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sition to examine his many-sided subject. Every page is descriptive, and shows some picturesque section of manners, architecture, the wonders of the canvas or the marble. The merit of the work is not in the profundity of its reflections, or in any earnestness of aim, or important convictions expressed in it; but it is artistical," Myself," though assuming the part of the Catholic, being apparently in fact more in that of the Artist. But, taking it for what it is, instead of asking what it is not, we accept it as a pleasant contribution to our healthful light literature, and question whether so good a portrait of Rome is anywhere else so distinctly presented in so small a frame.

Mrs. Butler's work occupies the same general ground with the "Conversations," but is, in style and character, of a widely different stamp. That, as we have said, is a sketch, wellmarked, though superficial. This is a picture glowing with all the varied coloring of genius. In that a few cold strokes clearly disclose the objects of the author's interest, in this they are clothed with the life-like touches which the richest word-painting can command. The former presents continually the artist's hand, the latter overflows with the uncalculating enthusiasm of the heart. That bears but faint traces of any earnest thought or strong sympathy, this is evidently the result of an intensely working mind, suggests, as it records, much reflection, and breathes a warm spirit of humanity. We confess we have been too much interested in and moved by the "Year of Consolation" to join in the harsh criticism which we have seen applied to it. There is perhaps too much exposure of the author's own wounded heart, but the wealth also laid bare of lofty feeling, which has no merely private importance, should be some atonement for the error. And any one who has had deep experiences will know how hard it is to repress the inmost thoughts and emotions they create, and how, even when repressed, these will unconsciously tinge what is meant only for the expression of universal truth. And to us such language as that in the sonnet on page 119 of the second volume needs no excuse for any supposable personality it may contain. It is but the holier and more beautiful therefor. Mrs. Butler uses occasionally terms and epithets which to some may savor of boldness and want of delicacy in a woman. And in truth, with more of the feminine than belongs to most women, there seems to be something of the man, of masculine energy and roughness, in her composition. But a free use of the vocabulary, such as she has made, to give to things their right names is not apt to offend us in any writer, nor does it seem, when we consider it, to be properly the privilege of one sex. At least we will maintain that she has given us a book of imaginative brilliancy, of intellectual power, and of cordial sincerity, if not always of perfect wisdom or good taste.

B.

Characteristics of Men of Genius; a Series of Biographical, Historical, and Critical Essays, selected, by permission, chiefly from the North American Review. Boston: Otis, Broaders, & Co. 1847. 2 vols. 12mo. pp. 316, 317.

THOUGH the title-page of these volumes contains the name of an American, as well as of a London, publishing firm, the selection was made by the English editor, and the work printed in London. Three of the Essays are taken from the Dial, the rest from the North American Review. In making the selection, the editor, as he informs us in his Preface, has endeavoured to secure a sort of "unity," confining himself within a certain range of topics treated with a degree of "similarity," though bearing the stamp of the "different individualities of the writers." The articles are distributed into four groups, the first embracing "Ecclesiastics," of whom we have three, Gregory the Seventh, Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits, and Blaise Pascal; the second, " Poets," comprising Dante, Petrarch, Milton, Shelley, Lord Byron, Goethe, Scott, Wordsworth, and the "Poets of Germany "; the third, "Artists," Michael Angelo and Canova; the fourth, "Statesmen," Machiavelli, Louis the Ninth, and Peter the Great. Undoubtedly there are articles in the different journals of our country which possess merit superior to that of some of the "Essays" here given; yet, taking into view the professed "guiding principle" of the compiler, we should say that the pieces were well chosen and the arrangement good, and as our Reviews are comparatively little read in England, the publication, as stated in the Preface, will there appear a "complete novelty."

L.

A Dedication to Woman. Being Discourses delivered to the Unitarian Society, Newhall Hill, Birmingham. By JOHN GREEN. London: J. Chapman. 1847. 12mo. pp. 184.

DISCOURSES full of the Christian spirit, serious, affectionate, Scriptural, the first two delivered on Easter Sunday, and treating of the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, the third "occasioned by the death of the Rev. Henry Ware, Jr.," giving evidence how wide was the influence he exerted, and how deep the regret felt at his early removal, abroad as well as at home, the fourth a Christmas sermon,- the next two on the "Education of Woman," - the seventh on " Nonconformity and Moral Reformation," and the eighth on "Persecution and Christianity," having reference to the "Lady Hewley Appeal." That the earnest desire expressed by the author in the Preface, that

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the publication may do good, will be fulfilled, we cannot doubt. We like the dedication of the volume to " Woman," to whose quick sensibilities and kindling sympathies religion never appeals in vain.

L.

The Silent Pastor; or Consolations for the Sick. By THOMAS SADLER, Ph. D. London: Chapman, Brothers. 1847. 12mo. Pp. 128.

THIS little volume consists of a discourse, or short treatise, on "the Christian View of Sickness," which is truly Christian, of prayers, several of which are taken from the old divines, a selection from the Psalms, and twenty-seven hymns, several of which, possessing peculiar merit, will, we doubt not, be new to most readers of the manual. The author speaks like one who has had experience on the subject of which he treats, speaks, we should say, from a full heart, and has furnished a companion for the sick room which will meet a want often felt, of something to "soothe, purify, and elevate the mind" in hours of weariness and pain.

