"11. If then the separate state of the soul is to be changed upon its reunion with the body to a state of felicity or misery beyond what it feels while in the region of departed spirits, (termed Sheol in the Old Testament, and Hades in the New,) it cannot be said with truth, that on the death of the body, the soul enters into an unchangeable state.

"12. If the state on which we enter at death is thus to be changed, it is not an eternal one, as many call it but must cease at the last day, as revelation informs us it shall do.

"13. The just' (in the Scriptural sense of the term) are promised perfect happiness in heavenand to be themselves made perfect on their reception into heaven, not merely as spirits, but as complete beings-wherefore this, and this only, can be their eternal state.

as

"14. If the departed souls of men cannot yet be perfectly happy, nor perfect in themselves beings, nor in an eternal state, then there are none of them as yet in heaven, although they may be in that blissful but temporary state spoken of by our Lord under the names of Paradise and Abraham's bosom, waiting there for the reunion with bodies, according to the well-known belief of the Jewish nation and scriptural doctrine.

"15. If the righteous are not in the place of their eternal reward denominated in Holy Writ the highest heavens, or, as we now generally call it, heaven, the wicked are not in the place of eternal punishment, which is termed Gehinnom or Tophet in the Old Testament, and Gehenna in the New, never Hades, although our translators render all these indiscriminately by the English word hell, which is improperly applied to the latter, at least in the modern and general sense of it; or a distinction ought to be made between the two meanings of hell, as is given in Dr. Johnson's dictionary.

"16. The Bible nowhere aflirms, that the good are or shall be in the highest heaven, or that the wicked are or shall be in hell (in the modern acceptation of it) until Christ pronounces their doom at the last day; both places for their reception at that time, being spoken of as having been prepared for each class; not as having been the habitation of either, or as having been previously seen by them.

"17. If the final reward or punishment is not yet given to the souls of any deceased men who have died since death first entered into the world, then there has been no trial or sentence on them.

"18. There are none such revealed as to take place until the last day, and only one judgment is mentioned, when all who ever lived shall be present, to be judged, and the great or eternal separation is to be made; or, in scriptural phraseology, the reapers of the Lord are then to gather in His harvest.

"19. If no judgment has as yet taken place, then our eternal doom has not been pronounced, and if not pronounced, then in no instance has it already been carried into execution, as many believe-none having yet been received into heaven, or thrust into outer darkness.

"20. If the soul after death retains its consciousness, and does not enter into an eternal state until

after the last day, it enters upon a Middle or Intermediate State whenever the body is deprived of life, and it then must go to the region of separate spirits, to await there the re-formation of body and judgment, but which place is merely one of safe keeping, out of mortal sight, (Sheol or Hades signifying no more) a place of rest for the souls of the righteous from the labours of their earthly state of trial, and has no relation to Purgatory, which is said to be a place of purification for all who enter it; but the conscious spirits of the wicked, or, as we here say, their consciences shall therein torment them with the remembrance of their sins, and they shall have a fearful looking for of judgment, and be also unhappy from being deprived of all worldly pleasures, on which alone their whole minds were fixed while in this world."pp. 277-280.

That the doctrine inculcated in the preceding extract bears no resemblance to the

papal fiction of purgatory, the author satisfactorily proves, throughout the chapter which immediately follows. In this he has clearly demonstrated, from the acknowledged papal authorities, what that communion understands by purgatory. He then proceeds to argue, that in the separate state for which he contends, no purification is either required or administered, but that it is simply an abode, where spirits await the day of judgment, and the final decision of the Judge.

"The doctrine, he observes, inculcated in the preceding pages of the present work is, that none go to Heaven as the place where we are to be eternally happy, or to Hell, Gehenna of the Scriptures, until after the resurrection and judgment which is then to take place. In the interval from death till then, the soul in its separate state continues in the Paradise or Tarturus of Hades, happy or miserable in that middle abode between life on earth, and its eternal destination, but that none have yet felt pain or happiness in consequence of a sentence of that nature which shall ultimately be revealed and experienced as punishment or reward after our sentence shall have been pronounced."-p. 283.

