7. structive, and practical. Whether it entirely comports with the meaning of our Saviour's account, we undertake not to deter mine. The first sermon, which considers the duties of ministers and people,' even should some little excess be admitted, may prove suf ficient to convince each party, in different parishes of this kingdom, that there is cause to be humble, and room for repentance amd amends ment. The Sermons on the uncertainty of life,' on compassion, on uprightness,' on 'sickness,' not to enumerate others, are well adapted to the end proposed; and on the whole, whatever reason there may be for the author's apology, they give us the idea of a man who has a zeal for that best of all causes, the cause of real piety, virtue, and benevolence, which comprehends all that is estimable and valuable; and to the assistance of which, we hope this publication will contribute. Art. 24. Christianity the Friend of Man. By James George Durham, A. B. 12mo. PP: 116. Boards. Hatchard. 1893Cordially do we agree with the above sentiment! Christianity is indeed the friend of man; and the more completely its nature and design are apprehended, the more disposed shall we be to embrace it and adhere to it. Numbers, we doubt not, receive this as a truth, who may not, or cannot, in every instance unite in opinion with the author of this tract; who, with a laudable zeal, here pleads its cause. In defence of it (he says) he would gladly employ all the faculties of his mind, and exert all the energies of his soul; he would promote its diffusion in life, and supplicate for its perpetuation in death.' He expresses his sense that his imperfect attempt contains a very superficial sketch of the advantages which Christianity affords; and he adds that he has neither opulence to purchase nor patronage to command renown: yet having observed that mean abilities are sometimes regarded with partiality, when engaged in the cause of happiness and truth, he cherishes a hope that piety of heart will excuse what elegance of taste must condemn; and that success will ultimately crown what principle has begun and perseverance continued :' If not, he says with Cowper, Let Charity forgive him a mistake, Tha zeal, not vanity, has chanc'd to make, Though, in some respects, we may not quite accord with Mr. D.'s representations, and also perceive deficiencies, we readily allow a proper merit to this little volume, and regard it as calculated to be useful. It comprehends many extracts from good writers, and presents several just considerations, to prove the beneficial tendency and real excellence of the Gospel. Art. 25. The Christian Faith; or the Catechism, of the United This little comment on the catechism does not appear to us to contain any thing particularly striking: but it may prove acceptable and useful, since it is plain and moderate. Some apposite texts of J Scripture Hi. Do Scripture are introduced under the different heads, but the reader is not led to controversy. -The descent into hell,' mentioned in the ereed generally called, the apostles',' (though, as here hinted, of later date,) is explained to refer to the state of the dead ;' and other parts intimate a temperate state of mind, with a solicitude to advance the great object of a godly and virtuous life: but when the whole is finished by an authoritative passage, well-becoming only an inspired pen,—" If any man teach otherwise," &c. some doubt of the ingenuousness and candor of the writer may be excited. Art. 26. Diates saron, or the History of our Lord Jesus Christ, compiled from the Four Gospels, &c. By the Rev. T. Thirlwall. 8vo. 6s. Boards.. (Also an Edition in 12mo.) Rivingtons. After having published, for the use of schools, the Latin version of this Harmony of the Gospels (see Review Vol. xli. p. 93.), the author has proceeded to favour the English student with the same assistance. The preface contaius but little, it is true: but that little is good. The notes are useful, but have no particular merit. Art. 27. Letters of Consolation and Advice from a Father to his Daughter, on the Death of her Sister. 12mo. pp. 184. 3s. Boards. "Rivingtons. Many good and pious directions will be found in this collection of letters, both for support under grief, and for the fulfilment of the moral and religious duties of life. If there be nothing peculiarly novel in these instructions, yet their importance intitles them to be inforced again and again; especially when they are placed, as in the present volume, in a prominent and interesting point of view. The serious tranquillity, with which the author writes, induces us to suppose that his situation as a mourning parent is assumed: but whether this be the case or not, his counsels deserve the attention of both parents and children. EDUCATION, &c. Young Persons in ge By the Rev. J. Art. 28. Geography for the Use of Schools, and The history and political economy of nations form no part of the present work; and perhaps such information may be properly withholden at first, till larger treatises can be consulted and understood.Experience alone can vindicate the propriety of this or that particular REV. MAY, 1804. H moda Hi. Mans. Do mode of conveying geographical instruction; and all that can be said Art. 29. An easy Grammar of Geography, intended as a Companion We have here the Grammar of Geography apart from the narrative of national manners.-The preface bespeaks the confidence of the author in the utility of his plan. Art. 30. Guide Pratique à l'Art de traduire du Français, &c. i. e. It appears to us that these exercises can only be used when a skilful master is at hand to guide the learner, and to correct his performances. We should in course have more approved the work, if it had been so constructed as to have enabled the student to proceed without the constant presence of a teacher. Jo. Art. 31. Thoughts on the Education of those who imitate the Great, as affecting the Female Character. Crown 8vo. 2s. 6d. sewed. Hatchard. Many just remarks are comprized in this little treatise, accompanied by some severe strictures on modern Education. This, however, is a subject by no means new in the present day; and it cannot be expected that there should be no repetition of the sentiments of former writers on the subject: but this circumstance does not diminish the value of the present little volume, which has also the merit of coneiseness. It principally condemns that Education of which the aim is Vanity, and points out the importance of an acquaintance with religion and the duties of domestic life. Art. 32. An English Introduction to the Latin Tongue; compiled for the Use of Schools. By the Rev. T. Prichard, A. M. of Queen's College, Oxford. 