drama connected in all its parts, and conducted by the almighty Author and Governor of the universe.-To execute the divine purposes, ambitious men have been merely instruments. They have been the rods of his anger, and the staff in their hand has been the weapon of his indignation;' they have been themselves insensible of the purposes for which they were employed; they have thought of nothing but extending their own power and gratifying their ambition; they have looked no farther for the success than the numbers of their forces and the prowess of their arms: not considering the unseen hand which bore them along, which made every thing fall before them, but which could in an instant check their progress and finish their career. Such men have enjoyed all the glory with which in the language of worldly flattery conquerors and heroes are invested, and have reached the very summit of human greatness; when, if we coolly view their actions, stript of all this parade, we must look on them with detestation and horror. For, turning to those who are the subjects of such victories and triumphs, is to see the dreadful extremity of human distress in all its forms; to see multitudes of persons involved in one common fate, and having their fortunes, their lives, and whatever is most dear to them, sacrificed to military violence. Yet it is by such events, full of suffering, desolation, and slaughter, that the purposes of God are accomplished in the greatest transactions of the world. The events of war and the revolutions of empires bring with them some of the most severe and general ealamities to which mankind are subject, and at the same time are the events in which his hand seems most visibly to interpose. The conclusion, therefore, to be drawn from all such considerations is; not, that God is unjust in permitting these evils to befall his creatures, but that they are designed to answer particular purposes of his providence, with which we cannot possibly be acquainted. And when we see, that in some remarkable instances this is certainly the case, there is the greatest reason for us to infer that it is so always." 5. A Sermon preached at the Parish Church of St. Luke, Middlesex, before His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent, and the Committee of the Royal Institution for the Education upon the British System of One Thousand Children of the Poor of all Religious Denominations, in the Wards of Aldersgate, Bassishaw, Coleman-street, and Cripplegate, in the City of London, and in the Parish of St. Luke and Liberty of Glasshouse-yard, in the County of Middlesex, on Sunday, March 13, 1814. By the Rev. William Tooke, F. R. S. Chaplain to the Right Hon. the Lord Mayor. 8vo. pp. 22. Printed for the Use of the Committee. of Londou, nor that of his Chaplain, NEITHER the office of Lord Mayor at least in this glorious and eventful year, can be considered as a sinecure. Independent of the numerous attendances on Princes and Sovereigns in the City State Coach, and the Festivities at Guildhall and the Mansion-house, the present worthy Chaplain is called on, again and again, to labour in his proper vocation, and to plead for the young and the helpless. Were it in our power as easily to dispense Ecclesiastical Preferment where it is so well merited, as it is to give praise where praise is justly due, Mr. Tooke would not be long without at least a But we must attend Prebendal Stali. to his masterly discourse. "The fault of which we are cautioned in our text (Eccles. vii. 11.), of censuring the temper and manners of the times, and disparaging their value in comparison of the former, is of so old a date, is so deeply seated in the nature of man, and admits of being so plausibly palliated by such obvious imperfections of the present, that it is rather a hopeless task to persuade the advocates and abettors of this practice of their unreasonableness and partiality. The pen of the satirist has in all ages been employed in censuring and vilifying the present times, and charging them with a variety of follies and extravagances, which to the former are said to have been unknown. The tongue of the garrulous old man expatiates with peculiar complacency on the delightful theme of the days that are past, of those of his youth in derogation of the present. It is in some degree founded in the very nature and constitution of man; seeing he forgets nothing more easily than frailties and follies in which he himself bore a part, and therefore judges nothing more severely than errors and deviations which have now no more charms for him. Even the real and undeniable imperfections, by which every age, and our own in particular, is marked, may furnish some specious arguments in extenuation of this fault. For instance, if we advert solely to the scepticism, the incredulity, a credulity, the party-spirit, the effeminacy and fastidiousness of our days, which occupy the attention of so many of our moral censors; judging from this view alone, the sentence of condemnation will be passed upon whole age, and it is branded with the characters of invective and reprobation. Plausible however as these excuses may be, they are by no means favoured by the admonition of the venerable sage whom we have selected for our guide in the present discourse. Say not thou, thus he speaks after the experiences of a long life, what is the cause that the former days were better than these for thou dost not inquire wisely concerning this. And in reality where is the wisdom of allowing oneself in a general censure which would be degrading to the greater part of our contemporaries? Where is the wisdom of tacitly assuming to oneself merits and excellences, which rest only on a warped and partial comparison of the past with the present? Would it in short be wise, by openly complaining of the deterioration of the times and the degeneracy of mankind, to