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TO

IN HER SEVENTIETH YEAR.

Such age how beautiful! O lady bright!
Whose mortal lineaments seem all refined
By favouring nature and a saintly mind
To something purer and more exquisite

Than flesh and blood; whene'er thou meet'st my sight,
When I behold thy blanch'd unwither'd cheek,
Thy temples fringed with locks of gleaming white,
And head that droops because the soul is meek,
Thee with the welcome snowdrop I compare ;

That child of winter, prompting thoughts that climb
From desolation toward the genial prime ;-

Or with the moon conquering earth's misty air,
And filling more and more with crystal light
As pensive evening deepens into night.

We must limit ourselves to one more sonnet. Passing by many of wellknown excellence, because they are well known,-among which we may mention that On the Extinction of the Venetian Republic,—we transcribe with pleasure a noble and pious breathing of Michael Angelo, admirably rendered by our author.

TO THE SUPREME BEING.

The prayers I make will then be sweet indeed
If Thou the Spirit give by which I pray :
My unassisted heart is barren clay,

That of its native self can nothing feed:
Of good and pious works Thou art the Seed,

That quickens only where Thou say'st it may :
Unless Thou show to us Thine own true way,

No man can find it: Father! Thou must lead!

Do Thou, then, breathe those thoughts into my mind
By which such virtue may in me be bred

That in Thy holy footsteps I may tread:

The fetters of my tongue do Thou unbind,

That I may have the power to sing of Thee,
And sound thy praises everlastingly.

To instance every variety of beauty occurring in Mr. Wordsworth's sonnets would be to transcribe the whole. We are happy, however, (as this is impossible,) to be able to refer the reader to their collection in a single volume, published by Mr. Moxon; a volume which deserves alınost daily contemplation, and than which there are few poetic treasures richer in axiomatic wisdom, and in pure and graceful sentiment.

In glancing back at these hasty pages, we are made aware-not of any positive injustice done to the venerable poet of Rydal, but-of the imperfect justice rendered to his merits. This was the unavoidable result of the comparative brevity imposed upon us: for, how inadequate are the limits of even a lengthy article to the exposition and illustration of a career so remarkably prolonged, and so entirely devoted to the muse! We have (for example) been compelled to omit all mention of what is, in some respects, the most able and original production of our author-his Ode entitled Intimations of Immortality from Recollections of Early Childhood. To dismiss it in a paragraph, with a fragment of quotation, would have been intolerable to ourselves, and confounding to our readers. We prefer to await some future occasion of presenting it unbroken. Considering these imperative omissions, we must admit that the genius of Mr. Wordsworth is of a character even more commanding and impressive than in these pages it appears; for, if we have passed unquoted

those few poetic failures which have exposed him to the ridicule of detracting wits, how much larger is the number of his unmentioned beauties, occurring in a hundred delightful pieces! It may be true that no one of his performances, separately considered, is equally striking in effect with certain single works of Byron or Shelley, or evinces poetic gifts so remarkable; but we must esteem unrivalled, and commend with more than ordinary praise, that intellectual energy and moral persistence which accumuIated, systematically, slowly, and triumphantly, so grand a series of noble poems, in the praise of virtue and to the improvement of mankind.

SELECT LIST OF BOOKS RECENTLY PUBLISHED,
WITH CHARACTERISTIC NOTICES.*

[The insertion of any article in this List is not to be considered as pledging us to the approbation of its contents, unless it be accompanied by some express notice of our favourable opinion. Nor is the omission of any such notice to be regarded as indicating a contrary opinion; as our limits, and other reasons, impose on us the necessity of selection and brevity.]

By

Additional Annotations, critical, philological, and explanatory, on the New Testament; being a Supplemental Volume to the Greek Testament, with English Notes, in two Volumes. the Rev. S. T. Bloomfield, D.D., of Cambridge and Oxford, and Vicar of Bisbrooke, Rutland. Longmans.-The labours of Dr. Bloomfield are extensively known and valued. It is enough to mention the work just completed, and the more voluminous Recensio Synoptica. One of our most diligent collectors, he has also the merit of arranging his material to great advantage, and of compressing much information within narrow limits. His supplementary "Annotations" contain much that is original, as well as much that has been gleaned, with learned care, from early and recent expositors. He deserves eminently well of biblical learning. During the last ten years he has been following up his favourite researches; and here, with interest and zeal unquenched, though in the "calm evening" of life, he gives us the result. The entire text of the New Testament has been revised, with a view to the critical department; but his chief care has been bestowed on the philological and explanatory notes. willing lightly to renounce ancient opi. nions, he is yet of Lord Bacon's mind,

Not

that "truth is not to be derived from any felicity of times, which is an uncertain thing, but from the eternal light of nature and experience." The additional annotations are copious on the Gospels of Matthew, Luke, and John, and on the apostolical Epistles. Dr. Bloomfield has also done much toward placing the text of the Apocalypse on a firm foundation.

