bitants are chiefly engaged in agriculture, Mr. Farr has ascertained, that the mean duration of life in the classes of two districts differs nearly 17 years, the average of life being 55 years in the country and only 38 in the towns. The density of the population in the country districts referred to, compared to that in the towns, is as 10 to 245; the mortality as 100 to 144. us. FAMILIES OF LITERARY MEN.- -We are not going to speculate about the causes of the fact-but a fact it is—that men distinguished for extraordinary intellectual power of any sort very rarely leave more than a very brief line of progeny behind them. Men of genius have scarcely ever done so. Men of imaginative genius, we might say, almost never. With the one exception of the noble Surrey, we cannot at this moment point out a representative in the male line even so far down as in the third generation of any English poet, and we believe the case is the same in France. The blood of beings of that order can seldom be traced far down, even in the female line. With the exception of Surrey and Spencer, we are not aware of any great English author, of at all remote date, from whose body any living person claims to be descended. There is no other real English poet prior to the middle of the eighteenth century, and we believe no great author of any sortexcept Clarendon and Shaftesbury—of whose blood we have any inheritance amongst Chaucer's only son died childless. Shakspere's line expired in his daughter's only daughter. None of the other dramatists of that age left any progeny-nor Raleigh, nor Bacon, nor Cowley nor Butler. The grand daughter of Milton was the last of his blood. Newton, Locke, Pope, Swift, Arbuthnot, Hume, Gibbon, Cowper, Gray, Walpole, Cavendish-and we might greatly extend the list-never married. Neither Bolingbroke, nor Addison, nor Warburton, nor Johnson, nor Burke, transmitted their blood. M. Renouard's last argument against a perpetuity in literary property is, that it would be founding another noblesse. Neither jealous aristocracy nor envious Jacobinism need be under much alarm. When a human race has produced its bright consummate dower' in this kind, it seems commonly to be near its end. Poor Goldsmith might have been mentioned in the above list. The theory is illustrated in our own day. The two greatest names in science and in literature, of our time, were Davy and Walter Scott. The first died childless. Sir Walter left four children, of whom three are dead, only one of them (Mrs. Lockhart) leaving issue, and the fourth, (his eldest son,) though living, and long married, has no issue.-Quarterly Review. 6 A NEW DISTINCTION." It is my opinion, I confess, that with respect to many things, we ought to be more submissive to a heathen government than to a Christian one. Let me illustrate this idea. The apostle Paul, you remember, says to the Romans, Pay ye tribute also.' 'Yes,' says some one; and perhaps that tribute might partly go to the support of idolatry. Perhaps it might; and Christians existing as tolerated aliens, (nothing else—a company of tolerated aliens in a heathen and Gentile nation,) would probably feel both disposed and obliged to carry very far the principle of submission to its demands and exactions. But now take this other case. There were two parties among the Christians at Rome, one of whom thought it right to eat flesh, and the other thought that it was not right. They were both Christians; they were both in the Church. Now suppose that the party which thought it right to eat flesh, had happened to get the political mastery, and to be placed in power; and suppose they had passed a law by which they demanded at the peril of fine, imprisonment, or life, that all those Christian brethren of theirs, who thought it an abomination to eat flesh, should yet give their money to buy flesh for them! What do you think Paul would say to that-Paul, who actually himself would not eat flesh, lest he should hurt the conscience of his scrupulous brother? Would he, think you, look upon that exaction in the same light in which he looked upon the tribute of a heathen government, even though that tribute might perhaps go to furnish sacrifices for the altars of heathenism? I trow not. I think Paul would have had a very different feeling, and would have both taught and acted in another manner; and I think we have a right to have a different feeling too, in relation to those who profess the same religious faith with ourselves, and are not bound so silently to submit to all exactions imposed by them, as we might be if living under an absolutely heathen government."—Rev. T. Binney, Pulpit No. 1,041). ANCIENT HISTORY. History of the Persians. From Rollin, and other authentic sources, both ancient and modern. With two Maps. pp. 124. Price 2s. Religious Tract Society. To the History of the Egyptians, the History of the Carthaginians, and the History of the Assyrians and Chaldeans, Medes and Lydians, we have now to add the History of the Persians, compiled with the same care and skill, which have distinguished the rest of the series. The discoveries of modern travellers, introduced in their due place and order, so exceedingly deepen the interest of ancient history, that our old standard works must have the inconvenient addition of notes, to make them at all passable. But it is a far better course, to use them as the writer of these treatises is doing: to take from them the facts they collected, and interweave with these (in an entirely fresh narrative,) all that has since come to light. The task has fallen into good hands. The work is altogether well done, and done especially in a lively, an interesting, and a religious way. It is very cheap too; being closely printed in double columns on large paper. SHELLS, and their Inmates. pp. 214. THIS is another of those scientific gems, among which we have already noticed the treatises on "Light," "Heat," "Plants," &c. It is an attractive little volume, and though far enough from gossiping, is full of interest, while the descriptive and explanatory portions are very