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The scene of these dialogues is laid at Sierra Leone; where, we hope, the purport of them will, ere long, be realized, notwithstanding the failure of some past attempts, which ought strongly to excite the circumspection of missionaries; but should not, in any respect lead to despondency. By the " Companion of a Missionary," the author means a Mechanic Missionary, who is supposed to have accompanied a preacher from Britain.

To detail the substance of these conversations, would anticipate, and probably diminish, the pleasure which, we hope, a great number of our readers will have in perusing them: But as the author has entered into several particulars of the Scripture narrative, from the creation to the commencement of written revelation, it may be of use to observe, that a comparison of this work with her former publication on Sacred History, will discover a striking variety, instead of the sameness which might be apprehended. If these dialogues should be used by a missionary in such circumstances, for his own assistance in conversing with natives, or should be put into the hands of such as have been taught to read, the method that has been followed, will be more likely to excite their attention to what is related, and their curiosity about the rest of the Bible, than if an account of the whole had been given in a superficial manner. The author has evidently availed herself of the best information respecting the manners and sentiments of the Africans; and has added to the geQuine simplicity and vivacity, which distinguish her former works, a superior degree of pathos and correctness.

We understand that Miss N. devotes her time chiefly to the instruction of a select juvenile party. A line of Virgil will express our opinion respecting the individuals of which it is formed, without hurting the delicacy of those who have kindly undertaken their tuition,

"Q, fortunatas nimium, sua si bona norint """

But we have no doubt that the pamphlet before us will increase the desire which pious parents have expressed for the continuance of Miss N.'s publications. A wide field presents itself exactly suited to her talents and disposition, and as yet too little cultivated. Religious books, on principles truly evangelical, in a form and style calculated for the entertainment and improvement of the rising gene ration, are still very rare; although moral books of a similar kind abound. Private education, in order to approach perfection, requires the labours of a tutor to be limited to a few; whilst useful and needful publications on the subject may benefit thousands.

A Companion to the Sacred History; containing Select Hymns on the Historical Parts of Scripture. 12mo. 48 Pages. Price 6d. Gardiner, Chapman, &c.

THIS small, but judicious, selection was made at the request of the Author of Dialogues on Sacred History, for the use of a Sun

day

day School under her inspection and patronage. The number, and the subjects of the poems, are adapted to those of her dialogues; events of the Old Testament occupying forty hymns, and those of the New Testament twenty-five. Of the former, nearly one half is original; although the author has very properly availed himself of the compositions of Dr. Watts, Mr. Newton, Dr. Dodderidge, and some others, where they suited the subjects of the several dialogues. All of them are accommodated to the use of young persons; conciseness, perspicuity, and practical instruction, having been aimed at, both in the selection and composition. In these essential points we think the latter equals the productions of the well-known writers whose works have been used; and, if it sometimes comes short of them in poetical elegance and correctness, it is seldom deficient of natural ease in the language, and never of proper and useful sentiment. We perfectly agree with the author, in thinking his work well suited for the use of schools and families, where the Bible is read in course; and we give it, therefore, a cordial and general recommendation.

The Path to Happiness, explored and illustrated. By M*** Second Edition. Price 1s. Pages 103.- Eger. ton, Woodhoufe, &c.

*****.

THIS little piece consists of Essays on the following subjects: The Vanity of Human Pursuits; The Importance of Revelation; Remarks on the Doctrines of Revelation; The Juvenile Tendency of Christian Principles; and, A happy Family; with a serious Conclusion, intended to enforce the whole.

Though we cannot deem this a great, we may venture to call it a useful, publication; and we hope it will be serviceable to the cause of true and vital religion, which it seems to be the design of the writer to recommend, in a way somewhat novel and pleasing.

Songs in the Night. By Susanna Harrison. Fifth Edition. 12mo. Pages 202. Price 2s. 6d. bound and lettered.

