the Falls is to be gained from its brow, hanging between the two cataracts. The passage across this bridge is somewhat frightful, from the rapidity of the current, and the startling thought of hanging suspended over a torrent, so fiercely dashing onward, to leap the next moment from such a giddy height. The mind at once begins to calculate the chances of some accident to the bridge. The bare possibility of the sudden slide of a pier, over which you stand, from the face of the rock, on which it rests, and the inevitable consequence, shocks the feelings with the shuddering sensation of horror; and the hastened step of the passenger will sufficiently indicate the involuntary impulse by which he has been overtaken. No one, however, should deny himself the gratification of visiting the island. It is like as if a bridge had been made to the moon, at once as unexpected, and deemed alike impossible.

"The views and aspects of this great wonder of nature are susceptible of almost infinite change by the change of position: and there it is, the same great work of God for ever and for ever, in constant life and motion. There is no curtain to hide the exhibition-there is no machinery in it, the wires of which are subject to human control. Its fountains are never dried, its torrents are never, like other floods, increased or diminished. There it is, the same for ever and for ever. Notwithstanding

Indians; and, for the novelty of the author's disclosures concerning them, he prepares us in the following passage

"The maxim of Byron: 'Truth is strange, stranger than fiction'-was perhaps never more applicable, than to the principal subject of these pages. The history of the American Indians is the Romance of Fact. It needs not a single dash of the pencil-not a single ingredient of the sentimentality of poetry, to give it life and power over the feelings, The naked truth has in it more of poetry, and a more energetic challenge on the affections, than any possible embellishment, or fictitious garniture, that could be thrown around it-more than any crea. tions of fancy, with which it could be charged. Show that race, as they are and have been, and none of human kind can fail to be interested in them."-p. xii, xiii.

Our readers will be prepared for considerable novelty, in this part of Mr. Colton's book, when they learn, that he offers a considerable and most curious body of evidence to support the theory, that America was originally peopled by the Ten Tribes; and that he gives such representations of their native character, and of that character as modified by the contact of the

waters shall fall the next hour. To-morrow shall be as this day, and a century to come as a century past. The lover of nature's (magnificence and nature's beauties may wander there without fear of satiety-with ever growing and yet a keener appetite. He may choose his bed on the brow of the chasm, and near the fearful plunge, so that the walls of his habitation, and the couch on which he reposes, shall sympathise with the ceaseless vibrations of the earth and rocks, and himself literally be rocked to sleep by the hand and music of the mighty waters. In his half-waking moments he shall know, because he will feel, that he is there. In the visions of his deepest slumbers, still shaken by the concussions of all nature around, he shall be admonished, that he is there. Of that which he saw by day he shall dream by night-and he shall see it even then in forms of as much greater magnificence, and of as much more attractive beauties, or dressed in a wilderness as much more amazing, as dreams are more remarkable, than the sober thoughts of a wakeful hour. He may rise in the morning, and visit the scene with every fresh delight; and at noon, and when the sun declines, and by the light of the moon, or under the stars alone, or when the tempest scowls at midnight

the interest, and attracts the admiration of all. We have not, however, allowed ourselves space for any extracts on these latter points, and must therefore leave our readers to obtain this information for themselves, and promise them a great treat in procuring it.

REVIEW.-Sermons on various points of Practice and Christian Experience. By J. B. B. Clarke, M. A. Trinity College, Cambridge. London, 8vo. 1833. AFTER a pointless and adulatory dedication to a nobleman with whom Mr. Clarke appears to have nothing more than “a cap acquaintance,” the reader of this volume is introduced to a page or two, which more particularly concerns himself; wherein he is told with infinite self-complacency that the author has not, like some, to plead "that the solicitations of friends have hurried him into print,"

of the abyss in rival effort, and lays the broad sheets of its fire on the foam of the waters: and he will never say-it is enough."—p. 8-11.

