And though o'erwhelming to the dazzled brain,

These are the moments when the mind is

sane;

For then, a hope of Heaven-the Saviour's cross,

Seem what they are, and all things else but loss." pp. 166, et seq.

We conceive that the spiritual elevation of these passages, in combination with their poetical merit, will vindicate the character which the writer in the present criticism; we have ventured to attribute to and our readers will probably join in our hope, that Miss Taylor may indulge the public with farther Essays on the Habits and Pursuits of the Age." We are indeed aware that, in writings on transient topics, there is great danger lest remonstrances against human inconsistency, in its current forms, should betray the writer unconsciously into what may appear like personal allusion, the inconvenience and worse consequences of which are doubtless unpleasant both to feminine and moral feelings. But, though the difficulties attending such a career are great, yet we apprehend they are not insurmountable: and it certainly is a strong reason why writers should choose for their subjects living manners and morals, that the taste of the age is to read, write, and talk about the passing topics of the day. We, therefore, are anxious to find among the new publications, which in these times circulate with such ominous rapidity through all our reading families, some antidotes to the morbid excretions of the press. The world will read, and the world will also keep in pay a host of writers, who contract on their side to furnish a supply of new books; for, with regard to the old ones, they generally seem to be dead and gone, without any hope of restored animation, except an occasional reprint; and even then, when our complete editions are once bound and stowed in the library, they too often undergo a kind of second

dissolution. What will be the end of this state of things no lover of letters, of his country, or of pure Christianity, will take joy in computing; but one way of re-establishing the ancient empire of sound learning is to mingle with the brigands of fashionable literature such friends of the old government as will, in their writings, recommend a return to good sense and correct principles. The attempt is doubtless to be made under embarrassing circumstances. The revolutionary party has resources in talent, influence, and numbers, by no means to be despised. They have the arts of popular composition; and they have novels, poems, travels, biography, encyclopædias, dramas, essays, in rhyme and not in rhyme, science made easy, compendiums of political economy, and every thing else but the grave and salutary philosophy of Revelation. What have the loyal party? Whatever they have, the amount may too easily be reckoned, and we shall not present the detail. It is too meagre to disclose either to friend or enemy, lest it should discourage the one and stimulate the other.

It is impossible for us, however, to allude to this painful subject, without recollecting our obligations to one venerated individual, now standing on the verge of the eternal world, whose pen during half a century has been unceasingly employed in counteracting the insidious labours of the revolutionary philosophists; who has addressed herself with equal effect to the prince and the peasant; whose lighter pieces, the delight of every rank and of all ages, have been adapted with exquisite skill to allure the thoughtless to the perusal of her graver volumes; and whose graver volumes are calculated, under the influence of the Divine Spirit, to train the Christian to a meetness for his heavenly inheritance. Could we infuse a portion of her active and labori

ous zeal, of her unwearied diligence in doing good into the minds of some living men whom we could name, possessing genius and talents not unworthy of being associated even with Hannah More, we should not despair of seeing literature and religion united in a closer alliance than, perhaps, this world has yet witnessed.

In inviting Miss Taylor, however, to join this association, which we do with great cordiality, we should not act honestly if we did not state, that the volume before us affords matter of serious complaint to every sincere member of the Established Church, on the score of either her gratuitous insinuations, or affected forbearance, in reference to the national communion. It might have been previously calculated that a writer, whose works generally breathe the pure atmosphere of Christianity, would have found in her own principles an antidote to every feeling inconsistent with the spirit of unity and peace. Shall we also say, that the querulous tones of Non-conformity are still more discordant when uttered by a female? Miss Taylor has observed the waywardness of human kind with too much sagacity, not to know, that the same amount of error, and bigotry, and worldliness which develops itself in the mere Churchman, may also be found in the mere Dissenter. Neither does it matter what shape may be assumed by persons who, however they may shew themselves as antipodes one in the cathedral, the other in the conventicle-may yet be classed as belonging to the same genus, and who differ barely as the alligator differs from the crocodile. She knows perfectly well that no community of Christians can be answerable for the obliquities of its members; and her lessons would have lost none of their spiritual symmetry, had she preserved a rigid neutrality on points where many who are joined in spirit mutually agree to separate in ex

ternals. In short, we wish the reader to understand, that we consider Miss Taylor's sectarianism-this is really not too severe a word-to be a stain on the religious reputation of her Essays; and that our surprise on this subject is the greater, as we do not recollect that in her other

performances she has deviated from the direct path of utility towards the wilds of contention. We trust that in future productions she will not thus unseasonably repel many who otherwise might derive from her productions pleasure and benefit.

GREAT BRITAIN. PREPARING for publication:-The Life of Granville Sharpe, Esq., by Prince Hoare;-Southill, a Poem, by Robert Bloomfield;-Picturesque Tour in Italy, by J. Hakewill;-An Account of the Life, Ministry, and Writings of the late Rev. John Fawcett, D.D., by his Son; AWork on Pompeii, by George Townley, Esq.;-Survey of the Campagna di Roma, by Dr. Sickler;-Life of Thomas Paine, by Wm. Cobbett !!-Voyage to Barbary and Residence at Algiers, by Signor Pananti ;-Sermons by Rev. J. Marriott, A. M. of Exeter.

