As a minister of the gospel, Dr. Bogue's chief excellence was faithful diligence. He studied to shew himself approved of God, a workman that needed not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. To theology, the proper study of a minister, he gave his days and nights. He sought out the best authors, whether English or foreign; and early availed himself of his perfect command of Latin, to read through the ponderous folios and quartos written in that language by divines of the various nations of Europe. These he often perused by the midnight lamp: for I have heard one of his hearers, who was a baker, and lived opposite to the house in which Dr. Bogue lodged before he was married, say, "Often have I risen at four or five o'clock in the morning, to prepare my bread, and have seen my minister rise from his studies, and put out his lamp to go to bed." This practice, however, he rather regretted than recommended. He advised his students to regard him here, not as an example to be imitated, but as a beacon on a dangerous shore, warning the mariner to shun the rock on which others split. It is said, that the celebrated Dr. Owen declared, at the close of life, that he would gladly give back all the learning he had acquired after ten o'clock at night, if he could recover all the health he had lost after that hour. Those who rise early, and those who study late, have been called morning stars and evening stars; but the morning star is the harbinger of day, while to the evening star there remains the blackness of darkness. The sweet hour of prime, and a head cleared and refreshed by the repose of night, are far more conducive to healthful labours, than the midnight lamp, with a body and mind wearied by the toils and cares of the day. There are physical reasons for complying with the order of Providence, which has evidently given the day for labour and the night for rest." pp. 409. The admonitory advice given in the above paragraph, is as wholesome as the disapprobation which it expresses is candid and faithful, With many such salutary hints and observations, the work abounds; and, independently of the narrative, these reflections and remarks may be perused with much advantage. From his age, his character, his long standing in the Christian church, and the conspicuous station which he occupied in it for many years, Dr. Bogue was deserving of an able biographer, and this he has happily found in his friend Dr. Bennet. little or no connexion. A ponderous folio is indeed formidable in its appearance, but it will be found, on due reflection, that few volumes of this description have ever done much good or harm to the sentiments and morals of mankind. On the contrary, it has frequently been observed, that in the political world many a diminutive pamphlet has given a powerful impulse to public opinion; while, in the theological, a few spirited tracts have created sensations, which the laborious patience of Caryl was never able to accomplish. The preceding remarks have been suggested by a perusal of the two discourses now before us; both are, indeed, of a highly exalted character, but the first is so much elevated above the common element of sermonizing, that it is entitled to more notice than the mere number of its pages would seem to justify. This we conceive will plead as an apology for our attempt to analyze its contents. In his first proposition, the learned author proceeds to demonstrate the necessity of a divine revelation. This he does by proving, that the nations of the earth, most renowned in history for having made singular advances in civilization, jurisprudence, and science, were nevertheless ignorant of a saving knowledge of the only true God. Under his second proposition, he states and elucidates, from numerous passages of scripture, the various ways in which a revelation of the Divine will has been given to men. This is so comprehensive, that we can scarcely mention a mode of communication within the range of possibility, that it does not encircle in its wide embrace. Conceiving the preceding propositions to have been satisfactorily proved, Dr. Clarke, in his third head, proceeds to consider the various languages in which these divine communications were made and recorded. This leads him into an interesting historical detail of facts, in which a profound ac ced, and in which the author's knowledge of events and circumstances appears in a most advantageous light. REVIEW.-Two Sermons preached in Ler-quaintance with the sacred writings is evinwick, in the Shetland Islands, on July 2d and 18th, 1827: the former on "God's Mercy in giving a Revelation of his Will to Man, and his Providence in preserving that Revelation from Corruption and Decay ;" and the latter on "the Sum and Substance of St. Paul's Preaching." By Adam Clarke, LL.D. F. A. S. &c. &c. pp. 36-32. Butterworth. London. 1827. THERE are few readers who require to be told, that the magnitude of a book is a bad criterion of its value, since between its importance and its size there is very often but historical account of the ancient versions, His fourth proposition comprehends an or translations, by which this divine revelation has been diffused and authenticated. This leads the learned author to take notice of the most ancient manuscripts that are in the world, and to point out the archives in which they have been and are now deposited, together with the troublesome care taken by the Jews, that nothing should ever be permitted to pollute the sacred stream. From these primitive sources he details consecutive order the translations and versions which the holy books have undergone while passing down on the stream of time, adverting to the occasions which called these versions into existence, and rationally accounting for the idiomatic peculiarities by which the various translations are distinguished. In this manner he proceeds from age to age both with the Old