from different directions met with such violence, as in the concussion to dash its fiery spray forty and fifty feet high. It was at once the most splendidly beautiful and dreadfully fearful of spectacles; and irresistibly turned the thoughts to that lake of fire, from whence the smoke of torment ascendeth for ever and ever."-pp. 367 to 388. REVIEW.-A popular Introduction to the Study of the Holy Scriptures, for the Use of English Readers. By William Carpenter. 8vo. pp. 668. Wightman and Cramp, London. Dreadfully awful as the preceding ac- THIS large and closely printed volume, count of this abyss of fire may appear to though avowedly a compilation, must have the reader, the moral revolution which has engrossed a considerable portion of the taken place in the character of the inhabit- | author's time and attention, since it evinces ants will render their history still more in- much diligence, ingenuity, and research. teresting. From time immemorial they Simply to examine the numerous works to had been sunk in the grossest idolatry, which he refers in the margin of his pages, which no human power seemed able to would be a task of no small magnitude; but eradicate. In this state things continued to cull from these publications such articles until November 1819, when the late king as his plan required, to fill up the great Riho-Riho, who died in England, sickened outline of his design, was an arduous unwith the absurdity of its rites, and irritated dertaking, which nothing but time, patience, at the unnatural restraints which it imposed, and perseverance could enable him to particularly on the females, resolved to sustain, abolish it for ever. Having secretly consulted the high-priest and principal chiefs, on the subject, RihoRiho made a great entertainment, to which all the foreign traders, mercantile agents, and residents, then in the island, were invited, together with the chiefs and priests. When the food was served up, he arose, with a dish that had been previously denied to the females, and, in presence of the whole assembly, hastily turned to the table of the women, and, seating himself between two of his queens, began to eat with them from the dish he carried. This was the signal of the revolution that immediately followed. The multitude seized the auspicious moment, and exclaimed, that the tabu was abolished. The high-priest instantly hastened to fire an adjoining temple, and messengers were sent in every direction to complete the conflagration. In a few days every heathen temple in the group was mouldering in ashes, and the idols which had escaped the general catastrophe, were cast as useless lumber on the beach, or reserved merely as objects of curiosity, or of contempt. A change so sudden, so complete, and effected without any apparently adequate cause, stands unparalleled in the history of the world. This prepared the way for the introduction of the Gospel, which soon followed, and which was in a great degree readily received; and from that period to the present, the natives of the Sandwich Islands may be considered as having embraced Christianity. These facts, given in detail in the work before us, cannot but render it interesting to the present generation, and the lapse of time will give it an additional value in the eyes of posterity, The whole of this work is divided into two parts; the former containing directions for reading the Bible, and the latter affording helps toward a right understanding of scripture. The first part comprises two chapters; namely, the disposition and habits of mind required for a profitable perusal of the Bible; and rules for reading the Holy Scriptures. These are again subdivided into sections, the former containing four, and the latter seven. The second part, which is by far the most voluminous, contains eleven chapters, the contents of which are as follows. Prefatory observations on the several books of scripture; a sketch of sacred geography; political antiquities of the Jews; sacred laws of the Jews, and their sanctions; sacred festivals of the Jews; sacred places of the Jews; sacred things of the Jews; members and officers of the Jewish church; of the corruption of religion among the Jews; national and domestic customs of the Jews; scripture, allusions to various customs and opinions. These chapters are branched out into fifty-two sections, and the whole concludes with an Appendix containing the outlines of a scripture cyclopedia, and scripture lessons for daily reading, in historical order, together with a copious Index, and a list of scripture passages that are either illustrated or explained. The work is also embellished with seven maps and plates, that are decently executed, referring chiefly to the country, customs, and habitations of the Jews. In the prefatory observations on the sacred books, we find much useful historical information, in which the author furnishes the concomitants of each book, and then analyzes its contents, and supports his opinions on the various topics which occur, by an appeal to writers of undoubted learn ing and authority. On some of these points, a diversity of opinion has indeed long prevailed among our commentators and divines, but these are' of minor importance, when compared with the leading facts in which all agree. On the New Testament the author proceeds in a manner somewhat similar to the preceding, varying his observations as circumstances dictate by their occurrence. He commences with the harmony of the four Gospels, taken from Marsh's Translation of Michaelis's Introduction to the New Testament. Of the facts there recorded, the arrangement given by Matthew is in general followed, with whose narration the other evangelists are collated. From these he proceeds to the Acts of the Apostles, and thence through the epistles, and terminates with the Apocalypse, which all allow to be involved in much obscurity. The geography of the Holy Land, its atmosphere, phenomena, and productions, furnish several interesting dissertations; and the political, civil, and ecclesiastical peculiarities of the Jews, are not less calculated to rivet the reader's attention. The whole may be said to