owing to the bad example from those whose rank and situation should produce other effects on their inferiors. The town is on the right bank of the Tom, near its mouth, at the foot of a hill, which protects it from the north-east and south-east winds. During May and June it is greatly subject to inundation from the river. "Tomsk has a military school, with four hundred students, backward enough in their education, as also a provincial college without masters or scholars, though a considerable revenue is attached to it. Indeed, the only praise-worthy object is a very neat publicgarden, in which is a building for balis, dinners, and the like; and on this day, 30th August, both were to be held in honour of the Emperor's name-day. I declined the invitation to this fete, from anxiety to get to my ulterior destination. Of the five hundred thousand inhabitants, about eighty thousand pay taxes. The gross revenue is, I believe, about three millions of roubles, nearly the whole of which is necessary to support the government, thus yielding little or no return to the Emperor. It appears useless as a government, its best service being to keep the roads in repair, and to mark the half way between Tobolsk and Iskutsk. * * * Except in point of locality, Tomsk does not appear an eligible place as the seat of a government, which it would certainly be preferable to remove to Yakutsk, dividing the intervening space between Tobolsk and Irkutsk, deducting from the latter all beyond Kirenga on the Lena, and from the former, all west of the Irtysh and Tobol, and only south to Iskim; creating Ekatherinenbourg and Barnaoule into distinct governments, so that the boundaries of the latter should be all the country south of the great road. Yakutsk would then be the most extensive government in point of territory, holding the command even of Kamtschatka, instead of Irkutsk, as at present. The duty of a governor of Irkutsk, and that of a vice-governor, are much too great to be united; and no possibility exists of complet ing any year's accounts within the year."p. 197-199. These remarks are certainly judicious, and should be attended to by Inthe legislature of the country. deed, from the general history of our author, we should be inclined to think that the distance of these places from the seat of the imperial government renders them liable to neglect; and yet no part seems more capable of being rendered more eminently subservient to the purposes of life. Thus we are informed, that thirty tolerably sized bullocks sold for four hundred and cighty roubles,* and bread was considered dear at a roublet for forty pounds. On taking leave of our author, we cannot but express ourselves, though much surprised and amazed at some *£18, English, Equal to 10d. 77.-VOL. VII. of the almost incredible stories which he relates, yet highly satisfied with the work, and the plain and intelligible manner in which it is written. REVIEW.-Scientia Biblica, being a IN number 59 of the Imperial Maga- Of the author's plan and design, we gave a general outline in the number of the Imperial Magazine to which we have above referred; to this, therefore, the reader is desired to have recourse for information on these points. To the scheme originally proposed, the author has faithfully adhered in his laborious researches, nor has he been remiss in attention, while conducting his volumes through the press. That much time and great care were necessary to the accomplishment of this work, must be obvious to even a superficial observer; but no one can fully appreciate the patience and diligence required, in their full extent, but those who have been engaged in similar pursuits, or who have taken the pains to follow the indefatigable author through the numerous collections and arrangements that his volumes comprise. To young ministers, we think this work will be found of essential service in the formation of their sermons, as they will perceive in one view the numerous passages of scripture, contained both in the Old Testament and the New, by which they would illustrate and enforce the doctrines, precepts, and propositions they wish to advance and establish. That the reader may have a clear idea of the plan on which this work is conducted, we give the following passage and its appendages, as a specimen,-from Hebrews vi. 2 G VER. 2. Βαπτισμῶν διδαχῆς ἐπιθέσεώς τε χειρῶν, ἀνασάσεώς τε νεκρῶν, καὶ κρίματος αἰωνίου. Of (a) the doctrine of baptisms, and of (b) laying on of hands, and of (c) resurrection of the dead, and of (d) eternal judgment. and in verse the fourth, the clauses which it contains are placed before us in consecutive order, without any allusion to other parts of the work. We have not made the preceding selections, with any design to exhibit (a) Which stood only in meats and drinks, and the author's talents in the most fadivers washings, and carnal ordinances, im-vourable light, but merely to shew posed on them until the time of reformation, Heb. ix. 10. And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups and pots, brazen vessels, and of tables, Mark vii. 4. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups and many other such like things ye do, 8. And when the Pharisee saw it, be marvelled that he had not first washed before dinner, Luke xi. 38. Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, Matt. xviii. 19. