On such a subject, involving as it does the immortal interests of man, and which has led to so much controversy, it is difficult write with perfect calmness and candour; to avoid provoking language, or the use of expressions, which injure rather than promote the good of those who oppose the truth. In this respect Dr. Smith has succeeded to admiration-some may perhaps think he has gone too far to the other extreme-that his candour is somewhat morbid. Should even this be the case, considering the strength of the case which he has made out, something should be allowed to this excess of virtue, which unfortunately is rather rare nowa-days. He has not compromised the truth; but he has very dispassionately weighed and examined every argument with a scrupulosity and acuteness, which do great honour to his Christian and mental character, and which makes the weight of his arguments tell more powerfully. As we intimated in our former article on the work, we think there are passages which Dr. Smith has either conceded to his opponents, which ought not to have been conceded, or has put a lower meaning on them than they properly bear. In regard to these he is still of the same mind, and so are we. But considering the nature of the subject, allowance must be made for such diversity of opinion. We are acquainted with no work in which there is so complete an examination of the interesting sub ject of which it treats. As far as the testimony of the Scriptures is concerned, it may be regarded as having nearly exhaused all that can be said. On the passages examined, every thing which varied, accurate, and extensive learning could supply has been brought forward. There is a ful ness, almost to repletion, on every point, bearing, however remotely, on the subject, and which is calculated to meet every inquiry of the most inquisitive mind. Many things are introduced, which, to those who are but superficially acquainted with the controversy, may appear unnecessary; which, in such a book, it is extremely desirable should find a place. but We wish, exceedingly, that the Scripture Testimony could find its way into the hands of the German Neologists. We are acquainted with nothing calculated to do such persons so much good. It abounds in the kind of learning and investigation which is familiar to them. Dr. Smith knows more about them and their writings, probably, than most persons in this country, and discovers, in this very work, as also in that on the Sacrifice of Christ; a capability of meeting all their scepticism and all their literature. Those who imagine such persons are to be met and put down merely by bold assertions, and empty declamation, little understand with whom they have to do, or the extensive influence which the learning of these men gives them over their countrymen. Could any thing be done to pro mote its translation into German and French, and its circulation on the Continent? On one point, chiefly, we have experienced regret in the examination of this new edition. We refer to the long note in the first volume on the inspiration and authority of Solomon's Song. Dr. Smith does not regard it as entitled to a place among the canonical Scriptures. We exceedingly deplore the introduction of such a question into this work; because we think there is no sufficient reason for its being brought in, because it is calculated to excite prejudices against the work itself in certain quarters, and induce jealousy respecting the views of the author on other points, especially the inspiration of the Scriptures; and because we are decidedly of a different opinion respecting the authority of the book in question. For our own part, difficult as the Song of Solomon may be in interpretation, and much as it has been abused, we regard it as standing on the same authority with the other books of the Old Testament. It is written in pure biblical Hebrew, has invariably been held sacred by the Jews, constituted, we have reason to believe, a part of those writings which were in use among that people, and regarded as inspired by them, in the time of Christ and his Apostles, and to which the latter refer as divine. An examination of the canonical authority of the books of the Old Testament, on the principles which Dr. Smith has applied to this one book, we consider injudicious and dangerous; the whole documents of that book having been pronounced divine, by an authority not to be gainsaid. With this exception, which we regret to be obliged to make, we repeat our commendation of the work, which, without exaggera tion, merits the highest praise that we can bestow. We trust the learned and amiable author will be long spared to witness the fruits of his labour, "on which," to use his own words, "he rests his chief hope of usefulness." THE ANNUALS. THE AMULET, a Christian and Literary Remembrancer. Edited by S. C. Hall. THE JUVENILE FORGET-ME-NOT. Edited by Mrs. S C. Hall. FRIENDSHIP'S OFFERING.-1830. FORGET-ME-NOT.-1830. ACKERMAN'S JUVENILE FORGET-ME NOT.