himself. His work is not profound, but it is not superficial. It is sufficiently deep and comprehensive to shew the advantages of an acquaintance with general knowledge; but it leaves vast tracts of the boundless ocean unvisited and unexplored. His aim is, to awaken in his readers a desire to think and to investigate; and, by his own example, he shews them the latitudes and longitudes in which they may pursue their navigation, and drop their plummets with the greatest probability of success. It is not to be supposed that all the author has advanced is original. He travels over ground which many have trodden before him in their different journeys; but several of his combinations are new, and considerable portions of his observations place the advantages of knowledge in a light that is highly creditable to his talents. From a perusal of those essays we discover in the author a commendable acquaintance with the writings of predecessors and contemporaries, which, without becoming a servile copyist, he has been able to turn to his own account. The style is perspicuous, without being encumbered with terms that are difficult to be understood; and the manner in which many topics are introduced, is not less amusing than instructive. This, however, is of secondary consideration. The principal merit of this neatly printed volume consists in arrangement, concentration, and the inviting aspect which the author has given to subjects that have been supposed to be terrific, frowning, and for "HOPE full of immortality" is the essence of that cheerfulness with which a true Christian contemplates the shifting scenes of human life. This feeling is positive in its nature for it not only removes the bitterness inherent in misery; it also endows the hardest lot in this world with unfailing and unfading riches. It makes evil treatment an occasion of Christian virtue, transforms offence into blessing, and renders innocuous the venom of hatred and cruelty. The severe conflict which must be carried on against inward evil and outward temptations, though it may for a time cause the followers of Jesus Christ to be in heaviness, is well supplied with weapons from the armoury of God ;' and the meanest disciple | hath a sword, wherein he greatly rejoices, which, like the sword of the archangel :"Was giv'n him tempered so, that neither keen Nor solid might resist that edge." Indeed, when we consider that the objects of his religious faith are permanent and eternal, and that perpetuity is the only rock on which whatever is good, and fair, and holy, must be elevated, in order to give light and confidence to a rational and reflecting mind, it will appear that his is the only true and safe rejoicing Perpetuity of blessings includes security, therefore a Christian possesses both. Every heartfelt joy springing from the well within him, brings to remembrance the mercy and power of that eternal Being who gave him "the living water;" and as each precept of revelation derives authority, so each promise derives certainty, from an assurance the most solemn, and the most gracious, "God hath spoken in his holiness." We have been led into this reflection by the subject of the poem before us, the drift of which is thus described by the author in the introduction. "It is a song in the house of his pilgrimage. It has for its subject the statutes, and judgments, and mercies of the living God; but especially, the exceeding greatness of his power towards all whe believe, in redeeming them, through the blood of his dear Son, from the power of darkness, and in making them, by the indwelling of his spirit, meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the Saints in glory.-Intro. p. 8. Mr Quin is well aware of the restraints which sacred topics lay on the fancy. Such subjects must lead man, and not be led by him: they repel irreverent curiosity, present dimensions too great and magnificent to be brought within the sphere of far above the most adventurous imaginamerely human taste, and bear themselves tion. No man can adopt the language of Horace with respect to such subjects:Et mihi res, non me rebus, subjungere conor; but all must feel the influence of the contrary sentiment. This has been thought and expressed by many readers, who, like ourselves, and for the same reasons, are disposed to submit to the opinion of Dr. Johnson-that "the good and evil of eternity are too ponderous for the wings of wit." At the same time there are many who will adopt Mr. Quin's assertion,- "With all these restrictions, Religion still presents ever-varying attractions to the poetical mind."-After what has been said, the reader who takes up this little work, ought not to feel disappointment, if, instead of brilliant fictions, and bold imaginary, he find interesting, serious, and important truths written in the spirit of faith and piety, conveyed in good verse, and adorned with language figurative, yet temperate and guarded. Neither ought the author to regret if his praise be only this, assuredly one of the highest commendations. In looking over this poem, we find little pretension to originality. Some portions are written with spirit, and the lines are in general harmonious. The greater part enforces doctrinal subjects. Such are doubtless of vital importance; but we should wish to see, in a poem with this title, passages more didactic in a moral point of view, more vivid and urgent in describing the beauty of that holiness which comes from above, and without which no man can find protection in "The City of Refuge." In conclusion, we present our readers with the following extract, alluding to the grave and the resurrection. "O glorious hope! which pierces the thick gloom But if my God supports me, when I die- BRIEF SURVEY OF BOOKS. 