have watched over his youthful years with peculiar solicitude; and though torn from her in the bloom of life, at the age of twenty-three, she had, amidst her sorrow, the consolation to observe, that she had not faboured for his spiritual welfare in vain. waits with impatience for his prey. Loaded, but not satisfied with riches, he looks around on every side to discover those who are wholly destitute of influence, and whom he may oppress without fear. Wo to them who fall under his observation; however moderate their portion of the blessings of fortune, they possess sufficient to excite the desire of this lion thirsting for their blood. It suffices that they are without support or defence; sooner or later they fall into the snare which he se-munity, this little volume will meet cretly prepares for them, and become his prey." -p. 124. As the preceding passages exhibit an impartial sample of what this book contains, further quotation would be useless; and additional remarks can be of no avail; its excellencies protecting it from censure, and placing it beyond the influence of applause. Ir requires no profound acquaintance with the human mind to know that an attachment to novelty is one of its prominent characteristics. It is not peculiar to the age in which we live, nor is it restricted to any particular classes of society; it extends through every branch of the community; and is no where more conspicuous, than in what may be termed the reading part of our species; and, in the same proportion as this propensity is gratified or disappointed, the work that passes under inspection, is either applauded or condemned. A book that is barren of incident and adventure, soon loses its power to charm. Unvarying uniformity cannot long command the attention; and hence it is, that to those who read with no other view than to indulge this roving disposition, nine-tenths of the literature of our country are consigned over to dust and oblivion. There is nothing remarkable in the life of Mr. William Howden to recommend him to general notice. He was a native of London, was possessed of a good natural understanding, which had been refined by education, and cultivated with success. In his infancy he had received religious instruction from the precepts and example of his parents, and though this was suffered to languish for a season, the impression was too deeply imprinted on his mind ever to be effaced. His mother, in particular, appears to Among the pious part of the com with a favourable reception, and to many young persons we doubt not that it will be found advantageous. This, we persuade ourselves, will prove more gratifying to the surviving friends of the deceased, than to hear that the biographical sketch of his life had been decorated with the trophies of unprofitable admiration. To these friends this memoir will be a sacred relic, on which they will frequently ultation; and it will renew in their gaze with pious sorrow and holy exmemories a recollection of his name and character, when his tomb appears covered with weeds, and his monumental inscription shall be obliterated by the hand of time. The work itself is the composition of a lady, a particular friend of the family, Miss Eliza T. Tooth, whose name is affixed to the dedication. The language is plain, and every way suited to the occasion. The narrative is interspersed with numerous reflections arising from passing scenes and events, but we generally find them judicious and appropriate. Furnishing but little variety, the life of William Howden has confined the writer to a common track; but from what is placed before us we can plainly perceive, that in a field more fruitful in diversity, her sickle would have reaped a more magnificent harvest. The life of William Howden exemplifies the power of divine grace. We see him supported through the various stages of disease by the hand of mercy, and behold him ending his days in peace. By the piously disposed, this work will be read with interest, but beyond these its circulation can hardly be expected to extend: REW EW.-Memoirs of Mrs. Elizabeth Harvard, late of the Wesleyan Mis- THE author of this little work is not He has already appeared as the republisher of the Captivity and Escape of Captain Robert Knox, who was detained nearly twenty years as a prisoner in the kingdom of Kandy, in Ceylon; and as the author of a Narrative of the Establishment and Progress of the Wesleyan Mission to Ceylon and India. Of this latter work we took particular notice in the fifty-fifth number of the Imperial Magazine, and found occasion to speak favourably both of the author and his publication. The character in which Mr. Harvard now appears before us is, that of an affectionate husband offering a tribute of respect to the memory of a beloved wife, whose history he traces from her cradle to her grave. From the memoirs before us we cannot but learn, that Mrs. Harvard was a most excellent woman, possessing an understanding that entitled her to distinction, and piety, as well as zeal, that fitted her for the arduous task in which, on becoming a wife, she voluntarily engaged. That the partialities of conjugal affection have been wholly excluded from this biographical sketch, is more than the reader would be warranted in expecting; but after making all due allowance for this indulgence of amiable feeling, no one can peruse the narrative without concluding, that she was much devoted to God, and admirably qualified for that station in which she was destined to move. Early in life she was brought to a knowledge of herself; and having sought and found the Saviour of mankind, she continued to walk in the light of his reconciled countenance. Of this latter volume a considerable portion consists of extracts from her diary, and selections from her letters, in all of which she appears to so much advantage, that we forget the biographer in the subject of his memoir. REVIEW, The Life and Diary of Lieut.