THE END OF THIS EVENTFUL HISTORY.
O matrimony! thou art like
To Jeremiah's figs;--
The good were very good;--the bad--
Too sour to give the pigs.--_Old Saw._
"Slender, I broke your head--what matter have you against
me?"--_Shakspeare._
One of the most amusing, and, indeed, one of the best pictures of Sir
Joshua Reynolds, is that of Garrick, between comedy and tragedy. On the
one side, with her mask in hand, stood the presiding divinity of comic
poetry, coaxing the immortal hero of the sock and buskin with her
archest smiles; while on the other stood Melpomene, rapt in solemn
thought, and with eyes upraised in gloomy grandeur, pointing the actor
to a loftier walk than that of her witching sister Thalia. The
situation of poor Garrick is most embarrassing--and appears the more so
from the powers of face at his command, as delineated by the artist,
whereby he is represented as doubting to which invitation he should
yield, while with one half of his face he looks the deepest tragedy,
and with the other, the merriest comedy.
Very much in the situation of Garrick, as thus described, does the
biographer find himself at the threshhold of this concluding chapter.
It is not his fault, however, that comic or rather farcical incidents
must follow so closely upon the pathetic. But "the course of true love
never did run smooth"--a fact of which, as the reader has already seen,
my unfortunate friend Wheelwright had had some knowledge, early in his
wedded life--and of which he was convinced over again, soon after the
events recorded in the last two chapters.
It was on a clear frosty morning in March, that one of the watchful
guardians of the peace and quiet of the city, connected with the police
establishment, did me the unexpected honor of a visit. He stated that a
poor but very decent sort of a man had fallen into the hands of the
watch during the preceding night, and had been committed to Bridewell
by the sitting magistrate, on a charge of assault and battery.
According to the report of Dogberry, the man was "quite
down-in-the-mouth about it, and," (he added,) "he contests that he is
entirely hinnocent. He also says he is acquainted with you, and he
thinks if you would be good enough to come up to the hall and see him,
no doubt that you would bail him out."
"How is that, my friend? A man taken up in a night-row, and now in
Bridewell, and says he is an acquaintance of mine--eh?"
"So he says, and he looks as though he might have seen better days. We
have to deal with many such--but then he don't act as though he was
often in such scrapes, no how."
"His name?"
"Doctor--Wheel--Wheelwright, I think they call him."
"O--ah--yes:" another incident, thinks-I-to-myself, in the chequered
life of my unhappy friend.
"And a _striking_ incident, too, according to the account of the
Irish woman who lodged the complaint."
"An _Irish_ woman! Mischief in her proper shape again. But, my word for
it, if it is my quondam friend Wheelwright, who is in the scrape, he
has not struck any body or thing--man, woman, or child."
"'Zactly so: that's just what he says; and as he has no friends, he
thinks you might stand by him in a pinch, if you knew as how he has
been in the lock-up half the night, and has now been walked off to
Bridewell."
This was a far less agreeable call upon my attention and services than
I had ever had the honor of receiving from him before; but still,
knowing the honesty of the man, and his pacific character, and fully
believing in his representations of innocence, I at once determined to
inquire into the circumstances of the case, and, if necessary, make
another effort in his behalf.
The investigation resulted as I had anticipated. The unfortunate
husband now opened his heart, and poured out all his domestic sorrows
and tribulations before me. He needed not to tell me that he had not
married a fortune, as he had supposed, when I first saw him in the
hey-day of his honey-moon; but from the simple tale now unfolded, it
seemed that, on the contrary, he had been wedded to Mis-fortune, and
all her progeny. The rather turbulent lady of Socrates--(unless Mrs.
Xantippe was scandalized by her neighbors)--was a sweet-tempered dame,
and "gentle as a sucking dove," in comparison with the vixen who had
been harassing his life and soul away for years. The only peaceable
hours of his existence were those in which she was too much fatigued
with liquor to annoy him. When awake and sober, her temper was little
better, and her tormenting tongue seemed to have been hung in the
middle, so that it might run at both ends. It is related of Foote, the
comedian, that when once suffering from the tongue of a shrew, he
replied--"I have heard of _Tartars_, and _Brimstones_, madam; and by
Jove you are the _cream_ of the one, and the _flour_ of the other." And
next to the Grecian lady above mentioned, the Tartar who bearded Foote,
seemed, in my view, to be the only parallel of Mistress Wheelwright, of
which the books give any account.