To an investigation of the happiness or misery which the soul shall experience in the intermediate state, the author has devoted his eleventh chapter. In this he has many judicious observations, and, as the result, we are taught, that each will consist in reflection and anticipation, but that both will fall short of that consummation which will follow the great decision of the eternal Judge. In support of this opinion, he has adduced many respectable authorities, and advanced several cogent arguments, from which the reader must draw his own conclusions. On this very momentous subject, we have pursued the inquiries of learned men with much attention and care; but in the result of all our investigations we have been led to conclude, that, if happiness and misery be already consummated in an eternal state, the necessity of a judgment-day must be superseded.

We must now take our leave of the author and his work. In ranging through the numerous and important subjects discussed, we perceive great expansion of mind, and a continued display of strong intellectual energy. We cannot go so far as to say that all his propositions are demonstrated, or that his reasonings are placed beyond the reach of controversy. His theory, however, is rendered captivating by its great plausibility; and although liable to many formidable objections, we must not forget, that other theories are encircled with difficulties equally insurmountable. On the whole, it is a work which we would strongly recommend to all those who turn their thoughts to these recondite, but pleasing and important spe

culations.

REVIEW.-A Commentary on the Holy Bible, from Henry and Scott, &c.—Job to Solomon's Song, 8vo. pp. 516. Religious Tract Society. London. 1832. THE names of Henry and Scott, are so well known, and of such high celebrity in the theological world, that every production of their pens would be sure to command respect. The detached commentary now before us does not profess to contain any thing new; it is composed of extracts from their voluminous works on the sacred writings, reduced in quantity, and adapted to the occasion of the volume.

Every reader must, however, be aware, that a bad commentary may be extracted from the most excellent of authors, and by a little contrivance they may be called upon to father sentiments which they never uttered; or, a stern proposition may be palmed upon them, while those mitigating circumstances which would soften its rigour, are entirely omitted. We do not mean to insinuate that any such unjustifiable liberties have been taken with these venerable commentators; but we have palpable evidence on some doctrinal points, of the views entertained by those to whom we are indebted for the selection.

We are glad, however, to find that experimental and practical godliness occupies the principal ground; and while this is copiously and seriously inculcated, all other considerations respecting topics not essential to salvation, become subjects of minor importance.

The whole of this commentary on the Old Testament, we understand, will be included in six volumes, at five shillings each. The first comprises Genesis to Deuteronomy; the second, Joshua to Esther; and this before us, Job to Solomon's Song. Each of these portions forms a distinct publication in itself, and as such it is bound, and its pages are numbered. By this judicious arrangement, any person to whom the purchase of the whole at once would be inconvenient, may procure, as circumstances dictate, any volume that appears in the series. This branch of the commentary now before us, is finished with great neatness, and in point of external elegance it will be an ornament to any library. The closeness of its printing, the excellence of its paper, and the number of its pages, all concur in pronouncing it to be a cheap publication, which deserves extensive encouragement. Should this be obtained, it is not improbable that the commentary will be carried through the New Testament, to render it uniform with the Old. At this, indeed, the

compilers have already hinted, for they inform us that, at the request of many friends, the portion containing the Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles will be next published, it being already in the press.

As a commentary on the Scriptures, we consider this to be sufficiently voluminous, for all common readers, who seek only the truth as it is in Jesus, that they may be made wise unto salvation. It has been said, and perhaps with much truth, that an unwieldy folio has scarcely ever been known to do either good or harm. What ever might be thought of these voluminous masses in the days of Caryl, it is certain that in modern times they have but seldom appeared, and in no case, when this has occurred, has their importance been deemed equal to their magnitude. This exchange we deem highly favourable to the diffusion of useful knowledge in every form, and we doubt not, that to this cause the community at large is indebted for many of the advantages which it now enjoys.

The present undertaking will place a valuable commentary within the reach of thousands, who probably would otherwise never have been acquainted with Henry or Scott, only in name. To a serious mind,

oppressed by indigent circumstances, this will prove an important acquisition, the utility of which, we hope, will be extended from theory to experience and practice.

REVIEW.-The Village Poor-house. By a Country Curate. 12mo. pp. 61. Smith, Elder, & Co. London. 1832.

IF this valuable little work had not been mislaid, among the numerous volumes that are waiting for our inspection, it would not have so long remained unnoticed. Since it has come to hand, we have examined it with minute attention, and, we may add, with increasing admiration. There is in the author's manner a clearness of description, accompanied with a vigour of expression, which few of our modern poets can boast. In the scenes presented to the reader's view, the contrast between splendour and wretchedness, between riches and poverty, is most strikingly preserved, and the sudden transition from the one to the other heightens the effect with all the advantages of surprise.

