sufficiently rigorous to confine them for a limited time to constant labour in the factory at Parramatta.

A premium of £50 is held out to every master of a vessel for a faithful discharge of his duty; and satisfactory vouchers for the correctness of his conduct and humane treatment of the prisoners on board, signed by the governor of the colony, and the surgeon-superintendant of the ship, must be produced for that purpose.

Formerly the owners of ships chartered for the conveyance of convicts to the colonies, contracted for victualling them during the voyage, and were even at liberty to provide persons of their own selection to act as surgeons, without any stipulation being entered into for landing them safely at the place of destination. It will not appear strange, then, when we state, that it was by no means uncommon for a ship of this description to have from 40 to 70 deaths and upwards in the course of a voyage. Whether the persons who were then employed to act as surgeons were duly qualified for the situations or not, is a question which we cannot pretend to decide; but it is evident, upon the very face of the statement, that the more who died, the greater was the profit; and it is but a fair inference to deduce, that in all probability they were not surgeons, or, if they were, that they were but ill calculated for their office.

Since naval surgeons, however, have been appointed to the superintendence of convict ships, this cause of regret has been considerably lessened; and if two or three deaths occur in a voyage, it is thought very unfortunate indeed. In 1818, out of 1059 convicts embarked in England and Ireland, 1057 were landed at Sydney in tolerably good health.

The navy-board allows the surgeon £50 by way of passage-money, returning from the colony: but whether this sum of money be a fair equivalent for the severe discharge of an ungracious duty, is more than questionable, as it is a well-known fact, that the sum demanded for a passage from New-South Wales to England, is from £150 to £200.

Such is a brief analysis of this interesting book; and before we dismiss the subject, we cannot but offer to our author that tribute of praise which is so justly his due. With a single

eye to the advancement of morals and religion, and to the alleviation of human misery, he steadily pursued a course of indefatigable industry and of toilsome labour, which nothing but the most determined resolution could withstand, and which cannot fail of not only bringing with it the high reward of an approving conscience; but it must also receive the united thanks of every friend to order, to society, and to humanity.

Bent entirely upon the accomplishment of a public good, and the mitigation of human suffering, he saw, as it were, in the vision of his mind, all the formidable obstacles which he should have to encounter; and therefore prepared himself for the worst, with the means necessary to surmount them. Diligent in attention to the education of the convicts on boardincessant in his pious addresses and devotional worship, for their religious instruction, and conciliating in his measures, he seems to have acquired the full dominion of their minds. With a missionary zeal, he undertook to employ his talents, and exhaust his energies, in the arduous enterprise of seeking reformation, and applying gospel truths, in the very sink of utter wretchedness, depravity, and sin. No view of heathenish barbarism could possibly appal the human mind more than entering the miserable abode of a convict-ship, where 170 men were congregated together; wrapped, as within one covering, in the blackness of crime,-immerged in all the excess of hardened profligacy and vice,slaves to ignorance, strangers to morality, and enemies to religion; and yet such was the scene of horror and of woe into which our author plunged, to carry a balm for all their sorrows, to arouse their dormant lethargies,-to awaken their moral feelings,-to offer them scripture consolation, and to hold out the boon of perfect bliss and immortality!

But after all the gratifying statements which our author presents of extensive amendment in life and conduct of those under his charge, it is a melancholy fact, which reflection serves only to aggravate, that it must all prove abortive under the present existing system of New South Wales. Very few, if any, members of our legislative assembly can be perfectly aware of the gloomy and frightful

state of public morals in that vast colony, otherwise we cannot suppose that it would be suffered to remain in insignificance, not as a punishment for transgression, but as a nursery for the propagation of every seed of pestilential growth. Is it possible to believe, that, in such a spot where the God of nature has been so bountiful, his prophecies and his precepts are not officially communicated to its inhabitants? and no means applied for their introduction by the benevolent, pious, and Christianized land of Britain? Surely forgetfulness alone must plead her apology.

"Endless would be the task of commenting on the deterioration, if not total ruin, of moral principle, that must result from this want of classification and religious care among a community so constituted as this just noticed. How futile then must be every undertaking to reclaim men of this description under circumstances so inauspicious! I fear the hope of their reformation, therefore, is extremely distant, unless some means of an efficient nature, like that alluded to, be soon adopted. Sanguine indeed must be the mind that can expect improvement in a mass so heterogeneous, composed of delinquents of every age; a commixture of guiltiness of every shade and degree, without any controlling influence over depravity, however extravagant, without any humane friend to warn against error, or direct to the paths which alone lead to peace and happiness."