-1830. A FEW years only have passed away since the humane feelings of our countrymen were outraged by the frequent execution of unhappy criminals, who had been guilty of fabricating and issuing a counterfeit paper currency. This constant sacritice of human life excited the just indignation of all benevolent minds; and the Directors of the Metropolitan and Provincial Banks attempted to obtain, as the best means of preventing this rapidlyincreasing crime, a note-plate not to be imitated. The soft nature of copper, however, forbad any costly engraving upon that metal, as after a thousand or two impressions were taken, the plate would become unfit for use. At this juncture, the scientific Mr. Perkins brought from the United States the important invention of engraving on steel, by which impressions may be multiplied almost to an indefinite extent. That gentleman united in partnership with Mr. C. Heath, the celebrated engraver, and they introduced the discovery to the British public. It was adopted, we believe, by many private bankers; but the Bank of England did not use it, and the resumption of cash payments rendered it unnecessary. Our national humanity, however, had called for the experiment, and now a large recompense of pleasure and profit awaited the country. It was found that the invention might be successfully applied to the finest works of art, and that the number of copies steel plates would afford, would remunerate the publishers for the costliest engravings; and thus they could diffuse through the empire brilliant copies of the most exquisite productions of the ancient and modern schools. Hence arose that large and beautiful class of works, capable of pictorial and graphic illustration, which now adorn the drawing-rooms and libraries of thousands. Of these, "the Annuals" now form an important and beautiful variety, and when it is stated that there are employed in their production about two thousand persons, during a considerable part of the year; and that, perhaps, not less than £100,000. is expended upon them by the public, we cannot but rejoice to trace the interesting connexion which is thus apparent between the exercise of philanthropy, and the increase of the enjoyments and emoluments of art. We must now call the attention of our readers to these beautiful volumes, at the head of this article, which have been submitted to our literary censorship. On former occasions we have expressed our decided approbation of the style in which The Amulet is conducted. The truly Christian character of its essays, and the admirable execution of its engravings, have always entitled it to the patronage of the religious public. But this year, in its embellishments it has far excelled its former self. We know nothing on so small scale that can be compared with the crucifixion by Martin. It is in his finest and deepest style of sublime representation. The poem, though beautiful, is not equal to the engraving. "The Dortie Bairn" is not unworthy of Wilkie. The Sisters of Bethany are too much in the style and costume of modern girls. There is nothing of Palestine in the picture except the Saviour. The Mandoline, with Naples in the distance, is pleasingly executed; and so is the frontispiece, the Minstrel of Chamouni. Of the pieces we cannot speak in detail, but pre sent, as a specimen, the Scene in Cafferland, by Thomas Pringle. It is fact and not fiction. "A rugged mountain, round whose summit proud The eagle sailed, or heaved the thunder cloud, Poured from its cloven breast a gushing brook, Which down the grassy glades its journey took; Oft bending round to lave the bowery pride Of groves of evergreens on either side. Fast by this stream, where yet its course was young, And, stooping from the heights, the An emigrant had built his hermit cell with leaves, eaves, The sweet wild jasmine clustering to its It stood, with its small casement gleaming through Between two ancient cedars. Round it grew Clumps of acacias and young orange bowers, Pomegranate hedges flushed with scarlet flowers, And pale-stemmed fig-trees with their All musical it seemed with humming bees; the trees Training to be his country's Christian guide-.. And BROWNLEE and Old ZATZOE side by side." The engravings and the letterpress of The Juvenile Forget-me-not are in excellent keeping with each other, and with the object. It is quite adapted to interest and to improve young people; and we trust will have a circulation worthy of the labour and expense bestowed it. We cannot afford room for extracts; but cannot help expressing our gratification with several of the pieces by Miss Jewsbury, and the editress, if we mnst coin a word, Mrs. Hall. upon The Friendship's Offering is an elegant volume, both in its embellishments, and in the style of its composition. Vesuvius, the French would call superbe. Echo is very lovely. Spoleto is beautiful; and Mary Queen of Scots, presenting her son, tender and impressive. The Honey-Moon is not quite to our taste. We need hardly say, that essays and poems from the pens of such persons as Pringle, Montgomery, Roscoe, Miss Mitford, and Allan Cunningham, with others not unworthy of being associated with them, must do credit to any work. We wish we could make room for something longer: but can only give two stanzas by Bowring. "GOD AND HEAVEN. "The silver chord in twain is snapped, The golden bowl is broken, The mortal mould in darkness wrapped, The words funereal spoken; The tomb is built, or the rock is cleft, Or delved is the grassy clod: And what for mourning man is left? O what is left-but GOD! "The tears are shed that mourned the dead, The flowers they wore are faded ; The twilight dun hath veiled the sun, And Hope's sweet dreamings shaded; And the thoughts of joy that were planted deep, From our heart of hearts are riven; And what is left us when we weep? O what is left-but HEAVEN !" Most The Forget-me-not for 1830, we are disposed to think, has scarcely reached, either in literary attraction, or in the interest of its graphic illustrations, the former volumes of the same work. of the prose compositions are tales of the romantic class, generally amusing and well told, and some cleverly adapted to the beautiful pictures they are written to illustrate, yet containing but little that is calculated to inform the mind, or to mend the heart. Why did the Editor permit Mrs. Marianne Baillie to publish, in her"Light and Shade," that illnatured and uncharitable remark, "that true religion has little to do with either Popish or Calvinistic Saints. But, from deference to her sex, we would challenge Mrs. Marianne Baillie to produce, if she be able, better specimens of "true religion," in all its domestic sweetness, diffusive benevolence, and elevated piety, than may be found in abundance amongst that large class of the Christian community in this country at which she is pleased to sneer. Works like this, which aspire to general circulation, and that, too, through the channels of our kindliest feelings, should not become the organ of party sentiments, which will, doubtless, wound the minds of many amiable and devout readers. Many of the poetical contributions are from the pens of some of our best poets, but we must profess our conviction that a correct poetical taste is so generally diffused, that even splendid names will not long obtain currency for rhyming mediocrity. The engravings, together with the pictures from which they are copied, are the productions of artists of acknowledged merit, but we regret to say that we are only pleased with a few. "The Spanish Princess," after Wilkie, needs all the glow of colour possessed by the original, to justify the poetical commendations which close the volume. "Undine" is an able but not a pleasing picture. The Land Storm, and the Shipwreck, whatever may be their merits, call up painful associations not in accordance with the general feeling of the work. Le Keux's Place de Jeanne D'Arc, at Rouen, after Prout, Finden's Death of the Dove, from a painting by Stewardson, and the Ghaut, after Daniels, by the same engraver, with the interesting picture of the Orphan Family, by Davenport, after the picture of Chisholme, will, we imagine, be found amongst the most attractive. The Juvenile Forget-me-not, by the same publishers, has pleased us better, and we are sure that many of its papers, both in prose and verse, will be acceptable to our young friends. We have read "The True Story of Web Spinner," "The Migration of the Grey Squirrels," and "The Wind in a Frolic," to a large circle of little folks, and found they were both amused and instructed. Editorial judgments have been given upon the Annuals of 1830, by some of our fraternity two months ago; we, however, beg to observe, that our critique upon them is not later than the first of January, 1830. LITERARY INTELLIGENCE. The Natural History of Enthusiasm, a new Edition, in Ten Sections. 8vo. Elements of Natural History, or an Introduction to Systematic Zoology, chiefly according to the Classification of Linnæus; with Illustrations of every Order. By John Howard Hinton, A.M. 4to. Price 5s. Elementary Steps to Geography and Astronomy, in which the Astronomy of the Globe in simplified. By Ingram Cobbin, M. A. 18mo. half-bound. The Scripture Diary for 1830, containing Selections of the Holy Scriptures, in the order of their History, for daily reading throughout the year; together with a Scripture Directory for Sabbath Schools, and many other particulars of Biblical and British Intelligence. By John Whittridge. 12mo. 1s. 6d. IN THE PRESS. Discourses to the Young, by John Humphrys, LL. D., with a Memoir of the Author's Son, in 18ino. The Sixth Part of the Bible Teachers' Manual, containing Samuel and Ruth, will be ready in a few days. Mr. Howard Hinton has nearly ready for pube lication, The Work of the Holy Spirit in Conversion, considered in its Relation to Man, and the Administration of God. 12mo. Questions on French History, by a Lady. 12mo. We understand that Mr. Hanbury's Edition of Ecclesiastical Polity, and other Works of Richard Hooker, will be published in a few days, and will have attached to it, Hooker's Life by Walton, with Strype's Interpolations, to which will be added, "The Christian Letter to Mr. Hooker," and Dr. Conei's "just and temperate Defence" in reply to it. Mr. Hanbury has also written an Introduction, a Life of Thomas Cartwright, B.D,, and numerous notes. The new Edition of Foster's Essays is expected to be ready this month. Principles of Dissent; or an Attempt to vindicate Protestant Nonconformists in their separation from all Religious Establishments, and to prove their own conformity to the law of the New Testament, and to the order and practice of the earliest Churches of Christ. By T. Scales, Leeds. |