clear and simple. Of course it has chiefly to do with the ocean; about which it presents us with the following lines, whose authorship we confess we do not know : "The floor is of sand, like the mountain drift, And the pearl-shell spangles the flinty snow; Their boughs, where the tides and billows flow; For the winds and the waves are absent there; There, with its waving blade of green, The sea-flag streams through the silent water, To blush like a banner bathed in slaughter. There, with a light and easy motion, The fan-coral sweeps through the clear deep sea, Are blended like corn on the upland lea. And life, in rare and beautiful forms, Is sporting amid those bowers of stone, And is safe when the wrathful spirit of storms A GRAMMATICAL CHART; or, A Key to English Grammar. By WALTER WILLIAM KING. pp. 76. Houlston and Stoneman, 65, Paternoster Row. We have here a Chart or Tree of Grammar, showing how its different parts, like the branches of a tree, spring and diverge from each other. The explanation is thrown into the form of a Catechism, which perhaps is the best of all plans for the memory of the young. The use of the two together is calculated to make a child perceive the meaning and connection of the terms he is using. The whole forms a complete treatise on English Grammar, and will be of much service to instructors; we think the child who uses it, is likely really to understand what he learns. The idea was good, and it has been well executed. THE PRAYER-MEETING; its Ordination and its Obstacles. pp. 36. THIS is an excellent little Tract on Prayer-Meetings. It is stated to be supplied to any one for distribution at the Printer's price; and we should like to hear of its extensive circulation. It is well adapted to shame Christians out of their neglect of "assembling themselves together" for social prayer, as well as to lead to serious self-examination in those who do go "where prayer is wont to be made." THE CHILD AT HOME. NOS. 1 and 2. Price 3d. each. Talboys and Co., St. John's Court, St Martin's-le-Grand. A NEW juvenile Magazine, very well adapted to interest and benefit children. It is occupied with pieces on various subjects, poetry and prose, history and narrative and a little science, and all more or less religious. We wish it success. 1842. Jan. 29. Dictionary of Dates. Close of the Dublin City Election for a successor in Parliament to the late Mr. West. The numbers were For Mr. Gregory (Conservative) Majority 3,825 -390 The Duke of Cleveland (formerly Earl of Darlington,) died; aged 75. Feb. 3. Parliament was opened by Her Majesty in person. The Speech from the throne stated, among other things, that a measure would be submitted for the improvement of the jurisdiction exercised by the ecclesiastical courts in England and Wales." No amendment was moved to the Address. 4. An Order, inserted in this day's London Gazette, directed that "wherever the Royal Family is appointed to be particularly prayed for, the following form and order shall be observed, viz.: Adelaide the Queen Dowager, the Prince Albert, Albert Prince of Wales, and all the Royal Family.'" 9. Sir Robert Peel brought forward the Government measure for the modification of the Corn Laws. 13. Okehampton Church, built in 1260, was totally destroyed by a fire, which broke out in it this day (Sunday) shortly after the conclusion of the morning service. 16. Lord John Russell having moved the rejection of the Government measure on the Corn Laws, "considering the evils which have been caused by the present Corn Laws, and especially by the fluctuations of the graduated or Sliding Scale," the House after three nights' debate, divided: For the motion Against it Majority for Ministers 226 349 -123 22. The question whether trains should run on Sundays on the Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway, being referred by the Directors to the Shareholders, a division (after much discussion) was taken : - Majority Shares. Votes. 1,219 24. Mr. Villiers having moved the entire cessation of all duty on the import of corn, the House, after five nights' debate, divided : 25. Mr. Christopher (a County member,) having moved the substitution of a higher scale of duties on the importation of corn, in lieu of that proposed by Government, the House divided : EVANGELICAL REGISTER. APRIL, 1842. THE DELIVERANCE OF THE JEWS FROM THE BABYLONISH A LECTURE, BY THE REV. W. HODSON. DELIVERED AT BARBICAN CHAPEL, ON TUESDAY EVENING, MARCH 8, 1841. "For thus saith the Lord, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon, I will visit you, and perform My good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place."-Jeremiah xxix. 10. THE history of the Jews is perhaps as instructive as any portion of history, with which we are acquainted. And we may well apply to ourselves the instruction which that history comprehends, as it has been conveyed to us by inspired men, and has been stamped with the seal of the God of truth. Their call to be the people of God; their preservation in the world; their captivities; their redemptions; their present condition,-illustrate the sovereignty, the power, the forbearance, the compassion of the God of their forefathers. The subject to which I have to solicit your attention to-night is, their Redemption from the Babylonian Captivity, as foretold by the prophets. The circumstances which led to that captivity will therefore form no part of the Lecture, which we have at present to deliver. It will perhaps be necessary to offer a few remarks concerning their condition in the land of their captivity. When contrasted with their former greatness, as occupying a pre-eminent station amongst the nations of the earth, as eclipsing by their national glory the national glory of other lands, as appearing to be placed in circumstances of affluence and power which would render their defeat and overthrow very problematical; their condition in Babylon was humilating in the extreme. Their throne had been destroyed; their temple had been desolated; their land had been invaded and conquered; their family relationships