-Col. J. Blackader, of the Cam eronian Regiment, and Deputy Governor of Stirling Castle, who served under King William and the Duke of Marlborough, &c. &c. By Andrew Crichton. 8vo. pp. 590. London. Baynes & Son. 1824. THIS is a republication of an old work, with some considerable addi tions. It was printed about twenty years ago, and had many readers; but the numerous and important events which, during the subsequent period, have alarmed and agitated the kingdoms of Europe, have rendered the transactions of early days comparatively obsolete. The restoration of tranquillity has, however, enabled the friends of literature and religion to look back on departed years, and to select from the masses of publications slumbering on the margins of oblivion, some valuable works that have been deemed worthy of preservation'; among which appears the Life of Col. Blackader, a renowned Cameronian leader. The Cameronians were a sect or party in Scotland, who separated from the Presbyterians, in 1666, and continued to hold their religious meetings in fields and woods, in defiance of every opposition. They took their denomination from Richard Cameron, a famous preacher, who, refusing to accept the partial toleration granted by Charles II. departed from his former associates, and established himself and followers in calamitous independence. His reasons for refusing to comply with the lenity of Charles were, that" an acceptance of his favour would imply an acknowledgment of his supremacy, and an admission on his part that the king had otherwise a right to silence him." This defection led to a rebellion, which brought on a contest, in which Cameron lost his life. His followers cherished his principles, until the Revolution, when they voluntarily submitted to King William. Prior to this, they adhered to the form of government that had been established in 1648. That the Cameronians were actuated by an enthusiastic zeal, and an intrepidity that was not according to knowledge, no person acquainted with their history can deny; but every one cerity. Animated by a spirit which must give them credit for their sinnothing could subdue, their religious and the persecutions which they enzeal partook of the nature of frenzy, dured irritating them to madness, drove them to many excesses, which, in their cooler moments, they abhorred. But in the midst of these wild sallies, they strenuously adhered to their theological principles, and no one can reasonably doubt, that many among them were actuated by an earnest desire to promote the glory of God, and to preserve his church from worldly contamination. But amidst the inhumanities and acts of injustice which the Cameronians were doomed to suffer, their numbers continued to increase, so that at the Revolution they actually raised a regiment, the command of which was given to the Earl of Angus. This regiment is now enrolled as the 26th of British infantry, and still retains the appellation of the sect from which it originated. It was in this regiment, at its formation, that Col. Blackader entered as cadet, and in a considerable degree acquired that fame for which he is distinguished in the volume before us. But In his family connexions, Col. Blackader could boast a long line of renowned ancestors, and in his military exploits, few individuals have exceeded him in genuine courage, skill, and deliberate heroism. these adventitious and acquired excellencies are so common among British officers, that something more seems necessary to transmit his name to posterity, and this we find in his undissembled piety and religious experience. "April 20. Well directed in business; getting my horses and equipage provided. 66 April 21. I am sure I am one of those men in the world that owe least to my own conduct and management, and most to the goodness and kind Providence of God. Lord, make me thankful, and give me thy blessing with all my enjoyments. April 29. Got orders in the morning to go upon command for a week. Somewhat troubled at this, for it is the most terrible to me of all my employment, to be chained, as it were, in hell so long. I could cheerfully undergo the fatigues and dangers of our trade, to be free of that shocking company, the dregs and scum of the earth. But I am not to choose my own lot. Thy will be done. Going out to my post in the afternoon, I found that which I feared was come upon me; for I had the offscourings of the garrison along with me, both officers and soldiers, most abominable vermin, whom my soul abhors. O Lord, how long shall I dwell among men whose tongues are set on fire of hell! O when wilt thou deliver me out of this horrid and noisome company. All night in burry and confusion. 