From a work so small, we cannot find room for any long quotation, and yet, in justice to the author we acknowledge ourselves compelled to furnish a specimen.

The following lines descriptive of the poor-house, and of the parson's mansion, will require no comment :

Within yon paper-windowed room
A group in sadness and in gloom

Is sitting,—and, though no one speaks,
Look only on their eyes and cheeks!
It needs not language to express
Their tale of misery and distress;-
The village poor-house-paupers they―
Men-young, and sinewy, and strong,
Condemned to see, day after day,
Their moments creep along

In sloth, for they have nought to do,
And-start ye not-in hunger too!
Yes! hunger gnawing like a worm,
Yet armed with more than reptile fangs,
Wearing away the manly form,

While scarce tobacco soothes its pangs.
And women-young,-they might be fair,
Save that the blackness of despair
Is shed o'er every feature there,-
And gives to lips that might have smiled,
A curl of desperation wild,

To eyes that might have beamed, a look
That virtue cannot wear or brook!
Such are they in that chamber dim,
Silent, and desolate, and grim.
There's a wit at the parson's board to-day,
How fast he speaks, and the party how gay!
The gentlemen roar-at a college joke,
The ladies blush-at an equivoque,
And ever as livelier leaps the champaigne,
Still merrier grows the jester's strain,

Ha! ha! how his puns would fall flat and dead
If his auditor's souls were faint for bread;
How shudderingly from his quips they'd start,
If hunger and thirst were gnawing the heart!
"Music! a lady's jewelled finger,

Fondly seems to love to linger
O'er the harp's enamoured string,
E'er she opes her lips to sing,
Roses-posies-bliss, and kiss.
Every hand is raised in praise
Of the sentimental lays,

And tears, ay tears, are seen to pour
O'er the mock miseries of Moore!"-p. 6.

From almost every part of this little work extracts equally striking might be copied. The contrasts which the author has every where introduced, produce a powerful effect on the reader's mind; and, as they sometimes start from an unexpected point, the impression which they make is the more indelible.

Who the author of this little poem is, we do not know, but we give him credit for talents and feelings that confer honour on human nature. His designation of "A Country Curate" would lead us to conclude that he fills some subordinate station in the church. Could we be assured that his integrity would remain unmoved, that title and elevation would have no pernicious influence on his character, we should rejoice to hear of his promotion above many of his clerical brethren who have been more fortunate though less deserving than himself.

To those who examine this little poem with attention, it will be obvious that with the mansion and the hovel the author is alike familiar; that, with respect to both, he knows how to "catch the manners living as they rise," and to present their varied features in a mirror, of which every beholder shall readily acknowledge the fidelity.

REVIEW.-The Works of the Rev. John Howe, M.A.; with Memoirs of his Life. By Edmund Calamy, D.D. 8vo. pp. 1272. Westley and Davis, London. 1832. IF the length of a review were to be estimated by the size of the book, this volume would occupy all the pages in the number of our magazine; and so far as intrinsic excellence could be the criterion of esteem, we can hardly think that our time and paper would be misapplied. Two hundred years however, having elapsed since Mr. Howe first appeared on the theatre of life, during a considerable portion of which time, his works have been in circulation, their merits are too well known to all the readers of our old theological divines, to require any eulogium or recommendation. They are here compressed into one closely printed volume, and presented to the public in a dress which they never before obtained. cannot, however, avoid thinking that this volume is rendered cumbersome and unwieldy by its bulk, without promising any adequate advantage to the reader.

We

Mr. Howe was certainly a voluminous writer, and from his discourses and lectures many extracts might be taken which would place his talents, piety, and the soundness of his principles in a commanding light. Compared with the modern style of writing, many of his expressions may appear stiff and formal; but the strength and vigour of his sentiments, presently make the reader forget the antiquated construction of the vehicle in which he travels with such fascinating company.

It might seem invidious to draw comparisons, yet we cannot help suspecting, that few of our modern divines will have their works thus reviewed, in new and splendid editions, after a lapse of two hundred years.