form a valuable compendium of Biblical information; and perhaps there is scarcely a question that can be proposed relative to facts, customs, incidents, rites, and places, mentioned in the Old and New Testaments, of which some account is not given in this work, and to which the reader will not find a reference by consulting the copious index. In these respects it may be considered as a dictionary of the Bible in miniature. In the early part of this work the author has forcibly urged the necessity and importance of reading the whole of the scriptures in regular order, and to this many of his subsequent arrangements are made subservient. Towards the conclusion of the volume, he parcels out the Old and New Testaments in such a manner, that the whole may be read in one year. To render this plan perfectly intelligible, he gives each month, and places against every day that it contains, such portions of the sacred writings as may be deemed proportionate. In some families this may be practicable, but in far the greater number we think the lessons assigned will be found too long; and it is not improbable that this will defeat his own purpose. On the whole, we consider this book to contain a vast fund of valuable information; and the reader, by availing himself of the assistance which it affords, may peruse his Bible with superior advantage, as in many respects it will furnish all that a vo | 376 luminous commentary can supply. The work is neatly and correctly printed, and must have been got up at a considerable expense. We therefore wish the author that extensive sale to which we think the merits of his publication entitle him; and should this be the case, his industry and application will not go unrewarded. REVIEW.-The Head-Piece, or Phrenology opposed to Divine Revelation. By James the Less, and a Helmet for the Head-Piece, or Phrenology incompatible with Reason. By Daniel the Seer. London. 12mo. pp. 198. Longman. 1828. Ir is a trite observation, that "nine-tenths of mankind are fools." Some have objected that this is a libel on the human character, and ought on all occasions to be discountenanced. It is not our province to decide whether the accusation be true or false, but the history of past events will prove that the charge is at least supported by strong circumstantial evidence. During many years the famous Katerfelto amused large audiences with the wonderful performances of his black cats. Graham, the celebrated earth-bather, was scarcely less notorious in fleecing his wondering admirers, by burying them alive, and not less successful in inviting his wealthy dupes to try the virtues of his celestial bed. These having outlived their reputation, animal magnetism came forward, to levy contributions on the wondering public; and when this had lived its day, the velocipede laid a close and successful siege to general patronage. The dandy horses, having grown weary of travelling, craniology started as its successor, and entering into partnership with phrenology, they dignified their consolidated exploits with the name of science. This offspring of Gall and Spurzheim, still continues to survive, but the child is rather troubled with rickets, and many persons doubt if it will ever be able to walk without assistance. 66 The book before us professes to examine the grounds on which its claims to public patronage are founded; and, finally decides that it is alike hostile to revelation and to reason. ،، The Head-piece," by James the Less," attacks this bantling, on the ground of revelation; and the "Helmet for the Head-piece," by "Daniel the Seer," argues that it is disowned by rationality. The introduction is written in a humourous strain, in which many severe strokes of sarcastic ridicule may be found. The author, "James the Less," then proceeds to dite "James the Less," and "Daniel the Seer," for an assault on its character. Whether it may amount to a capital offence, we must leave judges and juries to determine. REVIEW.-The Antidote, or Memoirs of a Modern Freethinker, &c. in two vols. 12mo. pp. 258-268. Holdsworth. London. 1827. argue, that changes, of the most decided | it, its friends seem bound in honour to incharacter, take place in the moral history of man, which are not followed by any corresponding alterations in the physical structure of his head. This is particularly instanced in Adam, prior to his fall, and subsequently to that event. He argues that conversion to God cannot create corporeal bumps, and that Paul the apostle had the same physical cranium that belonged to Saul of Tarsus. He contends, that while one person is distinguished for the development of particular organs, or indicating certain peculiarities of character, many others have similar developments, without any such characteristics; and that in numerous instances, peculiarities of character appear where no such organic development is visible. From these and similar topics he infers, that the pretended science is fallacious, and, though calculated to amuse, can never furnish that criterion of character on which its claims to regard are founded; that if followed through all its ramifications, it will be found hostile to the general tenor of scripture, and that on this account it is more worthy of discountenance than of support. "The Helmet, by Daniel the Seer," follows in a similar strain; but instead of investigating the pretensions of phrenology by the light of revelation, the author cites it to appear before the bar of reason, and points out many incongruities which render it exceedingly suspicious. In both these parts the writers have displayed much humour, much ingenuity, and much acuteness. On many topics, the objections against phrenology appear too formidable to be overcome, and the reasoning and evidence too strong to be fairly met. Still we must allow that several arguments urged by the advocates of this system, remain untouched, though perhaps not unsusceptible of a fair and candid reply. Among these the most plausible is, one stated to be founded on fact, namely, that given character, has been found generally associated with given protuberances, and that, from continued observation, it has been discovered, that these protuberances are indications of character, without attempting to decide whether they sustain the relation of cause and effect, or flow from distinct sources that remain wholly unexplored. For our parts, we are inclined to think that, having furnished its quota of amusement to those who rally round its standard, it will retire into the grave, where velocipedes, animal magnetism, Graham's celestial bed, and Katerfelto's black cats, lie buried. But what fate soever may await 112.