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned, Mark xvi. one 16. John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire, Luke iii. 16. Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews, about purifying. And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him, iii. 25, 26. Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, Acts ii. 38. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls, 41. But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done, viii. 12, 13. (b) See on Acts vi. ver. 6. (c) See on Matt. xxii. ver. 30. clause 1. (d) See on Matt. xix. ver. 16. clause 3. In examining the clauses of the preceding verse, the reason why the author has not immediately introduced such passages as correspond with "laying on of hands, and of the resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment," must be exceedingly obvious; they have already passed under his consideration, and by the letters of reference, b, c, d, the reader is directed to the places respectively, in which the associations may be found. In the third verse, we are referred exclusively to what has been advanced on the same subject, in Acts xviii. 21.; the nature of his plan, and the method he has adopted for its accomplishment. Had our intention been to review the author, rather than his book, we might easily have selected passages more extensive in their application and import, in which his diligence would have been more conspicuous, his researches more acute, and his collections more diversified and enlarged. Of these facts, his volumes bear ample testimony. It is no small addition to the recom. mendations which this work merits, to observe, that throughout the whole we have nothing but the unadulterated word of God, uncontaminated by notes or comments, which in some instances, under the pretence of explaining the Divine will, pervert the meaning of what they pretend to illustrate. Of the peculiarities of sect and party we perceive not a glimpse. The author, without all doubt, has his creed as well as others; but in the work here presented to the public, he has had the prudence to keep its distinguishing features out of sight. This indeed is no more than he had unequivocally promised, but we have been so often deluded with fair pretentions, that we feel better satisfied with what he has done, than we were with what he persuaded us to expect. In his preface, the author has taken a transient survey of such works as have hitherto appeared, bearing any analogy to his own. This survey might have been rendered more extensive without difficulty, but enough has been said to answer his purpose. To the "harmonized view of the writings of the New Testament," similar remarks may be applied; but we have not found in the author, any disposition to swell his work, where no obvious advantage could result from his labours. The table which contains an harmonized view of the writings of the four Evangelists, we think susceptible of much improvement; and that which includes "the labours and success of the Apostles" is not beyond or in REVIEW.-The Mirven Family, Hannah Price, a poor girl, had been instructed in a Sunday-school by one of the Mirven family. The serious impressions made on her mind, led to her conversion, and the effects which followed, respecting her ungodly father, are thus described: "But the beneficial influence of her introduction to the sunday school did not stop here. Her father, though in his earlier years he had received a better education than the most respectable of the poor can usually boast, had become the companion of the most profligate men in his native village, and by insensible degrees, the worst of them all. The alehouse at night received the earnings of the day; and if any remained after the guilty revels of the week, they were spent on sunday in the same haunt of vice. His wife never reproached him, and only endeavoured to lure him from such society, and such practices, by the comforts of home. But his home was the scene of his greatest misery: for there he had time to relect, and there he was surrounded by the wife and children, whom he was daily injuring. "He had long pursued this wicked course, when one sunday evening, after drinking and gambling all the day, and having lost all the earnings of the week, he turned from his companions, and, scarcely knowing what he did, took the road homewards. One of them called to him to return, entreated him to have one more game, and added, "Why, you'll be sure to win it all back, you know.' "He stopped; why, if I could get it back,' said he to himself. "Come, come,' said his companion, one more game, only one.' "No,' said Price; 'I've lost all my money, and so I can't, if I would.'