Imágenes de páginas
PDF
EPUB

Amphibius, Fastigiatus, Radiatus, Ciliatus, Crispatus Roseus, Dentatus, Confervoides, Diffusus, Longissimus, Gracilis, Palmetta. Pallescens, Undulatus, Opuntia, Plumosus, Coccineus, Lycopodium, Discors, Costatus, Pedunculatus, and Viridis. Most of these are exhibited in exquisitely coloured figures, designed by the author, and engraved by Heath.

In studying the fructification of many of the genera, the magnified drawings will be found of peculiar advantage.

We should add that, for the sake of such purchasers as are not in possession of the Linnéan Transactions, and of the productions of Lightfoot and Velley, or who wish to have this work complete, several species which have been recently delineated are described in the Appendix, with references to a set of drawings which may be furnished separately by the publisher.

Mr. Stackhouse is too well acquainted with the intricate and immature state of his subject, to flatter himself that his elucidations of British Fuci are complete. A slight inspection, indeed, of the most approved treatises on marine alge is sufficient to convince us that their distinctions and physiology still require illustration. The present fasciculus contains not a few doubts and corrections; and the close and critical investigations of future observers will probably suggest many more: yet among the rare publications which deserve to be carefully consulted by the student of cryptogamous vegetation, the Nereis Britannica must ever hold a distinguished rank, and reflect eminent credit on the perseverance and ingenuity of its author.

BIOGRAPHY, &c.

Art. 14. Scriptural Biography; or the Lives and Characters of the principal Personages recorded in the Sacred Writings, practically adapted to the Instruction of Youth and private Families. By John Watkins, LL.D. PP. 497. 4s. 6d. Boards. R.

12mo.

Phillips. This author is known to the world by former publications*: the present, though not free from faults and objections, is agreeable and instructive. Some of the narrations are more pleasantly and better written than others: but all, though systematic opinion may occasionally cast some obscurity, exhibit useful and impressive remarks and admonitions. In a moral sense alone,' observes Dr. Watkins, the Scripture characters are the most proper that can be presented for our imitation, because they are represented as they truly were, without any design of extenuating their errors or exaggerating their virtues. No art is made use of to exhibit them to us to the best advantage; they are shewn in their native simplicity, in a great variety of natural situations, and exactly "as men of like passions with ourselves."--No doubt this observation is just.-He proceeds to remark, Morality may be serviceable to us in our connections with one another as members of society; but it can neither open nor maintain a communication with heaven.'-This also is true, if we understand by morality a mere exterior decorum, destitute of those principles of

See Rev. vol. xxxviii. N. S. p. 219.

P 2

truth

truth and piety on which they are founded in the Scriptures: but there is no subject, perhaps, on which writers more frequently mistake each other's ideas, or do not clearly deliver their own.

In some few instances, (we wish that they were more numerous,) this author endeavours to alleviate, if not remove, the difficulties which naturally occur in writings of such high antiquity. Thus, in the history of Joseph, he attempts to take off the charge brought against that respectable character, as having in one part of his life promoted tyranny and slavery ;-after other remarks, he adds, We behold here, then, a sagacious and truly benevolent line of conduct, instead of a cruel and unjust one. By his superior wisdom, the seven years of famine were provided against; and, by laying the Egyptians under the necessity of selling their lands, he obtained that power which enabled him to render the country more fruitful than it ever had been, or indeed would be, if the inhabitants were not in a manner forced to an agricultural life. But Joseph made no undue advantage of the people's necessities; for, though they exchanged all their possessions, and even their liberty, for corn, he reserved only a fifth part of the land for Pharaoh, who was before the owner of the tenth of the whole, except the portion which belonged to the priests.'

We might quote other examples of judicious and practical remarks, which stamp a value on this publication: but we are unwillingly constrained to add that there are other parts which, in our apprehension, detract from its merit. Respecting sentiment, each person is at liberty to use his own judgment, with modesty and sincerity. What is generally termed orthodoxy pervades this volume, and the phraseology which it occasions may render the style not always so perfectly acceptable. The meditations of the venerable and worthy Bishop Hall may possibly lead the reader somewhat astray in this and other respects. Supposed types and emblems prove often dangerous and pernicious interpreters of the sacred writings: what they themselves authorize and clearly assert, it is our duty to receive: but it is our business to guard against the vagaries of a deceiving fancy; and this author expresses himself unwilling to allegorize, or spiritualize all objects, institutions, and circumstances mentioned in the Bible.' Notwithstanding, it is at least questionable whether he does not pass beyond his line, and imagine characters to be typical, where the Scriptures do not justify such a conclusion; the same may be said concerning the book of Psalms; respecting which, we suppose, he is a follower of the late Dr. Horne. We take leave of the volume without mentioning farther exceptions; and, though we wish the above remarks to be regarded, we hope and believe that the work will prove interesting and beneficial.

