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, prayer, "What means each stroke, each chastʼning rod? "'Tis meant my faith and hope to try, With contrite heart she sought his face * The late Mrs. C. Barnard: See the Memoir in our Magazine for March, Who can her gratitude declare, 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; In haste, to the eternal throne; Strike their bright harps with joyful sound, |