In the press-Letters written during a Tour in Ireland, by J. C. Curwen, Esq. M.P., in 2 vols. 8vo.;- A volume of Sermons by the Rev. Mr. Gallaudet, of Hartford in Connecticut ;-History of the Endowed Grammar Schools, by Mr. Nicholas Carlisle ;-Scripture Testimony of the Messiah, by Rev. J. P. Smith, D. D.;-Serinons, by Dr. D. Dewar; Narrative of a Voyage to Newfoundland and Labrador, by Lieut. Chappell; - A correct and enlarged edition of Bythner's Lyra Prophetica; -TheConnection of Natural and Revealed Theology, by Rev. E. W. Grinfield.

The number of patients admitted to the Small Pox Hospital, at Pancras, during the year 1817, was as follows:Casual small pox, 160; for inoculation, 42; for vaccination, 3; out-patients for vaccination, 3124. Of the 160 admitted with the casual small pox, forty-eight have died; and of the forty-two with the inoculated small pox, one has died. Not one has died in consequence of vaccination. We are astonished to find that the small pox inoculation is still permitted. A large portion, probably, of those under the head of casual small pox, were infected by inoculated patients.

The following is an extract from a Baltimore newspaper. It needs no comment, except indignation at the cruelty and pity for the folly that could dictate such an enactment.

"An ordinance has been passed in the city of Savannah, by which any one who teaches a Person of Colour, either slave or free, to read or write, or causes such person to be so taught, is subject to a fine of 30 dollars for each offence; and every Person of Colour who shall keep a school to teach reading or writing, is subject to a fine of 30 dollars, to be imprisoned ten days, and whipped with 39 lashes!"

The following article appears in the Russian Court calender for this year:"Three hundred and fifty-five years have elapsed since all the Russian provinces were united under one govern ment, during which period the Russian frontiers have been from time to time extended, without a single instance in Russian history of a cession of territory. The acquisitions of territory made by Russia took place as follows :-Siberia, in 1573; Little Russia, in 1644; Livonia and Esthonia, in 1710; White Russia, iu 1772; the Crimea, in 1783; Lithuania and Courland, in 1793; the remainder of Poland, in 1795; Georgia, in 1801; Bialystock, in 1807; Finland, in 1809; and the duchy of Warsaw, in 1815.”

Some curious remarks have lately appeared relative to the supposed deterio ration of the climate of Great Britain.Our springs, it is said, are now later, and the summers shorter, and both those seasons colder and more humid, than they were in the youthful days of many persons, and those not very aged, who are now alive. We learn from our old. chronicles, that the grape has formerly been cultivated in England, for the manafacture of wine, but we now know

that, even with much care and attention, it can scarcely be brought to ripen a scanty crop under walls exposed to the sun, sheltered from cold wind, and in every respect in the most favourable aspect; and it would be folly to attempt its growth in the method of a vineyard, as a standard.

But what may be considered as coming more home to the present generation is, that on ground where the vine once flourished, even the apple has of late years scarcely ripened. It is now sixteen years since the orchards have afforded a plentiful crop.

We are not however, it seems, alone; for in all the northern parts of our hemisphere the mean annual temperature is on the decline and on recurring to the accounts of modern travellers, it appears that in mountainous parts of Europe the accumulation of ice and snow is very sensibly increasing. This is perhaps particularly the case, and is easily observable, in the vicinity of Mont Blanc; and the glaciers which, descend ing from the summits of that and the adjoining peaks, invade the adjacent valley of Chamouny, are making such progress as to threaten, at no veryremote period, to render the heart of that district inaccessible to the traveller. In a recent Number of the "Bibliotheque des Sciences et des Arts," Professor Pictet informs us, that the Glacier des Bossons has very lately advanced fifty feet, much to the dismay of the neighbouring villagers. But if we resort to more northern climates we shall find yet more alarming evidence of the great increase of snow and ice; and of this, the

history of Greenland furnishes perhaps the most remarkable facts upon record. That country received its name from its verdant appearance; and the original colony continued to prosper, and to carry on an extensive commerce with Norway, until the beginning of the 15th century, since which period all communication with East Greenland has ceased, and what was once known respecting it is almost buried in oblivion. Since that period too, the east coast of Greenland, which once was perfectly accessible, has become blockaded by an immense collection of ice, so that till within these few months no vessels could approach near enough even to see land in that direction.

To this accumulation of ice is attributed the deterioration of our own climate; and which, if the same causes continue to act, is equally threatening to our neighbours upon the continent of Europe. From America, too, we learn, that, in consequence of the coldness of the seasons, Indian corn will no longer ripen in New England, and that the farmers have consequently taken to the cultivation of wheat, which has succeeded so well as to render it likely to supersede maize.

