Imágenes de páginas
PDF
EPUB
[ocr errors]

342 REVIEW.-Bp. of Llandaff's Charge.-Life of Geo. IV. [April,

A Charge delivered to the Clergy of the Diocese of Llandaff, at his Primary Visitation in September 1830, by Edward Lord Bishop of Llandaff. 8vo. pp. 34.

THE Bishop, with his known talent, has ably vindicated the cause of the Church Ministers, who have been of late years grossly libelled; though, in point of fact, they are persons who endeavour to do all the good which they possibly can. But how can they be expected to succeed in religion, more than statesmen do in politics? Nothing but fear or interest can make men unanimous in any thing; and wherever there is freedom of opinion and action, the variety of sects shows in se the operation of that freedom, but not the right or wrong of the matter. The desire of knowing this is not the motive, and motive influences action.

A clamour of the present day is particularly directed against the non-residence of beneficed clergymen. But every man of fairness knows the truth of the following paragraph:

"Residence is, in many instances, a thing either physically or morally impossible. There is often a legal, or rather a technical, non-residence, which in no degree affects the spiritual interests of the parish. There is often a non-residence of persons actively and zealously engaged in parochial duties, for which their talents are peculiarly qualified, while their own benefice is served by a person equally appropriate to that situation. A derangement of these plans might improve the abstract symmetry of our Establishment, but it would be at the expense of the practical benefit, for which it was itself created. The end would be sacrificed to the means; and a cruel disregard would be manifested, not only of the feelings of the clergy, but of the more important interests of the parishioners themselves."-pp. 27,28. Does the master always do his own work, in any one line of business whatever? Is such a thing ever required as indispensable? If the work is well done, or the goods well made, does any one care who did the one, or made the other?

Memoirs of the Life and Reign of George the Fourth. (Dr. Lardner's Cabinet Library.)

GEORGE the Third chose for his pattern character the English country gentleman, and George the Fourth that of a man of fashion. A King of England is not required, as on the

Continent, to be a general, a philosopher, or a man of business. He is to be umpire upon all concerns of state, and studious of conciliating his subjects, by humouring their habits, customs, and prejudices. If he is a family man, he best pleases the wisest part of the nation, and George the Third found the success of that policy: he was an esquire of moral character. George the Fourth was an officer, with all the ton of that finishing school, the Guards. Our author has most ably and minutely dissected every bone, muscle, and sinew of their respective characters; even tweezered out their grey from their black hairs. That he has so done with more contracted ideas than becomes a liberal man of good society, is, we fear, too true; but there is the highest value and precision in his remarks; and composed as England is, in the main, of stiff people and sectaries, his work will be the more likely to please them. There are thousands who like to see characters through microscopes. We do not, because humanum est errare, et nemo omnibus horis sapit; and because we should not like ourselves always to live in state, and act and move only as automatons. There are, too, more valuable machines worked by steam than by gravity. Buonaparte and Talleyrand, who were worked by steam, did greater things than the Emperor of Austria and Prince Metternich, machines of clock-work.

Every body has heard of the strange person who turned the "Whole Duty of Man" into a libel, by marginal notes, affixing to his neighbours severally, by name, the vices denounced in the text of the work. George the Third did a similar thing, no doubt with the prudential motive of regulating his conduct in regard to persons with whom he might have to deal, and who were too numerous to be satisfactorily recollected. We really do not put the harsh construction upon the matter which our author has done. It was evidently not a manuscript intended for publication or injury. It was well known to be a habit of George III. to write in various folios, for an hour after he rose in the morning. This practice was not obviously consistent with his want of facility and taste in any sort of composition; but his manuscripts were only registers of names, with notes annexed, of the services, the offences, and the characters, as he

1831.]

REVIEW-Annual Retrospect for 1831.

judged them, of the respective persons. "In addition," says a publication of 1779, "to the numerous private registers always kept by the King, and written with his own hand, he has lately kept another, of all those Americans who have either left the country voluntarily rather than submit to the rebels, and also of such as have been driven out by force; with an account of their losses and services."

Annual Retrospect of Public Affairs for 1831.

(Dr. Lardner's Cabinet Library.)

AT a time when public opinion, the "popularis aura," or rather "procella," professes to have a capacity of ruling, an Eolus is necessary to control it. That Eolus ought to be the public press; and it should be conducted upon the principles of sound political science and high reason; otherwise it is merely a follis fabulis. Now, a better model for newspaper writing on political subjects, than this book, we know not. It is impartial, and gives the scientific laws of the respective subjects upon which it treats. If it leans to party, it is rather to praise the talents of the leaders than to vindicate mistakes, if there are such. The character of Geo. IV., though verging upon severity, is given with a stern justice and unimpeachable accuracy, that show it to be the best ever written; but it is too long to extract.