How few can bear prosperity! Indeed, although we all covet it so much,
the examples of those ruined by sudden reverses of fortune, would
probably present a greater number of those who have been raised from
poverty to wealth, than of those who have been cast down from a state
of affluence to that of penury. An illustration of this proposition was
afforded in the family of Mr. Wheelwright. It appeared that after the
change recorded in the last chapter, from a condition of the most
abject misery, to that of comparative comfort, the Doctor's lady,
elated by her prosperity, began to take airs upon herself, and her
carriage was such as to excite the jealousy of her neighbors up stairs.
The consequences were a speedy and open rupture, so that occasional
hostilities were waged between them; and the civil dudgeon ran so high
that all attempts of poor Wheelwright to keep the peace were abortive.
At last, on the night of my friend's arrest, one of the ladies from
above, remarkable for the dimensions of her facial organ, descended to
his apartment in a tempest, and insulted his wife. Like a true Amazon
as she was, the latter repelled the invader, pursued her in her flight,
and like Scipio carried the war into Africa. The tenants above made
common cause with Mistress Judy Pettit, and the gentle lady of Mr.
Wheelwright was in turn discomfitted, and compelled to descend headlong
down stairs, in rather too quick time for her comfort, with a cataract
of Irish women tumbling after her. Wheelwright ran to the rescue of his
help-meet, and pulling her through the door, endeavored to shut it on
the instant, to keep out the foe; in doing which the proboscis of
Mistress Pettit, which was truly of the Strasburgh order, was unhappily
and literally caught in the door crack, and beyond all question
somewhat injured thereby. In the language of the trumpeter's wife in
Tristram Shandy, it was truly "a noble nose," and the pinch it endured,
though transient, it must be confessed, was rather severe and biting.
Its fair possessor therefore ran into the street, smarting from the
pain, and vociferating alternately for the "watch," and "Och murther!
I'm kilt, I'm kilt," so pertinaciously and so obstreperously withal, as
to wake up several of the guardians of the night, who made a rally, and
carried the whole party to the watch-house, including an Irishman who
happened to be on a visit up stairs, by the name of Timothy Martin.
From all account, the morning examination before the sitting magistrate
must have afforded one of the most amusing scenes for the fancy that
have recently occurred this side of Bow-street. It was difficult to say
which of the ladies was the most clamorous, Mistress Pettit, the
complainant, or Mistress Wheelwright, or whether other females of the
party did not talk as loud and as fast as either. Mistress Pettit gave
an account of their neighborhood concerns for some time previous.
"Fait, your worship," says she, "we was always afther being kind to
them, when they had not a faggot to warm them, or a paratoe to ate; and
then she'd come to me sometime, and bring the childer, says she, for
she'd two of them at that same time--bad luck to her--and this, your
honor, is one of them," (for the eldest of Wheelwright's children had
been brought up in the medley;) "and says I to Mistress Wheelwright,
says I, plase your worship, you may come with your childer and warm ye,
and here's a drop of the crathur that Tim Martin brought to me. And
then whin she wint off a-begging as no dacent woman would, bekase I
pitied the childer, I tould Mrs. Wheelwright, says I, that they might
stay with me till ye come back yourself--and may-be ye'll come the
sooner, Mrs. Wheelwright, says I. And come she wouldn't by no manes,
but was out all night sometimes."
"Och deevil burn ye," interrupted Mistress Wheelwright, "if ye go on
at that rate, I'll tell his honor of the pig ye stole,--you and Tim
Martin, ye did."
"Och Murther," cried Mistress Pettit, "that a dacent woman like I
should be charged with staling along with such a spalpeen as Tim
Martin, your honor."
Whereupon up started Tim Martin, exclaiming--
"Botheration, and that's what I get for kindness," says he, "there's
grathitude your worship!--And fait, I'll tell his honor of the money
ye stole in the strong box that I left," says Tim Martin, says he.
"Yes," interposed Mistress Wheelwright, "when word com'd that she'd
gone off with a man that she had, and left her own childer for me to
care for, bad luck to her."
"Och!" Mistress Wheelwright, says Mistress Pettit, says she; "and you
and Tim Martin's lies will be the death of me, and he's selling whiskey
without a license, yer honor, that's Tim Martin, he is!"
But it is impossible to follow these precious parties through the
particulars of their examination disclosing the miseries of their
neighborhood, and in their own words, when they all talked together. I
must therefore content myself by informing the reader, that the
magistrate interposed as soon as he could, by stating that he did not
sit there to hear about their squabbles with each other and Tim Martin,
but to hear what they had to say against the accused.