LAW.

Art. 15. The Trial of Edward Marcus Despard, Esq. for High Treason, at the Session House, Newington, Surrey, 7th February 1803. Taken in Short-hand by Joseph Gurney and William Brodie Gurney. 8vo. 5s. Boards. Gurney. 1803. All the circumstances in which this trial originated, as well as the event of it, are so well known to our readers that we need not enlarge

од

on the subject. The particulars are here faithfully reported; and the impressive and energetic language, in which Lord Ellenborough passed sentence on the unhappy deluded convicts, is accurately preserved. To this sentence, may not improperly be applied the words of Statius: "Grave et immutabile sanctis

Pondus adest verbis, et vocem Fata sequuntur."

Art. 16. The Trial of Wm. Codling, Mariner; John Reid, Mariner; Wm. Macfarlane, Merchant; and George Easterby, Merchant; for wilfully and feloniously destroying and casting away the Brig Adventure, on the High Seas, within the Jurisdiction of the Admiralty of England; at a Session of Oyer and Terminer and Gaol. Delivery for the Admiralty of England, held at Justice Hall in the Old Bailey, 26th October 1802. Taken in Short-hand by Joseph Gurney and Wm. Brodie Gurney. 8vo.

Gurney. 1803.

5s. Boards. The usual accuracy of Mr. Gurney's Reports appears in this vo lume, which is printed uniformly with his late publications of important, trials. To the record of the objection taken by the counsel of Messrs. Macfarlane and Easterby, as contained in the proceedings on the trial, that they had committed no act on the high seas, and consequently were not answerable to that court before which they were arraigned, Mr. Gurney has added a copy of His Majesty's pardon, granted to those persons, which was founded on the doubts thus arising, and was issued on the 3d of May last.

Art. 17.

EDUCATION.

The Parent's Friend; or Extracts from the principal Works on Education, from the Time of Montaigne to the present Day, methodized and arranged. With Observations and Notes by the Editor. 8vo. 2 Vols. 14s. Boards. Johnson.

Treatises on the subject of Education have multiplied to so great an extent, that it can scarcely be expected of parents in general, that they should consult such a variety of monitors on the duty which they owe to their children. A judicious compilation, therefore, from these numerous works, may furnish an useful epitome, and be productive of much benefit. The publication here announced is a collection of materials of this kind, from upwards of 40 different authors; many of them eminent writers; and others from whom va luable hints may be occasionally drawn. The editor has added but few observations from his own pen, and those are of no particular importance.

A general index is subjoined, which will be found of much use in pointing out the immediate subject of reference; and prefixed is a list of the authors from whom extracts are made or translated: but it would have been more convenient to the reader, if their respective names had been attached to each quotation.

It must be remembered that this work is intended for the use of parents, not for the study of young people themselves: for whom it is not in all respects calculated; especially in chapter xii. of Vol. I.

[blocks in formation]

Art. 18. Ingénue de Logecour: ou le Triomphe de l'Honneur persecut Par M. Marsan de Thou. Svo. sewed. Dulau and Co.

This moral tale is dedicated by the author to his fair pupils, and is principally intended for their use and instruction. The heroine is the amiable daughter of M. de Logecour, whose imprudence and pr digality had reduced him to abject distress; when, by the seasonable kindness of the Baron de Gondrin, he is enabled, in a Welsh retreat, to repair his ruined fortunes, and return to a sense of duty and honour. Here, however, death terminates his prospects; and Ingénue, persecuted by her mother and elder sister, seeks an asylum and support by becoming governess in different families. At length, on the death of the duchess d'Eristelle, Ingénue is selected by the Duke as his second bride.-The tale is simple, and probably will be found sufficiently interesting to engage the pupil's attention. The moral sentiments interspersed are just and appropriate; and the vindication of the character of Governess will probably secure for the author the esteem of that class of his female readers.