A Memoir of the Rev. Henry Watson Fox, B.A., of Wadham College, Orford, Missionary to the Teloogoo People, South India. By the Rev. George Townshend Fox, B.A., of Durham. With a Preface by the Rev. H. V. Elliott, M.A., Incumbent of St. Mary's Chapel, Brighton. Second Edition. Seeleys. Here we have, in very interesting and profitable delineation, a Rugby scholar during several of Dr. Arnold's best years, a student of Wadham, and a Missionary to the ten millions of Teloogoo. "Martyn died," writes Mr. Elliott, "in 1812. Twentythree years afterwards a Rugby boy was reading his memoir, and bethought himself, Can I be a Missionary? Five years passed, and that momentary conception ripened into a reality. And when it was struggling for birth, in the very crisis of the resolve, Martyn, we find, is again present to his mind. The

* Our literary notices for December are brief; as for other reasons, so especially because we have felt it imperative to allow space for a paper (the last of our "Miscellaneous Communications") on a question of immediate and stirring interest. This necessity is the less to be regretted just now. During the autumnal months the publishing world, at least in several departments, seems to have experienced a lull. 4 P

VOL. VI.-FOURTH SERIES.

Rugby boy becomes an ordained Missionary to the Hindoos. His career is short, but brilliant in faith and holiness. When the hour of death draws nigh, and the world of sense retires and is dark, there is no regret, no fear, no doubt; but celestial scenes open with clearer and yet clearer distinctness. With joy unspeakable and full of glory' he anticipates his being for ever with the Lord; and then, after Him, with the Apostles and Henry Martyn.' So linked was that dear name with his soul's highest sympathies for time and for eternity." Mr. Fox's views in regard to the prospects of the church, and the second coming of our Lord, we cannot by any means accept; but his example of fervent and practical Christianity commands our high admiration.

The Christian Sabbath, considered in its various Aspects. By Ministers of different Denominations. With Preface by the Hon. and Rev. Baptist W. Noel. Johnstone and Hunter.-A truly good compend of argument and appeal. The names of the contributors guarantee its value; and we rejoice to see their Essays in so convenient and elegant a form.

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A Continuation of the Memoirs of a Working Man; illustrated by some original Sketches of Character. Charles Cox.This sequel is worthy of the "Memoirs,' which received our favourable notice in a former volume. The narrative is well adapted to encourage mental culti vation among the operative classes.

We are happy to announce the third volume of Dr. Kitto's Daily Bible Illustrations. This division includes "Samuel, Saul, and David;" and provides most instructive readings for July, August, and September. The work is admirably adapted to the family circle. A Manual of Logic, Inductive. By H. H. gow: Ogle and Son. milton, Adams, and Co.

Deductive and Munro. GlasLondon: Ha

Classical Examination Papers of King's College, London. By R. W. Browne, M.A., Professor of Classical Literature in King's College. J. W. Parker.

What mean ye by this Service? The Question Discussed in the Trial of George Herbert, Richard Hooker, Charles Simeon, Reginald Heber, and Thomas Scott, on the Charge of Heresy. By the Rev. Samuel Hobson, LL.B., Perpetual Curate of Builey, Suffolk; Author of "Letters to a Waverer,"

&c., &c. Foolscap 8vo. Hamilton, Adams, and Co.

Among the latest publications of "The Religious Tract Society are several to which we are glad to draw immediate attention. We reserve space to name the following:

A Universal Geography, in four Parts: Historical, Mathematical, Physical, and Political. By the Rev. Thomas Milner, M.A., &c. Illustrated by ten Maps, with Diagrams and Sections.

Ancient Egypt.-London in the olden Time. Very acceptable additions to the "Monthly Series."

The Garland; or, A Companion for leisure Hours.