Poor Wheelwright! During the whole of the scene just described, he sat
upon one of the benches, his eyes cast upon the floor, without uttering
a word. When called upon, however, to answer to the charge, he could
only deny, and try to explain--but Mistress Pettit and her associates
were too much for him. And besides, deny having molested her nose, as
he might, the aspect of the member itself bore abundant testimony of
rough usage and a narrow escape--to say nothing of the crimson drops,
that seemed to have oozed therefrom, and fallen upon good Mistress
Pettit's neck-handkerchief. The consequence was, that the magistrate
could do no less than commit him, although from Wheelwright's subdued
demeanor, he had strong doubts as to his intentional delinquencies.
Under these circumstances, I found but little difficulty, from my own
knowledge of the man, in persuading the magistrate to release him on
his own recognizance.
* * * * *
In a few weeks afterward, Wheelwright ascertained that the always
equivocal virtue of his wife had become of so little consequence in her
own eyes, as to release him from any farther obligation, in honor or in
law, to stand any longer as its nominal guardian and protector. He
divided the children, giving her the one to which she had a fair title
before he courted her fortune,--but which, poor thing!--proved to be
all she had,--and took the only one now living, which bore his own
name, to himself. He also at length assumed sufficient energy to divide
the house between them--giving her the _out_-side and retaining the
_in_-side for himself. Thus ends the history of Doctor Daniel
Wheelwright in New-York.
* * * * *
"It is the end," says the Bard of Avon, "that crowns all;" and bringing
these "passages" in the life of my friend to a close, from the position
in which I shall leave him, the reader may perhaps agree with the same
illustrious poet:--
"More are men's ends mark'd than their lives before."
At all events, we will "let the end try the man." The latest
intelligence which I can furnish the reader respecting him, however, is
this. Having recently made a flying excursion through the valley of the
Mohawk--visited the old baronial castle of Sir William Johnson, and
from thence struck across to the south through the Schoharie-kill
valley, to explore the wonders of the great cavern of the Helderbergs,
an accident to the light vehicle drawn by my coal-black steed, on my
return, obliged me to call upon a coachmaker in the first city west of
Albany. On arriving at the shop, and inquiring for the principal of the
establishment, I was directed to an athletic man engaged with his whole
attention, in giving the finishing strokes to a substantial
coach-wheel. Judge of my astonishment, as he looked up, on beholding
none other than the hero of the present memoir, in his own proper
person! His sleeves were rolled up to his shoulders; his complexion was
ruddy; and a cheerful smile lighted up his countenance, such as I had
not seen playing there for many a year--never, in fact, since he became
acquainted with "that woman there." Every thing about him bore the
marks of industry and consequent thrift. "Ah, Mr. Doolittle! is that
you?" he exclaimed, as he wiped away the large drops of perspiration
that stood upon his face. Indeed, he was quite glad to see me; and
after interchanging a few remarks of mutual surprise at such an
unexpected though agreeable meeting, and after briefly relating what
had been his personal history since I had last seen him under the
cloud, he observed,--"You see I have gone clean round 'THE CIRCLE,' and
am at the old spot again--my father's shop. I have always told you that
'THE WORLD OWED ME A LIVING.' But the mischief on't was, I always went
the wrong way to work to obtain it. I believe, however, that I have got
about right at last."
* * * * *
The reader of the preceding narrative, may perhaps suppose that the
materials of which it is framed, are such unsubstantial stuff as dreams
are made of. I beg leave, however, at the close, to assure him of his
error. With the single abatement that names are changed, and places are
not precisely designated, every essential incident that I have
recorded, actually occurred, much as I have related it, to a person
who, if not now living, certainly was once, and most of them under my
own observation. As Scott remarks, at the close of the Bride of
Lammermoor, "it is AN OWER TRUE TALE."
The moral is briefly told. Let the young man remember that it requires
not actual vice to expose him to all that is humiliating and painful in
poverty. He may be assured of misery enough, if he merely neglects the
advantages which a kind Providence has placed within his power.
Let the parent learn, before he resolves to educate his son, the
importance of ascertaining whether his son was ever designed for
professional life. The weak vanity of a parent has frequently ruined
his son, and brought down his own gray hairs with sorrow to the grave.
THE END.
WORKS RECENTLY PUBLISHED
BY
LEAVITT, LORD & CO.
WITH SOME EXTRACTS FROM NOTICES OF THEM.
* * * * *
SHIP AND SHORE, or Leaves from the Journal of a Cruise to the
Levant--by an officer of the Navy.
Another contribution from a source, to which nobody would have thought
of turning, but a few years ago; but which is now beginning to yield
fruit abundantly and of an excellent flavor, sound, wholesome and
trustworthy; not those warm cheeked and golden pippins of the Red Sea,
which 'turn to ashes on the lips'--but something you may bite with all
your strength, of a grapy, and oftentimes of a peachy flavor. The
preface itself is a gem.--_New-England Galaxy._
This book is written with sprightliness and ease, and may justly claim
to be considered an agreeable as well as an instructive companion. It
is inscribed in a brief but modest dedication to Mrs. E. D. Reed--a
lady of uncommon refinement, of manners and intellectual accomplishments.