With regard to the Press, our author, speaking of the late Bourbon government, justly says:

"The very complaint that journalism, or the periodical press, had declared war against the government, was an admission that public opinion was their enemy for journals, in order to possess influence, must be read; in order to be read, they must be approved of; and in order to be approved of, must coincide with the doctrines or flatter the prejudices of those by whom they are purchased."-p. 25.

So true is this remark, that the various newspapers of England are barometers of the opinions of the several parties to whose political biasses they are respectively addressed.

As to the predominance of aristocracy or democracy, it generally turns upon one point. Where property is in few hands, the former rules; where it is much subdivided, the latter. In counties, where one, two, or very few individuals have held nearly

343

the whole property of the soil, Tory members have almost always been returned to Parliament; in others, the reverse for it is happily noted by Plutarch, that when wealth is dispersed among the people, the desire of liberty increases with it. But democracy may be ruinous, and monarchy conservative; where and how, our author thus excellently shows. The Allied Powers had resolved to make Greece a monarchy, and the decision, he says, was right; for

"Every attempt which the Greeks themselves had made to establish a government had only begun in faction and ended in anarchy; because they adopted the democratic model, for which neither their progress in civilization nor the structure of their society had fitted them. Ambitious and unprincipled chieftains, accustomed under the Turkish dominion to a life of rapine and violence, habituated to constant feuds, unacquainted with the restraints of social life, and unable to relish the blessings of peace and order, could neither be safely enlican government, nor be expected to subtrusted with the administration of a repubmit to its feeble control. În such hands, a republican auministration would have degenerated into an oligarchy of turbulent capitani, or rapacious primates, oppressive to the people, and factiously hostile to each other, affording no guarantee of internal order, and as little qualified to promote social happiness or to extend civilization as the Turkish pachas whom they succeeded. Nothing but a monarchical government, with sufficient power and resources to command the obedience, instead of consulting the passions of the emancipated slaves of despotism, could establish order amid such elements of confusion, restore industry and cultivation on the traces of a desolating war, and render the interference of the allies a blessing to the great body of the people. The parties to the treaty of London were therefore right in deciding on the form of government to be given to the Greeks."—p. 49.

The History of Maritime and Inland Discovery, Vol. III. Geography. (Dr. Lardner's Cabinet Cyclopædia.)

VOYAGES and Travels grow out of a principle similar to that of Columbus's egg; one enterprising man shows the way, and others follow. New objects in natural history, and admirable specimens of mechanical skill, are discovered; but nothing which has the aspect of construction upon scientific principles, or growing out of them. But in these researches, except with

344

REVIEW.-History of Maritime Discovery.

regard to the bread-fruit tree (which is not equal to the potatoe), there has been a sad neglect. We mean, for one instance, the medico-botanical properties of different herbs; a circumstance which we mention, not from any disrespect to the enterprising and eminent voyagers, but from the possibility of discovering many most important adjuncts to the materia medica, amounting to absolute specifics, in reference even to horrible diseases, such as hydrophobia. The reports of the Medico-botanical Society have suggested to us this improvement ; and we think that there may be others. Europeans have rather communicated than borrowed public benefits; but although we do not know that any advantage would be derived from importation of kangaroos, we still think that opportunities are presented of gaining fast-growing trees and shrubs, which might be naturalized in our climate. What an acquisition, for instance, would be the bamboo and prickly pear, if they could be grown here, which we by no means affirm. We only know, that hedgingstuff, of much faster growth than quickset, would of itself alone be a most valuable acquisition; and there might be such entangling shrubs, as would preserve game by being impermeable even to dogs, and by their pliancy and durability presenting perhaps an article of manufacture superior for basket-work to withies and rushes,

A Manual of the Rudiments of Theology containing an abridgment of Bishop Tomline's Elements; an analysis of Paley's Evidences; a summary of Bishop Pearson on the Creed; and a brief exposition of the Thirty-Nine Articles, chiefly from Bishop Burnet; together with other miscellaneous matters connected with Jewish rites and ceremonies, &c. &c. By the Rev. J. B. SMITH-The work is most satisfactorily executed; and we recommend the following extract to the perusal of those who believe that persons unauthorised by episcopal ordination can validly administer the sacred rites of the church. Au instance of the generally-received opinion of the invalidity of Presbyterian ordination in primitive times, is seen in the case of Ischyras, who was deposed by the Synod of Alexandria, because Calluthus, who ordained him, was supposed to be no more than a Presbyter, though he pretended to be a Bishop. It appears, therefore, that only episcopal church government and episcopal ordination have the sanction of the primitive church of Christ."

and applicable to many

poses.

[April, other pur

The following extract will show that Egyptian antiquities ascend to the earliest æras.