L.

The Church Member's Manual of Ecclesiastical Principles, Doctrine, and Discipline; presenting a Systematic View of the Structure, Polity, Doctrines, and Practices of Christian Churches, as taught in the Scriptures. By WILLIAM CROWELL. With an Introductory Essay by HENRY J. RIPLEY, D. D. Boston: Gould, Kendall, & Lincoln. 1847. 12mo. Pp. 276.

THIS book places the Baptist denomination before the public, in many respects, in a favorable light. That portion of it which treats of the organization and discipline of churches, which it represents as based on the free principles of Congregationalism, commends itself as reasonable and Christian. In regard to the formation, rights, and duties of a church, and the appointment, authority, and functions of ministers, the views it offers are such, in the main, as we should suppose an intelligent person, who had never heard of bishops, priests, and a divinely appointed succession, would derive from the reading of the New Testament. That part which relates to doctrines and usages peculiar to Bap tists will be found interesting and useful to them, and will afford desirable information to others. Such a book was wanted; and the truly catholic spirit in which it is written will undoubtedly contribute to its circulation.

VOL. XLIII.

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4TH S. VOL. VIII. NO. II.

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M.

Historical Annals of Dedham, from its Settlement in 1635 to 1837. By HERMAN MANN. Dedham H. Mann. 1847. 8vo. PP. 136.

THIS is a modest performance, written, as such works should be, in a plain and simple style, and embodying a great deal of information, valuable as illustrating the character and habits of the early settlers of New England, and especially interesting to those in any way connected with the place to which it relates. It is the fruit of much research among old as well as more recent records, and its fidelity in regard to facts and dates, we believe, may be implicitly relied on.

L.

Poems. By GEORGE H. CALVERT. Boston: William D. Ticknor & Co. 1847. 12mo. pp. 125.

THESE poems rise to about the average merit of the poetry of the day. The good conceptions in them are not often expressed in the best taste. Indeed, the imaginative faculty in our author does not seem equal to a just embodiment of his sometimes vigorous sentiment. His translations we like better than his originals. The execution in the former rises more above mediocrity, and shows signs of spirit and power.

B.

The Peace Manual; or, War and its Remedies. By GEORGE C. BECKWITH. Boston: American Peace Society. 1847. 18mo. pp. 252.

THIS Manual contains, in a condensed and convenient form, the most important facts and arguments on the "physical evils of war," the "moral evils of war," and the "remedies for war." Its author, the well-known Secretary of the American Peace Society, is a temperate as well as decided advocate of the great cause of peace, confining himself strictly to the question of international war, and offering a cumulative argument against it of the fairest and strongest kind. Useful at all times, such an argument cannot fail to be particularly so at this crisis.

H.

Memoirs of Madame de Staël, and of Madame Roland. By L. MARIA CHILD, Author of Philothea, etc. A new Edition, revised and enlarged. New York: C. S. Francis & Co. 1847. 12mo. pp. 248.

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THIS reprint, which forms the thirteenth number of Francis & Co.'s" Cabinet Library of Choice Prose and Poetry," requires no other notice from us than the bare mention of its title, the merits of the work being already fully known and appreciated.

L.

The Claim of Ireland. A Sermon delivered in Renshaw Street Chapel, Liverpool, March 7, 1847. With an Appendix on the Fast. By JOHN HAMILTON THOM. London. 1847. 12mo. PP. 44.

Sermon on the Death of the Rev. J. Johns, Minister to the Poor in Liverpool, occasioned by Fever contracted in his Attendance on the destitute Sick, preached in Renshaw Street Chapel, on Sunday, July 4, 1847. By the Rev. J. H. THOM. Liverpool. 1847. 12mo. pp. 12.

A Discourse on the Necessity of Providing an Enlightened Education for the Christian Ministry; with some Observations on the Comparative Merits of the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, and other Places of Collegiate Instruction. By EDMUND KELL, M. A. London. 1846. 8vo. pp. 30. Doing before Believing. A Discourse delivered at the Anniversary of the Derby Academy, in Hingham, May 19, 1847. By W. H. FURNESS, Pastor of the First Congregational Unitarian Church in Philadelphia. New York. 1847. 8vo. Pp. 20.

The Son of Man Cometh. A Discourse preached before the Society of the Cambridgeport Parish, Sunday, May 30, 1847. By WILLIAM H. FURNESS, Pastor of the Unitarian Society, Philadelphia. Boston: J. Munroe & Co. 1847. 8vo. pp. 22. Hereditary Depravity (the Condition of Man) involving no Personal Guilt. A Sermon preached at Sherburne, June 6, 1847. By R. C. STONE, Pastor of the First Congregational Church (Unitarian), Sherburne. Boston B. H. Greene. 1847. 8vo. pp. 12.

A Discourse delivered in the First Church in Boston, before the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company, June 7, 1847, being the CCIXth Anniversary. By WILLIAM P. LUNT, Pastor of the First Congregational Church in Quincy. Boston. 1847. 8vo. pp. 35.

Two Sermons preached in the First Church in Plymouth, Mass., Sunday, July 4, 1847. By GEORGE W. BRIGGS. Plymouth. 8vo. pp. 31.