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Art. 27. Valérie ; ou Lettres de Gustave de Linar à Ernest de G-.
2 Vols. 12mo. 78. sewed.
De Boffe, &c. 1854.
The agreeable turn of thought in these letters will furnish a very
acceptable entertainment to the true admirers of nature and simplicity;
while the local information, which is occasionally interspersed, together
with the sentiments and reflections of a refined and well-directed
mind, give additional charms to the scenery, and to the many pleasing
images which are borrowed from views of nature. The insipidity of
enjoyment, and the dissatisfaction, which attend the votaries of
fashion, and those who move in the sphere of high life, are here af
fectingly contrasted with that delight and gladness of heart, which
accompany those who seek to purify and refine their affections in the
paths of piety, and in the duties of active benevolence.

Art. 28. Human Frailties. Interspersed with Poetry, 12mo. 3 Vol.
9s. sewed. Dutton.

When the frailties of human nature are exhibited to public view,
and the characters of those who are lost to a sense of honor and the
love of virtue are introduced to the acquaintance of the reader, he
is poorly rewarded for the acquaintance which he obtains with such
society, unless he is led by the author to draw conclusions in favor
of an opposite line of conduct, and by the contraft between vice and
virtue is strengthened and established in the esteem of the latter. We
do not perceive that this object is sufficiently regarded in the present
portrait of Human Frailties; nor is it in other respects intitled to
much commendation. We learn, however, in these letters, a new
mode of expressing ourselves on certain occasions; for instance: "to
be emerged in business," to "extenuate revenge to too high a
pitch," &c. &c.

Art. 19. Sherwood Forest; or Northern Adventures. By Mrs. Villa
Real Gooch. 12mo. 3 Vols. 12s. Boards. Highley. 1804.
No precise period is assigned by the fair author of this tale, for the
exact time in which these historical anecdotes may be supposed to
have occurred but, as the dwelling-place of the last inhabitants of
a spot in the forest is represented as a perfect ruin at present, we
may conclude that their history, and that of others their contem
poraries, is of no very modern date. If we are right in this inference,
we may be allowed to express our surprise on finding, in the course
of this narrative, a regiment going to the West Indies, at the name
of Christie as an auctioneer, and that of Dr. Willis as a physician.
This history is too much broken and interrupted to form an agreeable
whole; and although it contains some pleasing and some affecting
passages, its contents have scarcely sufficient interest; while the sen
timent is not always correct. To represent an adulterer as deserving
pity rather than blame, (vol. ii. p. 23.) is surely a censurable piece of
morality. Such language, we are aware, is too frequently applied
to the palliation of vicious conduct: but an author, studious to in-
culcate virtuous principles, should cautiously avoid the dangerous
practice of decking vice with a fair and specious robe.

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POETRY.

Art. 30. The Shipwreck, a Poem, by Wm. Falconer, a Sailor. The Text illustrated by additional Notes, and corrected from the 1st and 2d Editions, with a Life of the Author, by James Stanier Clarke, F.R.S. Vicar of Preston, and Chaplain of the Household of the Prince. 8vo. Royal Paper. il. is. Boards. Miller.

1804.

We have here a truly clegant edition of a well-known poem, of standard merit, both in a literary point of view, and as descriptive of the scenes which it depicts. The paper, type, and engravings, all deserve great praise; and the editor has taken pains to illustrate the text by many additional notes, from his own pen, and from those of several friends. The life of the author is also an addition for which the public is indebted to the industry and talents of Mr. Clarke.

Falconer's poem was first printed in 1702, and we spoke of it in deservedly high terms in our xxviith vol. p. 197. the major part of which article is copied by the present editor in his biographical memoir. The poet described the miseries of a scene which he had himself witnessed, having been shipwrecked in a Levant trader, of which he was mate, he and two others alone surviving: but this favorite of the Muses was the sport of Fortune, and was reserved only to experience a second disaster, in which he shared the common fate. He sailed from England in 1769, as purser of the Aurora frigate, which was ordered to take Mr. Vansittart and other supervisors to India; and no tidings of the vessel were ever obtained after she quitted the Cape, except the uncertain testimony of a black sailor, who, in 1773, de posed before the East India Directors that he was one of five persons who escaped from the wreck of the ship on the rocks of Mocoa.

