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poets, at their loss of the ancient mythology appear in its true light. He refuses to enter the lists indeed with the poets, and battle the question with them, but yet he hurls a paragraph of burning invective against them, which must show that his declining the contest is not owing to any deficiency in his intellectual armory. The passage is as follows:

"I repeat, however, that, as to the question of fact, I will not dispute with the poets. I have only here to do with their lamentation. Were it the fact that this wide universe, with all its grandeur and loveliness, its wisdom and its benevolence, were created for nothing else than to furnish themes for odes or materials for im agery, there would be reason for sorrow at the annihilation of any thing which seemed so essential to accomplish the object of its existence. But if it be designed for something else; if all the things that are, form one vast volume in which are written on every page, in living characters, the perfections of the Creator; if these outward forms, so interesting from their loveliness, are merely the external signs hung out to attract our attention to the wonders of their internal structure, their complicated relations, and the glorious lessons of generalization which those relations teach,—then, surely, supposing taste has lost something by the absence o. mythology, man has gained more by the presence of religion. And yet more, if the conception of nymphs and satyrs gave an impulse to classic taste, the conviction o an every where present Deity, our Father and our God, whose character is traced, and whose glories are unfolded to his intelligent universe, by every development of the works of his hand, must kindle to devout enthusiasm, and sustain in unwearied effort, and stimulate to untameable daring, the humble, far-searching, heaven-taught spirit of Christian philosophy."-pp. 15, 16.

The following personification of Christianity is very beautiful, and the figure constructed according to the exactest rules of criticism. It occurs in a passage, designed to prove the fostering influence of religion upon science. The nexus of the figure with the discourse, is the fact that monasteries were the depositories of all existing science, on the morn of the Reformation. Here is the sentence.

"And even at a later period, when the vital spark of piety had departed, and the inanimate form of Christianity was first discovered by the Reformation, she was found with maternal solicitude clasping to her lifeless bosom this first-born offspring of her fondest affection."-pp. 19.

The

The next paragraph we shall offer to our readers is a very vivid delineation of the effects, consequent upon the superiority of the impulsive over the restrictive principles of our nature. author's eye was naturally turned toward the French revolution, which he has interwoven in the web of his illustration, so as to present a most glowing picture. How finely the author has blended historical facts with the dictates of a refined and manly taste, all may judge after reading what we here quote.

"But societies can never remain for a long time stationary. If the explosive violence of human passion overthrow the buttresses which bind together the social edifice, the whole fabric will collapse with one overwhelming crash. The natural ferocity of the human heart, stimulated and directed by an intelligence to which it never before attained, and whetted to anguish by the splendors of helpless opulence every where within its physical power; science and the arts furnishing means of destruction before unknown and capable of gratifying to the full the widest love of slaughter; the press, raining down over every land one horrible tempest of fire-brands, arrows, and death, will combine to form a scene of trium

phant havoc, such as the pen of historian hath never yet described, nor uninspired imagination ever yet conceived. Thus, civilization will be swept a second time from the earth; not, as before, by hordes of barbarians from the north, but by a sanguinary herd of her own degenerate children. Nor is this idea at all chimerical. Within the memory of many of you, this drama has been enacted in the most civilized and polished nations of Europe. France was deluged in blood, her treasures wasted, and the continent, from Moscow to the Mediterranean, was whitened with the bones of Frenchmen, before the turbulence of passion, once ascendant, was brought within the limit of the moral power which existed to restrain it."-pp. 33, 34.

III. The style. The prevailing characteristic in the style is strength. The conceptions are clear and strong, and lucidly evolved. Probably no single paragraph, or even sentence could be selected, in which an obscurity could be detected. The imagery is not very abundant, though, when introduced, it is done with effect, and in general with a chastened taste. But no human production is perfect. And therefore it will be no disparagement to the discourse, to point out a few defects in style, which may be here and there discerned, and which critical justice and integrity demand should be noticed. Among these blemishes we shall mention a few, and then hasten to relieve the attention of our readers. There is sometimes a heaping of epithets which is designed to impart additional force to the meaning, but by which, the loss of simplicity is incurred. Thus the expression, "visible and tangible language." There would be more simplicity in exchanging this for sensible language." Under the same rebuke would come the expression, "the splendid drapery of oriental imagery." Besides being replete with epithets, we much question whether "the drapery of imagery " be classical.

There is one figure badly constructed, in the latter part of this entertaining and instructive discourse. We would suggest whether to speak of a "fabric collapsing" be not a jumbling of metaphors. A fabric may crumble, or totter, or fall, but not collapse.*

We just observe, in conclusion, that the word "horology" is used as if it were a science, whereas its meaning is a certain instrument that tells the hour. But this is the slightest of all blemishes, and requires a polished surface to render it visible.

We have thus sought to examine this production with critical integrity. We recommend it to the perusal of all, especially the young men in our colleges, who have conceived the absurd notion that religion and science are hostile to each other. We can safely recommend to them this discourse, as the antidote to all such moral diseases. They will find in it something to awaken their intellect, gratify their taste, and improve their heart. we well know, that the efforts of our author do not need to be introduced to public notoriety by the pomp of criticism. His acknowledged ability, and the solidity of his productions, will ever insure to them a general perusal, so long as knowledge is valuable, or piety venerable.

