Review. The Cottage Bible and Family Expositor. 175 How beautiful the vernal morn Of infant Spring in Flora's arms, Which nature's matchless powers adorn, In rich variety of charms. The budding rose, the opening flowers, And sparkling sunbeams on the sea; One reason more I safely give Why thou art valued more than they; Were I possess'd of India's wealth, Great Grimsby, Aug. 1827. GEORGE HERRING. REVIEW. The Cottage Bible and Family Expositor, containing the Authorized Translation of the Old and New Testaments, with practical Reflections, and short explanatory Notes. By Thomas Williams. 3 Vols. large 8vo. pp. 1045, 750, 879. Simpkin and Marshall. London. ..... 176 ... their footsteps on the extensive plains over which they have travelled. Of this state of things, nearly all our modern expositors are so fully sensible, that few amongst them omit to acknowledge their obligations to their predecessors and contemporaries, either in general terms, or in connexion with such passages as have been selected from their writings. In the volumes before us, the author has done both. In his preface he disclaims "all affectation of being original," professing himself to be chiefly a "collector and condenser of the remarks of others;" and in his notes, his expositions, and variations in the translation of terms, he gives the authority on which his adopted observations rest. In looking over the catalogue of names which the author has introduced, we find many whose praise is in all the churches, both among our ancient and modern divines; and even foreign biblical scholars have furnished quotations on passages that required their illustration. On some occasions he cites observations from authors of less celebrity, without being altogether influenced by the peculiarities of their creeds, or their accordance in general with the sentiments he adopts. We must not, however, conclude from hence, that the author's opinions on the great doctrines of Christianity, are either unsettled or equivocal. His appeals rather prove his liberality towards others, than an indifference to due discrimination. With him, the adoption of any particular creed is not of sufficient moment to furnish the author of it with a passport to his pages, or to exclude him from it. His primary aim seems to be, to discover the real meaning he has had recourse to such writers as of the word of God: and to accomplish this, would render the best assistance, to elucidate the subject under consideration. The general aspect of his notes and exposition, is that of mild and moderate Cal vinsm, of which the features are exceedingly placid. When subjects occur that have involved the theological world in controversy, he touches them with a light and sparing hand, and more generally delivers his sentiments in the language of others than in his own. In almost every instance, this, however, is the language of moderation, even when quoted from the writings of those, whose harsh and furious dogmas he would blush to transplant into his pages. So much has been said and written on the sacred writings, and the numerous, important, and interesting subjects which they contain, that but little original matter can be expected from any new commentator. In elucidation, in critical remarks, in inferences and reflections, we may be favoured with new combinations of thought and expression, but nearly all the materials thus called into use, have in some way or other been already employed by preceding writers, who have bequeathed to posterity' the flowers they have gathered, and imprinted | never bewildered with long trains of deriva The notes throughout these volumes are in general concise, and rather explanatory than critical. Sometimes references are made to different versions, but the reader is The exposition, in the mean while, being much more extended than the notes are, ❘ damental articles of our common faith, this tions and etymologies, which common understandings have neither the ability nor the inclination to trace. These notes in general proceed on each verse in consecutive order throughout the chapter, but at other times several verses, which seem to require no illustration, are entirely omitted, while on some particular occasions, several verses are made the subject of one common note. mend, the magnitude of his work would have been considerably increased, unless something had been omitted which is now inserted; but we have not yet noticed any any thing that may be justly called a superfluous article. Of the writer's orthodoxy we have no more reason to entertain a doubt, than we have to question his catholic spirit, or to charge him with a readiness to curse those whose creeds happen to differ from his own. By all who hold the fun may in some places be considered as a paraphrase of the sacred text; in others, as a dissertation on its import; and, in others, as containing illustrations of numerous passages drawn from the manners and customs of ancient and foreign nations, with such historical incidents as have been selected from the writings of travellers and voyagers who have witnessed what they describe. The expository part is not, however, carried to any immoderate length, nor is any portion that we have noticed, swelled with dull and irrelevant matter. The sub work may be perused with great advantage. It contains in its notes and exposition a fund of valuable biblical information, and comprises within a narrow compass the varied opinions of learned men, on numerous points of doubtful interpretation. With the amiable spirit which the author uniformly displays, we have been much pleased, and would recommend it as worthy of imitation by all who