Testament and the New, until he reaches the period when the art of printing was invented, through which we are conducted to the present day. His fifth proposition goes to prove, that this Revelation is still entire, that no parts have been lost, and that no spurious writings have been added. The evidence adduced under this head constrains us to admire the superintending providence of God in providing such means as have always existed, to preserve the sacred text from all adulteration. Of the books that compose the Old Testament, the Jews have preserved both the number and the name, and distinguished them by such registers as must render either an increase or a diminution of their number morally impossible. The New Testament has, in a manner equally remarkable, been guarded by the multiplicity of copies that always have been, and that still continue in existence, by which means any error that had crept in through transcribing was sure to be detected and exposed; and a manuscript having lost its value with its character, could never descend to posterity, so as to impose upon the world a spurious or defective revelation. Under these and a few other heads, Dr. Clarke has furnished his readers with a summary of facts and evidences, which, scattered through the writings of antiquity, and recorded in various languages, would be the business of an ordinary life to acquire and embody. The whole of this vast mass of information, with its numerous ramifications and bearings, the author has compressed within the narrow compass of thirty-six pages; and by thus offering to his readers the essence of that historical testimony on which the fabric of Christianity stands, in a form that may be easily committed to memory, he has made the Christian world his debtor. Of sect and party it takes no notice, nor should we gather from the perusal of this discourse what were the prevailing features of the author's creed. To those who, having embraced the principles of infidelity, think that Christianity stands on a sandy foundation, we would earnestly recommend the serious perusal of this sermon. It will be found also of essential service to such persons as occasionally find themselves exposed to the scoffs of men who deny the authenticity of the scriptures; and even those who are occasionally assailed with doubts arising from other quarters, will find in this pamphlet an antidote for their scruples. Perhaps, benevolent individuals who are engaged in the distribution of tracts could scarcely apply a portion of their funds to a more beneficial purpose, than by purchasing a number of copies of this discourse, and distributing them in those districts where infidelity prevails, among such persons as are capable of estimating the intrinsic value of the tract thus put into their hands. The second discourse, on "the Sum and Substance of the Apostles' Preaching," has also strong claims on public attention, arising from its experimental and practical tendency, from the force of its argumentation, the clearness of its statements, and the purity of its doctrines. But though excellent in itself, it falls more within the range of sermons that are daily delivered, and that daily issue from the press. Its predecessor, on the contrary, ascends into a more lofty region, which divines but rarely visit, but where many among them may "On weak wings from far pursue its flight " as it directs its course through the present generation to posterity. REVIEW.-Literary Souvenir, for 1828. pp. 406. Longman and Co. London. Edited by Alaric A. Watts. THE return of the autumnal season has once more introduced us into the happy and congenial society of these "annual" welcome visitors. Dressed in their gay attire, they appear this year in more than ordinary numbers; but we hail them as cheerful guests, to enliven the dreary hours of an approaching winter. We are glad to perceive a liberal spirit of rivalry excited among them as candidates for public patronage, that is worthy of the cause in which they are engaged. An honourable emulation is the very soul of genius; and the generous and diffusive cultivation of such a principle, is as noble in its exercise, as it is beneficial in its consequences. If, under such circumstances, competition become allied to contemporary equality, it were unjust as well as disreputable, to lavish praise exclusively on one, to the disparagement and palpable injury of the other. Holding no friendship with the puffing quackery of the day, we despise those narrow-minded criticisms The Literary Souvenir has again poured forth its choicest treasures, and teems in all its wonted beauty and variety. In the graphic department, we are presented with fourteen embellishments, twelve of which are splendid line engravings, executed in the most finished style of the art, and by the most eminent engravers of the day, from paintings of well-known beauty and celebrity. Of the historical engravings, the two executed by Charles Rolls, namely Juliet after the Masquerade, by Thomson; and the Duke and Duchess reading Don Quixote, after Leslie; the Medora, by Henry Rolls, after Pickersgill; Psyche borne by the Zephyrs, by Engleheart, after Wood; the Thief Discovered, by Humphrys, after Chalon; and the Stolen Kiss, by Romney, after Allan, are exceedingly beautiful. There are four other historical engravings, namely, the Declaration, by Romney, after Farrier; the Ruby of the Philippine Isles, by Greatbatch, after Chalon; the Conversation, by Ensom, after Stothard; and Love Tormenting the Soul, by Lewis and Greatback, after Wood. While it may seem invidious to make a selection where all are of the highest order in the arts, we cannot forbear particularly noticing The Return of a Victorious Armament to a Greek City, after Linton, by Edward Goodall. The subject is splendidly designed and not less splendidly executed. For richness and delicacy of engraving, it stands unrivalled