This unfortunate poet was the son of poor parents at Edinburgh, and early went to sea: but he was a striking example of the truth of the adage, "Poeta nascitur, non fit:" nature had stainped him a son of Apollo; and neither the disadvantages of education, nor the obsta cles of a sailor's life, could arrest the efforts of his genius. His situation only gave the theme to his song; and he produced a poem which, in the words of Mr. Clarke, is of inestimable value to this country, since it contains, within itself, the rudiments of navigation: if not sufficient to form a complete seaman, it may certainly be considered as the grammar of his professional science. I have heard many experienced officers declare that the rules and maxims delivered in this poem, for the conduct of a ship in the most perilous emer. gency, form the best, and indeed the only opinions which a skilful mariner should adopt. It is a poem, not only eminent for its sublimity and pathos, but for an harmonious poetic assemblage of technical terms, and maxima, used in navigation: which a young sailor may easily commit to memory; and also such scientific principles as will enable him to lay a sound foundation for his future professional skill

*He was also the author of some minor compositions, odes, songs, &c. and Mr. C. is of opinion that he wrote the famous song of Cease, rude Boreas, blustering railer," usually attributed to G. A. Steevens,

and judgment. We should, therefore, as Britons, respect this poem as the composition of a Naval Sybil.'

In all respects, we can recommend this volume to the notice of our readers to the collector of handsome books, to the lover of beau tiful poetry, and to the curious in marine scenery, whether as amateurs or as professional men.

RELIGIOUS.

Art 31. The Sacred Mirror: or Compendious View of Scripture History, &c. &c. By the Rev. Thomas Smith. 12mo. pp. 300. 48. Boards. Longman and Co.

:

A concise and perspicuous view of the Scripture History, in which the principal events and their corresponding dates might be traced in a manner inviting to youth, has been a desideratum among books intended for their use. We are therefore glad to announce this performance, which in many respects is well calculated to supply the defect but we cannot help regretting that the author should have furnished his compilation with such degmas of divines, as will prove a bar to its becoming a book of general utility. What advantage could the pious author suppose the youthful reader to derive from being told that the Trinity created the world, or from seeing that doctrine proved from the circumstances of our Saviour's baptism?-a proof, we must allow, as subtle as the truest schoolmen can desire.

This was the clearest demonstration ever given to mortals of the existence of the HOLY TRINITY; for though we are told that God (the Father) is a consuming fire, and that none can see him and live; yet upon this solemn occasion, the voice of that God issued from the clouds of heaven whilst his co-equal son stood by the side of the Baptist, and the Holy Ghost rested visibly upon him, as a confirmation of his Divine nature and mission.'

How much better would it have been, had the author, been contented with the simple statement of the Scriptures, and had he forborne to inculcate for doctrines and commandments the glosses and deductions of men!

If Mr. Smith might be induced to expunge these intricacies in a future edition, his Mirror would become a valuable school-book for youth of all parties and denominations.

Art. 32. A Letter to a Parishioner, upon some particular Questions respecting Tithes. With a Postscript containing different Texts of Scripture in Proof of the Arguments adduced in the Letter. 8vo. IS. Law.

This letter writer's arguments deduced from Abraham's paying tithes to the king of Salem, or from the arrangements for the sup port of the tribe of Levi, can have no respect whatever to the Church of Christ under the Gospel, since neither our Lord nor his Apostles have given any directions for following the Levitical ordonnance in providing for the Christian priesthood. The principle, that they who preach the Gospel ought to live by it, does not tend to fix any parti cular mode of support. We consider, therefore, this Gentleman's attempts to establish the divine right of tithes as very impotent, and

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his assertion that they who diminish the value of the rine-tenths to injure the Ministers one-tenth, are guilty of sacrilege towards God,' as very indiscreet. In these times, men are not thus to be frightened and silenced.

MISCELLANEOUS.

Art. 33. Verulamiana; or Opinions on Men, Manners, Literature, Politics, and Theology. By Francis Bacon, Baron of Verulam, &c. &c. To which is prefixed a Life of the Author, by the Editor. 12mo. PP. 350. 4s. 6d. Boards. Dutton. 1803. The present collection, from an author who abounds in wise sentences and apophthegms, is judiciously made; and with the following observation on prerogative and law we were much pleased;

The king's prerogative and the law are not two things; but the king's prerogative is law, and the principal part of the law, the firstborn or pars prima of the law and therefore in conserving or maintaining that, we can serve and maintain the law. There is not in the body of man one law of the head, and another of the body, but all is one entire law.'