The descriptions of Madeira and Lisbon are the best we have read. The
pages are uniformly enriched with sentiment, or enlivened by incident.
The author, whoever he is, is a man of sentiment, taste and
feeling.--_Boston Courier._
MEMOIRS OF MRS. WINSLOW, late Missionary to India, by her husband, Rev.
Miron Winslow--in a neat 12mo, with a Portrait.
The book contains a good history of that mission, including the plan
and labors of the Missionaries, and the success attending them,
together with almost every important event connected with the mission.
It also presents much minute information on various topics which must
be interesting to the friends of missions, relating to the character,
customs and religion of the people--their manner of thinking and
living: and the scenery of their country and its climate. It also
describes the perplexities and encouragements of Missionaries in all
the departments of their labor, and throws open to inspection the whole
interior of a mission and a mission family, exhibiting to the reader
_what missionary work and missionary life are_, better perhaps
than any thing before published--_Missionary Herald._
Mrs. Winslow would have been a remarkable character under any
circumstances, and in any situation. Had she not possessed a mind of
unusual power and decision, she never could have triumphed over the
obstacles which were thrown in her way. We hope that in this memoir
many a pious young lady, will find incitements to prayerfulness and
zeal--and that our readers will enjoy the privilege of reading all the
pages of this interesting volume.--_Abbott's Magazine._
PASTOR'S DAUGHTER--or the Way of Salvation explained to a Young
Inquirer; from reminiscences of the conversations of the late Dr.
Payson with his daughter.
ZINZENDORFF, a new original Poem--by Mrs. L. H. Sigourney, with other
Poems, 12mo. This book is in a neat style, and well calculated for
Holiday presents.
HARLAN PAGE'S MEMOIRS, one of the most useful books ever published.
There has been much fear that the attention of the church was becoming
too exclusively turned towards the great external forms of sin. These
fears are not groundless. Here, however, is one remedy. The circulation
of such a work as this, holding up a high standard of ardent personal
piety, and piety, too, showing itself in the right way--by quiet,
unpretending efforts to spread the kingdom of Christ from soul to
soul.--_Abbott's Magazine._
COMMENTARY ON THE BOOK OF PSALMS; on a plan embracing the _Hebrew
Text_, with a New Literal Version. By _George Bush_, Prof. of Heb. and
Orient. Lit. in the New-York City University.
This commentary, although it every where discovers evidence of highly
respectable research, is not designed exclusively for the use of mere
biblical critics. It is true the author has constant recourse to the
Hebrew and to ancient translations and commentaries, &c. in the
explanation of difficult passages: but he does it with such clearness
of perception and such tact of language that even unlettered readers
can hardly fail to be profited by his comments. He has hit with an
admirable degree of precision, the happy medium between a commentary
purely scholastic and critical, which could be interesting to only a
few very learned men, and one exclusively practical, which would be
likely to be unsatisfactory to men of exact and scrutinizing minds. It
is a pleasing circumstance, although some perhaps may be disposed to
make it a ground of carping and disparagement, that the work is an
_American_ one. It is written in our own land and by one of our
own beloved brethren, and is therefore entitled on the ground of
country and patriotism, as well as of religion, to all that kindness
and favor of reception, which may be justified by its intrinsic merits.
The work is published in a highly creditable style by the house of
Leavitt, Lord & Co. New-York.--_Christian Mirror._
We have spent so much time, delightfully, in reading this number, that
we have little left for description of its contents. We have first an
admirable preface of two pages, stating the plan and object of the
work. Persons wishing to revive their knowledge of neglected Hebrew, or
desirous to learn it anew without a teacher, can find no book better
adapted to facilitate the acquisition than this, in addition to a
grammar and dictionary.
