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Review. The Family Monitor.

"Achmet, I cannot share a divided heart." "I swear to you, by Allah, that my harem shall be dismissed, and you shall be my only wife.' ***** Ali, Achmet, there is another thought,' said Camilla, weeping; you are a follower of the

False Prophet, and I am a believer in the only

faith whereby we may have eternal life.'

Camilla, you speak dark things, and hard to be understood; but only promise to be mine, and I

will hear you patiently on these matters; and if convinced, I will not cling to error.'

"It may be easily imagined, that Beatrice and Antonía departed for Spain without Camilla, who became Achmet Pacha's bride; and who ere long had the happiness of informing her cousins, by letter, that he had become a secret but decided proselyte to Christianity."

In the poetical department there are many pieces of considerable merit; but we do not recollect one that sinks below mediocrity. From these we had intended to make several selections, but our want of room, and the claims of other publications have laid an embargo on our designs. The observations, however, which we have already made, bear sufficient evidence that Friendship's Offering for 1829," holds an exalted rank in our estimation. To this we may add, that in its chastened exterior, and prose compositions, nothing has yet appeared to us, from which it can suffer an eclipse.

By

REVIEW.-The Family Monitor, or a
Help to Domestic Happiness.
John Angell James. 12mo. pp. 286.
Hudson, Birmingham, 1828.

IN prosecuting our voyage along the stream of time, although several treatises on domestic order, and happiness have arrested our attention, we have no recollection of any one, that is worthy of being placed in competition with this that is now before us. We have perused it with much pleasure, and announce our unqualified assent to its numerous propositions, and varied forms of advice, with the most undissembled satisfaction.

In weighing the duties of husbands towards their wives, and of wives towards their husbands, the author holds the balance with a steady hand; assigning to each, in due weight and measure, all that justice, prudence, reason, and common sense would enable either party to claim, and which neither durst withhold from the other, without, grossly violating that established order of nature which is "heaven's first law." In their relative situations towards each other, he neither exalts the husband into a tyrant, nor depresses the wife into a slave; he neither degrades her into an idolized puppet, nor makes him appear contemptible by dancing attendance on the living doll.

To discover the path of duty, which

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Mr. James delineates with much precision, both in its extended range and minuter ramifications, requires neither an The assent of our judgment and conartificial lens, nor a microscopic eye. science always accompanies him in his various discriminations, because the light of truth rarely fails to beam upon what he advances

"How charming is divine philosophy!

Not harsh and crabbed as dull fools suppose,
But musical as is Apollo's lute!"

marks of discrimination.

On passing from the duties of husbands and wives, to those which arise from the relations of parents and children, the same perspicuity accompanies nearly all his obligations arising from the constitution of Reciprocal nature, and enforced by the imperious and awful sanctions of revelation, form the basis whence he deduces the precepts and maxims he inculcates. These shine in his sentences and paragraphs by their own inherent lustre. To read them is to be know their truth is to see the necessity of come acquainted with their truth, and to reducing them to practice.

The relations which subsist between masters, mistresses, and servants, he touches with the same masterly hand. In each of these his ideas are luminous, his language is clear and expressive, and we are led, whenever we contemplate scenes of domestic discord, to trace them to a deviation from the rules prescribed, as their legitimate cause, and to perceive the evils which imbitter life as the inevitable result.

The substance of this volume, we learn from the preface, was delivered in a series of lectures or discourses, and their appearance in print, we are informed, originated in the unanimous request of those to whom they were delivered. This is a natural request, which would have emanated from any rational congregation composed of persons who were determined not to invade each others rights. The cause of the fair sex he pleads on grounds that never can be successfully controverted, and to have such a masterly advocate, must be to them a source of lasting satisfaction, especially as, in the eye of scripture, humanity, and reason, no one can find any just cause to take offence at what he has advanced. ca ea i

Throughout the whole, Mr. James has displayed an intimate acquaintance with human nature, and has shewn surprising dexterity in exploring the motives which should guide mankind in their domestic relations, and in discharging with fidelity,

the duties of active life. In several of these the most delicate touches were some times required, and in these his wisdom and judgment are alike conspicuous. Yet he walks on the narrow isthmus with a firm and steady step, and excites our admiration, in completing his arduous task, without deviating from the line which guides him with safety to his ultimate object and conclusions. His book furnishes an admirable comment on one of his own expressions, namely, that"The principles of greatest consequence to mankind, whether we refer to science or morals, lie not buried deep in gloom and mystery, but are to be found, like the manna of the Israelites, upon the surface of things. The secret of happiness lies folded up in the leaves of the bible, and is carried in the bosom of religion."