S. and T. Conder, Vallance, Parsons, Chapman.

THIS volume is too well known to need our recommendation; and the present edition differs from that of 1788 in nothing but some improvements in its appearance. We are, however, glad to inform our readers, who wish to furnish themselves with these genuine effusions of untaught genius and fervent piety, that they may now reap the advantage of another edition. They who have not read these poems may form some judgment of the spirit in which they were written, by a prose meditation, inserted in our Magazine for this month, which has been copied from a manuscript of the deceased author.

POETRY.

POETRY.

MONODY BY A SON,

ON COMING FROM PUBLIC WORSHIP, AND NOT SEEING HIS MOTHER* AS USUAL.-SOME TRAITS OF HER RELIGIOUS TEMPER, AND A VIEW OF HER DYING MOMENTS.

RETURNING from the house of God

As us'd, I enter my abode ;

My spirits sink, I mourn, I sigh,
No more to view my parent nigh;
I look around, I miss her still,
Langour and gloom the apartments fill ;
No more her voice is heard; her breath
Is silenc'd by the hand of death.
No more she fills her usual chair,
Alas! methinks she should be there.·
Be calm, my soul, the God of love
Has chang'd it for a seat above.
Ah! she would say, while here below,
"What blessings to my God I owe !
"To his blest temple oft I've gone,
"And sat beneath his gracious throne;
"There have I felt a joy divine,
"There have I seen his glories shine,
"When I beheld his lovely face,
"And trac'd the wonders of his grace:
"Tho' length of years and sad complaints
"Prevent my joining with his saints,
"Yet Zion's God, who dwells on high,
"Brings his ail-cheering presence nigh;
"Calls his sweet promises to mind,
"And fills my soul with joys refin'd.".
In the soft, calm, retired hour,
When Silence watch'd and kept the door,
On wings of prayer her spirit flew
To God, her refuge, whom she knew-
Her friend, who heard and answer'd
And with Him left her ev'ry care.
Sweet resignation calm'd her soul;
How placid did each minute roll!
"Affliction pains me, low I bend,
"Tho' He chastise, He is my friend.

prayer,

"What means each stroke, each chastʼning rod?
""Tis but to draw me near to God;

"'Tis meant my faith and hope to try,
"And fix my better thoughts on high."
When prostrate at Jehovah's throne
Disclaiming merit of her own,

With contrite heart she sought his face
And humbly su'd for pard'ning grace.

* The late Mrs. C. Barnard: See the Memoir in our Magazine for March,

Who can her gratitude declare,
For the kind aid, the tender care
Of friends, of servants to relieve,
And gain from death a wish'd reprieve?
Ye gentlest souls, O say, how kind!
When on the bed of pain reclin'd,
With what solicitude they vie
To give to life some new supply,
To shed around some cheerful rays,
And soften her declining days.
Now drawing near the final hour,
How did the warm petitions pour,
In strains like these: "Help me, O God!
"To love thee more, to keep the road
"That leads to glory; O inflame

My heart to spread thy glorious name! "To thee I would devote my days, "Thy goodness claims my warmest praise. "While life remains, with greater zeal I would perform thy holy will, "And, when my pilgrimage is o'er, "For ever thy rich grace adore.", By serious meditation led,

I view my parent's dying-bed;
No earthly cares must intervene,
T'obscure the awful solemn scene
The listless hand, the sinking eye,
Enfeebled, wan, now useless lie;
The closed ear, the silent tongue,
That heard the word, and joyful sung;
The feeble pulse, the panting breath,
Bespeak the near approach of death;
Exhausted Nature now gives way,
In ruin falls the tottering clay;
The moment's come, she sinks, she dies,
Breathless and cold, alas! she lies!
My soul, this cheering thought pursue,
From death to glory raise thy view:
The willing spirit leaves its load,
Stretches its wings, and flies to God.-
See waiting angels bear it on,

In haste, to the eternal throne;

Strike their bright harps with joyful sound,
Harmonious notes spread soft around
Sweet melody to Jesus' praise,
For a rich trophy of his grace;
A soul renew'd by power divine,
In which celestial graces shine;
An aged saint for glory meet,
In bliss and righteousness complete ;
There, in pure triumphs of the soul,
To live where endless pleasures roll.

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