But

*We think Dr. Wayland sustained by classical adage in both these cases,—Ep.

Under the second head, which is de

THE INEQUALITY OF INDIVIDUAL extent, in human nature itself, will reWEALTH, THE ORDINANCE OF PROV- main. IDENCE, AND ESSENTIAL TO CIVILIZA-signed to show that this unequal distribuTION. A Sermon preached on the Annual Election, Jan. 7, 1835. By JonATHAN WAINWRIGHT, D. D., Rector of Trinity Church, Boston. Boston: William D. Ticknor, and Dutton & Wentworth. 1835. pp. 60. 8vo.

This is a discourse of great ability, and we have read it with high interest and satisfaction. Dr. Wainwright's text is Deut. xv. 11. The poor shall never cease out of the land. After an appropriate introduction, in which the author remarks that the occasion seemed to call for an exhibition of Christianity, in what may be called its "temporal aspect," he proceeds to take up the proposition of his text in three parts. 1. The qualifica tion which the text reasonably admits as applied to different countries and times. II. The vindication of the Divine Benevolence in establishing that inequality of condition which the text implies. III. The suggestion of the proper means by which the evils arising from inequality of condition in the social state may be mitigated, if not entirely removed.

Under the first head, Dr. Wainwright shows that inequality of condition is inseparable from the social state, so long as men are born with different degrees of bodily or mental vigor, and are cheered onward, or checked, by a different combination of circumstances through life; and this, without taking into account the inequality originating in the vices of dissipation, prodigality, and improvidence, contrasted with the virtues of temperance, frugality, and prudence. The motives of those who exclaim against this condition of things, are traced to "enthusiastic and short sighted benevolence, or reckless and unprincipled avarice and ambition." He guards us, however, against supposing that this inequality must always be so great as the world has often witnessed, where" exorbitant, beartless and luxurious wealth," on the one hand, has been contrasted with" abject and squalid poverty" on the other. He thinks that the whole tendency of civilized society is to improve in knowledge, virtue, and happiness; and that both reason and Scripture encourage us to hope for a period of social amelioration yet to come on carth, when "such a state as suffering indigence will be unknown" though the distinction of rich and poor, founded, as it is to a certain

tion of wealth is essential to the highest political, intellectual, moral, and religious improvement, of such a being as man actually is, the author evidently puts forth all his powers, and sustains his position, by an appeal to some of the most important facts, accumulated by Political Economy from the history of the world. The levelling system of certain political dreamers, who plead for a legal equalization of property, is exposed in all its absurdity, and the murmurs of those who arraign the order of Divine Providence in subjecting men to an inequality of condition by an irresistible law of nature, is powerfully rebuked, by demonstrating that this very law is full of infinite wisdom, and kindness to man. This is a noble argument. The author's style here, without departing from its logical simplicity, often burns with the intense glow of a manly eloquence, and his thoughts breathe a heavenly elevation and sacredness.

That there are real evils connected with the extremes of the present social condition of man, is however admitted by Dr. Wainwright; and, in the third part of his discourse, he points out the remedies to be applied for their removal. He sup poses more may be done to this end, by private benevolence and voluntary association, than by legislative interference with the rights of property. The means which he regards as of the greatest importance, are the promotion of industry, by raising the wages of labor to a liberal standard; the improvement and diffusion of education, especially the reduction of the hours of labor, so far as to avoid over-working, and allow due time, not only for sleep and refection, but for the cultivation of the mind; and lastly, as the most effectual of all, the dissemination of the truths of the Gospel. Christianity, it is shown, has a specific action in lessening the number of the poor, and relieving their wants as soon as known; while, by teaching its disciples that they are the responsible stewards of God's gifts, and that this world is only a preparation for another and better, it counteracts all the injurious influence liable to arise out of the distinctions of property in this transitory world, In the author's conclusion, we cordially coincide. "These evils, after all, are not inherent in the circumstance of inequality of condition, but in the temper of nind with which men view it and submit to it. Now Christianity was expressly

designed to operate upon this temper, to renew and purify it, to give it spirituality, and to endow it with virtues for time, and with bright hopes and ample prepa rations for eternity."

Such views as are contained in this discourse, we regard as fundamentally sound, and the tendency of such sentiments must be eminently salutary. We commend them to the attention of our readers of every class and description.

STORIES ABOUT GENERAL WARREN, in relation to the Fifth of March Massacre, and the Battle of Bunker Hill. By a Lady of Boston. Boston: James Loring. 1835. pp. 112. 18 mo.