have something more important to present to the public, than the localities of their respective creeds. To the pious and moderate, whether Cal jects of observation arise from the text, and ❘ vinists or Methodists, within the pale of our 179 are in general discontinued when the more important topics are exhausted. In its general character, the exposition throughout these volumes is elucidatory and practical; though, perhaps, to an attentive reader, it would appear that the latter is rather an inference from the former than an imperative duty enforced by positive precept. In favour of experimental religion, without which even practice will want a foundation, much more might have been said than the author has advanced; and, in proportion as this fundamental principle of Christianity had been distinctly inculcated, his work would have acquired an additional value. It is not intended, by the remarks in the preceding paragraph, to insinuate that the author surveys practical godliness with a careless eye, or that he is indifferent to the religion of the heart. The whole tenor of his notes and exposition satisfactorily proves that both are indispensable to the Christian character. It is on this ground that we should have rejoiced to see the former founded on indisputable precept, and the latter placed in so conspicuous a light, that no reader could suffer it to escape his notice. A greater prominence given to these truths, and a personal application of them to every one under whose inspection this publication might fall, would have supplied the principal deficiencies which we have thus far discovered. We must not, however, forget, that if the author had adopted what we here recom national establishment, or embodied among Dissenters, we would strongly recommend this work, assuring them that it is only such as are made of combustible materials, to whom any expressions which it contains can justly give offence. To the furious zealots of party it may not appear sufficiently seasoned, but we persuade ourselves that it will be only from such as have ten times more bigotry than the author displays, that we shall ever hear such complaints. REVIEW.-A Practical View of the prevailing Religious Systems of professed Christians, &c., contrasted with real Christianity. By William Wilberforce, Esq. With an introductory Essay, by the Rev. Daniel Wilson, A. Μ. 12mo. pp. 465. Whittaker. London. 1827. THere was something so novel in the idea of a statesman writing a treatise on practical Christianity, that when this volume, from the pen of Mr. Wilberforce, first made its appearance, the sensation it occasioned resembled that produced by the sound of the tocsin to the inhabitants of a country who dreaded the approach of a foreign invader. Of this sensation, alarm was the distinguishing characteristic. Divines suspected that the member for Yorkshire was making an inroad upon their province; the tomahawkmen of sect and party, were certain that the subject was far beyond his comprehension; the moralists of Drury Lane, of the Review. The Character and Offices of Christ. 180 Haymarket, and of Sadler's Wells, hoped | has been charged with being too unevan to find an accommodating reduction in the standard of religious principles; and even Lord Whisker and Lady Curl had no objection to condescend to look over the table of contents, when the more important avocations of the theatre, and Vauxhall, would afford them leisure for the purpose. In the mean while, the character of Mr. Wilberforce was so well known, and his reputation so firmly established, that the apprehensions of the former were counterbalanced by hope, and the expectations of the latter were not wholly divested of fears. Under this strange diversity of feeling the treatise before us underwent its ordeal of examination, and came from the crucible with a brilliancy of lustre which neither bigotry, scepticism, nor calumny has ever been able to tarnish. From one or two quarters, indeed, some feeble efforts of opposition arose; but, having lived their day, they disappeared, and ultimately perished in their own insignificance. In the mean while this work obtained a wide and rapid circulation. Three or four editions were exhausted in the first few months; edition upon edition followed during the gelical; while, with a vast throng of marketable moralists, he has been accused with being too rig rigid and severe in exploring their principles, and in inspecting their actions. From such opposite impeachments, it is reasonable to infer that he has chosen a central path, equally removed from danger and extremes. Of this work, the Rev. Mr. Wilson, in his preliminary discourse, has given a character that is at once impartial and highly favourable. The circumstances under which it started into existence, the moral and political state of the community, the ferment occasioned by the revolution and philosophy of France, and the laxity of principle prevailing in this country among the higher orders and middling classes of society, he has delineated with a masterly hand, and shewn from the whole the happy adaptation of the author and his work to meet the exigencies of these complicated occasions. To the present generation this work is too well known to require any recommenda tion. It has found its way into the libraries of the wealthy and the great, and, with few exceptions, has obtained the favourable succeeding years; and so permanent has ❘ opinion of all denominations; even by been the demand, that it has now arrived at the fifteenth impression. Translations have further been made into most of the European languages; and the reprints in Anserica, it seems, have