and their friendships had been broken up; they had been despoiled of those features, which marked them as the peculiar people of God-as the especial favourites of Heaven. That they were severely treated by their oppressors, and constrained to submit to cruelties which haughty tyrants frequently imposed upon the vanquished, is evident from their own language, used amid the rigour of their bondage. "O daughter of Babylon, who art to be destroyed, happy shall he be that rewardeth thee as thou hast served us." Nebuchadnezzar, by whom the captivity was accomplished, was perhaps one of the most illustrious monarchs of antiquity, as it respects his dominions; the greatness of his power; the splendour of his victories; the unrivalled magnificence of his court; the number of nations that were tributary to him; the absolute power and authority which he exercised: in all these things, he was pre-eminently great. But his pride, his tyranny, his cruelty, were as great as his power. He put out the eyes of Zedekiah and loaded him with chains and murdered his children, and sent the deposed and suffering prince to Babylon. We can, however, hardly wonder at the cruelty which he practised upon Zedekiah, when we consider the faithlessness, the treachery of that prince; but the murder of his children was an act of cruelty, for which no excuse can be offered, and probably this VOL. XIV. L wanton act of cruelty was but a type of the cruelty and the oppressions of the seventy years' captivity. It is, however, the opinion of many, that the Jews in Babylon were not treated with undue severity: that though, on particular occasions they were required to show at least an exterior homage to the Babylonian idols, yet that in general, they were permitted the profession and the practice of their own religion; and that when they were required to join in idol worship, it was more the result of court intrigue or particular hatred against certain individuals, as in the case of Daniel, than from a fixed determination on the part of the court to destroy the religious privileges of the captives. 66 There is something inexpressively beautiful, as well as tender and touching, in the language of the 137th Psalm, which contains the account of their suffering, and of the scorn and the derision with which they were treated. "By the rivers of Babylon," upon the sides of the streams of the Euphrates which intersected the city, they sat down and wept when they remembered Zion." Their former state, when the sun of prosperity shed its bright splendour upon their heads, when the fire of God burnt upon the altar of their holy temple, when the ordinances of God were observed and enjoyed, and when beauty and fruitfulness distinguished their land, was associated with their thoughts-was uppermost in their memory, and they had no power to restrain the gushing tears of grief as they remembered Zion, as they wandered in their imagination amid the fair and the pleasant scenes of that land which had been wasted and desolated by Chaldean invaders. They "hanged their harps upon the willows." We are told that at this day willows are plentiful on the banks of the Euphrates. Sir Robert Ker Porter observes, that the banks of the Euphrates, the river which has overflowed the site of the ancient Babylon,—that the banks of this river are still hoary with reeds, and that the osier willows are yet there, upon which the captives of Israel hung up their harps when they refused to be comforted because Jerusalem was not. It was not to be supposed, that they who required of them a song would find them in a fit state to sing it; that they who required of them mirth, would find them prepared for carnal revelry, or for anything that would contribute to the amusement of those who had oppressed them and who had insulted them, and in whose hearts no song of Zion would find a response. It was heaping upon them the most contemptous scorn; it was striking the most sensitive part; it was reflecting upon the character of their God when songs and mirth were required at their hands. Their love of their country was still undiminished; their affection for Jerusalem still glowed with ardour in their bosoms; their God and His ordinances still constituted their chief joy, and rather than forget these, they would that their right hand should forget its cunning, and their tongue cleave to the roof of their mouth. It was deeply painful to see the descendants of Abraham reduced so low as to serve an idolatrous nation; as to groan beneath a bondage imposed by the adversaries of their God; as to be deprived of their liberty and of their privileges, and of those great blessings which smooth the path of life, and shed a blissful radiance upon the vicissitudes and trials of man's pilgrimage. But He who had redeemed them from the land of Egypt, who in innumerable instances had bared His arm to save them, and who had ever been mindful of the oath which He had sworn to their forefathers, was prepared to deliver them again-again to convince idolatrous nations that there was no god like the God of Israel. The promises relating to this deliverance are principally to be found in the writings of Isaiah and Jeremiah, and they are promises which marked beforehand the manner, the greatness and the extraordinary circumstances of that deliverance; like previous deliverances, it would add to the number and to the weight of their obligations to love and to serve God. Cyrus was the destined instrument in the hands of God to bring about this deliverance. The predictions relative to this extraordinary man, and which were delivered more than a century before his birth, would convince us at once of God's absolute fore knowledge; and that He arranges events to transpire in years that are future, to accomplish all His purposes, and to advance His own glory. This man knew not the Lord, yet was he the instrument, in the hands of the Lord, of accomplishing one of the most remarkable events in the history of the Jews. It would appear that a series of victories had marked his progress that his career had |