This is a juvenile book, written in the form of a dialogue between a mother and her children. Its object is to set the character of General Warren, as a patriot, and man of piety, more fully before the minds of our youth, as an example. This is done by the mother's narrative of simple facts, some of which, it is said, have never before been made public. The devoted, tireless, and fearless spirit of this pro-martyr of his country, animated and sustained as it appears to have been by religious principle, when associated with his early fate, is a theme of thrilling interest. Dr. Warren's Oration, on the 6th of March, 1775, is inserted as an appendix; and, from the character of the man, the state of the times, and the circumstances in which it was delivered, is an interesting document.

and graphic. The author seems perfectly familiar with the lively scenes of boyhood, and is sure of securing the attention of his young readers. Every thread in the meshes of temptation is here laid bare: we see them slowly gathering around the unhappy victim; we hear the reiterated voice of warning which cries from within, and from around him; we see him first shrink-then partially entangled-then awakened, struggling, free, for a moment -then again overpowered, yielding, silencing the voices that warn him of his guilt and danger, and with the bitter and sullen desperation of a hardened heart, swept along with the stream that bears him to destruction-before the weeping eyes of a dying father, a widowed mother, and a heart-broken sister.

Let parents read this book, and let them give it to their boys to read. And may God preserve every boy who reads it, from taking one step in the fearful road

"down the hill."

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Mr. Parker is very favorably known by his Progressive Exercises in English composition-a deservedly popular book, which has been reprinted in England. We think as far as we have looked into it, the present work is what is wanted in our schools. A really good English Grammar, (unless Smith's Productive Grammar be an exception,) in our judgment did Boston: Crock-not before exist, that is, one adapted well pp. 136, small and truly to the business of interesting and instructing youth.

DOWN THE HILL; or, THE HISTORY OF SAMUEL WODEN. A Story for Boys. By Old Harlo. er & Brewster. 1834. quarto.

AND

THE MORAL REFORMER, TEACHER ON THE HUMAN CONSTITUTION. Boston: Light & Horton.

This is a good book. It is the history of a life, such, alas! as is too often witnessed among us, from the moment when the well brought up, sprightly, happy boy, begins to think it the mark of a gentle- This is a new monthly periodical, conman, a manly, and desirable, and much- ducted by Dr. William A. Alcott, a genenvied attainment, to be able to smoke a tleman well known in this community for cigar, and drink a glass of rum! to the his active philanthropy, and his talents, moment when the deceived, degraded, especially in writing for the young. Dr. and ruined man, from a drunkard's death- A. is also editor of Parley's Youth's Magbed, and in the horrors of remorse, de-azine. The present periodical is devoted parts to another world, there to " give an to topics of great practical importance, account of himself to God." It is illus- but not much discussed in any other. These trated by several well designed pictures. The incidents are extremely natural and interesting throughout. The successive stages in the road "down the hill," are distinctly marked, and traced with a vigorous hand. The style is very simple

topics are treated with great ability, delicacy, and Christian integrity. We think it worthy of a most extensive circulation, and cordially recommend it to every family in our country. It is published at the low price of $1 a year.

MISSIONARY REGISTER.

Subscriptions and Donations to the General Convention of the Baptist Denomination, in the United States, for Foreign Missions, &c., should be transmitted to Heman Lincoln, Esq., Treasurer, at the Baptist Missionary Roome, No. 17, Joy's Buildings, Washington Street, Boston. The communications for the Corresponding Secretary should be directed to the same place.

Burmah.

AVA.

MR. CUTTER. TO DR. BOLLES.

The following letter will be read with interest. It contains numerous particulars which have not before reached us, respecting Burmese population, territory, toleration, missionary openings, &c. &c. Ava, Feb. 15th, 1834.

Rev. and dear Sir,

In great haste I wrote you a few lines on the 22d ult., stating the fact of our arrival here, on the first day of the year, which I presume you will receive in due time.

be well received, and where there would be a prospect of his laboring successfully. If half a dozen could

be stationed between here and Rangoon, each could make short tours, and thus the Gospel be preached to the perishing millions, who otherwise must die without any hope in the Saviour, or any knowledge of the eternal God.

I have put up the press, and have begun to print an edition of the Ship of Grace-because, next to the Catechism and View, that is most needed for distribution here. I have only type enough to set up two octavo pages, and therefore my progress in printing must be slow at present. I am daily looking for some stereotype plates from Maulmein, and when they arrive, I shall print off as many of the Catechism and View, as my little stock of paper will allow. I presume the additional type which Mr. Pearce was requested to send, has arrived in Maulmein, and I shall receive a fresh supply. I believe some paper has also been received there, and I have written for some to be sent up here as soon as possible. When these arrive, I shall be able to supply the Ava market with Tracts.

While on our way up the river, I kept a kind of Journal, mentioning where we stopped, gave tracts, &c. I will also forward a copy of the names of the several cities, towns, and villages in the order in which we passed them, with the number of houses contained in each, as the Burmans informed me. Some of the places are constantly increasing, and others diminishing. The Burmese calculate seven individuals to a house, which makes an immense population between here and Rangoon, on the banks of the river only. The press, &c. is in a wooden Multitudes are to be found a short building, and if a fire should break distance back, and the villages ex-out, all must inevitably be lost. We tend the whole breadth of the coun- need a good brick building for the try. There are many places where printing-office as well as for ourI should think a Missionary would selves. The heat begins to be

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