The under-mentioned publications, very recently issued, are also on our list; but limits of time and space compel us either to postpone all notice of them, or to satisfy ourselves (at least for the present) with the simplest announcement. The latter course may be the more acceptable:

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Adventures in Australia; or, The Wanderings of Captain Spencer in the Bush and in the Wilds. Containing accurate Descriptions of the Habits of the Natives, and the Natural Productions and Features of the Country. By Mrs. R. Lee, (formerly Mrs. T. E. Bowdich,) Author of "The African Wanderers," &c. With Illustrations by J. S. Prout. Grant and Griffith.

Nineveh: its Rise and Ruin; as illustrated by Ancient Scriptures and Modern Discoveries. A Course of Lectures delivered at Claremont Chapel, London. With Additions and Supplementary Notes. By the Rev. John Blackburn. Partridge and Oakey.

Lectures on the Existence and Altributes of the Divine Being. By Thomas Swan. Houlston and Stoneman.

The Four Gospels combined; or, The Life of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, as narrated by the Four Evangelists: being a Chronological Arrangement of the Gospels, in the Words of Holy Scripture, according to the authorised Version, without any Additions, and omitting Repetitions only. Simpkin and Marshall.

PROPOSED OR ANNOUNCED FOR

PUBLICATION:

Sir James Mackintosh's Miscella neous Works. Edited by his Son. Complete in one Volume; with Portrait and Vignette. Square crown 800. Longmans.

RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE.

WESLEYAN EDUCATION. The Wesleyan Education Committee have hitherto been indebted to the Normal Seminary at Glasgow for the training of their teachers. For some years past the necessity of having a Wesleyan Institution for this object, under the immediate inspection of the Committee, has been apparent. Mr. Stow himself, the founder of the Glasgow system, has frequently urged the propriety of such an establishment. After much anxious consideration, the Committee secured an eligible site, including an acre and a half of ground, in the midst of a dense and neglected population in Westminster. The plans and designs prepared by James Wilson, Esq., F.S.A., of Bath, were selected; and, on September 27th, 1849, the foundation-stone of the Wesleyan Normal Seminary was laid by Thomas Farmer, Esq. The buildings, consisting of the Principal's house, the training department provided with every necessary accommodation for sixty male students and forty female students, together with five practising schools capable of containing 2,200 scholars, and two houses for the masters, are now nearly completed. These erections, it is confidently expected, in point of utility, simplicity, elegance, and economy, will fully realise all that could be desired by the friends and promoters of education in our body. Their cost, including the purchase of the site, and an adequate supply of school and other furnishings, will amount to about £35,000. The funds in the hands of the Committee available towards this outlay were, the Centenary-grant of £5,000, and the balances, remaining unappropriated, of the £21,000 raised in 1843, and of the annual income placed since that time at the disposal of the Committee for educational purposes, amounting together to about £23,000. These sums have already been expended. A sum of £7,000 has been granted by the Committee of Council on Education on the usual conditions ;-namely, that the buildings be completed, and all the costs defrayed, except only what the grant will cover, within two years from the date of the agreement, the 2d of March,

1849.

James Heald, Esq., M.P., was made, to raise, by a general subscription, a sum of not less than £10,000, for the purpose of enabling the Committee to claim the grant made by the Committee of Council, and of replacing the amount granted from the Centenary Fund. Of this proposal the last Conference cordially approved, and authorised the President to call a meeting of the principal friends and supporters of Wesleyan Education, for the purpose of devising the best means of raising the required sum, and of arranging for the holding of a series of public meetings in the leading towns, to promote the subscription in question, and to explain and recommend the general objects and plans contemplated in our present educational movement. That Meeting was held in Manchester on Wednesday, November 13th, and two following days, with the hearty concurrence of the friends there. It consisted of about one hundred and fifty Ministers and other friends from different Circuits in the Connexion. Rev. John Scott, the Chairman of the Committee, presented a detailed account of the operations of the Committee, and the progress made in the establishment of week-day schools in the Connexion during the past six years. Entire satisfaction was afforded by the able and luminous statement made. The deliberations which followed were characterised by a remarkable harmony of judgment and affection. Every one seemed deeply impressed with the important bearing of education on the interests of Wesleyan Methodism, and the well-being generally of the poorer classes in our land; and with the necessity of providing funds at once to enable the Committee fully to carry out the great objects contemplated.