1. True Charity, or a Tale of the Year 1800, (Poole and Edwards, London,) is written with much judgment, plainness, and simplicity. The scenes are greatly varied, and the characters are equally diversified. They are, however, true to nature, and may be found as here delineated in many departments of life. Some of the situations of the hero and heroine are, no doubt, fictitious, but we learn, even from the poverty and grandeur created by the imagination of the author, how characters of particular descriptions would act under such trying circumstances as are here supposed. 2. The Stanley Tales, Original and Select, by the late Ambrose Marten, (Morgan, London,) somewhat like the Percy Anecdotes, are a series under one general head, though greatly diversified in character and detail. The portion before us is part xii, which completes the sixth volume. It contains eight tales, which, though told in a manner calculated to excite interest, partake very largely of the marvellous and romantic. They are rather amusing than instructive, but will prove entertaining to such readers as prefer imagination to fact. 3. Early Recollections, a Tale dedicated to Christian Parents, (Holdsworth, London,) is a volume containing 300 pages. It is well written, and will be read with interest by the younger classes of society. It blends amusement with instruction, and marks the vicissitudes of life with a commendable degree of discrimination. In its progress, narrative and religious sentiment are uniformily interwoven with each other. The Tale is merely a vehicle to communicate truths that are important, imperishable, and of universal application. 4. Selections, from the Works of Bishop Hopkins, with a brief Sketch of his Life, by the Rev. W. Wilson, DD. (Holdsworth, London,) is a closely and neatly printed little volume, decently got up, and sent into the world in an elegant dress. These, however, are only its minor recommendations. Its contents are as valuable, as its attire is captivating. The name of Bishop Hopkins was engraven on the pillars of the Protestant Church nearly two hundred years ago, and the characters are still as legible as ever. This is a sufficient recommendation of any selections that may be made from his works. Those in the volume before us breathe that spirit of piety for which his writings have ever been distinguished. 5. Old English and Hebrew Proverbs, by William Carpenter, (Booth, London,) contains eighty-eight of the former, and twenty-two of the latter. Where it is practicable, the author traces the origin, but on all occasions he explains the import, and gives the moral application of each. By these means proverbial expressions became exceedingly valuable, and if the lessons they teach were carried into practical life, many evils with which it is now afflicted would be avoided. 6. Observations on Psalmody, by a Composer, (Westley, London,) is the production of a person well acquainted with the subject on which he writes. From his views of this melodious subject, he may, however, find many dissenters, scarcely any thing being more discordant than opinions respecting harmony. Of the nature, history, and present state of Psalmody, the author has taken a comprehensive survey. Many of his observations are judicious, but in behalf of his favourite object they are sometimes tinctured with enthusiasm. They are, however, well worthy the attention of every one who has music in his soul. 7. The Elements of Arithmetic, for the Use of Schools, &c. by Elias Johnston, (Oliver and Boyd, Edinburgh,) contains nothing that is original, except in arrangement and example; nor is any thing beyond this to be reasonably expected. The elementary principles are clearly stated, and perspicuously illustrated by numerous and varied examples. 8. An Analytical System of English Grammar, arranged upon a new and improved Plan, &c. by Peter Smith, A. M. (Whittaker, London,) is a neat little work, closely printed, with no more margin than is necessary. It cannot be otherwise, than, that the radical principles of all English grammars should be the same: it is, therefore, in arrangement and elucidation that we must look for variations and improvements. | In its general outline the grammar before us is well arranged, and several of the deviations from common practice are real improvements. There are, however, many minor points on which no information is given, such as when more instead of er shall be used to denote the comparative state of an adjective; and when most shall take the place of est to express the superlative. On the occasions when the word that is to be preferred to who and which, the author is also silent. The improvements in other parts, and the miscellaneous matter which is introduced to illustrate the parts of speech and rules of syntax, will, however, more than compensate for these omissions. 