in the book before us;-in short, it is one of the most chaste and elegant specimens of the art we ever beheld. As it regards the literary, and perhaps more useful, contents of the Souvenir, the celebrated names of Southey, Coleridge, Mrs. Hemans, Montgomery, Barry Cornwall, L. E. L., Bernard Barton, Miss Mitford, Delta, Dr. Maginn, Alaric A. Watts, Hood, Allan Cunningham, Bowles, Dale, Doubleday,Clare, Lord John Russell, Elton, the Author of Holland Tide, &c. are a sufficient pledge of its high and distinguishing character; and the elegance of whose productions throws around it a charm and lustre, seldom concentrated, but always admired. With indefatigable ardour, to enhance the liberal decorations of these "Annuals," Mr. Watts has raised to a pitch of eminence, hither. to unknown, this highly interesting and useful art of engraving; nor does he seem to | have laboured less zealously in preserving the literary department free from all taint of moral pollution; or to have give publicity to one sentiment calculated to offend the most sensitive or fastidious ear. It gives us, therefore, much pleasure to mention, that the bold and enterprising spirit of Mr. W. is not likely to go unrewarded. Each preceding Souvenir has hitherto continued to receive fresh testimonies of public approbation by an increased circulation; and 9000 copies of the work before us have been already disposed of, and a second edition is printed, to meet the importunate demands that are made on the publishers. We regret that our limits will not allow of many extracts. We must content ourselves, therefore, with presenting a short sample of the work, almost promiscuously, and without any thing like attempt at studied selection. THE VOICE OF HOME. To thy spirit's early loves? With sweet laughter in their sound. In thine altered heart hath died. Sweet dews may freshen soon But not for evermore. To the gladness of the woods, There is kept a place for thee, Tender, and gravely sweet. STANZAS, Written on seeing Flags and other Ensigns of War hanging in a Country Church.-By ALARIC A. WATTS. On why amid this hallowed scene Of these how many records rise And thou, mild delegate of God, And turn our thoughts on deeds of blood,- It now only remains for us to say, that the exterior is splendidly chaste and elegant. It is most tastefully bound in rich satin paper, and the covers are ornamented with a Greek design of great beauty; the figures of Poetry and Painting occupy the centre squares. The typography is neat and clear; the paper hot-pressed; and the whole work forms a rich cabinet of poetry and romance. BRIEF SURVEY OF BOOKS. 1. Miscellaneous Poems, by James Taylor, Royton, (Evans, Oldham,) is an extraordinary composition, when the situation of the author is taken into consideration. From an advertisement which reached us with the volume, we learn that he is a journeyman cotton-weaver, who, at the age of twenty-four, did not know the letters of the alphabet. During the late distresses, while others of this craft were in a state of riot, and associating to commit depredations, he learnt to read and write, and in the result composed and published the poems before us. These circumstances disarm criticism of severity, and compel us to view the work in connexion with the author's situation in life, and his total deficiency in learning; and in this light they assume an aspect that merits much respect. In several of the poems we discover strong emanations of genius, exhibited in diversified description, in touches of humour, and in pointed yet inoffensive satire. Of every one the tendency is strictly moral, and in many there is much smoothness and harmony in the versification.-Among the author's more wealthy neighbours, we find that these poems have excited great attention, and many have condescended to visit him and his family in their mansion of poverty. In addition to this, several have had the noble resolution to invite the poet in his garb of labour to their tables, and to recommend him to the notice of their friends. By this generous magnanimity they have reaped as much honour for themselves, as they have conferred favour on him; and we shall be glad to learn that the extensive sale of his publication has rescued him from the griping hand of wretchedness, under which the Muse deigned to visit his abode. 2. An Almanack for 1828, by William Rogerson, (Stephens, London,) is the production of a young man who is connected with the Royal Observatory at Greenwich. In common with other Almanacks, it contains the calendar, tide-tables, the stations of the planets, and an account of the eclipses for the year. It has also many very useful tables of the assessed taxes, of weights and measures, according to the new regulations, a list of stamps, of general postage, of his majesty's ministers, of the royal family, of the reigning sovereigns in Europe, the proper lessons for the day in the established church, meteorological observations, an explanation of astronomical characters, a list of fairs in England and Wales, and several other branches of useful information. Its statements appear luminous and correct, nor are any of its pages wasted in a display of silly prognostication. 