This volume must have been got up at a considerable expense. The paper is excellent, the type is clear, and it appears to be correctly as well as closely printed. Prefixed, is a beautifully engraved portrait of the author, and his life by Calamy is a very interesting sketch of biography. On the fame and long established reputation of Mr. Howe, the publishers no doubt thought they might with safety rely; and we have no anticipation that they will be disappointed in the patronage they expect.

The works of this venerable divine would be acceptable in almost any shape; but in the form which they now assume, they would seem. to command superior attention by the stateliness of their concentrated magnitude.

Wherever we look into the pages of this voluminous work, we find a spirit of pious

animation diffused through every paragraph, while in notes and references, occasionally made in the margin, we can perceive how learning may be made the handmaid of piety, and enlisted into the service of the gospel. Like many other great divines, it was the misfortune of Mr. Howe to fall on evil days; but intervening obstacles have long disappeared, and his sun of glory now shines without any eclipse.

REVIEW.-The Aurora Borealis, a Literary Annual. Edited by Members of the Society of Friends. 12mo. pp. 274. Tilt. London. 1833.

IN mere external appearance this annual will not shrink from comparison with several others of higher price and more exalted pretensions. By the young, the spirited, and the gay, belonging to this highly respectable community, this book will probably be hailed as the harbinger of a literary revolution, which shall for ever dissolve the distinction between castes. Those, however, who have been disciplined in the schools of former years, and are anxious to retain every relic of their departed ancestors, will view it as a culpable conformity to the world, and lament over the degeneracy of modern days. Yet amidst their occasions of regret, they will find one source of consolation. In pictorial decorations the editors have been very sparing, as only two engravings have been introduced to adorn the volume. One of these, entitled The Bride, commands respect, by the amiable simplicity and innocence which it displays. The other exhibits a beautiful landscape from a scene in Rokeby, and both the design and execution are entitled to our admiration.

In

Like most other annuals, the Aurora concontains a mixture of prose and verse. quantity, however, the latter appears to outweigh the former, and, even with regard to quality, the palm of superiority must be assigned to the votaries of the muse. Among these we observe many very respectable names, that have gathered enduring fame from other quarters, and we find that their present productions are not unworthy of the reputation they have acquired.

The prose compositions are in general deficient in interest. They do not abound in sentiment; and illustrative incidents are scattered through the paragraphs with a parsimonious hand. But notwithstanding these imperfections, this is a publication of taste and delicacy, in whose pages nothing appears at which the most rigid moralist can justly take offence.

REVIEW.-A Memoir of Miss Mary Jane Graham, late of Stoke Fleming, Devon. By the Rev. Charles Bridges, of Old Newton, Suffolk. 12mo. pp. 316. Seeley, London, 1832.

Ir has been said, and probably with much truth, that no individual, however exalted or debased, ever lived, without influencing others, either by his virtues or his vices, and that this influence frequently extends to distant generations. Applying this principle to the young lady before us, we ought not to view her as a solitary link in the chain of being, but as one whose example and precepts will remain in full vigour, when time shall have blotted her name from the monumental tablet.

Of Miss Graham we know nothing, but through the medium of the press; but from this we learn that she was a young lady of very superior talents, that her vigorous understanding had been cultivated with care, and, above all, that, after a season, her life was devoted to the service of God. It would appear, however, that in the early stages of her mental career, she was for some time a prey to scepticism, if not the victim of infidelity. But the unremitting operation of Divine grace on her heart created such a war within, that peace was a stranger to her bosom. At length, in this strife, grace became triumphant, and she was willing to count all things but loss for the excellency of Christ Jesus her Lord; and that she might obtain an inheritance among them that are sanctified through faith in his blood.

These vicissitudes of feelings, conflicts, and victories, she has recorded, on several occasions, in her writings, and the perspi cuity and acuteness with which she has expressed her thoughts, exalt her highly in our estimation. Her mind was above the common order, and proportionably great will be the extent and influence of her example.

Of this interesting young lady, the Rev. Mr. Bridges has written the memoir before

REVIEW.-The Sacred Offering; a Poetical Annual for 1833. 24mo. pp. 192. Hamilton. London.

THIS is a neat little volume, decorated with a beautiful frontispiece, gilt-edged leaves, and a silk exterior. As its title imports, it consists wholly of poetical effusions, various in length and varied in merit. The greater part, we are told in the preface, are original, and of those that are not so, the circulation has been exceedingly limited.