9. The Voice of Humanity, &c. and Hints on the Formation and Regulation of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, (Sherwood, London,) is a pamphlet which details such scenes of brutality practised on the animal tribes by drovers, butchers, knackers, and experimental surgeons, as cannot be read without disgust and horror. Little comparatively is known of the agonies which animals endure in London and its vicinity, through the avarice and wanton barbarity of unfeeling wretches bearing the names of men. To prevent many of these inhumanities, the author readily admits that several excellent regulations have been established; but these, he contends, are badly enforced, and are insufficient to meet the cases that daily occur. To carry such laws as exist into effect, the author recommends the formation of a society, whose vigilance may bring to light such deeds of darkness as may induce the legislature to devise more effectual restraints than now exist to prevent cruelty. We wish the humane author every success. 10. Ideas for Infants; or Answers in Verse to Scriptural Questions, &c. by Robt. | Newstead, (Baynes and Son, London,) consists entirely of poetical compositions, divided into four parts. The first contains answers to numerous scriptural questions on the more momentous doctrines of the gospel. The second part is biographical. The third consists of hymns for various occasions, The fourth is quite miscellaneous. The author's design is to furnish the minds of children with scriptural knowledge, and for this his book is well adapted. Another little pamphlet, by the same author, entitled Missionary Anecdotes, for Children and young Persons,"-is entitled from its merits to an extensive circulation. 66 11. Elements of Arithmetic for Children, on a plan entirely new, by Ingram Cobbin, M.A. (Westley and Davis, London,) is, taken altogether, the most perspicuous and simple that we recollect ever to have seen. Numerous examples are illustrated by wood cuts neatly executed. The subjects are quite familiar, so that with this little book children may play to learn arithmetic. 12. The Peaceful Valley, or The Influence of Religion, by a Clergyman, (Scatcherd and Co. London,) is said to be a narrative of facts. Its design is to shew the introduction of the gospel into a benighted district, and to mark the happy change which was effected by its influence. The little history is related with much simplicity, and enlivened with pleasing anecdotes and incidents, interspersed with many judicious observations on the management of Sunday schools, and the advantages of perseverance, But, after all, we have our fears that the Peaceful Valley lies too near the region of Utopia. 13. Liesli, a Swiss Tale, by H. Clauren, translated from the German, (Whittaker, London,) though very superficial, is of a pleasing character; and it is not improbable that to many readers its lightness will be a recommendation. We find little in it either to censure or commend. Tales of this description swarm around us on every side, numerous as "half-formed insects on the banks of Nile." 14. The School Boy's Reverie, a collec tion of Poems, epic and descriptive, by Geo. Carter, of Deal, (Rigden, Dover,) comes before us as the production of a lad of fifteen. This circumstance may bespeak our favourable consideration, but it cannot be permitted to influence our judgment. As the production of a youth, these compositions contain as much excellence as might reasonably be expected, but they are at a considerable distance from the summit of Parnassus, Here and there we find some brilliant "sparks of celestial fire," which furnish a pleasing presage, that should the author continue to improve from fifteen to thirty, as he has advanced from nothing to fifteen, he will be able to produce a poem that need not ask an alms either froni precocity or criticism. THE JEWISH CEREMONY OF OFFERING A COCK, AS AN ATONEMENT FOR SIN. (From Buxtorf's Synag. Jud, cap. xx.) FROM the beginning of the year until the tenth day, on which the feast of the atonement is celebrated, they are wont to call in the Hebrew, "the ten days of repentance;" and on those they mortify themselves severely by fasting, pray much, and affect great piety; that if God shall have written any one in the book of death, and shall have appointed for him a bad year, he may now look upon his repentance and good works, and change it into good for him, and restore him to the book of the living, on the great day of expiation, and then at length seal up his judgment. They thrice recite their confession every morning; they excommunicate no one; they summon no one before a court; they bring a solemn oath on no one. On the ninth day they rise very early, go into the synagogue, and pray and sing much. As soon as they return home, every male, boys as well as men, takes a cock in his hands, and the women each a hen; those which are with child, take both a cock and a hen. Afterwards, whoever is master of the family, with the cock in his hands, first comes forth into the middle of the company, and repeats from the Psalms of David, cvii. 17. "Fools because of their transgression and because of their iniquities, are afflicted. Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat; and they draw near unto the gates of death. Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses. He sent his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. Oh, that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! and let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing." He next repeats Job xxxiii. 23. "If there be a messenger with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to shew unto man his uprightness; then he is gracious to him, and saith, Deliver him from going down to the pit: I have found a ransom," (namely, his cock or hen, which shall expiate my sins.) He then approaches the atonement, and dashes the cock three times on his own head, and follows each stroke with these words, "This cock is my substitute, it is in my stead, it is my atonement; it shall suffer death, but I and all Israel shall have a happy life." He does this three times in succession, for himself, his children, and the strangers that are with him; as the High Priest also made expiation under the Old Testament, according to what we read in the book of Leviticus xvi. 17. He then kills the cock. He first draws together the skin of its throat, and thinks within himself "that he himself is worthy of being choked or strangled;" he next opens the windpipe with a knife, again thinking within himself "that he is worthy to suffer by the sword;" immediately afterwards, he throws it with his whole force on the ground, to denote that "he himself is worthy of being stoned." Lastly, he roasts the cock, that in this way he may shew "that he himself is worthy to be burnt to death." Thus it is made to suffer these four kinds of death for the Jews. The intestines they usually throw on the roof of the house, in commiseration of the birds, that they may share in their sacrifice. Others, however, say that this is done, because sin being internal, rather than an external thing, their sins cleave to the intestines of the cock, and the crows come and fly away with the sins of the Jews to the desert, even as the goat under the Old Testament, escaped to the wilderness with the sins of the people. They also take pains to procure a white cock for this oblation, and avoid a red one altogether, because a red one is already covered with sin; for sin itself is red, as it is written, Isa. i. 18. "If your sins, be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." Now, if the cock be white, he is infected with no sin, and can bear the sins of the Jews; but if he be red, he is altogether covered with sins, and is therefore unfit for bearing the sins of the Jews. Antonius Margarita writes, in his book concerning the Jewish faith, that some say they have received from the ancients, that a monkey is to be used for this expiatory oblation, because he is most like man. But the cause why they use a cock rather than any other animal, is this:-In Hebrew, a man is called Gebber: now if Gebber (man) has sinned, Gebber (man) must also sustain the penalty of sin. But since the punishment is heavier than the Jews can bear, they substitute for themselves a cock, which in the Talmudical or Babylonical dialect, is called Gebber, and thus the divine justice is satisfied; because, as Gibber has sinned, so a cock is sacrificed. ... A CARD-TO THE REV. MR. WIX, (Occasioned by his Animadversions, col. 655.) sorry THE author of the Memoir of Bishop Burgess is that the account there given of the controversy between the learned prelate and Mr. Wix should have given offence to the latter gentleman. Upon a reconsideration of the article, he does not conceive that any material error has been committed in the statement; and it was far from his intention to enter into a particular discussion of the subject. As, however, Mr. Wix perseveres in thinking that the proposition which he suggested nine years ago may still be carried into effect, and that with advantage to the cause of our common Christianity, he is respectfully requested to tell us in what manner the great point of the Papal Supremacy is to be amicably determined, without an abandonment of principle on either side? Other questions of considerable importance would arise, were the project of a re-union or conciliation to be deemed worthy of trial on the plan recommended; but it is unnecessary here to waste words upon a scheme which never can be acted upon, till, as archbishop Laud said, "the Church of Rome shall be differently constituted from what it is at present." July 2, 1827. GLEANINGS. Newspapers.