The good sense of Mr. Bush, is well indicated by his remarks on the
word _Selah_ where it first occurs. No mere empiric would have made
such an acknowledgment.--_Ib._
While the work is adapted to be a real treat more particularly for
scholars, it is so conducted that readers merely of the English version
can hardly fail to receive from it much profit and delight.--_Pittsburgh
Friend._
We have not examined critically all the notes, but we have examined
them enough to satisfy ourselves of the author's competency to his Work
and of his fidelity.--_Christian Register._
The mechanical execution of the work is beautiful, particularly the
Hebrew text, and fully equal to any thing that has come from the
Andover Press, which hitherto has stood unrivalled in this country, for
biblical printing. The introduction and notes give evidence of
laborious and patient investigation, extensive biblical learning, and
heartfelt piety. It promises to be a work of great value and we hope it
will meet with ample encouragement.--_Cincinnati Journal._
A GRAMMAR OF THE HEBREW LANGUAGE, with a brief Chrestomathy for the use
of beginners, by _George Bush_; Prof. Heb. and Orient. Lit. in the
N. Y. city University.
We hail sincerely this finely executed volume, with its tasteful
display of the University front labelled in gilt on the back. But the
outward dress is a matter of minor moment. It is the _marrow_ of the
book which gives us pleasure. That it is calculated to be an important
accession to the elementary works on Hebrew, no one acquainted with the
ripe scholarship of Prof. B. can doubt, much less any one who has
examined the book. The main object of the author in preparing it, as we
learn from his well written preface, was to facilitate the acquisition
of the holy tongue by the _simplification of its elements_. With the
book as a guide, the student will find the entrance upon the language
instead of difficult and repulsive, easy and inviting. Taken
altogether, we regard the grammar of Prof. B. as eminently adapted to
the use of students in our Theological Seminaries; and we see not why
it should not successfully compete with the ablest of its predecessors.
In addition to its intrinsic rights it has moreover the recommendation
of being sold at the low price of $1 25.--_N. Y. Evangelist._
It is enough to say for the information of students in this most
interesting and valuable department of human (rather divine) knowledge,
that in this grammar they will find all the information requisite for
ordinary purposes in a form more accessible and inviting than has
usually been given it. Minor recommendations are, the inviting
character of the print, and the moderate price of $1 25 (the
chrestomathy being part of the same volume.) Students in Hebrew,
especially if they have made trial of other grammars, will deem this
work a valuable accession to our facilities for the acquisition of this
original and sacred tongue. It need scarce be added that this
commendation is given without any disposition to injure the deserved
repute of the almost father of Hebrew literature in this country. He
will not surely, regret that a spirit which has done so much to
promote, should develop itself in new and felicitous attempts to
improve the field that he so arduously and successfully
cultivates.--_N. Y. Churchman._
Prof. Stuart's grammar is full and copious. Prof. Bush bears testimony
to its merit, and observes that his design has been, by a greater
simplification of the elements, to produce a work better adapted to the
wants of those who are beginning a course of careful study of the
language, while the grammar of Prof. Stuart, which leads at once into
the deeper complexities of the language, answers in a great degree the
purpose of an ample Thesaurus to the advanced student. We believe there
is a greater simplification, combined with as much fullness and detail
as are requisite to aid the student in attaining an accurate knowledge
of the language. We are glad to see that Prof. Bush has returned, or
rather adheres to the old system of the distinction of vowels into long
and short. It has always appeared to us that the change adopted by
Prof. Stuart from Gesenius, substituting for the distinction into long
and short vowels, a classification into three analogous orders, brought
with it much greater complexity without any adequate compensation in
the advantage which might result from it.--_Christian Intelligencer._
His grammar is more intelligible and contains less of unnecessary and
doubtful matter, than any other equally complete work with which we are
acquainted. We have no doubt that its circulation will prove an
important means of recommending the study of the Hebrew
language.--_N. Y. Observer._
The publishers are happy to state, from information recently received
from the author, that the above work has been adopted as the text-book
on Hebrew Grammar at the Theological Seminary, Princeton, N. J., and
that it is under consideration, with a like view, at several other
institutions in the country.
FEMALE STUDENT.--LECTURES TO YOUNG LADIES, comprising Outlines and
Applications on the different branches of _Female Education_. For
the use of Female Schools, and private Libraries; delivered to the
Pupils of the Troy Female Seminary. By _Mrs. Almira H. Lincoln
Phelps_, late Vice Principal of that Institution: Author of Familiar
Lectures on Botany, etc.
