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dle school book, in England, that four editions, making thirty six thousand copies, were required to supply the demand, during the first six months after its appearance; a sale unprecedented in any modern publication. In this country also, three editions have already been issued from the press; and a fourth, from the London copy, greatly improved and enlarged, we understand, will soon be published at New-York. Like all the former works of this excellent Author, its pages are rendered subservient to the promotion of piety and virtue; at the same time, so diversified and enlivened with interesting stories, and instructive sentiments, as to be peculiarly attractive to the infant mind of the learner.

The improvement attempted in the orthography, consists chiefly in the division of syllables. We regret that the nature and extent of our work will not admit of giving a copious analysis of a book, which promises to become general in our schools. We must however quote the Author's reasons for his division of syllables, from which it will be seen, that he does not concur with some modern orthographers. The following remarks are from the fourth English edition.

"1. The rapid pronunciation of two syllables, so as to resemble the sound of one syllable, does not, in fact, make them one. The words busineas, colonel, victuals, ashamed, believed, &c. are pronounced as two syllables, though they are really

three.

"2. The division adopted renders the gradations in spelling a word, more simple, and much easier to the learner, than combining the letters. If spelling is made practicable and ea, sy to children, by dividing words into syllables, it follows, that the more this division can be conveniently extended, the better it is calculated to answer the end.

"3. The old plan of dividing these letters, or terminations, is uniform and invariable: the new plan, of not dividing them, is liable to numerous exceptions, and frequent variations.

"4. Combining or separating syllables according to the pronunciation, would present still more irregular and uncouth appearances, than the

association of letters, vowels and consonants, to suit the pronunciation. The following are a few specimens: on-ion, o-cean, ven-geance, poniard, court-ier, scutch-eon, brilliant-ly, per-fid-ious-ly, punc-til-io, jus-tic-iar-y.

5. If the combinations of letters pronounced as one syllable, were to have a correspondent arrangement, we should have an extremely difficult, as well as an extremely irregular mode of dividing our words into syllables. How would the advocates for divi ding according to the pronunciation, divide the words business, colonel, victuals, sevennight, moved, stuffed, devoured, abused, and many others of a similar nature? A rule which, at best, is so inconvenient, and which in numerous instances cannot be reduced to practice, certainly does not merit adoption.

"6. The best authorities, as well as a great majority of them, may be adduced in support of this division. Walker, in the last edition of his dictionary, says, "Though tion and sion are really pronounced in one syllable, they are, by almost all our orthoepists, divided into two; and consequently, nation, pronunciation, occasion, evasion, &c. contain the same number of syllables, as natio, pronunciatio, occasio, evasio, in Latin.

"On the whole, we think that the old plan, whilst it possesses so much superiority, is liable to no inconvenience. Even pronunciation is as readily acquired by it, as by the new plan.

The learner cannot know that tion sounds like shun, tial like shal, science like shense, &c. till his teacher directs him to this pronunciation: and the same direction will teach him that ti-on, ti-al, sci-ence, &c. have the same sounds. Much therefore is lost and nothing gained, by the new divi. sion."

We cannot conclude this article without congratulating the public, and the heads of seminaries in particular, on the acquisition of the complete system of education, which the eleven different works of Lindley Murray now compose. Beginning at the very vestibule of literature, the attentive learner may now ascend from the First Book for children, step by step, through the Spelling Book, the Intro duction to the English Reader, the

English Reader, the Sequel to the Reader, the Abridged Grammar, the Grammar, Exercises to the Grammar, Key to the Exercises, Lecture Francois, and Power of Religion on the Mind, till he has attained to every necessary accomplishment in the English language.