-But at that moment it occurred to him, that all his quarter's rent, except what was to be made up out of his last week's work, had been put in a cupboard, in the kitchen, at home; and that if he could get that, he should be sure to win back all he had lost. The money was to be paid the next day, and, hardened as he was, he trembled at what he was going to do, and he was terrified lest his wife or children should see him. to look in at the window, and perceiving no "He approached the house, then ventured one, he entered the kitchen, and went hastily up to the cupboard. It was locked;-and he felt a momentary relief in the thought that he But again he said could not get the money. to himself, I shall be sure to win,' and he hastened softly up stairs to look for the key, thinking he knew where his wife had put it. As he passed the room in which bis children slept, he thought he heard a slight noise, and he started with all the cowardice of guilt. He listened-heard several sobs-and then a voice. It was poor little Hannah, praying that her father might see the errors of his ways, that God would change his heart, and make him a comfort to her mother, and to them all. Her sighs and tears seemed almost to impede her utterance; and when he heard her call him her dear, dear father, and felt how ill he had deserved such an appellation, he could scarcely forbear groaning aloud, in the anguish of his feelings. He forgot the key, he crept to his bedroom, and fell on his knees. He uttered not one word, but the language of the heart is audible in the ears of mercy; and that evening, for the first time, it might be said of him, ' Behold, he prayeth.". "After some time, he went down stairs, where Hannah was rocking her little sister Betsy to sleep. She started with astonishment. For many months, nor even for years, did she remember seeing her father at home on a sunday evening. He went up to the children, and kissed them both. This was a mark of affection they did not often receive, and Hannah was as much pleased as she was surprised. Dear father,' she said, mother will be so glad to see you at home, and we shall be so comfortable; you won't go out again to night, will you father?' "No, dear,' he replied. And as she went "The return of his wife and boys from public worship, Price had been dreading. He knew not how to endure their looks of amaze. ment, but it was soon over. The children at first looked fearfully at each other, as though their usual sunday evening's pleasure was over, for they always sat up later, and told their mother all that had happened at the sunday school, and what they could remember of the sermons they had heard during the day. Hannah had prepared supper, and there was a nice fire, and a clean hearth. Price felt, at that moment, that if he were innocent, he should indeed be happy. "Father,' said Hannah, as she entered the room, 'here is a nice new-laid egg. It is my very own. Mother gave me such a pretty little hen, and this is the first of its eggs that has ever been eat; and you shall have it, father.' He "Price could not speak, but he kissed his child, and he saw the tears in her eyes. thought it was the nicest egg he had ever tasted. When supper was over, Hannah said, "Father, you have not heard me read a long time.' "Well,' said he, will you read something to me out of your reward book at the sunday school?' He knew that this was the bible; but he had not courage to say so. "Hannah was almost perplexed. She looked first at her father and then at her mother.Two hours ago, the sight of a Bible in her hands would have ensured oaths which she shuddered to hear. "Come dear,' said her father, why don't you fetch it?' "Hannah obeyed, though not without trembling. She read the fifty-first Psalm. Price hid his face, and wept. The first part seemed made on purpose for him. He restrained his feelings sufficiently to say, "Thank you, dear, you are very much improved. Read something else.' "She turned to the 103rd. Psalm. Surely God made her choose those two, thought Price. His wife beheld, with astonishment, the conduct of her husband, and the emotions which appeared to agitate him. "Hannah, my dear,' said she, 'you'd better be taking the boys to bed.' "Their mother kissed them, and told them they had been good boys; and then they turned to Hannah as if to ask if they should go to their father. "Come, dears,' said she, wish father good night, and be quick into bed.' "He kissed them, and they left the room. "You'll have a glass of our gooseberry wine, John?' said his wife, you've had no beer to-night!' "Oh! said he, I hope I shall never taste beer again.' "With unatterable joy she started from her seat, and throwing her arms round his neck, burst into tears. For some minutes they wept together. Price tried to speak, but could not; but at length, recovering some degree of composure, he seated his wife on his knee, and hiding his face, he told her all the occurrences of the evening. am.' "It is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners, even the chief,' said his wife. "Does the bible say all that? Does it say the chief?' he asked. "Indeed it does,' she answered. "Then that must mean me,' said he. "Let us kneel down together, my dear John,' said his wife, and ask God to fulfil his promise to you.' "I cannot pray,' said he. "She took his hand, and made him kneel beside her; and in the language of sympathy, and faith, and affection, she recommended him to the mercy of that God, who had long been her father and friend. After this engagement, the mind of her husband became composed; and expressing his hope, that he should never lose the remembrance of this evening, he began to think, what was to be done about the rent, for almost a guinea was wanted to make up the sum. "Don't be uneasy about that,' said his wife, I know I can borrow it.' "That comes of having a good character,' said he,' nobody would trust me.' "The next evening nothing was talked of in the village, but that John Price had been at his work all day, and had hardly spoken, and had not used a single oath, and at night went fist came one neighbour, and then another to home instead of going to the alehouse. And his house, to see if he was really there. What was their surprise, to find him reading a religious tract to his wife and children, which had been given the day before to one of his little boys at school. been remarkable. The change was as permanent as it had From that time, bis old companions were forsaken, and the alehouse abandoned. To the former he only spoke, to intreat them to turn from their wickedness; and the latter he never entered but once, with his wife, to pay to the landlord a debt he had contracted, for some broken windows in an affray with one of his depraved associates, in a state of intoxication."