66 April 30. Marching all day, on command; and troubled with several occurrences, not knowing what course to take. In such junctures, I find my mind is so confused, that I cannot apply to a throne of grace with any distinct thought or serene mind. not be so well liked among many of the Eng- should be bad enough, before such beings May 1, One of the worst days I ever bad in this employment. My mind chafed and vexed the whole day with villany and abominations of all sorts, both against the laws of God and man. Corsing, swearing, drunkenness, robbing, thieving, mutiny, &c. I made some severe examples of punishment, but was ill assisted by some officers, who rather enIn the volume now under consider-couraged the villains; so that I believe I shall ation, we have a regular transcript of Col. Blackader's Diary, from the year 1700 to 1728 inclusive, in which he records the vicissitudes that marked his career in arms, and the different movements of his eventful life. It is scarcely possible to follow him through all the scenes of danger to which he was exposed, nor can any extracts that may be given, convey an adequate idea of his perils, courage, and mental tranquillity. A few passages may, however, prove gratifying to the reader. In his diary for 1708 he writes as follows: was re "April 14. This day being appointed by the States to be kept a fast-day through the Seven Provinces, to implore the blessing of God upon their arms this campaign, solved to spend the morning and forenoon in secret prayer at home, but was diverted from it by business I could not shun. O Lord, pity, and accept of the will instead of the form. would love me. O Lord, thou who knowest "May 3. Marching, and making some "May 4. Marching homeward (to Ghent,) my mind more tranquil than it has been since I came out. Riding frequently on before the party, out of the noise of their tongues. "May 9. I bless the Lord for this Sabbath of rest before we set out. I know not when I shall get another. I go to the campaign, trusting in thee, O Lord, and hoping in thy mercy. I am free from all despondeney and ill-boding fears. I am not afraid of dangers or battle; through grace I shall do valiantApril 18. This Sabbath employed in seeking the blessing and presence of God to ly. I am more afraid of the spares and sin of go with me. ask not great things. I am the wretched company I must be chained to; but thy grace can make me escape that pollaseeking no advancement, nor making court to any man for favours and posts, I only beg❘tion also. I cheerfully leave my dearest concern upon thee, trusting thou wilt again comgrace to help in time of need. 75.-VOL. VII. T 1 Of the battle of Oudenard, to which the preceding paragraphs allude, Col. Blackader thus speaks : pass us about with songs of deliverance. Thou | individuals may think it unjustifiable, hast done great things for us, and thou canst on Christian principles, to take up do still greater. If we believe, all things are arms under any circumstances whatpossible."-p. 311 to 313. ever, we have in this brave officer a remarkable instance of a contrary example. With him, military exploits were not the effects of momentary impulse, but the result of an invincible resolution, that was his companion for many years. In all his transactions in the field or the closet, he appears sustaining the same character; and we can no more doubt his piety, than we can suspect his valour. "June 30. The battle began about five in the afternoon, and lasted till night put a screen of darkness between us and them; and thereby saved them, in all probability, from as great a defeat as ever they got. The battle came by surprise, for we had no thought of fighting through the day. My frame was more serene and spiritual than ordinary. My thoughts were much upon the 103d Psalm, which I sung (in my heart) frequently upon the march. Our regiment, properly speaking, was not engaged in the attack; but what was worse, we were obliged to stand in cold blood, exposed to the enemy's shot, by which we had several killed and wounded, for there was heavy firing for about two hours. Throughout the whole course of it I was constantly engaged, sometimes in prayer, sometimes in praise, sometimes for the public, sometimes for myself. We lay all night upon the field of battle, where the bed of honour was both hard and cold; but we passed the night as well as the groans of dying men would allow us; being thankful for our own preservation. I was mercifully supplied with the comforts of life. and wanted nothing good for me. We marched again by day-break, and formed our lines, the enemy making still some appearance; but it was only their rear-guard, which was easily repulsed; so we returned to our camp. I went again through the field of battle, getting a lecture on mortality from the dead. I observe this of the French, that they are the most easily beat and cowed of any people in the world, did we but second Providence in pushing them when the opportunity is put in our band. Arise, O Lord, and let thine enemies be scattered. Let the fruits of our victories be the advancement of Christ's kingdom on the earth."