When directed to the multifarious institutions that are the ornament and the glory of this favoured island, and which have for their object the instruction of the uneducated-the amelioration of human woe, and the extension of Christianity, we are lost in wonder and astonishment that there are so many fields open in our various gaols and prisons for the dissemination of practical piety and the cultivation of moral feeling, and yet not one public society has been raised for these express purposes. All the good which has been done for these unhappy prisoners, is performed by a very circumscribed portion indeed of private individuals, who from generous liberality mingle their prayers and their instructions with their purse. To commiserate with suffering guilt in silent and pensive reflection, and withhold the more important duties of action and of usefulness, is but to mock humanity in the face, and to wear the mask of foul hypocrisy. We trust that these remarks will be the cause of some noble-spirited individuals stepping forward to erect an No. 42-VOL. IV.

institution for the sole intent of affording the vast number of culprits confined in gaols the means of education, cleanliness, and moral and religious instruction. With such a provision, it cannot but be anticipated that prison morals would be benefited, and public crime abated. Cleanliness and education are the two main pivots upon which turns the whole moral machinery of man. Every subordinate link connected with the chain of this stupendous apparatus, depends upon their movements and regularity. If once these principles of action become inoperative, all the best energies in the moral constitution of man are immediately suspended.

We shall offer no remarks on the tions on Seduction," for two reasons; last part of this book, viz. "Reflecfirst, that they certainly have nothing at all to do with the primary object of the work; and secondly, that they will produce little good. We question not that our author's views were to benefit society by introducing this appendage; but we are equally satisfied, that if he had thought a little more deeply, he would have come to the same conclusion as ourselves. These "Reflections" might prove useful to the most abandoned and profligate; but as we apprehend that it is the more respectable and enlightened part of the community that will peruse this volume, we are decidedly of opinion, that they will be productive of little good.

but it is pleasing and instructive, containing truths of the utmost importance to mankind, without dressing them up in the attire of metaphysics, which rarely fails to tire the thoughtless, and frighten the frivolous and the gay. Mr. Finch, however, measures the vegetable mould of human nature, if he does not sink into its subterraneous regions, and shews us what fruits it is capable of bearing, without exploring those beds where gold and gems lie buried " deep with diamonds in the flaming mine."

The paper is excellent, the work is neatly printed, and the price (5s.) moderate. Were we, with an illnatured eye, to examine every page, it would be no difficult task to fix our talons on something objectionable; but this task we shall consign to others, satisfying ourselves that the excellencies of the work will more than counterbalance every defect.

REVIEW. - Oliver Cromwell and his
Times. By Thomas Cromwell. 2d
Edition, 8vo.
London:
pp. 598.
Sherwood, Neely, and Jones, 1822.

FEW men have ever been either more applauded or execrated, than Oliver Cromwell. This naturally arose from the conspicuous part which he acted on the great theatre of the nation, from the conflicting opinions of the various parties with which he was surrounded, and from the good and evil which resulted from his prosperous usurpation.

With common mortals, in what rank soever they are placed, the tide of popular censure or applause is only destined to live its appointed hour. But although nearly two centuries have elapsed since Oliver Cromwell trod the stage of public life, party feelings still continue to glow with no common warmth, when his name is mentioned, and the politicians of 1822 frequently light their torches at the flame which he kindled, when the nation was involved in all the horrors of a civil war. Hence

"One thinks on" Cromwell, "heaven's own spirit fell,

Another deems him instrument of hell."

The biographer, who, under these circumstances, can draw a portrait of Cromwell, that shall escape the censure of all parties, must be as fortu

nate as he is meritorious, and he will deserve a golden medal from the republic of letters.

There is scarcely perhaps a more eventful period in English history, than that in which Oliver stepped between the two Charles's; beheaded the father; and drove the son into exile; assumed the dominion of the kingdom, and caused the name of Briton to be revered in every nation throughout Europe. This is the man, and this is the period, of which this volume treats.