12mo. 25. bound. Symonds. It may perhaps be attributed to our prejudice in favour of the Eton Grammar, that we do not on the whole admit the superiority of this rival. In some respects, it certainly conveys more information, and particularly in several good notes to the syntax: but, in regard to the classification of nouns and verbs, we must confess that we prefer the Eton method. Art. 33. Latin Dialogues, collected from the best Latin Writers, Man Do languages are acquired by the aid of familiar dialogue. Two short tables of the value of the Greek and Roman coins are subjoined.-We doubt not that this performance will gaiu a ready admission into our classical schools. Art. 34. The Elements of French Conversation, arranged on a new Plan, and designed for the Use of Schools. By W. A. Bellenger. 12mo. Bound. Dulau and Co. The object, to which Mr. Bellenger directs his attention, is not to draw up a new set of dialogues, but to amend and expunge the improprieties of former collections. This is certainly an important attempt, and we doubt not that it will meet the success which it merits. Art. 35. A Key to the Classical Pronunciation of Greek, Latin, and Scripture proper Names: to which are added, Terminational Vocabularies of Hebrew, Greek, and Latin proper Names; &c. &c. The second Edition, with large Additions. By John Walker, Author of the Classical Pronouncing Dictionary, &c. &c. 8vo. 7s. Boards. Robinsons. 1804. The favourable opinion which we expressed on our perusal of the first edition of this work (see Rev. Vol. xxix. N. S.) we are now ready to repeat; and in stronger terms, on account of the improvements and additions which have been made. The terminational vocabularies of classical and scriptural proper names, which are added to this edition, are both novel and ingenious; and the preparatory observations on Greek and Latin accent and quantity will be found to merit particular attention. We should do injustice to the author, if we were to endeavour by a partial extract to give our readers an idea of these curious reflections and conjectures; they merit a more minute attention, and cannot be duly appreciated without having recourse to the volume itself. Art. 36. Practical Geography, &c. &c. By J. Ouiseau, A. M. 12mo. PP. 300. 3s. 6d. Boards. Mawman. This concise treatise appears well calculated to assist the teacher in directing his pupil's attention to the principal outlines of Geography and History. It is drawn up in a skilful manner, and the materials are compiled as judiciously as the narrow limits of the work would allow. Although the Geographical part contains little more than an index of the situation and names of places, yet, in the hands of an expert teacher, it may form a basis for more extensive instruc tion; and as the author in his preface speaks from his own experience of the utility of his method, he is the better enabled to recommend it to others who are engaged in the business of Education. Do Art. 37. Progressive Exercises, adapted to the Latin Accidence; to be written or repeated while Boys are learning the Nouns and Verbs. To which are added, a few of the most obvious Rules, with easy Examples, to teach Boys to construe or translate from the Latin. 8vo. 2s. 6d. Sael. This appears to be an useful method for beginners, under the guidance of a master, and with the aid of a good grammar. Do POLITICAL. Art. 38 Outlines of Rational Patriotism, and a Plea for Loyalty intended to promote the Love of our Country. With a con cluding Address to Young Volunteers. By J. F. Hatfield. 8vo. 28 6d. Hatchard. 1804. Of the design of this pamphlet, it is impossible to speak without commendation ; and if the composition be not in all places correct, an atonement is made in the variety of good principles and maxims with which it abounds. The author writes for the instruction and admonition of young country readers; to whom his brief view of our history, from William the Norman to the Revolution, with the na ture of our civil constitution, and of the rights and privileges which we enjoy as Britons, may be acceptable, and serve to stimulate their patriotic ardor in their defence against the threatening invader. Mr. H.'s object, in his historical sketch, is to evince the fatal conse quences of the Norman invasion, and to shew the length of time and succession of efforts which were necessary for the rectification of its evils. He adds, If England be destined to fall into the Vice-consulship of an inferior brother, it is easy to believe that posterity would have as much to do as our ancestors had, who were enslaved by the Norman conquest." In the introductory remarks, he displays the importance of Education, and in the concluding Address to Volunteers, he exhibits the connection of religion with National Prosperity.-Mr. H. congratulates his readers that trade and christianity (we never met these words so coupled before) centre in this happy land;' and he men tions the Commons as being a third time in the integer of powers." Mo-y. Art. 39. Letter to a Member of the present House of Commons. By Exhortations to unanimity are good at all times, and will suit one ministry as well as another; and therefore the arguments of this pamphlet, intended to prop Mr. Addington's falling throne, may so far be applied to the resumed dominion of Mr. Pitt: but he will not relish the compliments which are paid to the gentleman who held the seals during his official inter-regnum. If recent changes have made a great part of this Letter obsolete, the author's remarks on the state of Ireland, and on the Volunteer system, ought not to be considered as being in this predicament. Art. 40. The Letters of Valerius, on the State of Parties, the War, the Volunteer System, and most of the Political Topics which have lately been under public Discussion. 8vo. 2s. 6d. Hatchard. Another champion for the Addingtonian administration, now no more; another defence of the capacity and virtue of the late minister; who, it must be honestly confessed, was attacked rather by low wit than by argument, and who has retired with more than patrician dignity, extorting the respect of his bitterest enemies. The leading object for which this writer assumed the pen being now completely frustrated, it is useless to appreciate the abstract merit of his reasoning DO |