arraign Providence of having with-. drawn its patronage from our species. and surrendered it to unprecedented obliquities? Is it not a far nobler, worthier occupation, as leading to more liberal and loftier sentiments, to consider the spirit of the age on its fairer side, to observe in it the preparatives and approximation to a better order of things; and by these views to confirm our minds in the belief in God and in his care of the human species? Let us then chuse this elevating and beneficial consideration as the theme of our present discourse, by directing our attention to the praiseworthy qualities of the age. And that it may be at once interesting both to our understanding and to our heart, our first endeavour shall be to make good this commendation, and, thence to form the necessary determination on our parts to merit, to maintain and to augment the worth on which it is founded." After demonstrating that "ignorance is the great parent of credulity and superstition;" and that "the effects of religious truth on the minds and passions of a people are no less favourable to liberty;" the Preacher, with great liberality, observes, "The spirit of toleration, which is peculiar to the present æra, deserves to be included amongst its nobler and laudable qualities. After a sanguinary conflict of many centuries, mankind are GENT. MAG. July, 1814. becoming gradually weary of quarreling and fighting, of murdering one another about their diverse conceptions of God, his purposes and dealings. They begin to perceive, that, if reason already acknowledges even in religion only one truth, yet that each individual conceives and must conceive of God and his ways according to his own sense and apprehension; they perceive that the exterior and sensible forms of religion are only means to the generating of inward sentiments of devotion, and that this end can only be obtained by various methods and diverse external rites and ceremonies. They perceive in short, that the religion of the individual, as an affair of the soul and the conscience, belongs not to the jurisdiction of human tribunals; and that in every instance it is an abnegation of true religion and blasphemy against the Supreme Being, to open dungeons, to forge fetters, and to spill the blood of brethren under the specious pretext of advancing his glory." After strenuously recommending "the resolution to do all that in us lies to preserve pure and unenervated the moral sense of our contempora ries, and thereby to enhance the sanction of duty as the public rule of our actions and judgments," he continues, "Would we have the glory of living in an age propitious to the perfecting and ennobling of our species; we must endeavour above all things to keep unnity and human obligations, we must sullied the moral sense of human digprotest openly and resolutely against whatever has a tendency to suppress and diminish the proper liberty of immortal beings; we must by a discreet frankness in behalf of what is the sacred right of every man, vindicate and uphold the cause of general instruction and moral improvement. To this end the divine blessing conduce than the nothing can more efficaciously under Institution which it is not more incumbent on me as a lover of our country than it is my delight to recommend. An Institution patronized by our august and beloved Sovereign, and encouraged by the illustrious Princes of his House, the emulators of his virtues. If then, you would follow their patriotic, their pious example, if you would derive to yourselves the grateful attachment of a numerous population, if you would prove a blessing to the rising generation, if you would have your names enrolled by an enlightened and virtuous poste rity among the benefactors of mankind, if you would merit the approbation of God, God, and attract upon your country the smiles of Heaven, if you would follow the example of the divine founder of our religion, who went about doing good, you will cordially embrace the opportunity that now offers of contributing of your substance to the Royal Institution for the Education of the Poor upon the British system for One Thousand Children, extending, like the bounties of Heaven, to all religious denominations. Hearken now to the account of what is proposed under God's superintending Providence by this Institution from the statement of those who understand it best :-[Here the Report was read.]-What you have now beard, and the earnest desire I cherish of contributing as far as in me lies to the rendering of not only the present days but future generations still better than the former, instead of idly complaining that the present days are worse than the former, will, I trust, be my apology, if any apology be necessary, in making this appeal to the best affections of your nature. As national provision, however copious, and however managed, will not answer all the wants. and distresses of mankind. They will break in from a thousand sources, in forms which no laws can foresee or provide for. Whenever then, as at present, such objects present themselves: when you can by a little seasonable relief effectuate so great a good; I mean the education of the children of the necessitous; in which number may be justly included, not only the children of those who are themselves the proper objects of our charity, but like wise those of the industrious labourer or mechanic, who, although able to maintain himself and family, may yet be unable to give his children a proper education. Now, though the poor of every age, who are incapable of labour, have a natural right to our care and benevolence, yet our liberality can never be so well bestowed as in securing the proper education of poor children; because, by the same sums given we do them services infinitely greater than we can bestow on the full-grown or the aged. For after a certain time of life we can