Those who have perused Mr. Colton's work on American Revivals, will not be surprised at the extraordinary vigour and energy with which this description is penned; and this is by no means a partial specimen of the general style of the book. The chief and most interesting part of its contents, however, respects the American

that we are not to expect the usual series of divisions and subdivisions in these discourses, the author having discovered a more excellent way; and last of all, that no true Methodist need to apprehend any evil consequences from reading his book, for that he will find in it no latent Calvinism, inasmuch as the author has looked carefully "into the originals of the sacred scriptures for it, but could find it not; although it has been argued for," (and

we may add against) both long and bitterly.

Now, with all deference to Mr. Clarke's judgment, we would ask him seriouslyWherefore all this display? Why rush before the public with all this tirade of learning, and cry of "No Calvinism?" Did any one suspect his learning or his orthodoxy; or was it intended, by being thus emblazoned upon the sign, to invite travellers, of a certain grade, to stop and refresh themselves? Whatever the motive might be, it strikes us as singularly out of taste, and by no means accordant either with that book, with the "originals" of which Mr. Clarke professes to be so conversant, or with the enlightened spirit of the times. These are not the times for distracting the minds of the truly serious part of the community, with “I am of Paul," or "I of Apollos;" but the aim of good men in general appears rather to be indicated by the nobler exclamation, "I am of Christianity, I am for truth !"'

66

As to the sermons themselves, we freely confess they are not much to our taste; for the most part they are remarkably superficial, displaying a great deal of imagination and fancy, but little that is substantial or profound. Indeed, in some parts there are statements which are exceedingly crude and unsatisfactory, as in page 297, where "faith" is made to consist in a confidence in our own success, rather than in an humble dependence upon the Saviour; and again in page 72, where speaking of the Holy Ghost, he talks of its energy, of its influences," as though he disbelieved the personality of the Holy Spirit. Again, in page 26, we are told of a person's exercising ONE HALF of godliness, that which is profitable for this life," whereas it is evident from the writer's own description, that the individual mentioned has only the form of godliness, and is wholly destitute of the grace itself. We are sorry also to say that there is in many parts a great want of simplicity, as, when speaking of Religion. (p. 55,) he tells us "of the necessary accidents of its innate excellence"-of its "subsidiary benefits, &c.? As to Sermon the third, it would seem as though it were intended to shew that the author was not ignorant of the original Hebrew, which is accordingly cited in almost every page, as if to give evidence in his favour; together with quotations from sources not commonly submitted to the gaze of the vulgar, such as a Minutius Felix," and "Timour Nameh!"

We had marked several passages as specimens of the writer's style, but we for

bear. There is a certain liveliness and sprightliness about it, but too great an affectation of point; very declamatory and figurative, but too dogmatical to be winning, and too deficient of the "suaviter in modo," to possess much of the "fortiter in re." We exceedingly dislike such representations of the Deity as that of "lightnings flashing thick from his red right hand," and such paintings of the place of torment as are to be found in this volume, which are more like to DISGUST the reader, than to induce him to flee from the wrath to come, and which savour more of stage effect, than of a dignified pulpit oratory.

REVIEW.-The Amethyst; or Christian's Annual for 1834. Oliphant and Son. Edinburgh.

THIS is in our opinion the most instructive and permanently useful of the numerous

class of Annuals. It contains some most admirable contributions-a fact for which the names of Joseph John Gurney, Bernard Barton, Dr. Smith, and Mrs. Opie, are sufficient vouchers. At the same time we must express our surprise at the company they are keeping, and cannot help regretting that such an admirable essay as that from Mr. Gurney, on Habit, or that so beautiful a poem as that of Bernard Barton, on a Seashell, should be found in the vicinity of that mysterious sonnet of Mr. Edmeston, at page 192, or of another of the same author at page 316, which is literally too full of inaccuracies to leave any room for poetry. On the whole, however, the Amethyst forms a valuable and elegant present; and by way of making amends for the exceptions we have taken against some parts of it, we will give it the strongest recommendation in our power, by extracting from it the lines of Bernard Barton, to which we have referred.