It should be recollected that these sentiments were written in the reign of Queen Elizabeth or of king James; and that the opinion on the subject of prerogative at that period, as to its limits and boundaries, would naturally differ from that which is entertained in the present day-but whether circumscribed or extended, prerogative is law, and as such is intitled to protection and regard.

The Life contains interesting facts and reflections, which indicate a mind accustomed to extend its inquiries beyond the surface. We quote a remark in confirmation of this opinion:

He (Lord Bacon) had made deep observations on human nature; but it may be doubted whether this knowledge contributed to his interests. Like most who have perplexed themselves with investigations of this description, he often imagined more cunning than actually existed, and was not unfrequently employed in combating the phantoms of his own creation. It is the error of men long accustomed to the machinations of the world, to believe that all is insincerity, vexation, and vanity; and generally to gather the bitter fruits of their belief. Lord Bacon thought dissimulation in some cases so indispensible, and even justifiable, that he carried it to an extent highly injurious to himself. There is reason for concluding that his extreme love of letters was in a great degree affected, in order to cover his ambition as a politician, by indicating an opinion of his real indifference to public employment: yet his enemies successfully retorted, on this very ground, representing him as a man of learning, rather than business, and therefore unfitted for those situa tions to which he secretly aspired.'

The readers of this little volume will be rewarded for the attention which they bestow on its contents.

Art. 4. The Man in the Moon; consisting of Essays and Critiques on the Politics, Morals, Manners, Drama, &c. of the present Day.

8vo.

pp. 194. 45. sewed. Highley. 1804.

This is an attempt at periodical essay-writing,-the peculiar pro

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vince of minds of the highest culture, the field in which genins, wit,
humour, are usually seen to adorn the fruits of various reading, and
of polished converse. The author before us is not duly possessed of
the pretensions of this order; nature did not intend him, nor do his
attainments qualify him, for occupying this high literary ground. If
however his lucubrations do not add to the stock of information, nor
refine the taste, neither are they chargeable with any vicious or in-
jurious tendency; and the sentiments inculcated are those of a vir
tuous, patriotic, and tolerant mind. No abstruse nor delicate sub-
jects are discussed: but the essayist wisely confines himself to such
as are within the grasp of ordinary strength; and many of his remarks
are deserving of attention.
Jo.

Art. 35. Journal of a short Excursion among the Swiss Landscapes ;
made in the Summer of the Year Ninety-four. 12mo. PP. 132.
Murray. 1803.

It must be admitted that this writer possesses a mind sensible to natural beauty, and that he sketches in a lively and happy manner the scenes which gave him pleasure. Lovers of such descriptions in writing will be pleased therefore with the repast which is here prepared for them, though not served in the highest style. One track not often trodden by Swiss tourists, because it is open only to pedestrians, was followed by this traveller; it it that which leads from Meyringen to Lucerne, through the canton of Underwalden. The scenery which here meets the eye almost warrants the strong language in which this author speaks of it, when he says, All that can be found in nature, poetry, or dreams, the canton of Underwald shewed us this day.' Swiss scenes, however, will in future not administer to British bosoms the pleasures which they were wont to communicate, viz. those which arose from regarding them as the residence of an independent and high-spirited people. The chief beauty of the landscape has faded, and the charm which constituted its highest interest has vanished.

That the Valaisannes had no existence but in the imagination of Rousseau, can hardly be a discovery to any of the readers of his fascinating romance.

Jo. Art. 36. An Essay on the Art of ingeniously Tormenting; with proper Rules for the Exercise of that amusing Study. Humbly addressed Part I. to the Master, Husband, &c. Part II. to the Wife, Friend, &c. With some general Instructions for plaguing all your Acquaintance. Cr. 8vo. pp. 229. 6s. Boards. Miller. 1804. This successful effort at ironical instruction was first published in 1753, and was adequately noticed in our viiith vol. p. 274. The present editor is the Rev. J S. Clarke, who ascribes the production to Miss Jane Collier, eldest sister of Dr. Collier of the Commons, the intimate friend of the celebrated Fielding and his sister Sarah. Few biographical particulars of this lady have come to the editor's knowlege: but he adds that she enjoyed the friendship and confidence of Richardson; and that she and her friend Miss S. Fielding were excellent Greek and Latin scholars. The work is handsomely printed.

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