To a work entitled "The Domestic Constitution," by the Rev. Mr. Anderson of Edinburgh, the author acknowledges himself indebted for many appropriate quotations. The book to which he thus refers, is undoubtedly a most excellent performance, but we find no deficiency, either in sentiment, or an ability to de-velop, when Mr. James pursues his march without foreign aid.

Prefixed to the volume we have an index containing the first line in every hymn; and at the conclusion, the passages of scripture are enumerated, to which a great number of the hymns refer. This is followed by an extended index of the subjects on which the hymns are written, and this is succeeded by a list of the names of authors to whom this volume is indebted for the numerous and valuable articles which it contains.

Many of the hymns in this collection have been long before the world, and their reputation is beyond the influence both of praise and blame. Others, however, equally valuable, but less generally known, have been transplanted into this favourable soil, where in due time they also will receive their deserved share of public approbation. To obtain a station in a collection like this, is to take a stand in the road to fame.

creed.

In making his selections, we have been much pleased to find, that the compiler has risen above the contemptible singularities of sect and party. Few if any hymns in the collection are stained with the tincture of any peculiar Churchmen, Methodists, and Dissenters, have all been called upon to lend a helping hand, and their productions range peaceably by the side of each other, without uttering an anathema or a frown, or disturbing, by discordant language, the har

In its various, arrangements, arguments, deductions, and appeals, this volume is both entertaining and instructive, and no one can doubt that it is deeply interesting, since it involves the domestic hap-mony of the whole. piness of individuals, of families, of communities, and even of the human race.

We have derived from its perusal much
valuable information, and strongly recom-
mend it as the best book of the kind
that has hitherto fallen under our notice.
量。

REVIEW.

The Union Collection of

Hymns, additional to the Psalms and Hymns of Dr. Watts, comprising such as are adapted to Divine Worship. 12mo. Containing 775 Hymns, &c.

Holdsworth, London. 1828. THE Compiler, in selecting and arranging the articles in this collection, has not been working at random; but how he will vindicate his character when charged with pilfering, we know not, as there is scarcely a bymn-book of any value extant which he has not laid under contribution. It is probable that his industry and solicitude to cull the most fragrant flowers from every garden, may be urged as an atonement, and if the plea of success be once admitted, we have no doubt that he will escape punishment. ›

120.-VOL. X.

REVIEW.-The Beauties of the British Poets, with a few Introductory Remarks. By the Rev. George Croly pp. 290. Seeley and Son London. 1828.

12mo.

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Review.-Englishman's Almanack-Gift of an Uncle.

suspicion of being deficient in poetical merit. To purity of sentiment, the compiler has not paid less attention than to the elegance and elevation of his extracts. We are not aware that a loose or contaminating thought has on any occasion been permitted to pollute his pages.

From the works of Pope, the compiler proceeds to those of Thompson, Young, Akenside, Collins, Gray, Johnson, Goldsmith, Bruce, Logan, Jones, Burns, Cowper, Crabbe, Smith, Southey, Coleridge, Wordsworth, Scot, Montgomery, Campbell, Rogers, Moore, Byron, Keats, Millman, Wolfe, and Hemans. From each of these well-known favourites of the Muses, he has selected several beautiful pieces, and arranged them under the names of their respective authors, with becoming order and regularity, Is is a work compiled with much taste and judgment: comprising numerous excellencies of our most celebrated British poets, but many volumes would be necessary to incorporate even one half of their indisputable beauties.

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WHATEVER truth might have been in the observation during distant years, that all the Almanacks published by the Stationers' Company dealt largely in astrology, facts demonstrate, that at the present time such charges are far from being true; and we cannot but consider the insinuations so industriously circulated of late, that astrology is still their darling theme, are invidious in their nature, and must have originated in a motive, the impurity of which we are not solicitous to explore. Of these facts, we are most indisputably assured, that "the Englishman's Almanack," now under inspection, is as free from astrology, as it is from icebergs, and that an attentive reader would much sooner learn from its pages how to cultivate gardens, than to cast nativities, or to tell fortunes.

In common with all other Almanacks, this contains the calendar, and its various appendages, without which every reader would pronounce it incomplete. In addition to these, we have been much pleased to notice in a column devoted to historical memoranda, a striking deviation from the antiquated form, Venerable Bede, Thomas á Becket, and such characters, had long

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occupied, by prescriptive, right, an almost exclusive claim to chronological canonization; but in this Almanack, the names of many persons with whom we are more familiar, and in whose deeds we feel a deeper interest, are placed before us; and we hail with pleasure the names of Robert son, Wesley, Whitefield, Nelson, Napo leon, and other distinguished individuals, ranged under the respective days when they finished their mortal career. Many memorable events of modern times fill up the catalogue. agbelyomd bulgar

The margin in each month contains some interesting observations on particular days and occurrences, with the names of which, most persons are familiar, but of which very few know the origin. On the management of the kitchen and flower garden we have much instructive matter for each month.