THE SEA-SHELL;

BY BERNARD BARTON, Esq.

Hast thou heard of a shell on the margin of ocean,
Whose pearly recesses the echoes still keep,
Of the music it caught when with tremulous motion,
It joined in the concert pour'd forth by the deep.
And fables have told us, when far inland carried,
To the waste sandy desert, or dark ivied cave,

In its musical chambers some murmurs have tarried,
It learn'd long before of the wind and the wave.
Oh! thus should our spirits, which bear many a token
They are not of earth, but are exiles while here,
Preserve in their banishment, pure and unbroken,
Some sweet treasur'd notes of their own native
sphere.

ALTHOUGH the primary elements of poetry must always be interesting, yet in the present day something more than this is necessary to form a popular volume. We look for delineations of character, rather than descriptions of nature; and the poetry, which comprehends little more than the latter, must be considered behind the age in which it is written.

These remarks we think applicable to the volume before us; to the task of description, however, the author has brought considerable power, and some of it is very graphic, and even sublime. There is, we think, throughout an attempt to imitate Walter Scott; and our readers may, perhaps, be reminded of him by the following pas

sage::

"The skies are black'ning, grim and drear,
Like leopard couching in his lair-
That waiteth his approaching prey,
So lay the dark wild waves that day,
And winds with every whistling breath
Low whisper of the coming death;
Thick o'er the sun the tempest's might,
Rolled its deep veil of tenfold night,
And hurrying on its wings of fear,
Came the tornado's wild career,
To roll the ocean plains on high
In mountains to the desert sky.
It seem'd the ruler of the deep
Had ceased his power, and sunk to sleep.
Onward the winged vessels went,
With cordage strain'd and canvass rent,
As if there rode the awful form

Of some fall'n spirit on the storm."

We shall conclude our notice of this volume by one more quotation, of Hope; it is said

"How frail is hope! 'tis like a flower

That bloometh in some Eastern bower;
But scarcely doth its cup unfold,
To drink the dew, the rain to hold:
Then comes the Siroc's sulphury blast,
And breathes upon it-and 'tis past!
'Tis like a cloud that hangs, as though
"Twould drop a gentle shower below,
Yet keepeth passing on-until

'Tis gone! and Earth is thirsty still."

The book labours under two great disadvantages, from which, we should fear, the sale will be much injured; it abounds with typographical errors, and its price is six shillings, a marked exception to most of the publications of the present day.

Ir will be thought a sufficient recommendation of this elegant book, to say, that it sustains the character which it has gained in former years, and fills its place very respectillustrations are, as usual, in excellent taste, ably among its more costly competitors. Its and of elaborate execution; and although the compositions which its pages contain are too short, and in general of too light a cast, to constitute a valuable addition to literature, yet, they are admirably suited to their purpose. Among the poetical contributions merit, among which we may particularize will be found some pieces of considerable two from the elegant pen of Mr. Hollings.

REVIEW.-Miscellaneous Tales, Original and Select, in Prose and Verse. Hurst. London. 1833.

T.

THIS is a very interesting miscellany, dedi. cated, by permission, to the Queen; and containing contributions from some whose

names are a sufficient voucher for the literary character of the work. We are willing, at least, to award it all the praise the editor claims for it in his preface, where he says— "he trusts it will be thought to contain matter which may beguile an idle hour; that it will amuse, if not instruct; and that, if not full of wisdom and of wit, it will be found void of offence."