amounted to twentyfive editions. The design of this work was, not to erect the standard of Christianity on a new ground, but to dissipate the clouds with which it had been enveloped by false phylosophy, and to remove the rubbish which vice and custom had accumulated to intercept the reality of its character. In the accomplishment of this task, the author has proceeded with a more than Herculean vigour, without being diverted from his purpose by the sneers of infidelity, the frowns of power, the sanctions of custom, or the fever of enthusiasm. those who are unfriendly to evangelical REVIEW. - The Character and Offices of THE author of this volume, not so much The source and the necessity of practical | distinguished by originality of conception as by a judicious selection of useful and interesting matter, is one of the ministers of the Scottish presbytery of London, in connexion with the established church of Scotland. Though not so remarkably celebrated as some of his brethren, he possesses, in a far higher degree, a sober discriminating judgment, a quality of immense importance in an expositor of divine revelation. Christianity, as well as its character and importance, the author has placed in a light that is at once commanding and amiable; and, from the extensive circulation which it has obtained, it is pleasing to reflect, amidst the prevailing vices and dissipation of the age, that, throughout the community there is no inconsiderable number who know how to appreciate this valuable production of his pen. By the warm, the sanguine, and the demi-fanatical, who mount guard over doubtful propositions, and despise truth unless arrayed in a particoloured garment, he | cussion of topics, which, from frequent We are far from depreciating imagination, which under proper management may embellish, illustrate, and enliven the dis cation of the truths displayed, touching and impressive. recurrence, are in danger of becoming stale | arrangement is perspicuous and natural; and uninteresting; nay, more, where there the expression simple and easy; the illusis no imagination, or where it is very defec-tration copious and appropriate; the applitive, originality in the thought, in the arrangement, or in the expression, is not to be expected: imagination is the parent of invention-the basis, if not the essence, of genius; where there is no imagination all is naked and sterile: spring, in its verdure, fragrance, flowers, and blossoms, is not more different from winter, than the writings of the imaginative from those of the dry and frigid. Making these concessions in favour of imagination, we have to remark, that judgment is necessary to restrain and direct its operations; otherwise its airy visions may be mistaken for realities: matter of no moment may engross almost exclusive attention; the trodden path may be left simply because it is trodden: in the rage for originality, exploded errors are raised from their graves, where they had slept for centuries; the general and current opinions are reversed; paradoxies started and maintained; the importance of particular opinions exaggerated, to the disparagement of the rest; common opinion encrusted with an air of mystery, or dressed in antiquated and obsolete language; doctrines seldom treated held up for more utility than those which at present are generally discussed; the piety, knowledge, and talents of men former times extolled, and those of the present age derided and despised; men accused of holding sentiments they never entertained: by such proceedings, men of real ability, of decided piety, of great zeal and exemplary diligence in the Christian ministry, often fritter away their influence on the public mind; it being utterly impossible to respect decisions formed not by patient inquiry, not by a candid and impartial examination of the bible; but first imagined, then announced, then affirmed, then enforced on the acceptance of all, under pain of being held ignorant, or weak, or lukewarm, or irreligious, or secret enemies of God and his truth. of The types, like unaccomplished prophecy, afford great scope for the excursions of a wild imagination; it is therefore fortunate that the discussion of them has fallen to the lot of a mind so well trained, and so equally balanced in its various powers, as that of the author of the above work. or repelled Even when the reader may be disposed to differ from the author, he will feel con. strained to admire the ardour of his piety, and the rectitude of his intention; he will not be disgusted or repelled by any claim to superior discernment, by a reckless denunciation of other writers, by virulent attacks on Christianity not paid and patronized by the state, or by arrogance, selfconceit, and oracular dogmatism. The author is an honour to the Scotch presbytery of London; and, if not the most brilliant, is one of the most useful of its members. REVIEW. - The Newtonian System of Philosophy, explained by familiar Objects in an entertaining Manner, for the Use of Young Persons. By Tom Telescope, M. A. A New and Improved Edition. By James Mitchell. 18mo. pp. 162. Tegg. London. 