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In addition to a list of members for both houses of parliament, bankers, prelates, judges, and officers under the crown, the editor has furnished some valuable tables relative to friendly societies, which will be perused with considerable interest. coach fares, and the legal charges of waterWith the post-office regulations, hackney men and porters, stated in this Almanack, every one ought to be acquainted, in order to detect fraud, and prevent imposi tion.

'et barelwolsɔ It is understood that this Almanack is conducted by Dr. Gregory, of Woolwich, who is well known to be the editor of the Ladies' Diary, and White's Ephemeris; and all who are acquainted with the talents of this learned mathematician, will readily believe, that he is more conversant with solid science, than n with visionary astrology, and those who examine its varied contents with such expectations, will not find themselves disappointed, J

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46,70 ;udqor H-12 TO REVIEW.-The Gift of an Uncle, borla short Description of some of thes Ped culiarities in the Animal and Vegeta ble World, with an Account of their first Introduction into this Country 12mo. pp. 142. Joy.19 London 182892 THIS little volume is dressed up in a very delicately embroidered robe, and is ornamented with a neatly executed copper-plate engraving. Its exteriør appearance is, however, of little com sequence when compared with othe great variety of articles introduced into its pages, and with the useful branches of information in natural history which

they are calculated to communicate to the youthful mind.

The articles are not separately introduced under distinct heads, but find their way to notice in a continued conversa

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3. Nos. I. and II. Brixton;" ; or, Full Investigation of the Speeches, Selmons, and Proceedings of the Rev. Dr.

thee which runs throughout Styles., by the Rev. G. C. Smith,

The subjects are gathered from scenes of every day's occurrence; andarell brought before us by a father, who, without the tedious formality of task or lesson, finds occasion to instruct his son and daughter in numerous branches of useful knowledge, derived from incidents which well-contrived accidents call into existence. 2, 6.

to In this little volume about one hundred and twenty-eight distinct topics, either of natural or civil history, antiquity, or science, meet our view. Each of these is discussed or described in language that is at once familiar and amusing, without entering into ramified detail, or tiring by tedious prolixity Mr. Acton, the father, seizes on the more prominent features of his subject, states its history, connexions, and vicissitudes, and when these are exhausted, another is always at hand, which, keeping attention on the alert, prevents fatigue by the powerful influence of interesting variety.

We have perused this book with pleasing satisfaction, and think it admirably calculated to convey in a lively manner, much useful information on the subjects of which it treats. It is of course designed for the instruction of youth; but boys and girls of about fourteen years of age, must have made a great proficiency in the acquirement of general knowledge, to whoin this volume can impart nothing that is both valuable and new. 6.576723

BRIEF SURVEY OF BOOKS.

1. Taylor's Improved Universal Stenography; or, a New and Practical System of Short-Hand Writing, by William Harding, (Simpkin and Marshal, London,) has already passed under our review in a former edition.We then spoke very favourably of its simplicity of method, and comprehensiveness of design. In the present edition, the enlargement and improvements which are introduced, cannot but tend to facilitate the learner's progress in the acquirement of this very useful art. 192! Ãa Sermon on the Death of John Nike, Esq., by David Everard Ford, (Westley and Davis, London,) contains many appropriate remarks, and pathetic touches, suited to the solemnity of the Occasion; but nothing that can demand any peculiar animadversion, which dis

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(Wakefield, London,) seems to have been written under a very strong excitement of intemperate feeling. The professed him of Mr. G. C. Smith is to unmask Dr. Styles, and set him before the world arrayed in an offensive garb. The strictures are both severe and personal, and in their tendency are calculated to place the character of Dr. Styles in a very inauspicious light.

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4. Interest Tables for the Use of Savings Banks, &c., by Edward Carpenter, (Longman, London,) appear to display an intimate acquaintance with the subjects of which they treat, and to contain calculations that are remarkably accurate. It is a work that seems chiefly, if not exclusively, adapted for the use of Savings Banks, to the business of which, the author appears to have paid particular attention. In its general aspect, this work assumes the appearance of a ready reckoner; but in its details it descends to minutia, and even decimals, so that the least fraction of any given sum for the shortest period, may be brought to account. It must have been an undertaking of no small difficulty, to produce a work of this description, and we hope the author will find in a extensive sale an ample remuneration.

5. The Mother's Guide; or, Plain Observations on the Management of Children during the first month, (Virtue, London,) we are glad to find has reached a second edition. We noticed the first a few months since in terms of decided approbation. A reperusal of the second edition, has rather confirmed our former opinion, than furnished occasion to retract what we advanced. It is replete with sound common sense and wholesome advice, in following which, every mother and her infant

would find an interest.