This lady is advantageously known as the writer of "Familiar Lectures
on Botany," and other popular works for the use of students and the
young generally. Her present work may be safely commended to the class
for whom it is more especially designed, and to the use of schools in
particular, as one of various interest, and of very judicious and
useful composition.--_Evening Gazette._
We recommend the work to teachers and all others who are sensible of
the vast amount of influence which woman exerts on society, and how
inadequately she has hitherto in general been prepared to make that
influence beneficial to our race.--_Boston Mercantile Journal._
Her views of the various methods of instructing are _practical_, for
they _are the results of experience_. To _parents_, particularly
_mothers_ desirous of pursuing the most judicious course in the
education of their children, I would recommend this book as useful
beyond any other I am acquainted with, in arming them against that
parental blindness from which the best of parents are not wholly exempt
and which often leads them unawares to injure in various ways the
character of their children and lay the foundation of future misfortune
for their offspring and sorrow for themselves. To _young women_ who
cannot afford the expense of attending such schools as afford the
highest advantages, Mrs. P.'s lectures afford substantial aid in the
work of _self-education_. _Young Ladies_ about to go abroad to schools
or those already from home, may consult this book as they would a
judicious mother, or faithful and experienced friend: it will warn them
of the dangers to which they will be exposed, or the faults into which
they are liable to fall, so that being "forewarned" they may be
_forearmed_ to escape them.--In my opinion the peculiar tendency of
this work is to produce in the mind that "humility" which "goes before
honor," to impart to the thoughtless, a sense of the awful restraints
of morality.--_Mrs. Willard, Prin. Troy Female Seminary._
The present work is intended to unfold the natural objects of female
education. This is accomplished in a series of lectures written in a
perspicuous, pleasing style, and treating of the various studies
pursued in a well regulated school for young ladies. It is really and
truly what it proposes to be, a guide in the intellectual education of
woman, and will, we have no doubt, become a standard work in our
schools and families.--_Ladies' Magazine._
We think this plan is generally executed in a manner calculated to
instruct pupils and to furnish useful hints and maxims for teachers. We
can cordially recommend the work, generally, as sound in its principles
of education, interesting in its style, and excellent in its spirit--a
valuable gift to pupils and teachers.--_Annals of Education._
We know not when we met with a book which we have perused with more
pleasure, or from which we have derived more profit. The authoress is
evidently possessed of a vigorous understanding, with just so much of
imagination as to chasten down the matter-of-factness of her style,
which is eminently beautiful. She is perfectly acquainted with her
subject, and expresses herself in a manner at once clear and forcible,
affectionate and convincing. It is well known how much the intellectual
character of the child depends on that of the mother, and yet girls are
brought up and educated as if they were born only to buzz and flutter
on the stage of life, instead of forming the character of a future
generation of men.--_Montreal Gazette._
Mrs. Phelps's course of lectures furnishes a guide in the education of
females, for mothers as well as for the young! all may profit by the
just and practical ideas it contains relative to the various branches
of education. It should be in the hands of all who are educating
others, or attempting to instruct themselves.--_Mad'lle Montgolfier
of France._
Mothers may find in this book a valuable assistant to aid them in
bringing up their daughters to prefer duty to pleasure, and knowledge
to amusement; and who would teach them to be learned without pedantry
and graceful without affectation. Educate your daughters "to be wise
without vanity, happy without witnesses and contented without
admirers."--_Southern Religious Intelligencer._
Of Mrs. Phelps' Lectures to young ladies, I cannot speak in
sufficiently high terms of commendation. Such a work was greatly needed
and must prove of inestimable value. I am in the practice of reading
portions of it to my school, &c. I shall recommend to all young ladies
who are or may be under my care to possess themselves of copies of the
book.--_Miss E., Principal of the celebrated school for young ladies
at Georgetown, D. C._
Rev. Wm. Cogswell, Sec. A.B.C.F.M., writes the publishers, I understand
that you are about issuing a second edition of Mrs. Phelps' "Lectures
on Female Education." This fact I am happy to learn. I can cordially
recommend them as being well adapted not only to interest and instruct
the young ladies, of the institution for whom they were originally
designed, but also others in similar institutions. The style and
execution of the work is highly commendable; and the subjects on which
it treats, important to young Ladies, acquiring a finished education,
Its originality and value, entitle it to an extensive circulation,
which I doubt not it will obtain.
_Boston_, Oct. 16, 1835.
FOREIGN CONSPIRACY AGAINST THE LIBERTIES OF THE UNITED STATES.--2d
edition.
One excellence of the publication before us, almost peculiar to this
writer, when compared to others who have written upon this subject in
our country, is, that it handles the matter of discussion with
calmness, the writer not suffering himself to indite his letters under
the influence of exacerbated feelings, but wisely avoids those harsh
and blackening epithets which do more to irritate the passions than to
convince and enlighten the judgment. On this account the book may be
read with profit by all.--_N. Y. Christian Advocate._ (Methodist.)
The letters of Brutus deserve an extensive circulation.--Missouri,
_St. Louis Observer_. (Presbyterian.)