Hopes are entertained of the amendment of the climate of Britain, from the gradual breaking up of the ice, which has advanced so far as to re-open the communication with East Greenland. For further information on this subject, we must refer our readers to the Quarterly Journal of Arts, from whose pages we have selected the above observations,

THEOLOGY.

An Account of the Life and Writings of the late John Erskine, D. D. of Carnock; by Sir H. Moncrieff Wellwood, Bart. 8vo.

The Reformation from Popery commemorated: a Discourse on the Third Centenary of that Event, delivered in the Independent Meeting-house, Stowmarket, Nov. 9, 1817; by W. Ward. 1s.

Sermons; by John B. Romeyn, D. D. Pastor of the Presbyterian Church, Cedar-street, New York. 8vo. 10s. 6d. The Domestic Altar: a Six-Weeks' Course of Morning and Evening Prayer; by the Rev. W. Smith.

A Funeral Sermon for the Rev. James Jones, Curate of Glasbury, Radnorshire; by the Rev. P. M. Proctor.

The New Testament of Our Lord
CHRIST. OBSERV. No. 194.

of Harriott, and extended to the Fluxional or Differential Calculus; only eighty copies printed; by William Spence. 8vo. 14s.

The Principles of Mechanics; in Three Lectures: designed as an Introduction to this Branch of the Mathematics; with an Appendix; with Plates. By William Shires, formerly Nautical Master in the Royal Navy. 8vo. 3s,

Observations on the Circumstances which Influence the Condition of the Labouring Classes of Society; by J. Barton.

Letters from the Hon. Horace Walpole, to George Montagu, Esq. from 1736 to 1770, now first published from Originals in Possession of the Editor. Royal 4to. The Encyclopædia Metropolitana, or Universal Dictionary of Knowledge, on an original Plan; comprising the twofold Advantage of a Philosophical and an Alphabetical Arrangement, with twelve appropriate and entirely new Engravings, by eminent Artists. Part I.

4to. ll. Is.

The Fourth and last Canto of Childe Harold's Pilgrimage; by Lord Byron.

Original Letters, from Richard Bax ter, Matthew Prior, Lord Bolingbroke, Alex. Pope, Dr. Cheyne, Dr. Hartley, Dr. Sam. Johnson, Mrs. Montague, Rev. Wm. Gilpin, Rev. John Newton, Lord Geo. Lyttleton, Rev. Dr. C. Buchanan, &c. &c; with Biographical Illustrations. Edited by Rebecca Warner, of Beech Cottage, near Bath. Svo. 10s. 6d.

A Narrative of the Rev. C. I. Latrobe's late Tour in South Africa: together with some Account of the State of the Missions of the United Brethren in that interesting Country. 4to. with Engravings.

Notes on a Journey from Virginia to the Illinois; by Morris Birkbeck, Esq. 68.

An Investigation of the Cause of Easter 1818, being appointed on a Wrong Day, plainly shewing that unless the present System of Computation shall be abolished greater Errors must ensue ; containing also, Proposals for a Universal Calendar. By a Member of the University of Oxford. Is.

A New Translation of the Satires of Persius, with Life and Notes; by W. Gifford. 2 vols. 8vo. 17. 1s.

CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY. THE accounts of the progress of the Gospel in different parts of India have of late been very auspicious. There is a considerable accession of converts and native teachers; and the schools in most places are upon the increase. From Madras the Rev. Mr. Thompson writes;

"We have much to communicatemuch that will afford, we trust, great satisfaction and encouragement to the Committee, and all the friends of the Society. Every where, at every station, we seem to be prospering."

"You will hear, with great pleasure, of the raising up of three other valuable native instruments for us, beside our Reader Christian of three native Christians, who have been giving them selves to the service of the Lord among their countrymen, in the most disinterested manner, without patrons, but not without an evident Divine blessing:Sandappen, to the north of Madras, about twenty or thirty miles distant; Appavoo, to the westward, through a considerable circuit; and a third, Jacob Joseph, at Cannanore, on the western coast."

"Just as I am closing my letter, intelligence comes in from Mr. Rhenius, that some respectable Mussulmans are apply

ing to him to establish schools for THEIR children also, as for the Hindoos."

We observe, with much pleasure, in Mr. Thompson's communications, that there is an increasing demand in India for school books, and for both elementary and standard books in divinity, with Prayer-books and the Homilies. Mr. Thompson lends his utmost aid to procure and give circulation to such works. We rejoice to add, that religion is on the increase among all ranks in the Presidency.

Mr. Corrie and the missionaries who accompanied him had arrived at Madras, after a quick and favourable voyage of three months and seventeen days. The prospects of usefulness, and the demands for missionary labour in that neighbourhood, were so very extensive and promising, that it was considered expedient for Messrs. Schmidt to remain there instead of proceeding, as originally intended, to Calcutta.

TRAVANCORE.

Mr. Thompson has sent home most encouraging dispatches relative to the prospects of this mission. He remarks; "For Allepie, I must even let it speak for itself. Here, above all, you will rejoice. Well may Mr. Norton write of his astonishment to see what has