Extract from the CHRISTIAN OBSERVER, for December, 1814. "The name of Professor Franck is associated in the minds of those who are acquainted with the history of true religion, with all that is learned, pious, useful, and excellent. He was indeed " á burning and a shining light;" and in extending the knowledge of his oharacter and example, and translating the present brief, but valuable Work, the EDITOR has rendered a very acceptable and useful service to the lovers and students of sacred literature. The extent of the Professor's learning, and the soundness of his judgment, afford ample security to one class of enquirers; while the depth of his religious views, the spirituality of his mind, and the length of his experience, may well assure some others that he is not unworthy of their confidence as an instructor upon this fundamental subject. The Notes, by the Translator, contain a valuable fund of Bibliographical Knowledge, collected and digested from various approved sources, on all the topics discussed by Professor Franck, from which the student of the Sacred Writings may derive important direction and assistance. We have, perhaps, dwelt the longer upon this publication, because we consider that at a time when the most laudable zeal prevails amongst us for the distribution of the Divine Records, it is peculiarly important, that correct views respecting their meaning and interpretation should also be disseminated. We are happy therefore in having an opportunity of noticing a Work which contains so much valuable information and direction upon this important point, and cordially recommend it to general perusal. Extract from the CRITICAL REVIEW, for July and August, 1815. "At a time when the Sacred Writings are so generally diffused, and the knowledge of the eternal truths they contain so universally cultivated, the appearance of this Translation we regard as extremely seasonable and appropriate. No one, we think, will hesitate to confess that the publication of a work, the express object of which is to direct the student in his course through the Inspired Volume, is at once auxiliary to the promotion of true religion, and of inestimable advantage to all who are anxious to ascertain the real grounds of their faith... Of the merits of the Translator, it is our pleasing duty to speak in laudatory terms. The NOTES annexed claim much praise for their Learning, Judgment, and Ability; and are replete with evidence of extensive Bibliographical research. THE PURPLE ISLAND. CANTO I I. THE warmer sun the golden bull outran, The shepherd-boys, who with the muses dwell, Met in the plain their May-lords new to choose, (For two they yearly choose) to order well Their rural sports and year that next ensues: Now were they sat, where by the garden walls The learned Cam with stealing water crawls, And lowly down before that royal temple falls. *To take up temporary abode. continuance is hell." So Donne :..." Inn any where, B III. Among the rout they take two gentle swains, Whose sprouting youth did now but greenly bud; Their nearest blood from self-same fountains flow, Now when the shepherd-lads, with common voice, Or thy poor Thelgon's wrong, in mournful verse to plain ; V. Yet, since the shepherd-swains do all consent To make thee lord of them, and of their art; And that choice lad, to give a full content, Hath join'd with thee in office as in heart; Wake, wake thy long, thy too long sleeping muse, Such honour thus conferr'd, thou may'st not well refuse. Sing what thou list, be it of Cupid's spite, Since in a higher Love I settled all my joys. * The Author speaks here of himself and his brother; who was also a Poet, + i. e. Custom. VII.. But if you deign my ruder pipe to hear, (Rude pipe, unus'd, untun'd, unworthy hearing) These infantile beginnings gently bear, Whose best desert and hope must be your bearing. Your dainty songs unto his murmurs fitting, Tell me, ye muses, what hath former ages, Who knows not Jason? or bold Tiphys' hand,* O'er seas, as earth, he march'd with dangerous art: Who has not often read Troy's twice sung fires, XI. And thou, choice wit! love's scholar, and love's master, Or dost thy fault and distant exile moan: And now of late + th'Italian fisher-swain Sits on the shore to watch his trembling line, There teaches rocks and prouder seas to plain By Nesis fair, and fairer Mergiline : Whilst his thin net, upon his oars entwin'd, And that French muse's eagle eye and wing, Too high and deep for any shallow heart. Ah, blessed soul! in those celestial rays, Which gave thee light, these lower works to blaze, Thrice happy wits! which in the springing May, |