"From what I have seen and know, the fears entertained by the writer in
the New-York Observer, under the caption of 'Foreign Conspiracy,' &c.
are not without foundation, especially in the West."--_Letter of a
Traveller in the West._ (Maryland,) _Methodist Protestant._
"BRUTUS.--The able pieces over this signature, relative to the designs
of Catholicity in our highly favored land, originally published in the
New-York Observer, it is now ascertained were written, not by an
individual who was barely indulging in conjectures, but by one who has
witnessed the Papacy in all its deformity. One who has, not long since,
travelled extensively in the Romish countries, and has spent much time
in the Italian States, where the seat of the Beast is. Rome is familiar
to him, and he has watched the movements there with great
particularity. We may, therefore, yield a good degree of credence to
what Brutus has told us. His numbers are now published in a pamphlet,
and the fact which has just come out in regard to his peculiar
qualification to write on this great subject, will give them extensive
circulation."--_Utica Baptist Register._
_The numbers of Brutus._--"Our readers are already acquainted with
their contents. The object is to awaken the attention of the American
public to a design, supposed to be entertained by the despotic
governments of Europe, particularly of Austria, in conjunction with his
Holiness the Pope, to undermine gradually our free institutions by the
promotion of the Catholic Religion in America. The letters are
interesting, from the numerous facts which they disclose; and are
deserving the careful attention of the citizens of these United States,
who should guard with vigilance the sacred trust which has been
confided to us by our fathers."--_N. Y. Weekly Messenger._
The work embodies a mass of facts, collected from authentic sources, of
the deepest interest to every friend of civil liberty and Protestant
Christianity. The efforts of despotic European sovereigns, to inoculate
our country with the religion of Rome, are fully proved. Could they
succeed in these efforts, and annihilate the spirit of liberty on our
shores, the march of free principles in our own dominions would cease.
They could then sit securely on their thrones, and rule with a rod of
iron over their abject vassals.--Ohio, _Cincinnati Journal_.
(Presbyterian.)
COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEM
OF
MODERN GEOGRAPHY AND HISTORY:
REVISED AND ENLARGED
From the London edition of "Pinnock's Modern Geography," and adapted to
the use of Academies and Schools in the United States, with an Atlas.
* * * * *
BY EDWIN WILLIAMS,
Author of the New Universal Gazetteer, New-York Annual Register, etc.
* * * * *
NEW-YORK:
LEAVITT, LORD & CO.,
180 Broadway.
* * * * *
Extracted critical remarks from the English Reviews of Pinnock's Modern
Geography and History.
"_Mr. Pinnock's_ Catechisms and other publications have made his
name universally known throughout the country, as one of the most
meritorious and successful authors in this department of literature,
who have ever directed their attention to inform the rising generation.
The present volume is, in all respects, worthy of his name; it is well
conceived, well arranged, diligently edited, and beautifully got up, at
a very moderate cost. By mingling the attractions of history with the
dry details of geographical science, the study is rendered pleasing and
interesting. Ample intelligence is produced, in the first instance, and
then the learner is judiciously exercised by questions on the subjects
as they occur."--_Literary Gazette._
"This is truly the age of intellectual improvement, and in every form
and manner exertions are multiplied to advance it. Daily the unwearied
press teems with new publications in aid of truth and knowledge.
Compendiums, abridgments, and compressments of scientific lore, rapidly
succeed each other in their pretensions to public favor; and it is now
a point of competition amongst authors and publishers to give the
greatest quantity of valuable information for the least money. It was,
however, it seems, reserved for the experienced author of the work
before us to excel all his predecessors in this particular; and we
cannot restrain our admiration when we observe the immense collection
of geographical and historical learning comprised in this little book.
It is impossible, in the limits to which this notice can extend, to
give a detailed account of the plan of _Mr. Pinnock's_ work: suffice
it, that its title is fully answered in the compilation, and that it
is, in our judgment, eminently calculated to supersede the use of those
elementary geographical works in present use, which, however useful
they may be, are utterly poor and meagre when compared to this. The
astronomical portion of _Mr. Pinnock's_ book is excellent, and the
historical memoranda, which follow the account of each country, are
highly interesting, and tend to enliven the study of geography, while
they furnish a fund of instruction to the learner.