-p. 319 and 320. Independently of his own personal feelings and achievements, this volume embraces a general survey of the campaigns which distinguished the Duke of Marlborough and Prince Eugene, during their appearance on the great theatre of war; and in reference to these campaigns, sieges, and battles exclusively, the work will be found particularly interesting. But when we perceive a man who fears God, exposed to the dangers of war, and the still more pernicious influence of bad example, bravely performing his duty as a soldier, and yet holding communion with his Maker, we are introduced to a spectacle on which both men and angels may gaze with admiration. Such was the hero of this narrative; and although many pious REVIEW.-Bernardo's Italian Interpreter. pp. 420. London. Leigh, Strand. 1824. THIS is an unassuming little work, well adapted to accomplish its object, viz. " to assist the learner in his endeavours to attain" a competent knowledge of the Italian language. The words and sentences are arranged in three columns on each page ; one con-, taining the English, another the Italian, and the third the pronunciation of the Italian, expressed by such an in Sheridan's and Walker's Pronounarrangement of letters as that adopted cing Dictionaries. It will be seen, that an arrangement of this nature will considerably relieve those who from the difficulties they would otherare studying the Italian language, wise meet with in acquiring its pronunciation. We think the author justified in asserting," that the English who may visit Italy without any previous knowledge of its idiom, but that acquired by the study of a good grammar, will be enabled, with the assistance of this pocket manual, to express every thing requisite for the common wants and occurrences of life, in a manner perfectly intelligible, though perhaps not precisely with the vernacular accent of a polished native of Rome or Siena." The range of subjects included in the vocabulary and dialogues is very extensive. CUSTOMS OF THE NEW ZEALANDERS. At the Birth of a Child. 1. THAT the child may not be defiled by any unclean thing in the village, the New Zealanders endeavour so to order their affairs, that its mother may be confined out of the camp. This prayer is repeated by the priest with great solemnity, but it is generally known by the people. (2.) The father takes a branch of a tree, which he dips into the water, and with this he sprinkles the child, pretending at the same time to pray, or krackhear. (3.) The branch which the parent has used in sprinkling the child is then taken, and the navel-string wound round the same, and put into a spot of ground which is chosen for the purpose. If the branch grows and flourishes, the child will do well; but if not, if the branch dies, it is a bad omen, and bespeaks the death of the infant. other piece of the branch, and puts it 5. During the time of the mother's uncleanness, her food is dressed by a person appointed for that purpose. It is dressed apart from others; bat the fire must be obtained by the rubbing of two sticks together. This fire is to be used for the woman and her attendants only; and the servants must not use any other, upon pain of death. 6. The woman is forbidden to eat with her hands, she must either be fed by the person who attends her, or eat off the ground. Should she eat with her hands, she is liable to be beaten by her neighbours, and to have all her property taken from her, and her family. 7. Should the woman die in her confinement, if she is a person of respectability, the priest, or head person of the family, will bury her; but if a slave, she must be buried by her attendants, which are generally slaves. 8. The priest, or person who buries a dead body, is counted unclean for a considerable time, and is purified in the same way as the unclean woman. If the person be of great rank, the priest or person burying must remain tabooed, or unclean, for a considerable time; but if a slave, less time is required. Of the New Zealanders' Gods. The New Zealanders have many gods. Their principal gods they suppose to be the spirits of their departed ancestors. To these deities they look for their principal support, and so far as they have any conception, these they obey, and serve, and honour. 4. The mother, child, and their attendants being now unclean, something must be done at a convenient season for their cleansing; it is therefore directed that a present of food be prepared, and taken to the priest of the family, who prays for them, that they may be clean, and that no evil may attend their acting as they had The done before the child's birth. present being prepared, it is taken by some one appointed for the purpose, In order to find the first god, accompanied by the mother, child, and her attendants, when the present they trace back to their first parents, of food is made to the priest of the who, they say, are Mowee and Enah; family, who receives it with a small these two are, according to them, the He then first cause of all things. They have branch or limb of a tree. many little romantic stories relative takes the branch, and breaks a piece of it off, and folds it in a leaf, and to them. Among others, they say, lodges it in a certain spot as an offer- that Enah's erring was the cause of ing; he then returns, and breaks an-night; that she had two sons, one of |