The rank which our countryman* has acquired in the literary world, cannot be contemplated, but with satisfaction, by every American, who feels an honest pride in beholding these proofs of the falsehood of the assertion made by certain French philosophers, that genius could not originate in the western hemisphere. Lindley Murray, as a grammarian, now stands without a rival. His English Grammar has the encomiums of every transatlantic writer of taste and judgment. Twelve thousand copies of it are sold annually in London, and

It may not be generally known that Lindley Murray is a native of NewYork and a member of the Society of Friends. He was bred to the profession of the law, in which he promised to become one of its most shining ornaments. But being attacked with a painful and tedious illness, which terminated in the loss of the use of his lower extremities, he adopted the advice of his physicians, and took a voyage across the Atlantic. His indisposition, however, on his arrival in England, in stead af lessening, increased to such a degree, that he found it necessary to defer the period of his return till some favourable change should take place in his disorder. He therefore purchased a beautiful retreat in the neighbourhood of York, where, with an amiable wife, he has remained nearly twenty years, and where indeed he has employed those faculties, with which he has been so preeminently endowed by Providence, to the benevolent purpose of composing his numerous works on the education of youth. This retreat is not less distinguished for the attractions it presents to literary men, than for the hospitality which reigns at its board. The whole of the profits, which it may be imagined are very great, arising from the sale of his books, have been bestowed upon

twenty four thousand of the abridgment. In our own country also the sale is perhaps not less extensive. Most of our Universities, espeially those at New Haven, Princeton, NewYork, Philadelphia, Williamsburgh, and Schenectady have adopted this Grammar; and ere long perhaps no other will be used in any College in America.

There could not be offered a stronger confirmation of the justness of the character we have given of these publications, than will be found in the following quotation from the late Dr. Hugh Blair, who thus conveyed his sentiments on those which were then published.

"Mr. Murray's Grammar, with the Exercises and Key, in a separate volume, I esteem as a most excellent performance. I think it superior to any work of that nature we have yet had; and I am persuaded that it is, by much, the best Grammar of the English language extant. On Syntax in particular he has shown a precision, in ascertaining the propriewonderful degree of acuteness and ty of language, and rectifying the

numberless errors, which writers are apt to commit. Were I only beginning my course, as I am now (in my 83d year) on the point of finishing it, I would have hoped to have been style by his instructions and exammuch benefited in point of accurate ples. Most usefu' they must certainly be to all who are applying themselves to the arts of composition."

.....

charitable institutions. Possessed of an independent fortune, and having no children to provide for, he appears to cherish, as his only wish, the luxury of being useful to his fellow creatures. In a late letter to a friend in this country, after modestly adverting to the unparalleled sale and reputation of his books in Europe, he concludes, "I hope that this flattering success has no improper effect upon me. I am sure that my manifold imperfections are sufficient to check elation of mind, and to make me humble. I do indeed feel grateful to the Author of all good, that under my long continued bodily infirmities, I am not yet a useless being in the world.”

List of New Publications.

The Shade of Plato; or, a defence of religion, morality, and government. A poem in four parts. By David Hitchcock. To which is prefixed, a sketch of the author's life. Hudson. H. Croswell. 12 mo.

A new edition of this work is contemplated in Boston.

Twelve letters addressed to Rev. Samuel Austin, A. M. in which his vindication of partial washing for Christian Baptism, contained in ten letters, is reviewed and disproved. By Daniel Merrill, A. M. pastor of the church of Christ in Sedgwick. 12 mo. pp. 96. Boston. Manning & Loring. An answer to this has been published by Mr. Austin at Worcester.

A treatise on the Diseases of Children, and management of infants from the birth. By Michael Underwood, M. D. Licentiate in Midwifery, of the Royal College of Physicians in London, &c. &c. Second American from the sixth London edition. 8vo. pp. 270. Boston. D. West.

Reflections on the Rise and Fall of the ancient Republics, adapted to the present state of Great Britain. By Edward W. Montague, jun. 12mo. pp. 336. Philadelphia. C. P. Wayne.

A sermon, preached in the audience of His Excellency Caleb Strong, Governor, His Honor Edward H. Robbins, Esq. Lieutenant Governor, the Hon. the Council, Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, on the Anniversary Election, May 28, 1806. By Samuel Shepard, A. M. Congregational Minister of Lenox. Boston. Young & Minns. 1806.

A discourse on the necessity and importance of wisdom and knowledge, delivered at the opening of the Lincoln Academy in New Castle, October 1, 1805. By Kiah Bayley, A. M. pastor of the church in New Castle. Wiscasset. Babson and Rust.