The introductory remarks, which run through twenty-seven pages, evidently bear a political character, in which the effects of the Norman conquest, the feudal system, the progressive advancement of civil and political rights, the dawn of liberty and the principles of the British constitution, pass in review before the author. In these pages the questions which the above topics originate, are discussed with moderation by an enlightened man, who advocates the cause of well-regulated liberty, without consigning his countrymen to the dominion of despotism, encouraging anarchy, vindicating licentiousness, or inviting usurpation.

It is scarcely possible for us, in our assigned limits, to give even an outline of the eventful life of Oliver Cromwell. For the numerous vicissitudes connected with his biography, the reader must have recourse to the work itself.

It is well known from the historical accounts transmitted to us, both from the friends and foes of Charles I. that his arbitrary measures, in connection with his attempts to introduce popery, roused his subjects to arms, and terminated in his ruin. The volume before us tends to confirm, and not to correct, the preceding opinion. What the condition of this country and its inhabitants might have been, had Charles pursued his measures without meeting with any resistance, furnishes a subject of dangerous and painful speculation, which leads to consequences that we dare not anticipate.

The character of Cromwell, though somewhat flattered, is evidently drawn by an able artist. His virtues and his vices are both placed before the reader, from whose eye his foibles and infirmities are not concealed. From the earliest period of his history,

City of London Pension Society. The object of this institution is, to afford relief to decayed artizans, mechanics, and their widows. Its fourth anniversary was held on Wednesday, the 1st of May, at the Albion-house, Aldersgate-street, H. R. H. the Duke of Sussex in the chair. The meeting was more numerously attended than on any former occasion; and from the respectability of those present, and the statements which were given, nothing could be more obvious than its advancing character and reputation. In the term Pension, those who have more fastidiousness than wisdom, may find something to excite their disapprobation; but in the estimation of all, who look rather to utility than to names, the object of the institution cannot fail to excite admiration.

London Society for promoting Chris

tianity among the Jews.

The 14th anniversary of this society was held in the Egyptian-hall, Mansion-house, on Friday, the 3d of May, the Right Hon. the Lord Mayor in the chair. The meeting was most numerously and respectably attended. The report stated, that the exertions of benevolence were unremitting, and that some new societies had been formed in England and Ireland; but we regret to observe, that although much money has been expended for this benevolent purpose, and several instances were adduced, of the benefits which had resulted from the undertaking, the wishes of the sanguine had not yet been realized.

Naval and Military Bible Society. The anniversary of this society was held on Tuesday, the 7th of May, in the King's concert-room, which was completely filled with a large assemblage of ladies and gentlemen. The chair was taken by Lord Gambier, at 12 o'clock. The report stated, that during the last year, the receipts and disbursements of the society amounted to about £2050, but that there was a debt owing of £1332, which had prevented that extensive gratuitous circulation of the scriptures, which they should rejoice to behold. 8631 copies of the sacred writings, however, had been distributed, and the demand still continued exceedingly great. From various parts the accounts were highly gratifying, and it

was evident that the divine blessing had accompanied the exertions of the society.

Port of London Society.

At this anniversary, which was held London Tavern, Lord Gambier preon Monday, May 6th, at the City of sided. The object of this society is, and watermen, that are found within to promote religion among the sailors the port of London, not only by supplying them with bibles and testaments occasionally, but by establishing preaching on board of convenient fortably to attend. These establishships, where they may be able comments have already been made in extended its influence to foreign various parts, and the example has countries; among which Gibraltar, and Boston in America, were particularly named.

African Institution.

On Friday, the 10th of May, the sixteenth anniversary of this meeting was held at Freemasons' Tavern, Great Queen-street, his R. H. the Duke of Gloucester in the chair. The audience was large, and highly respectable; the majority consisted of ladies: The design of this institution is, to watch the progress or decline of the slave trade, which appears, from the report, to have dreadfully increased during the last year. The report stated, that the whole western coast of Africa, from the river Senegal to Benguelo had swarmed with slave ships, and that an active and increasing slave trade had been carried on, on the eastern shores of that continent, particularly from the island of Zanzebar. The chief seat of this inhuman traffic lay on the river Bonny, and at Calabar. Into the former river 190 ships had entered, and 162 into the latter, for the purpose of purchasing slaves. To prevent this detestable trade, every effort had been made, but hitherto too many ships had escaped the vigilance of the vessels which guarded the coasts.

London Female Penitentiary.

The annual meeting of this society was held on the morning of Monday, May 6th, at the Crown and Anchor Tavern, Strand. On this occasion W. Wilberforce, Esq. M.P. presided,