examples of devotional and sacred poetry; with Introductory Essays pointing out the characteristic excellences, and, in some instances, comprehending biographical sketches of the authors, with remarks on the state of religion in their times. The editors have shown great judgment in their selections; their own Introductory Essays are excellent; and they have received assistance in the good work from coadjutors of established repu tation, or of highest name. The richest treasures of wisdom are here made accessible to all, in such works as Jeremy Tay lor's Liberty of Prophesying, his Select Sermons, his Life of Christ-Hall's Treatises, Devotional and Practical-Butler's Analogy-Leighton's Expositions-Howe's Select Treatisés Bates's Spiritual Perfection-Beveridge's Private Thoughts— Baxter's Dying Thoughts-Cave's Primitive Christianity, and Lives of the Apostles. "We hope ere long to speak of some of those inspired works for they are no less. Meanwhile, we desire to direct attention to the volume which contains the whole of G Fletcher's Christ's Victory and Triumph,' and copious e tions from the poets who, during the seventeenth century kindled the fire of their genius on the altar of religion-Spenser, Davies, Sandys, P. Fletcher, Wither, Bishop King, Quarles, Herbert, Crashaw, and Milton. "To Dr. Anderson belongs the merit of having first cluded it in a Collection of English Poetry-Chalmers had the sense to follow his example--but their ponderous tomes are laid on the shelf—and it is not altogether safe to attempt bringing one of them down from its accumulated dust. If is. now accessible to all, and at a small price, in the Sacred Poetry of the Seventeenth Century;' and it will please us to hear that our article has promoted the circulation of this very Delightful Volume. "The Introductory Essay is of great merit; and will of itself declare the character of the Editorship of the Sacred Classics far better than any praise of ours, and induce man procure the whole series.”—Blackwood for November.. |