The Happy nation, a sermon, preached at the Anniversary Election in Hartford, May 8, 1806. By Rev. William Lyman, A. M. pastor of a church in East Haddam, Hartford. Hudson and Goodwin.

1806.

A sermon, preached before the General Assembly of the Presbyte

rian church in the United States of America; by appointment of their standing committee of Missions, by Eliphalet Nott, D. D. President of Union College in the State of New York, May 19, 1806. Philadelphia. Jane Aitken.

The Virginia Religious Magazine, published under the patronage of the Synod of Virginia, by the Editor, Volume II, for the year 1806. Lexington. Samuel Walkup.

Sanctuary Waters; or the spread of the gospel. A Sermon, preached before the Massachusetts Baptist Missionary Society, at their annual meeting, by William Collier, A. M. pastor of the Baptist church in Charlestown, (Mass.) Boston, May 28, 1806. Manning & Loring.

A Sermon, preached before the convention of the clergy of Massachusetts, Boston, May 29, 1806. By Joseph Lyman, D. D. pastor of the church in Hatfield. Boston. David Carlisle.

Bonaparte, and the French people under his Consulate. Translated from the German. The first American edition. New York. Isaac Collins and Son. Sold also by E. Cotton, Boston.

The fulfilling of the Scripture, or an essay, shewing the exact accom. plishment of the word of God in his works performed and to be performed, for confirming of believers, and convincing Atheists of the present time: Containing some rare histories of the works and the servants of God in the church of Scotland. Rev. Robert Fleming, pastor of a church in Rotterdam. Charlestown. 1806. Samuel Etheridge.

By

Universalism confounds and destroys itself; or, Letters to a Friend; in four parts. Part 1. Dr. Huntington's and Mr. Relly's scheme, which denies all future punishment, shown to be made up of contradictions, 2. Dr. Chauncy's, Mr. Winchester's, Petitpierre's, and Med. Dr. Young's scheme, which supposes a limited punishment hereafter, shown to be made up of contradictions. 3. Ev erlasting, forever, forever and ever, naturally and originally, mean duration without end. 4. The sufficiency

of the atonement, for the salvation of all, consistent with the final destruction of a part of mankind. Also, the second death explained. Interspersed with direct arguments in proof of the endless misery of the damned; and answers to the popular objections of the present day, against the doctrines of grace. By Josiah Spaulding, A. M. pastor of a church in Buckland. Northampton, (Mass.) Andrew Wright. 1805.

Preparation for war the best security for peace. Illustrated in a Ser. mon delivered before the Ancient and Honourable Artillery Company, on the Anniversary of their election of officers, June 2, 1806. By James Kendall. Munroe and Francis.

&c.

The Boston Directory, containing the names, occupations, places of abode, and business of the inhabitants. A list of the streets, lanes, courts, alleys, wharves, &c. Bounds of the new wards. Lists of public offices, town officers, physicians, sextons, &c. List of post towns, &c. &c. Illustrated by a plan of the town. Boston. E. Cotton.

The Christian Monitor. No. 2. Containing observations on the life and character of Jesus Christ. Munroe and Francis, Boston.

Nine Discourses on Baptism, viz, Water Baptism, Christian Baptism, Believer's Baptism, Infant Baptism, Believing parents and their children in covenant with God, Being buried with Christ in Baptism illustrated. To which is annexed, Mrs. Jackson's confession. Boston. David Carlisle, 1806.

The Sacred Mirror; or, Compendious View of Scripture History. Containing a faithful narration of all the principal events recorded in the Old and New Testaments, from the creation of the world to the death of St. Paul. With a continuation from that period to the final destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans. Designed for the mental improvement of

youth, and particularly adapted to the use of schools. By the Rev, Thomas Smith, author of the Univer. sal Atlas, &c. First American edition. To which is added a copious index, not in the English edition. Boston. Samuel H. Parker. 1806.