"About fifteen yards from the landingplace at Easter Island was found a perpendicular wall of square new stone, about eight feet in height, and nearly sixty in length; another wall parallel to the first, and about forty feet distant from it, was raised to the same height; the whole area between the walls was filled up and paved with square stones of blackish lava. The stones of the walls were so carefully fitted as to make a durable piece of architecture. In the midst of the area was a pillar, consisting of a single stone about twenty feet high and about five feet wide, representing the human figure down to the waist. The workmanship was rude, but not bad; nor were the features of the face ill formed, but the ears were long beyond proportion. On the top of the head was placed upright a huge round cylinder of stone above five feet in height and in diameter; this cap, which resembled the headdress of an Egyptian, divinity, was formed of a kind of stone different from that which

composed the rest of the pillar, and had a hole on each side, as if it had been made by turning. It did not appear that the statues were objects of worship; and it is difficult to explain how the natives could carve such huge statues with tools made of boues and shells; yet on the eastern side of the island they were numerous enough to employ the male population for many centuries.”—p. 53.

This book abounds with curious information, and is most judiciously compiled.

Modern Fanaticism Unveiled.-Mr. Irving has certainly committed himself to a very imprudent extent, in his Human Nature of Christ;" and against him this book is more particularly directed; but it would have been better if it had been itself less mystical.

We doubt not the good character and intentions of the Gentlemen mentioned in the Rev. E. W. GRINFIELD's Sketches of the Danish Mission on the Coast of Coromandel ; but it is our rule to judge of these things by their operation upon the manners of the people. Most of the Missionaries of whom we have heard, seem to consider a voluntary martyrdom, as a sure title to salvation, rather their duty, than, by uniting the office of medical moralists and schoolmasters, the reform and civilization of the subjects whom they address. They seem to put practical behind theoretical Christianity.

Dr. Wheeler, in his Theological Lectures, says, that we are not authorized by Scripture to speak definitively concerning the

[blocks in formation]

modes of our future rewards and punishinents. We therefore decline giving any opinion concerning Mr. CowLAND's Spark to illumine, but refer him to the Divinity Professor whom we have named.

The Bible-Lyrics, and other Verses, are not without poetical spirit; but we do not think it in good taste to play country-dances and waltzes on the Bible, as if it were a fiddle, and dance to them. We allude to p. 35, &c. where we find the poetical measure proper to light poetry thus employed.

We wish Mr. BERNAY'S German Poetical Anthology every success; for, as a classbook for students, it seems to deserve it.

There is much solid reason and energetic eloquence in the Rev. JOHNSON GRANT'S Six Lectures on Liberality and Expedience.

With the ordinary Gospel we are fully satisfied; extraordinary ones we do not recognize; and, therefore, when Mr. STRATTON, in his Book of the Priesthood, allegates that no Hierarchy or Priesthood was ever intended or conferred by authority of Scripture, we conceive his work to be got up in a factious spirit, regardless of veracity, for a sinister object.

The Young Christian's Sunday Evening, is a good book for instructing young persons in the early History of the Bible.

Remarks on the present Distresses of the Poor. By GEORGE HENRY LAW, &c. &c. Lord Bishop of Bath and Wells. 8vo. pp. 26. 2d edit. We are sure, in the writings of this Prelate, to which we have always paid the most respectful attention, to find excellent good sense united with philanthropy. The present pamphlet refers to the beneficial effects of allotments to the poor; and to that system, upon a proper, limited scale, we most cordially assent. It certainly is in the power of many landlords, where there is a scanty population, to have no poor at all, and, in various manufacturing parishes, by institutions similar to friendly societies, and the encouragement of moral and providential habits, to alleviate the pressure of severe

want.

Mr. Becher has proved both these positions. They have also been partially exemplified elsewhere, but having treated the subject more copiously at various times, we can only pray that the example of the Prelate whose tract is before us, may make that impression which the importance of the subject merits.

History of the County Palatine of Lancaster. By EDWARD BAINES, Esq. 4to. The first Number of a regular History of this important County has appeared, supGENT. MAG. April, 1831.

345

ported by a very extensive List of Subscribers. The typographical elegance and ornamental illustrations are very inviting, and the price extremely reasonable. This Work will embrace a general history of the County, followed by the history of each Hundred, arranging the parishes in each hundred according to their local connection. The manufactures and commerce of the County will be fully investigated. From the large collections formed by Mr. Baines, and the success of his former labours, we auger well for his present undertaking. We are glad to observe that the biographical collections of Mr. W. R. Whatton, F.S. A. relative to eminent Natives of Lancashire, have been transferred to this work, to which they will doubtless form a valuable addition.