-Aweekly paper, entitled the "Elgin Courier," has lately issued from Elgin, the first that has ever been attempted within many miles of that place. We have seen the first number, and are happy to say that it promises fair to deserve that support which it solicits. Our Magazine has long been favoured with communications from its editor, whose talents we conceive are fully adequate to his present undertaking. The New Zealand Mission at Whangarooa.We learn from the Sydney Gazette, dated Feb. 14, 1827, that the Wesleyan Mission Station in New Zealand had been abandoned by the gentlemen composing the mission, and that the whole of the property, amounting to 30001. was destroyed by the savages; the missionaries, and their wives and families, barely escaping with their lives. On the evening of Sunday, after their arrival at New South Wales, the Reverend Mr. Turner, whose valuable health, in conjunction with that of his wife, and his brethren, has suffered most severely from the pri vations and distresses which they were compelled to undergo within the last three months, took an opportunity of rendering public, to a crowded congregation in Macquarie-street Chapel, some of the details of the events which had lately transpired in the regions of cannibalism; and for two hours the auditory were in tears, and petrified with horror. We have not time to give the particulars in our present number, but intend to publish a full account of the sanguinary tribes that are incessantly imbruing their hands in each other's blood, and who delight themselves in feasting on the flesh of their fellow-creatures. Shungie, the renowned warrior, and who is known to us here personally, and also in England, has been the cause of all these dire calamities. We hear with interest, however, that, in a late rencontre, this savage monster received a ball in the shoulder, from which it was expected he would not survive long. The Church Missionaries at the Bay of Islands, of whom mention cannot be made in too honourable terms, are in jeopardy every instant, and at the time the Wesleyan Missionaries fled, were contemplating that flight also would be their only refuge from an awful and bloody end. Character of Hindoos.-I have found a race, of gentle and temperate habits; with a natural talent and acuteness beyond the ordinary level of mankind, and with a thirst for general knowledge which even the renowned and inquisitive Athenians can hardly have surpassed or equalled. Prejudiced, indeed, they are, in favour of their ancient superstitions; nor should I think, to say the truth, more favourably of the character, or augur more happily of the eventual conversion and perseverance of any man, or set of men, whom a light consideration could stir from their paternal creed, or who received the word of truth' without cautious and patient inquiry. But I am yet to learn, that the idolatry which surrounds us is more enthralling in its influence on the human mind than those beautiful phantoms and honied sorceries which lurked beneath the laurels of Delos and Daphne, and floated on the clouds of Olympus. I am not yet convinced, that the miserable bondage of Castes, and the consequences of breaking that bondage, are more grievous to be endured by the modern Indian, than those ghastly and countless shapes of death which beset the path of the Roman convert. And who shall make me believe, that the same Word of the Most High, which consigned to the moles and the bats the idols of Chaldee and Babylon, and dragged down the lying father of gods and men from his own capitol, and the battlements of his " Eternal City," must yet arrest its victorious wheels on the Indus or Ganges, and admit the trident of Siva to share with the Cross a divided empire?-Bishop Heber's Charge to the Clergy of Calcutta. Catechisms,-What (asks Dr.Watson, late Bishop of Llandaff) are the Catechisms of the Romish Church, of the English Church, of the Scotch Church, and of all other Churches, but a set of propositions which men of different natural capacities, educations, prejudices, have fabricated,(sometimes on the anvil of sincerity, oftener on that of ignorance, interest, or hypocrisy,) from the divine materials furnished by the Bible? And can any man of an enlarged charity believe that his salvation will ultimately depend on a concurrence in opinion with any of these niceties, which the several sects of Christians have assumed as essen. tially necessary for a Christian man's belief? O no! Christianity is not a speculative business. One good act, performed from a principle of obedience to the declared will of God, will be of more service to every individual than all the speculative theology of St. Augustine, or Anastasius, or Freylinghausen.-Life of Bishop Watson. St. Swithin, Bishop of Winchester, died July 15th, 862, and was buried at Winchester, in the church-yard. His grave was soon marked as pe culiarly efficacious to the suffering Christians, and miracles out of number were recorded to have been wrought by his holy remains. Such an extensive benevolence became the theme of universal praises an order was obtained to remove the holy relics into the choir, as better suiting their merits; and a solemn procession was appointed to grace the ceremony. A most violent rain-shower, however, fell on the destined day, and continued for thirty-nine others, without intermission: in consequence of which, the idea of a removal was abandoned, as displeasing to St. Swithin. Hence the vulgar adage, that when rain falls on St. Swithin's day, it lasts forty days. Experience, however," says Mr. Brady, "has amply shewn, that whenever a wet season sets in about the end of June to the middle of July, at which time the beat of the sun is usually the most intense, it generally continues to nearly the end of the summer, when the action of that orb has considerably abated; the |