have little hope of rectifying their morals, even by the most ardent and generous efforts of our charity. Their habits and vices are already too strongly rooted to be effectually removed, either by our munificence or our instruction. But their children, if so fortunate as to fall under the care of the good and charitable, are like tender Shoots under their forming hand, capable of being fashioned into any shape, of having their crookednesses of mind set straight, their obliquities easily and effectually corrected. More particularly the children of the necessitous in great and populous cities have an uncommon claim to the charity and compassion of mankind. In country villages, if the poor be sometimes distressed and ignorant, yet the few ill examples they meet with, the few opportunities of abandoned wickedness, and the more tolerable state of religion and morals in these solitary scenes, are so many happy checks to their progress in vice and villainy. But be who views the state of the uninstructed poor in great cities, views human nature in its lowest and most abject state of misery, wretchedness, and profligacy. Urged by want, let loose to every impulse of inordinate appetite by frequent opportunity and secrecy of action, tempted by wicked examples, inflamed by evil communication and intoxicating liquors, their life is too generally a horrid compound of riot and distress, rapacity and thieving, prostitution and robbery, wickedness and despair. In a word, they commonly adopt all the vices of untamed savages, without the counterbalance of their virtues." 6. Proverbs chiefly taken from the Adagia of Erasmus, with Explanations ; and further illustrated by corresponding Examples from the Spanish, Italian, French, and English Languages. By Robert Bland, M. D. F. S. A. small 8vo. 2 vols. We the celebrated Adagia of Erasmus, THIS amusing book is founded on though it bears no proportion in cannot, indeed, justly make any obsize to that celebrated work. jection to Dr. Bland's collection, except that the illustrations are some times too concise. Erasmus occasionally runs out into very long digressions, which when they relate to temporary matters, such as the corruption of the Monks, are certainly better omitted: but they are sometimes interesting and instructive, in which cases they would have borne a closer imitation, or even a translation. His learned references to Greek authors would, perhaps, have been too formidable for modern readers: yet, when they are moderately introduced as translated in the elegant Anthology published by the Doctor's Son, they have a very attractive effect. The Proverbs are given in Latin, but an English trans lation is generally subjoined, and parallel sayings in other languages are very often introduced. No particular order seems to be observed in the arrangement of them. We shall give one or two specimens: “Quæ uncis sunt unguibus ne nutrias Do not feed, or take under your roof, animals of ferocious and savage dispositions, that have sharp and crooked claws. Do not cherish a snake in your bosom, or enter into friendship with crafty and deceitful persons. • Otez un vilain du gibet, il vous y mettra,' Save a thief from the gallows, and he will cut your throat. 'Cria el cuervo, y sacarte ha los ojos,' Breed up a crow, and he will tear out your eyes. Ingratitude and the unyielding bent of nature, were typified by the Greeks, under the elegant representation of a goat giving suck to the whelp of a wolf, with a subscription, which has been thus rendered: A wolf reluctant with my milk I feed, Obedient to a cruel master's will; By him I nourish'd, soon condemn'd to bleed, [still. For stubborn nature will be nature We add two familiar lines to these, may The hedge-sparrow fed the cuckoo so long, [young." That she had her head bit off by her The above version of the Greek epigram Toy Auxor, &c. is by Mr. Bland. We choose another example, chiefly because it contains the Author's further explanation of his own plan. "Manibus, pedibusque. With the ut most exertion of our hands and feet, or with tooth and nail, as we say. Nervis omnibus, straining every nerve, exerting our utmost power and ability to effect our purpose. Remis velisque, pushing it on with oars and sails; Omnem movere lapidem, leaving no stone unturned, to discover what we are in search of:-are forms of speech used by the Romans, which have been adopted by us, and are therefore here admitted; as may also be, Toto pectore, with our whole soul, loving or hating any one. These are all, and indeed many more similar expressions, treated of by Erasmus as distinct Proverbs; but it was thought better to bring them together bere, in this manner." "It may not be amiss, once for all, to observe, that I have not confined myself to the sense given by Erasmus to many of the Adages. As I have frequently passed over very long disquisitions, when they appeared to me not suitable to the present state of litera ture, or of the times; so, on the other hand, I have sometimes expatiated largely, where he has given the exposition in two or three lines. Another considerable difference is, that here are introduced many corresponding adages in the French, Italian, Spanish, and English languages, none of which gular, Jortin remarks, that though are to be found in his book. It is sinErasmus spent a large part of his time in France, Italy, and England, it does not appear that he was ever able to converse in any of those languages; or perhaps to read the productions of any of the writers of those countries, excepting such as were written in Latin; which, have been adopted by most of the biteas a language in general use, appears to rati down to his time; excepting perhaps by the Italians, whose language had attained a higher degree of polish and perfection than any of the others." Vol. I. p. 84. As there are few persons to whom Proverbs are