REVIEW.-The Adieu. Edited by S. S. S. THIS elegant little volume consists of pieces in prose and verse, part only of which are original. The selections are made with much taste and judgment, and are recommended to our attention by the names of Bernard Barton, Howitt, Strickland, and others. We think we have met with none of the numerous publications of this kind now issuing from the press, with which we have been more pleased. We think it admirably adapted to the purpose for which it is intended, namely, as a farewell present to a friend; suggesting, as it does, topics for reflection derived from religion, in that sad hour when called to part with those endeared to us by every delightful association.

which forms a part of it, without a smile, albeit we reviewers have been always noted for surpassing gravity. The motto is, "Of whom the world was not worthy ;" and Mr. Beal has made himself the immediate antecedent to it, although it is obvious that nothing was more foreign from his purpose. But this is a trifling matter, and we merely notice it" en passant." The object of the

volume is to correct certain erroneous impressions which, in the writer's estimation, prevail, relative to certain facts in the history of the Wesley family. It is true, they are none of them of any great weight or importance, but as every thing connected with the memory of such a family is interesting, we have no doubt that these corrections will be regarded in that light. We must do Mr. Beal the justice to say, that his book displays considerable research, and that the conclusions at which he arrives appear to be sound and judicious.

BRIEF SURVEY OF BOOKS.

Illustrations of Political Economy, by Harriet Martineau, (Fox, London.)— We have received several numbers of these tales, and should have noticed them before had they been complete. We must, however, do justice to our fair authoress, and proceed with those now before us :

trated.

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Poor Laws and Paupers IllusNo. 1, the Parish, a Tale; by Harriet Martineau, (Fox, London,) is the first of another series of tales, by the same industrious and powerful writer. It lays open the baneful effects of our present system of poor laws, as they effect all classes of society. It should be in the hands of every overseer, and every member of a workhouse board, and not there only, but where it is, perhaps, most needed -in the hands of every legislator; for our poor-laws are a burden to the rich, a tax on the industrious and frugal, and a premium upon laziness. This series is published under the superintendence of "the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge," and, like all its other publications, has a great recommendation in its cheapness; this tale being one-third longer, and in price one-third less than those on Political Economy.

No. XVI. Messrs. Vanderput and Snoek; is intended to illustrate the nature of Bills of Exchange, and their utility in mercantile transactions. Miss Martineau is not so successful in this as in many of her other tales: her theme occupies but a small portion of her attention, and the nar

rative seems scarcely to illustrate her principles.

No. XVII. Part First of the Loom and the Lugger, advocates a free trade in articles of general consumption, shews the temptations to smuggling, and exposes the tricks and artifices of persons who, taking advantage of the laws of exportation and importation, impose upon both the government and the people.

No. XIX. Sowers not Reapers; shews the operation of the corn-laws, as they at present exist, upon manufacturers, agriculturists, and the working classes. More practical information may be gathered from its clear and comprehensive statements, than from a dozen two-hours' speeches in the houses of parliament, by individuals, either interested in upholding an injurious system, or, if not, at least unacquainted with its bearings on the general mass of the community. No one can peruse it without becoming a convert to her opinion, that all restrictions upon the importation of corn should be removed. The incidents of the tale are highly interesting.

A Testimony for Pure and Undefiled Religion, by J. Roberts, Incumbent of Quarnforce, Staffordshire, (Seeley and Bevenside,) is avowedly a composition designed for distribution among the poor, for whose use it is well adapted, both from the simplicity of its language, and the perspicuity of its arrangement. The author has very judiciously divided it into fifteen short chapters, each of which embraces, in the compass of a few pages, some leading principle of the common salvation; as "The Bible the only foundation, law, and touch-stone of true religion." "The fall of man." "The way of salvation," &c. &c. In each he is clear and explicit, even on some of those points where other authors, of more pretensions, have been dull and obscure. We consider the work calculated to do much good, and would earnestly recommend it to Tract Societies, and those who visit the poor, as it will prove a valuable auxiliary to the labours of the visitor, in teaching the ignorant the way to Zion.

Georgiana and her Father, or Conversations on Natural Phenomena, (Seeley and Bevenside,) presents us with one of those modern versions of Derham, Paley, and Sturm, which are so well adapted to interest the inquiring mind of youth, in the pursuit of natural science, by leading from the various effects observable in the great theatre of nature, to the secondary causes which produce them, and then, by a rational conclusion on the wisdom and contrivance