-p. 35 to 45. A work which abounds with incidents like the preceding, wants no recommendation from a reviewer. Let its merits once be known, and it will tell its own tale. We have no doubt that it will obtain an extensive circulation, but we have no apprehension that public patronage will surpass its merits. REVIEW.-Tales of Modern Days. By Elizabeth Barber. 12mo. pp. 350. London. Sherwood and Co. 1824. THIS Volume contains three tales, the Spanish Brothers; the Robber's Child;-and Matilda, or a Wife's Fortitude. In the preface, which runs through five pages, the writer gives us to understand, that the stories are not founded on fact; and an apology for the productions of fancy and the play of imagination, constitutes the burden of its paragraphs. and to such as delight in this species of composition, the tales of Elizabeth Barber will afford much gratification; and, what is of higher moment, will communicate no stain to the moral principles of the reader. REVIEW.-The Two Mothers, or Memoirs of the Last Century. 8vo. pp. 260. London. Scatchard and Co. 1824. THE two sisters, to whom the appellation of "mothers" is given in the But although these tales do not de- title, make their entrance on life, in tail incidents of real occurrence, Mrs. | the work before us, under very differBarber is always careful to keep pro-ent circumstances. The elder was bability in view; nor do we find that married to the Rev. Mr Grove, a pious she ever deviates from the character clergyman, and the younger to Mr. of events which life presents to daily Selby, a gentleman of wealth and amiobservation. This circumstance in- able manners, but who was an entire creases the interest which her stories stranger to religion, particularly to are calculated to excite. The reader that which sits enthroned in the heart. enters on the narratives with all the These ladies soon imbibed the senticonfidence that a well-authenticated ments of their respective husbands; history can inspire, and though pre- the elder becoming pious and useful, viously admonished that he has enter- while the younger, yielding to a spirit ed the region of vision, he soon for- of dissipation and folly, exhibited gets that he is treading on enchanted nothing but splendid insignificance. ground. Several interviews between the sisters take place, which, after many struggles and mental conflicts, lead Mrs. Selby to perceive the impropriety of her past conduct, the extravagance of which had laid the foundation of a complaint that soon brought her to the grave. Death, however, did not arrive until she was prepared for the solemn event, and her last days exhibit a striking contrast to her former frivolity and idle thoughtlessness. On her death, the care of her two daughters devolved on their aunt, Mrs. Grove, by whom they were instructed in every thing that can be justly deemed valuable to rational and intelligent ladies. On returning to the habitation of their father, they found him in a declining state of health. To his comfort they paid every attention, and had the happiness to find, that, prior to his decease, his affections had been weaned in a great degree from earthly objects, and fixed on things above. The elder daughter, by her father's consent, was married to a serious young man, whom he had adopted into his family, and the younger to one of Mrs. Grove's sons, who had embraced the clerical profession, By making the preceding remarks, we do not mean to insinuate, that the sentiments and expressions are not highly seasoned. Many of the thoughts are bold, and too much elevated to find a mirror in the untutored mind, and numerous expressions may be found, which those only can utter who hold a dominion over the force of language. In carrying on the dialogues which occur between the different characters, sensibility appears sometimes to be wound to a theatrical height, and we seem to want swords, pistols, fans, and smelling bottles, to bear their parts, and accompany the pungency of words. But amidst all these exuberances which strike the eye, we find no outrage committed on the knighterrantry of modern days. In favour of fictitious writings much may be said, and many powerful arguments may be urged against them. The volume before us belongs to that class of novels, which is at once harmless and interesting, and it is sure to please, even where it fails to prove beneficial. The different parts of each tale are so interwoven with one another, that quotations can hardly be given, without doing an injustice to which he ornamented by his many the author. The price is moderate, | virtues. |