Without attempting to analyze the contents of this volume, we beg to present our readers with one of its articles, which may be considered as a favourable specimen of the whole.

"THE SLAVE.

"He was a slave-a chain was o'er him cast,
The galling yoke his abject form did wear;
Above his heart the burning brand had past,
And left the seal of degradation there.
"His head was bowed in silence,-in his eye
No gleam of intellect or feeling shone;
In all his mien there was an apathy,
As if the spirit of the man were gone.
"Yet in that aspect, cold and changeless now,
The silent record of his life is seen;
'Tis thus the dark volcano's scathed brow
Tells what its deep internal fires have been.
"But is not man, though gold his price has paid,
Though tyrants bruise him with an iron rod,
But little lower than the angels made,
And called the temple of the living God?
"The deathless soul remains, and mind surveyed,
E'en in its wreck, hath still sublimity;
And human feelings, though in ruin laid,
Have still deep interest for the human eye.
"Some pious strangers, from a distant land,
The page of mercy to the slave unfurled,
And whispered of the kind and mighty hand,
Which formed this beautiful and fruitful world.
"He heeded not, had not earth drank his blood,
While yet the life-pulse trembled in his veins?
Was he to look around, and call that good,
On which his strength was spent, for him in vain ?
"They told him of the light and easy yoke,

And how the bondman is in Christ made free;
A moment, at the word his spirit woke-
Freedom! the word seemed bitter mockery.
"Christian! how doubtfully that title comes

To those who feel how it has been profaned; Christians had forced his parents from their homes, Christians had found, and left, himself enchained. "They spake to him of love, of holy ties,

Links formed on earth, and perfected in heaven; But what were all the heart's deep sympathies, To one from nature's dearest friendships riven. "Bearing all those relations that were made To rivet heart to heart, he was alone;

He knew not where his parents' bones were laid, His very child he might not call his own. "They pointed where those living waters flow, Which tasted once, nor want, nor grief may be; That stream, which purest comfort should bestow, But fed his fever-thirst for liberty.*

It has been said by Missionaries, who have attempted the conversion of the slaves, that the knowledge of Christianity only increased their craving for liberty.

2D. SERIES, NO. 25.—VOL. III.

"He could not raise his eyes, he could not pray;
A glimpse of better things indeed was given,
But still his bonds, his degradation, lay,
Like a dark cloud, between his heart and heaven.
"He looked to death to limit his distress;
For freedom, to the prison of the grave;
His was the yearning for forgetfulness,
Dust cleaving unto dust-he was a slave."

REVIEW. The Plays

p. 186.

and Poems of Shakspeare, with a Life, Glossarial Notes, and One Hundred and Seventy Illustrations, from Boydell's Plates, in 15 Vols. Vol. 1. Edited by A. J. Valpy, M.A. 12mo. pp. 318. Valpy. London. 1832.

To say any thing in favour of Shakspear's poetical merit, would certainly betray either the folly or the presumption of him who should make the attempt. The great poet himself is beyond the reach of criticism; we must, therefore, be content merely to look at the dress in which he appears, the ornaments with which he is decorated, and the fidelity with which his features are represented.

A brief advertisement to this edition informs us, that the text of Malone, as published in 1821, has been scrupulously followed, and that a brief historical sketch, and argument, are prefixed to each play :-that no more notes are inserted than necessity required, to elucidate obscure passages, or to explain obsolete words and phrases :that the illustrations from Boydell's edition are executed on steel, in the first style of outline engraving:-and, that the more striking and brilliant passages in the works of our immortal bard, may be found on referring to the copious index which will be given.

The present volume contains the life of Shakspeare, Dr. Johnson's preface, the Tempest, and The Two Gentlemen of Verona. Occupied thus with preliminary matter, the illustrations are not numerous, but those that appear have been admirably executed, and they promise fair, in 'connexion with others that are to follow, to be a splendid ornament to the work.

The one hundred and seventy plates in Boydell's edition, immortalized the name of that liberal patron of the arts, and the success which attended his enterprise, formed an era in the history of engraving which can never be effaced from its records. Of these superb engravings, we have faithful transcripts in the edition before us; and no one acquainted with the taste, the talents, and the learning of Mr. Valpy, can suppose that they will suffer deterioration by passing through his hands.

G

169.-VOL X"