-VOL. X. THIS is the history of a young man, who, receiving a religious education, was sent to college, to prepare for the clerical profession. Here his mind was first tainted with the principles of infidelity, to which he afterwards became a victim. A change so sudden, so alarming, and so unexpected, created the deepest distress in his family at home, and among all their numerous connexions and friends; and finally, produced conversations and letters, in which we have a pleasing epitome of the evidences in favour of Christianity, and replies to the most formidable objections that have been urged against revealed truth. These at first produced but little apparent beneficial effect; but the miserable fate of some of his former companions soon appeared as powerful auxiliaries in the cause of religion, and by their mutual co-operation, finally subdued his hostility to the gospel, and ultimately accomplished that moral revolution in his views, which led him to re-adopt the religion of his parents, and of his earlier years. The former part of this work has but a partial connexion with the subject we were led to anticipate. The biographical narrative is but sparingly introduced. It abounds with descriptions, digressions, and conversations on irrelevant topics, and the persuasion is induced, that the writer aims more to display his own talents, than to depict the character of his hero. Advancing farther in the work, these views gradually subside, and the young man occupies that prominent station which the title of the book naturally leads us to expect. In tracing the progress of his degeneracy, we behold a picture which existing realities unhappily too frequently supply. London can furnish many such instances as are here set before us. The steps of deviation are marked with a discriminating hand; and how painful soever they may appear in detail, fidelity accompanies every step, and there is not a feature which needs apply to fancy for a perfect original. Making some allowance for the few encumbrances which we have already noticed, these volumes are well written; and, to a person who will read them through with 2 B 379 Review. Dictionary of Chemistry-Brief Survey of Books. that attention which their importance demands, they will be found worthy of that title which they bear, " An Antidote against Infidelity." To young persons who are fluctuating between the restraints of Christianity and the sorceries of infidel philosophy, this is a book we would strongly recommend. In many of its pages they will find a mirror of their own experience, and by weighing its arguments, and attending to its precepts, they will be recalled to re-embrace the principles of their forefathers, and taught to end their days in virtue and in peace. REVIEW.-A Dictionary of Chemistry, and of Mineralogy as connected with it; in which is attempted a complete List of the Names of Substances, according to the present as well as former Systems. By William Campbell Ottley 8vo. Underwood. London. THE discoveries made by Sir Humphry Davy and other philosophers during the last twenty years, have occasioned an entire change in the theory of chemistry: so that it has, from time to time, been found expedient to make such alterations in the names. of different substances, as should render them most expressive of their newly ascertained properties, and the pervading principle with regard to their composition. Had these changes of nomenclature been made once for all, the embarrassment to the student would have been trifling; but the truth is, they have been vexatiously frequent, and so capricious, that in the names of many substances, not less than a dozen alterations have taken place in as many years. The consequence of this mutability in the language of science is, that some of the best works on chemistry are now become nearly obsolete, and that even more recent publications, of sterling merit, are difficult to be comprehended. Such a dictionary, therefore, as the present, has long been a desideratum, and we are glad to find, that, within a short space, the volume has reached a second impression. This, for a work of practical reference, is a decisive evidence of its character, as shewing that its merits have been duly appreciated by those who are the best judges of the subject. BRIEF SURVEY OF BOOKS. 1. Poems and Hymns, by Jane Kidd, (Hamilton, London,) are about one hundred and fifty in number, forming in the aggregate a miscellaneous group, on subjects which have no other connexion than that which virtue, solemnity, and moral 380 tendency impart. The sentiments are pure, and when figures that may be deemed ornamental are introduced, they communicate no adulteration. The versification is in general smooth and respectable, and on some occasions we discover sparklings of thought and emanations of genius, that are highly creditable to the poetical talents of the writer. 2. Three Questions proposed and answered, concerning the Life forfeited by Adam, the Resurrection of the Dead, and Eternal Punishment. By the Rev. David Thom. 8vo. pp. 110. (Longman, London.) The subjects involved in these questions, all must allow to be important; and the manner in which they have been decided by the author, will be very pleasing to those who dread an hereafter. Mr. Thom asserts, that Adam originally had nothing more than a natural or animal life; ;-that the soul has no existence distinct from the body, and consequently no immortality;-that the idea of eternal punishment, is a mere fiction;—and in short, that to all who die unconverted, death is "an eternal sleep." If his arguments were as forcible as his confidence in them is presumptuous, and his triumphs are daring, this would prove a formidable production. As matters are, we expect that it will soon find its way to the sepulchres of the ungodly, and there remain with them in perpetual repose. 