1827. THIS little work is closely printed, adorned with many illustrative cuts, and neatly put out of hand; its appearance in every respect corresponding with the important subjects of which it treats. The introduction is somewhat humor. ous, but not uninstructive. It contrasts the ignorance, avarice, and contemptible character of a young gamester, with the enlightened aspirations of a juvenile companion called Tom Telescope, who prefers a philosophical apparatus to a game at cards, and prevails on an assemblage of youths to throw aside the painted pasteboard, and attend to his repetition of what he can recollect of nine philosophical lectures, which he had just heard delivered at his school. Consent being obtained, Tom begins with matter and motion; and proceeds with the structure of the solar system; atmospheric phenomena; magnetism; mountains, rivers, and oceans; minerals, vegetables, and animals; and concludes with a lecture on man. The manner in which these lectures are conducted is both pleasing and instructive, while the language, reasonings, and descriptions, taken in connexion with numerous Those who have not studied the types, well-executed cuts, cannot fail to be intelliyet desire to become acquainted with them, gible to any common capacity. Independwill find in this volume all the light hitherto ently of the manner, these lectures embody shed on the subject; the materials are se- a fund of scientific information; and, perlected with great skill; the views of preced-haps, we shall hardly outstep the bounds of ing writers are carefully examined; the moderation, were we to assert, that they A 183 Review. The Christian Poet-Oriental Observations. include, in a condensed form, the essence, if not the outline, of those truths and facts which it is the business of science and philosophy to inculcate. To young persons of both sexes, who prefer knowledge to ignorance, truth to fiction, the realities of the universe to the friskings of a dancing master, and a telescope or air-pump to the ace of spades, this little volume will be a valuable acquisition. Inthe rational and instructive amusement which it cannot fail to afford, multitudes grown to maturity, "Whose souls proud science never taught to stray," may find the birth of intellect, and gradually merge from mere animals into reasonable beings. Unless it be to those who are deeply read in the philosophy of nature, we know not a single class in the community who may not derive considerable benefit from perusing the lectures of Tom Telescope. REVIEW. The Christian Poet, or Selections in Verse on Sacred Subjects. By James Montgomery. With an Introductory Essay. 12mo, pp. 440. Whittaker. London. 1827. THE transcripts which compose this volume, are in general taken from authors whose writings are but little known in the poetical world; and several pieces are more indebted for the pages which they occupy, to their approximation to Calvary, than to their eleva. tion on Parnassus. In our perusal of this work, we must, however, be guided by its title, which evidently influenced the compiler in making his selections; and, without adverting on all occasions to poetical merit, view it as a collection from about one hundred and fifty authors, of pieces that have a favourable bearing on Christianity. We have, however, no more right to infer from hence, that all those poets whose works have not been quoted, were hostile to revelation, than that all whose names appear, were friendly to the sacred subjects which they have embellished by their versification. 184 REVIEW. - Oriental Observations and Occasional Criticisms, &c. By John Callaway, late Missionary in Ceylon. 12mo. pp. 92. Holdsworth. London. 1827. THE author of this little volume professes to illustrate several hundred passages of Scripture; through the medium of various customs and manners still practised in Ceylon, and in numerous parts of continental India. Many of these are derived from his own personal observations, and others are too well attested to leave room for any doubt as to their authenticity. We have perused them with much interest, and candidly admit that he has fairly made good his pretensions. In construction, contents, and arrangement, this work bears some resemblance to "Harmer's Observations," though on a much more diminutive scale; and, within a narrow compass, it contains much useful information. By these elucidations, many passages that appear obsolete and foreign to European manners, acquire a degree of propriety, and a force of expression, which would be otherwise unknown. It was our intention to give a few instances as specimens, but the want of room compels us to desist. Independently of the illustrations which these Oriental incidents and historical sketches supply, they furnish, though in a detached manner, many local features, of prevailing customs and prejudices still retained in India, that have been handed down from remote antiquity. Viewed only in this light, they will well repay the reader for his time in perusing this volume; while in their adaptation to illustrate peculiar passages in the sacred writings, they furnish a still more ample remuneration. REVIEW. - Fitful Fancies. By William Kennedy. 12mo. pp. 198. Whittaker. London. 1827. In making his selections, Mr. Montgomery has gone back to the cradle of the English muse, when in her puling infancy she was rocked by Chaucer, and taught to lisp in inharmonious numbers. To the great mass of readers we do not think these will be the most pleasing specimens, or that they will derive any recommendation from the antiquated garments in which they appear. There are, however, many others, in which the fervour of piety and the beauties of poetic diction are combined, some of which will serve to rescue the names of ❘ cold, dull, and prosing; while others are FITFUL FANCIES is a book that seems to have been subject to fitful criticism, and the paroxysm has been either favourable or unfavourable to the author's genius, just as it has happened to arise from the sanguine or morbid temperament of the reviewer. The articles are sixty-three in number, and their character is nearly as diversified as the subjects of which they treat. Some are |