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6. The Voice of Humanity, Observations on Instances of Cruelty to Animals, Means for Preventing it, &c., (Sherwood, London,) is a pamphlet which we are glad to find has made many converts, and we are persuaded, that în proportion as it becomes known, it will make many more. Its details of brutality, daily prac tised in the city and suburbs, are horrible and disgusting beyond the power of lan gunge adequately to describe. Nothing, we fear, but legislative interference will ter or even minate, or check, the cruelty to animals of which it complains, and prevent

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Astronomical Occurrences for November.

the London market from being supplied with ducks and pigs, fed on the putrid and diseased flesh and refuse of dead horses. We wish the friends of humanity with whom this pamphlet originated, an increase of numbers, and ultimate success.

7. The Infant Scholar's Magazine, Vol. II (Stephens, London,) is very neatly got up, and has a pretty appearance. It is ornamented with several wood engravings, and the subjects with which its pages are filled, seem every way adapted to the capacity of the infant reader,

8. A Treatise on Practical Arithmetic and Mensuration, adapted to the use of Schools, &c. by S. P. Reynolds, (Joy, London,) is a book of fair promise, and we doubt not that when its principles and mode of teaching are reduced to practice, it will be found fully to answer every reasonable expectation. We have been much pleased with the various parts we have examined, and think the engraved figures on mensuration will tend very much to facilitate the learner's progress,

9. A Compendium of Modern Geography, with Remarks, Descriptive Tables, Maps, &c. by the Rev. Alexander Stewart, (Oliver and Boyd, Edinburgh,) contains within a narrow compass, a useful fund of geographical information. It ranges over the surface of the globe, and notices in a brief, but satisfactory manner, whatever is either physically prominent, or historically remarkable. Its maps are neatly executed, and the exercises are fairly deduced from the historical description, which, in some of its parts, resembles a gazetteer,

10. The Chronological Guide, Part I. comprehending the Chronology of the World, from its Creation to the Destruction of the Western Empire of Rome, A.D. 476; accompanied with a Chart, and a series of Questions, (Baker and Fletcher, London,) will be found of essential service to all, who wish to obtain a knowledge of general history. The first part is historical; the second is simply a chronology founded on the leading events of the preceding; the third contains a series of questions adapted to the sketches and tables; and the fourth elucidates the principal offices, weights, measures, and coins, mentioned in ancient history. The chronological map is large, and bound by itself. This gives at one glance a view of the rise, extent, duration, and continuance or termination of the nations of the earth. The plan of the whole is very comprehensive, and will be found exceedingly useful in schools, and for the purposes of private tuition.

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11 The Diversions of Hollycot, or the Mother's Art of Thinking, (Oliver and Boyd, Edinburgh,) contains some sprightly dialogues between a mother and her children. It has also several stories that are both amusing and instructive. In these, nothing but useful subjects are introduced, of which the object and tendency are always apparent. It is designed for young persons, and to such it can hardly fail to prove both useful and entertaining, an aston

12. Village Plans, and Domestic Sketches; or, A Visit to the Rectory of Milbourne Dale, (Seeley, London,) though somewhat resembling the preceding in tendency and general character, has no similarity in its mode of procedure. It is made up of narratives, and is divided into twelve chapters, each treating on a distinct subject, such as "The Visitor," "The SundaySchools," "The Birth Day," The Factory," &c. The narrative frequently digresses into moral reflections, arising from the scenes described. These are always judicious, and frequently very pointed. It is a book that may be read with profit by those who have outlived their teens.com

13. Portsmouth; or, The First Part of an Humble Address to the Bishop of London, concerning the fatal licence given to the admission of unmarried Females into British ships of war, &c., by the Rev. G. C. Smith, (Wakefield, London,) is a spirited performance, in which the author lays open such scenes of depravity, as we shudder to behold. We cannot, however, doubt the accuracy of his statements, he having partially witnessed what he describes, while the other branches of his evidence are drawn from the most unquestionable sources. We could wish to see this powerful pamphlet in the hands of every naval officer, that measures might be adopted for removing the disgusting nuisance of which it complains, and intro. ducing such regulations as he wishes to see adopted.

14. Blackheath being a brief Historical Review of Circumstances connected with Seamen's Societies, by the Reve GC. Smith, (Wakefield, London,) is a pamphlet from which we might gather, that the author is hardly ever at home, unless in a temperature of boiling heat.voluntar &145 be dies gár 30.

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ASTRONOMICAL OCCURRENCES FOR

DECEMBER 1828, 307 Pho Pash, s Tue Sun enters the tropical sign Capricom on the 21st at 22 minutes past seven in the evening. His declination on the 1st is 21 degrees 52 minutes south; on the 21st

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