3. A Pronouncing Vocabulary, with Lessons in Prose and Verse, &c. by George Fulton, (Oliver and Boyd, Edinburgh,) contains some excellent rules for the pronunciation of letters as they occur in words, exemplified by a variety of examples. The lessons embody the terms in tales that are entertaining as well as instructive. It concentrates within its pages a considerable share of valuable information. matical exercises are very short, and consequently defective. They are so, however, through brevity, not actual error. By a pupil, many questions may be asked, for which they provide no answer. The gram GENERAL WASHINGTON. THIS justly celebrated character, whose name will cease to be remembered, when the independence of America is forgotten, was born in Virginia, in February, 1732, and early in life devoted himself to the military profession. During his career, he experienced much of the vicissitudes of war, but rose at length to the highest pinnacle, on which either the arms or suffrages of a country can elevate a hero, a patriot, or a statesman. Having lived to see the independence of America secured, and filled for many years the highest office in the state, he retired, encircled with honours that can never fade, to enjoy in domestic tranquillity, the gratitude, of an affectionate and liberated people, bequeathing to posterity a bright example of talent, courage, virtue, and moderation. Of this Fabius, this Cincinnatus of the great western world, we present the following Autograph to our readers. Wesleyan Methodists' New Test Act. While other bodies of dissenters have been using every exertion in 'their power to procure a repeal of old Test Act, this community have contrived to call a new one into existence. It passed during their late session of Conference held in Manchester, and is as follows:-"The Conference resolve, That it is the acknowledged right," and, under existing circumstances, the indis pensable duty, of every Chairman of a district, to ask all candidates for admission upon trial amongst us, if they believe the doctrine of the Eternal Sonship of our Lord Jesus Christ, as it is stated by Mr. Wesley, especially in his Notes upon the first chapter of the epistle to the Hebrews, to be agreeable to the holy scriptures? and, That it is also the acknowledged right,' and, under existing circumstances, the pensable duty,' of the President of the Conference for the time being, to examine particularly upon that doctrine, every preacher proposed to be admitted into full connexion, and to require an explicit and unreserved declaration of his assent to it, as a truth revealed in the inspired oracles." 'indis Catholic Pulpit Eloquence. A distinguished champion of the doctrines of the Reformation, having lately, in the sister kingdom, drawn a large concourse of people, both Protestants and Papists, to listen to his harangues, a priest of the latter communion took occasion to warn his flock against the eloquence of this heretic, in the following manner. "You all know that Mr. S*** there is preaching against our holy faith. Mr. S. I know very well---he is a dacent enough man, and I know'd his father too---he was a very good lawyer, and a dacent man also. Mr. S. is working for a bit of bread, and small blame to him---but look at me now; I repeat it, look at me now; I am the man in the moon--I say again, my hearers, I am the man in the moon. what is Mr. S.; a little dog; and he turns up his snout at me, and barks thus: bow---wow ---WOW---WOW--Wow." His imitation of the barking of a dog was so natural, that it spoiled the gravity of his whole audience, and convinced those persons who were conversant with the prophetic writings, that however he may be one of those "greedy dogs which can never have enough," he is not one of those "dumb dogs which cannot bark." But A Travelling Volume-In this city (Cairo) where it is vain to long for books to beguile the sultry hours,I had the exquisite pleasure of meeting with a copy of "The Pleasures of Hope." How it came there, is not easy to tell, but it was a most welcome and delightful stranger on the banks of the Nile. It accompanied me afterwards through Palestine and Syria, and in the wilderness; and in solitary hours, what better and more inspiring consolation, could a wanderer wish for? This little volume has been no small traveller. On leaving Syria, I gave it to the daughter of the English consul - general at Beirout, at the foot of Mount Lebanon, where, from the value placed on its contents, it is likely to be inviolably preserved."-Carne's Letters vol. 1. p. 190. Navarino. This place, which is rendered famous by the recent destruction of the Turkish fleet, was originally called Pylos, and obtained renown from being the supposed birth-place of the venerable Nestor, whose name Homer has made inmortal. Navarino is situated on an eminence, and overlooks an extensive harbour which bears the same name. In 1499 it was taken from the Venetians by the Turks, who in 1722 built the citadel, which is defended by six bastions. In 1770 it was taken by the Russians. It is about ten miles from Modon, and is near the most south-west point of the Morea. Linnean Society. At the last meeting of the Linnean Society, Mr. Maund, the author of a beautifully executed periodical work, the "Botanic Garden," was admitted a fellow thereof. We are happy to see men who are proving themselves useful in science, meeting with the notice they merit. The work above alluded to, modestly professing but little, is, from its popular charac ter, to floriculture of the very first importance. Wherever this delightful pursuit has been thought of, his little publication is extending and improving it; and what is of still greater importance, it is introducing a taste for it, where none before existed. Mr. Maund, we conceive, publishes for the sake of giving encouragement to his favourite pursuit, as an amateur; for certain it is, that the remuneration from a work sold at so low a price must be very limited. Strange Petrefaction.-A very singular petrefaction has been dug from a seam of coal in Stonelaw colliery, fifty fathoms below the ground, The petrefaction consists of a thin piece of coal, with the distinct impression of a shoal of small flounders, in the exact position in which these fish swim, being ranged in separate rows. eyes are prominent; and the small bones of the back may be easily traced in all the fish--Newcastle Chronicle. The Illiberality.-Jackson, in his "State of the Jews," informs us, page 7, that on many of the turnpike gates in Germany, the following inscription may be seen:-"Jews and Pigs pay toll here." |