not an attractive species of Literature, there can be little doubt that these volumes will obtain an. extensive circulation. Their style is familiar, and their matter very various. "It contains a series of observations on the different subjects connected with Bibliography. It comprises, first, a Summary account of the materials used for writing in different ages and countries: next in order succeed the origin and progress of writing and printing, the mechanism of the art, with comparative observations on the typogra phical execution of early printed books. This division is followed by remarks on the forms of books,-different styles of bookbinding in various ages,-the knowledge of books, and the causes of their relative value and scarcity, together with the best methods of preserving and repairing them. The principles on which the classification of a library should be conducted, are then explained, and illustrated by a copious system for its arrangement. The last and most extensive division of the work is appropriated ડ priated to a notice of the principal writers, who have treated on the different branches of Bibliography.-With regard to the engravings which are inserted, while the author hopes they will be found sufficient for the purpose of elucidating his work, it were unjust not to notice the fidelity and spirit with which they have been executed by a young artist [Mr. J. Lee], particularly the fac-similes of the Books of Images. -Throughout the ensuing pages, the author's object has been to compress as much as possible; many articles of lesser moment, therefore, have been omitted, for which ample materials had been collected. On the third part of the present work, he has bestowed most labour, being anxious that nothing of importance should be omitted: and in giving this list of works on Bibliography, such only have been inserted, as appeared to be principally deserving of attention from the Bibliographical Student. Each book, as far as was practicable, has been described from personal examination; and where the author could not obtain access to it, either in his own limited collection, or in public libraries, he has availed himself of the labours of MM. Brunet, Cailleau, De Bure, Peignot, Renouard, Santander, the Rev. T. F. Dibdin, Dr. A. Clarke, and other Bibliographers, both British and Foreign. From their volumes, as well as from the principal literary Journals, he has been enabled to glean the various critical notices interspersed through the following pages: where particularly valuable, rare, or expensive works are to be found in our public libraries, especially in the Metropolis, care has been taken to indicate such library, noticing those chiefly which are the most easily accessible.Such is the work now offered to the acceptance of the Public, as an Introduction to the infant science of Bibliography. Precepts, indeed, the Author does not pretend to give:-he merely suggests some practical hints for Students; at the same time, he ventures to indulge a hope, that his labours may be favourably received by every lover of books, as well as by the more experienced Bibliographer." We shall now transcribe Mr. Horne's bill of fare: Introductory Memoir on the Public Libraries of the Antients :-Libraries of the Jews-Of the Persians-Of the Chaldeans-Egyptian Libraries-Library at Memphis The Alexandrian LibraryLibraries of the Greeks-Library at Athens founded by Pisistratus-Library of Pergamus-Libraries of Rome-First public library founded by P. ÆmiliusLibrary of Sylla-Of Lucullus-Library erected by Asinius Pollio-The Octavian Library -The Palatine Library-Library of Tiberius-Library of Vespasian-The Capitoline Library-The Ulpian Library -The Gordian Library-Public Libraries in the Cities, &c. of the Roman einpire-Library at Constantinople. On the different substances employed for Manuscripts and printed Books.→ Substances in use before the invention of Paper: Stone, Bricks, Lead, Brass, Wood, Leaves, Bark of Trees, Linen, Skins, Parchment and Vellum, Leather. Paper: Papyrus, Paper of Bark, Chinese Papers, Japanese Paper, Bootan Paper, Madagascar Paper, Asbestos Paper, Cotton Paper, Paper from Linen Rags, Paper from different substances, Coloured Paper. On Manuscripts in general, including the Origin of Writing. Origin and Progress of Printing, Mechanism of the Art, &c. On Books: General Remarks on the Denominations, Sizes, &c. of Books.— Of the knowledge of books, their relative value and scarcity. Prices of books, &c. Essay towards an improved System of Classification for a Library. A Notice of the principal Works extant on Literary History in General, and on Bibliography in particular: — Literary History. Writing. Works on Printing.-Books.-Bibliographical Systems, Catalogues, &c.: Catalogues, &c. of the principal Foreign Public Libraries, including Brief Notices of their Contents: Libraries of Denmark; of France; of Germany; of Holland and the Netherlands; of Hungary and Poland; of Italy and Sicily; of Russia; of Spain and Portugal; of Sweden; of Switzer. land; of Turkey; of North America.— Catalogues of British Public Libraries: Libraries in London; British Museum; The Royal Society; Sion College; College of Physicians; Middle Temple; Inner Temple; Library of the Hon. East India Company; Protestant Dissenters' Library, Red Cross Street; London Medical Society; Royal Institution; London Institution; Surrey Institution; Russell Institution. The Appendix consists of Books of Images; Brief Notice of works printed on Paper of different Colours; List of the principal Vignettes or Marks used by the Autient Printers; Monograms and Devices of Antient Printers, &c.: Unique and illustrated Copies; Works in the Macaronic Style; Notices of some of the most eminent Printers of the 16th, 17th, and 18th Centuries, and of the principal Editions executed by them; Codex Ebnerianus ; Collections |