The

Besides the private Meeting referred to above, on the evening of Wednesday, November 13th, a public Meeting, convened by placards and notices from the Wesleyan pulpits in Manchester, was held in Oldham-street chapel. That venerable sanctuary was crowded by a congregation deeply interesting, and was presided over by the Rev. the President of the Conference. In the proceedings of the Meeting, intense earnestness and entire unanimity were manifested. Such was the hallowed enthusiasm which prevailed, that, at a late hour, it was found advisable to adjourn the Meeting until

At the Special Meeting of the Committee held in London on Monday, July 29th, 1850, a proposal, emanating from

the following evening, at the same place. On Thursday evening, accordingly, a similar congregation again assembled, under the presidency of the Rev. Dr. Beecham.

A detailed account of these most deeply-interesting Meetings will shortly be issued under the direction of the Committee. In the course of two days the the Subscription-List, so auspiciously commenced by three gentlemen with contributions of £500 each, reached a sum exceeding £5,000. Pleasing as these pecuniary results are, it was still more gratifying to all present to mark the peculiar interest awakened on behalf of Christian education, and the strong, deep

toned expressions of attachment to the Methodism of our Founder and fathers which the occasion called forth.

It is intended to convene similar Meetings in other parts of the Connexion with as little delay as possible; and we have no doubt that "the Father of Lights, with whom is no variableness nor shadow of turning," will continue to vouchsafe tokens for good, not unlike those which He so graciously bestowed upon this memorable gathering in Manchester. Next month we hope to be enabled to give the Resolutions which were so cordially and unanimously carried, and to direct attention more particularly to the subject at large.

RECENT DEATHS.

MARCH 3d, 1850.—At Leavening, in the Malton Circuit, Mrs. Arnett. She had enjoyed religion, and had been a consistent member of the Wesleyan Society, for upwards of twenty years. Her habits were retiring; but her piety was steady and influential. The commencement of her Christian career was marked by deep convictions, and sorrow for sin; but her latter end was crowned with peace and assurance. Her last affliction was painful and protracted; but the bore it with Christian meekness and submission. She was much assaulted by Satan in her final hours; but she overcame through the blood of the Lamb. She had many gracious manifestations before she died. Some of her

last words were, "Precious Jesus! precious Jesus!"

J. K.

March 31st.-At Newark, John Undy, aged eighty-five years. He had been a Methodist for more than half a century, and, during a considerable portion of that period, a diligent and useful Local Preacher and Class-Leader. As his religious life had been eminently consistent, so his affliction and death were singularly joyous and triumphant. J. R.

April 7th.-Ambrose Wallis, aged eighty-three years. He was a very laborious and useful Local Preacher in the Newark Circuit for about fifty years. From the time of his conversion, the name of Jesus was his inspiration and his theme. During his long affliction he manifested great maturity of patience, and died in the sure and certain hope of a resurrection to eternal life.

J. R.

May 21st.-At Faversham, Mrs. Frost, aged forty-three years. In 1829 she began to attend the preaching in the Wesleyan chapel, where she was convinced of sin, and led to seek the salvation of the Gospel. She joined the Society, and after a short time found peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ. Her Christian

conversation made her a fit person for the office of a Leader, upon the duties of which she entered with trembling. While her piety was unobtrusive, it was active: she did what she could; and over all was the adorning of "a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price." The law of kindness was ever on her lips, and she opened her mouth with discretion. Though unexpectedly called to render up her account, it cannot be doubted that her blessed Master found her prepared for His appearing.

J. P.

June 8th.-At Westerham, in the Sevenoaks Circuit, Ann, the beloved wife of Mr. John Miller, aged thirty-two. From her youth she knew the holy Scriptures; and she joined the Wesleyan-Methodist Society in 1832. When fourteen years old, guided by the holy Scriptures, and strengthened by the Holy Spirit, she embraced the Lord Jesus as her only and allsufficient Saviour, and found rest to her soul. The great business of her subsequent life was to copy the example, and aspire after the image, of her Redeemer. She was a person of few words, and only known in the small circle in which she moved; always little in her own eyes. After one week of very severe illness, she died in great peace; thus in death, as in life, exhibiting the truth of that scripture,-"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusteth in Thee."

S. L., 1st.

August 5th.-At Gadbrook, in the Northwich Circuit, Mr. Joseph Millington, in his fiftysecond year. He was a man of sterling integrity, of deep and unaffected piety, and of sincere and unwavering attachment to the cause of God in connexion with Wesleyan Methodism. In the important offices of Class-Leader, Trustee, and Circuit-Steward, he laboured faithfully to promote the peace and prosperity of Zion; and he displayed an exemplary liberality in supporting

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