The ultimate Remedy for Ireland, (written, it is believed, by Mr. ROWLEY LASCELLES,) is the entire amalgamation of it, as one Country with England. However difficult may be some of the plans in the execution, it is known that petty federalities and distinctions obstruct the "good working" of Government. The principal object of the writer is to amalgamate the two Kingdoms into a kind of fellow-feeling with regard to their reciprocal interests, and for this purpose he strongly recommends an extensive plan of colonization from England—a plan, we apprehend, too Utopian for adoption. "These Colonies," he observes, "might be distributed into villages, as so many stations, of 500 or 1,000 families strong, along the Shannon, branching out into Munster; along the canals, and lining the edges of all reclaimable marsh and mountain lands; or elsewhere, in all directions, assuming Athlone as a centre. Their numbers, thus distributed, would be too few to excite the apprehensions of Government, on the one hand, and they would be too many to dread midnight plunder or assassination, on the other."

We heartily wish that the Retired East India Officer, who, in his Friend to Austratia, has recommended to Government an ingenious plan for exploring the interior of that wilderness, may find the attention which the importance of the subject and his public spirit demand.

Mr. Crocker's Poems have a merit which, considering that he is a self-educated man, put to shame many who, from superior means, ought to sing at least like Robins, yet only chirp like Sparrows.

We are glad to see that the concluding volume (No. V.) of Murphy's Tacitus, being a continuation of the Family Classical Library, has passed Mr. Valpy's press. This volume has notes annexed to the Manners of

[blocks in formation]

the Germans, and Life of Agricola, very interesting to the English reader. We think that the site of the battle between Galcacus and Agricola is satisfactorily shown to have been in Strathearn, near the Kirk of Comerie. The inimitable conclusion of the Agricola is in the translation as fine as in the original. Of the translation here given it is, according to our knowledge, the best, i. e. the best translation of an untranslatable author, so far as literary character, not mere narrative, is concerned. There are many persons who cannot read the original at all, and others who cannot decipher its meaning without the Latin text, which even the interpolation of an auxiliary verb would enfeeble.

As to the Rev. SAM. CHARLES WILKS's Duty of prompt and complete Abolition of Slavery, no man of right feeling will contest the position, and no fair man dispute the eloquence and ability of the author. But when we find in the anti-slavery publications uncalled-for calumnies against the bishops and regular clergy, and an utter disregard of life or property, we are inevitably inclined to suspect, that the motives of the violent abolitionists are not pure; and that they are most improper persons to be entrusted with political power. In our Review of Capt. Kotzebue's work, we have shewn in what manner missions have been abused, viz. to the establishment of a more pernicious and selfish priestcraft, that of purposely keeping the people in a state of barbarism, and murdering them by thousands in wars of opinion. If Government can devise a safe and eligible method of abolishing slavery, we shall be among the first to rejoice; but we have no favourable opinion of "cooks who spoil broth," who meddle with the business to disseminate ruin and misery, from bad or erroneous motives.

The Anti-slavery Reporters of January 5th and February 1st, state the speeches made on the subject. We wish that law and civilization obtained in Africa; then slaves would not be there vendible; but until that is effected we do not see how it

can be stopped; because they must be worsely enslaved at home than in the West Indies, and are known to be so. It is impossible to stop an effect without beginning with the cause, to suppress an inundation without cutting off the feeding springs.

The Rev. BENJ. GODWIN's Lectures on British Colonial Slavery state acts of cruelty which most certainly ought to be put down by the strong arm of law.

The Tales of other Days, with Cruikshank's Illustrations, are interesting. But we must beg to protest against the tirade concerning our celebrated maiden Queen

[blocks in formation]

(p. 92), because it is grossly untrue. The Catholics who were hunted down by Elizabeth were neither innocent nor peaceable.

We see merit in Mr. HowITT's Poems, particularly in the Sonnet to Emma, p. 144.

The Familiar Law Adviser; or, Familiar Summary of the Laws respecting Masters, Servants, Apprentices, &c. must be exceedingly useful, because he who must observe law ought of course to know what it is.

We approve of Mr. ROWBOTHAM'S Cours de Litterature Francaise; not that we recommend, in general, instruction through translation, but because it is here used to show the differences of the French and English idioms.

[blocks in formation]

Capt. FORMAN, in his Letter to Mr. Attwood on the Currency Question, states elaborately, and we think correctly, that the rise in the price of provisions after the commencement of the late war in 1793, was a real increase, occasioned by an increased demand, and not a nominal increase occasioned by a depreciation of the currency (see p. 5). The truth is, that the increase arose from two causes, the increased demand for commodities on one side, and the depreciation of the currency on the other. Between the years 1815 and 1827 an enormous amount of paper was circulated, and the price of provisions rather fell than rose.

Suggestions for combining an improved System of Taxation with a wide diffusion of the Elective Franchise. The improved system of taxation is a poll-tax, which, according to our recollection, has always turned out a detested tax, sure to terminate in failure; and as to the elective franchise, we do not think that property can be safe

« AnteriorContinuar »