3. The Domestic Guide, or Morning and Evening Prayers for one Month, &c. by Charles Williams, (Westley and Davis, London,) will prove an useful publication to all who require the aid of forms in their family worship. These prayers partake of considerable variety, and embrace all the leading topics of petitionary devotion. The language is plain and solemn, and the length of each prayer is by no means unreasonable. 4. Goldsmith's Abridgment of the History of Rome, and of England, by Robert Simpson, (Oliver and Boyd, Edinburgh,) are works too well known to be affected by either censure or applause. In our schools they have long held an exalted rank, and from the edition now before us they will be in no danger of sustaining any dishonour. 5. Greek Exercises, or an Introduction to Greek Composition, &c., by the Rev. T. Valpy, M.A., (Whittaker, London,) is a work that will be found highly beneficial to those who are studying this dignified and comprehensive language. The name of Valpy is well known in the learned world, and the volume now before us is admirably adapted to perpetuate its | larity. He tells us in his preface, that remembrance. "the system of the Bramins is the most consistent of all systems, and the only true one." In this wild region of philo| sophical romance, the mind is bewildered with a confusion of ideas that overwhelm its reasoning powers, and if none are converted to this system but those who can understand it, the author cannot hope to make many proselytes. Those who delight in the marvellous, and have a great share of credulity, will flock round his standard. 6. Questions in Roman History, with Maps, by John Olding Butler, (Simpkin and Marshall, London,) is well calculated to imprint on the mind of the learner, the principal events that occur in the history of Rome. The introductory chapters contain a delineation of characteristic events, every topic being numbered in the page. At the close of each chapter, the questions are proposed with figures corresponding in their numbers with the preceding list. The contrivance is very simple, but may be turned to great advantage by a pupil that is expert, and it can hardly fail to be serviceable to every one that is not quite a dunce. The second part proceeds much on the same principle, embracing the history of its government, and the incidents connected with its permanence and vicissitudes. The third part is chiefly confined to geographical illustrations; but on each there is a set of questions, which the pupil is expected from his reading to be able to answer. This is an excellent school-book. 7. Meditations on the Works of God, &c., by Edward White Benson, (Houlston and Son, London,) will be read with much interest by all young persons who delight in reflection. It comprises about thirty articles, exhibiting varied phenomena in natural history, accompanied with appropriate and judicious reflections, all calculated to awaken feelings of devotion, and gratitude towards God. It is the production of a mind habituated to an acute observance of the varieties of nature, and which readily knows how to trace existing effects up to their primitive cause. 8. Poems, by Two Brothers, (Simpkin and Marshall, London,) is a poetical nosegay, collected by two youths from the age of fifteen to eighteen, at the foot of Parnassus. Among the flowers which compose this bouquet, are some evergreens pleasingly perfumed with the fragrance of the Aonian mount. These compositions are not alike in merit, but several might be selected which would do honour to an older muse, and there is not one, of which the youthful authors need be ashamed. 9. The Grave of Human Philosophers, Ancient and Modern, or the Universal System of the Bramins, Unveiled, by R. Be'court, translated from the French, by A Dalmas, (Sherwood, London,) is a bold attack both on the religion and the philosophy of Europe; and the impudence of the author is the only foundation on which he can rest his hopes for popu 10. History of the Steam Engine, illustrated with One Hundred and Forty Engravings, by Elijah Galloway, (Steill, London,) traces the history of this wonderful machine through all its gradations, from infancy in remote antiquity, to its present state of perfection. In this inquiry the author displays much acuteness, and indefatigable research. He seems to be intimately acquainted with the varied powers of machinery, as employed in this grand effort of human ingenuity. It is a volume that contains much information, and the engravings are so contrived and executed, that the reader can hardly fail to comprehend the author's delineations; and comprehending, he cannot fail to admire this proudest monument of scientific achievement. 11. Four Sermons on the Priesthood of Christ, by Theophilus Lessey, (Mason, London,) embrace not only the topic expressed in the title page, but several doctrines standing in immediate connexion with it. These discourses enter into what may be justly called the essence of Christianity, and inculcate enlarged and worthy views of God's love to a fallen world, in providing for their redemption from sin and all its consequences. The discussions are highly creditable to Mr. Lessey's talents, both as a Christian, and a minister of the gospel. They will be read with profit by those of his own denomination, and those of other communions, for the time spent in their perusal, would find themselves amply rewarded. 12. Observations on Sound, in Churches, Chapels, Halls of Justice, &c., by H. Matthews, (Sherwood, London,) are rather practical than theoretical, and apply more to architecture than to speculative philosophy. The author's observations are chiefly confined to the construction of public buildings, so as to admit the sound of the voice most clearly and distinctly. In these remarks we discover much rationality, founded on the nature, progress, and obstructions of sound. The author with much justness condemn |