Several grammatical errors occur, besides those which are pointed out in the list of errata. They have been corrected in the copy which we have perused, and ought to be marked before the volume is put into the hands of youth, for their improvement in the French language.

POLITICS.

Art. 19. Official Papers, relative to the Preliminaries of London and the Treaty of Amiens. Published at Paris by the Authority of the 8vo. 3s. 6d. Debrett.

French Government.

Art. 20. Correspondence between Great Britain and France, &c. &c. 8vo. 2s. 6d. Stockdale.

This mass of Diplomatic Papers, published by the two Governments, will serve to shew that the Treaty of Amiens consisted of Hollow smiles proclaiming treacherous peace;" that it was, as Governor Pownall lately remarked, only a lull in the storm; and that war was smothered but not extinguished by these forms and professions of amity. As lovers of peace, we read these papers with concern. The sword is again unsheathed; and how long its bloody work will continue, it is impossible for us to conjecture. It would be some consolation, on the renewal of the conflict, could we be encouraged to hope that it would be short; and that it would terminate, not in another Treaty of Amiens, but in arrangements productive of last ing tranquillity.

Art. 21. The Substance of the Speech of the Right Hon. William Pit, in the House of Commons, May 23, 1803, on the Debate on the War. 8vo. IS. Nicol.

The Specch of Mr. Pitt, in the Debate of May 23, was not given in the public prints, in consequence of the reporters having been accidentally excluded from the gallery of the House of Commons. This pamphlet professes, in some measure, to supply the deficiency: but we know not the source from which it originates, as its publica. tion is not stated to be sanctioned by Mr. Pitt, or any of his friends,

Art

Art. 22. A Vindication of the Cause of Great Britain; with Strictures on the insolent and perfidious Conduct of France, since the Signature of the Preliminaries of Peace. By William Hunter, Esq. of the Inner Temple. 8vo. 28. Stockdale.

Mr. Hunter here takes a review of His Majesty's Declaration, in which the conduct of the French Government since the Peace is reprobated, and our appeal to arms is justified. The author is so indignant against Bonaparte, that he is transported in his Philippic beyond the bounds of moderation; asserting that the influence of his policy seems to embrace and pervade the system of animated na. ture.' All Europe is aware of his restless ambition, and of his unfriendly purposes towards this country: but, when so much is at stake, we would recommend dignified discussion and not petulant declamation, in every debate and indeed in every pamphlet Mr. H. is of opinion that it is fortunate for this country that the late tedious correspondence between Great Britain and France has terminated as it has done; and that the ensuing year will decide our destiny for ages. If he inclines to censure our Ministers, his objection is that they have been too meek and submissive to the First Consul; to whom, instead of generosity, we should have manifested an inflexible firmness resisting in the very outset every appearance of insolence, and every encroachment, with as lofty a spirit as his own. Art. 23. Reflections on the Causes of the present Rupture with France. By John Adolphus, Esq. 8vo. pp. 185. 3s. 6d. Hatchard. We have here a more detailed examination of the various circumstances of irritation, which occurred between the two countries from the period of the Treaty of Amiens to the return of Lord Whitworth from Paris, than is to be found in Mr. Hunter's pamphlet. Mr. Adolphus particularly notices the newspaper-war which has been so instrumental in fomenting enmity, and thus, before the ashes of the last war could be cold, re kindling the destructive flame. Passages from the Moniteur are quoted in proof of French acrimony; and we should be happy if no extracts could be adduced from our public prints to be opposed to them. Mr. A. observes that our best allies have never been defended from the licence of parliamentary animadversion.' True: but have they not uniformly been defended from the licence of newspaper writers; and have we, when the French government was on terms of amity with us, always acted on this principle? Mr.A. justly observes that the English Journalists treated with most unreserved asperity the proceedings of the French government.' On the subject of Malta, it is observed; Vain must be the endeavours of France to make it believed that England voluntarily engaged in war to gain a title to Malta; it must be obvious to every one, that she was desirous only to control operations avowedly meditated against Egypt, and to preserve that which has ever been considered, by domestic politicians and envious rival nations, one of the most important adjuncts to the British empire, the territories in

India.'

[ocr errors]

The result of these reflections on the causes of the war is, that we should have been pusillanimous and abject if we had allowed France

« AnteriorContinuar »