness long before he arrives at the poem.

Of the poem itself, it is difficult to speak in adequate terms. Partly dramatic, partly epic, and partly descriptive,—it is exceed ingly difficult to refer it to any class; whilst a chaotic mass of dissertation and incident, for the most part irrelevant to the subject, confers on it a still more vague and indefinite character.

The author, in order to begin at the beginning, makes Cromwell descant on Paradise and the fall of man; and, after he has finished rummaging the antediluvian world, sets him down to a plain matter of fact narrative of British history, commencing with the traditional events of the dark and barbarous ages. This strongly reminds us of the illiterate author in Horace, who began an account of the siege of Troy with a description of Leda's two eggs.

REVIEW.-The Imperial School Grammar of the English Language. Part II. By George Granville. 12mo. pp. 198. Whittaker and Co. 1830. ON the first part of the Imperial School Grammar, which was reviewed in this Magazine, col. 868, vol. IX., we expressed an opinion, that its pretensions were fully borne out by its merits. The second, or concluding part, now under review, has recently issued from the press, and is calculated to increase the regard with which the work was viewed whilst in an imperfect

state.

This second part contains the Syntax of the English language. The various rules are stated in a simple and intelligible form, |

judiciously applied. The limits of each rule are perspicuously defined, and the exceptions to its application marked with much ability.

To consider this Grammar as a faultless production would be absurd: every work contains a greater or less portion of error; and books of this class are with more difficulty cleared of imperfections, than those of any other. Neither will it be supposed, that the reviewer has had sufficient leisure to determine the legitimacy and true bearing of every rule and example which the author has brought forward. Of the materials en masse, it may be said that they are valuable and well arranged; and that they will satisfactorily explain and exemplify many obscurities which present themselves to the young grammarian.

Before leaving the subject, we cannot should have been so much condensed by avoid expressing regret that the matter the printers. The author being accustomed to tuition, must certainly be aware of the

It is

disadvantages resulting to the pupil from a crowded page of small letter. earnestly recommended, that, in a subsequent edition, this hint be remembered.

BRIEF SURVEY OF BOOKS.

1 An Essay on the Uses of Salt, by Cuthbert William London,) is a savoury treatise on the maniJohnson, (Simpkin, fold uses of salt, and goes far to exemplify the truth of that saying," Salt seaits application for agricultural purposes sons all things." The various modes of are distinctly stated, and the whole essay evinces considerable fertility of thought and accuracy of observation.

2. The Christian and the Unitarian not the same Character, (Hurst, London,) is a letter addressed more especially to young persons of Devonport, to warn them against the fallacious doctrines of Unitarianism. The arguments employed by the writer, are not new; and his manner of using them might be more temperate. Tracts written in the high tone of sectarian feeling, must ever leave the grand question at issue.

3. A Treatise on the Sabbath, by the Rev. Timothy Dwight, (Nisbet, London,) has both the name of its celebrated author, and its own intrinsic excellence, to recommend it.

4. Divine Meditations and Contemplations, by the Rev. R. Sibbs, (Nisbet, London,) in the pocket-book form, is remarka

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contents.

6. A_Memoir of Jane E. J. Taylor, by J. Lewis, Islington, (Westley, London,) is a pleasing account of one who died happy in God, at the age of fourteen. It consists chiefly of her own observations, of letters which she wrote, and of her triumphant departure from time to eternity.

7. The Pulpit, (part 84,) (Harding, London,) preserves its character in a creditable manner. The articles are miscellaneous, but all are enlisted on the side of morality and religion. The sermons, which invariably assume the lead in each number, are taken from the lips of the preachers, without any regard to sect or party; and, but for this publication, many of them would never be known beyond the walls, within which they are delivered.

8. A Christian View of Trade; Source of Commercial Distress, and Efficient Remedy, by William Crofts, (Crofts, London,) surveys these subjects in a religious light, tracing mercantile calamity to dishonesty in some shape or other, and recommending sterling integrity as the only genuine specific. It contains many indisputable truths; but the probability is, that by those on whom they have the strongest bearing, this pamphlet will never be read.

9. Voluntary Churches, the Free Churches of Christ, (Westley and Davies, London,) is the substance of a sermon preached at Birmingham, by the Rev. James Matheson, in the latter part of 1829. The worthy minister argues, in a temperate manner, that a mere conformation to established modes of worship does not constitute religion; and that the spirit within us, directed by heavenly influence recognizing the form of worship agreeable to itself, is the true criterion of an approved faith.

10. A Reply to the Remarks of the 137.-VOL. XII.

11. Anti-Slavery Reporter, Nos. 58, 59, like all their predecessors, "hang on the broken rear" of colonial despotism, and find new occasions to expose the odious system of slavery. Walpole used to assert that "every man was to be purchased, if you could find his price." Emancipation of the slaves, we suspect to be the only price at which the conductors of this periodical are to be bought. We should rejoice to hear that this had been offered, and accepted.

12. Three Letters, published in the Times Newspaper, by Samuel Miller, (Richardson, London,) make out a strong case, that, to enlarge the powers of the Court of Requests, would be of essential service to the trading community, by preventing the enormous expenses with which lawsuits are attended.

13. Memorials of Practical Piety, &c. &c., by Hester Copley, (Holdsworth, London,) present to our view the lives of two sisters of the fair authoress. Mrs. Copley has many times appeared before the public, and always in a manner highly creditable to her talents and her principles. This little volume contains an unvarnished narrative of two excellent females, whose christian virtues are worthy of being recorded, and we wish it an extensive circulation, for the benefit of those into whose hands it may happen to fall.

14. Spirit and Form, as exemplified in an Established Church, (Westley, London,) is a polemical tract, interesting to none but the parties concerned, and perhaps only to the person who wrote it. The author does not give his name, and it is difficult to discover, in his pamphlet, the necessity for his throwing down the gauntlet.

15 Eight Discourses to Youth, with a Memoir of the Author's Eldest Son, by John Humphreys, LL.D. (Holdsworth, London,) exhibit sermonizing in its sim

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