Sermons on the religious education of children; preached at Northampton. By Philip Doddridge, D. D. A new edition, revised and corrected. Cambridge. W. Hilliard. 1806.

A Sermon on Fraud. By Thomas Wilson, D. D. Bishop of Sodor and Mann. First American edition, revised and corrected, Cambridge. W. Hilliard.

A Present for your Neighbour; or, the right knowledge of God and ourselves, opened in a plain, practical, and experimental manner. Cambridge. W. Hilliard.

A Discourse concerning meekness, By Rev. Matthew Henry. First American edition. Cambridge. W. Hilliard.

A short and easy method with Deists, wherein the certainty of the Christian religion is demonstrated by infallible proof from four rules, in a letter to a friend. Cambridge. W. Hilliard.

The five last publications are issued in large editions of each, by the Massachusetts Society for promoting Christian knowledge, and the Trus tees of Phillips' Academy, for charitable distribution. A number of each are reserved for sale at a cheap rate for the benefit of the Society above named, by their agent, William Hilliard, Cambridge; also by E. Lincoln, Boston.

In the press, Hore Pauline; or, the Truth of the Scripture History of St. Paul, evinced by a comparison of the epistles, which bear his name, with the Acts of the apostles, and with one another. By William Paley, D. D. Archdeacon of Carlisle. W. Hilliard. Cambridge.

Drdination.

ON Thursday, the 5th of June, 1806, the Rev. Joseph L. Mills was ordained Pastor of the First Congre

gational Church in Becket. The parts in the public exercises on the occasion were performed in the pres

ence of a numerous assembly, whose
silent attention bore testimony to the
solemnity of the scene. The Rev.
William G. Ballantine, of Washing.
ton, made the introductory prayer.
The Rev. Asahel Hooker, of Goshen,
(Con.) preached the sermon from 1
Cor. iú. 4, 5, 6. The Rev. Dr. West,
of Stockbridge, made the consecrat-
ing prayer.
The Rev. Aaron Bas-
com, of Chester, gave the charge.
The Rev. Alvan Hyde, of Lee, gave
the right hand of fellowship. The

GENTLEMEN,

Rev. Samuel Shepard, of Lenox, made the concluding prayer.-The great length of time in which the people of this religious society have been destitute of the stated administration of the gospel and its ordinances, and the numerous difficulties under which they have laboured, respecting their ecclesiastical affairs, render it peculiarly pleasing to the friends of Zion, to witness the present union and harmony existing among them.

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In a garden belonging to Mr. Tyrrs at Denbigh in Surry, England, is a walk terminated by a beautiful alcove, called Il Penseroso, in which are two elegantly sarved pedestals, upon which are placed a Gentleman's and a Lady's skull: each thus addresses the male and female visitants.

THE GENTLEMAN'S SKULL.

WHY start? The case is yours or will be soon,
Some years perhaps, perhaps another moon.
Life, at its utmost length, is still a breath,
And those who longest dream must wake in death.
Like you I once thought every bliss secure,
And gold of every ill a certain cure ;

Till steep'd in sorrow, and besieg'd with pain,
Too late I found all earthly riches vain.
Disease with scorn thrust back the sordid fee,
And death still answer'd, "What is gold to me?"
Fame, titles, honours, next I vainly sought,
And fools obsequious nurs'd the childish thought.
Circled with brib'd applause, and purchas'd praise,
I built on endless grandeur, endless days,
Till death awak'd me from my dream of pride;
And laid a prouder beggar at my side.
Pleasures I courted, and obey'd my taste,
The banquet smil'd, and smil'd the gay repast.
A loathsome carcase was my constant care,
And worlds were ransack'd but for me to share.
Go on, vain man, to luxury be firm,

Yet know, I feasted but to feast a worm.

Already sure, less terrible I seem,

And you, like me, shall own, that life's a dream.
Farewel; remember, nor my words despise,
The only happy, are the early wise.

THE LADY'S SKULL.

Blush not, ye fair, to own me-But be wise,
Nor turn from sad mortality your eyes.
Fame says, and fame alone can tell how true,
I once was lovely and belov'd like you.

H. J.

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