"On the whole, this _multum in parvo_, for such it pre-eminently is, is
calculated to become a universal instructer in the knowledge of the
earth. It will not be confined to the use of schools, for adults will
find it a valuable addition to their Biblical store."--_Courier._
"This is unquestionably the _very cheapest_ work of the sort that has
hitherto issued from the press; and it is but doing a bare act of
justice to the public-spirited publishers to say, that they deserve the
most unlimited patronage. The literary arrangement of the whole does
great credit to the well known talents and indefatigable research of
_Mr. Pinnock_; and instead of the study being, as was the case some
twenty years ago, dry and almost appalling, it is rendered familiar
and entertaining, from its being mixed up with numerous anecdotes
associated with the history of the countries described."--_Berkshire
Chronicle._
"A truly _comprehensive_ compendium of geographical and historical
information, judiciously blended, has been heretofore a great
desideratum. _Mr. Pinnock's_ name has for many years been a standard
warranty to school books; and this, his last labor, fully sustains his
established reputation. It is a very comprehensive condensation of all
which is necessary in teaching the important science of geography. The
statistical details of countries are pleasantly relieved by a series of
admirable _historical memoranda_, which bear evidence of fidelity and a
deep research. We are surprised, in looking through the book, to
observe what a vast quantity of instruction is comprised in its 446
pages."--_Sunday Times._
"We have just now before us a handsome and compact little volume, 'got
up' with great care, taste, and judgment: '_A Grammar of Modern
Geography and History_.' The quantity of really useful information
that it contains is astonishing."--_La Belle Assemblee._
"To _Mr. Pinnock_ belongs the merit of inventing those Catechisms
of Science and General Knowledge, which even a Lord Chancellor
condescended to read and to praise. Nothing more is necessary to be
said to recommend his book in every quarter."--_London Magazine._
"_Grammar of Geography and History._--Every person engaged in the
education of children, will be much pleased to turn over the pages of
one of the best, because most simplified, and at the same time
compendious works on geography that has ever yet appeared. The name of
_Pinnock_ stands at the head of modern pioneers in the march of
Juvenile Intellect; and the present volume is another exhibition of his
meritorious industry. It is announced among our advertisements, and we
are sure that our readers will be thankful for thus having specially
directed their attention to so useful, elegant, and withal _very cheap_
a publication."--_Taunton Courier._
"_Pinnock's Modern Geography._--We call the attention of our readers,
and more especially the heads of seminaries, to a useful, splendid, and
_singularly cheap_ work, just published by _Poole & Edwards_, entitled
'_A Comprehensive Grammar of Modern Geography and History._' Without
any exception, it is the best book of the sort hitherto
published."--_Windsor Herald._
"This little book is of a description much superior to the ordinary
class of school books. Its author needs no praise from us, as his long
and faithful services to the cause of education have met that general
approbation which is their fittest and highest reward. We are happy to
say, that the same judicious industry which distinguished his smaller
works for the benefit of children, is displayed in full force in the
little volume now on our table. It is well arranged, and written in a
clear, simple style. But it is also much more than a mere outline of
geography, for it also contains an admirable summary of the most
important points in history and chronology: and its pages are
interspersed with interesting physical facts relating to the various
countries under consideration. We approve much the catechetical system
of teaching, which is provided for by questions appended to each
section. These will enable the self-instructer to ascertain with ease
and certainty what real progress he has made in the acquisition of
knowledge. A good treatise of this comprehensive nature has long been
wanting in our schools. To those whose time will not permit them to
turn to more ponderous sources of information, and to those who may
wish to refresh their memories by looking over an accurate summary of
facts already known, we heartily recommend this Geography as the best
elementary work we have seen."--_London Weekly Review._
_From the New-York Evening Post._
To the publishers, the public are indebted for an elementary work on
Geography, which, from a more attentive examination than we are usually
able to give to books of that description, we think will prove a very
useful volume in the education of young persons. The work we allude to
is a very neat and well printed edition of Pinnock's Modern Geography
and History, wholly revised and much enlarged by Edwin Williams, of
whose accuracy and research, as a statistical writer, the public have
already had various satisfactory evidences. The department of knowledge
in which the labors of Mr. Williams have been mainly exerted, have
necessarily furnished him with a copious store of materials highly
useful to be employed in a work like that which has now engaged his
pen. The original work of Mr. Pinnock bore a high reputation both in
England and this country, and its value is now very greatly increased
by the extensive and judicious improvements made by Mr. Williams. To
convey some idea of the superior excellence of the present edition over
any previous one, it needs only to be stated that the portion relating
to America, has been wholly rewritten and enlarged so as to extend
through more than a hundred additional pages. The recent changes in the
political divisions of South America are also carefully noted, and a
succinct and clear history of its various revolutions is given.
Numerous other improvements of the original work have been made by Mr.
Williams, but what we have stated, will serve to convey some idea of
the additional value he has imparted to a production which before
enjoyed a high reputation. The publishers deserve credit for the
exceedingly neat style in which they have published this useful
elementary work.
_From the Commercial Advertiser._
Pinnock has done very essential service to the cause of education, by
his excellent editions of established school books. To go no farther,
this is the best compendium of geography we have yet seen for schools.
The European States are never treated with the importance they deserve
in our ordinary school books of this description. Here they receive
great attention, and the American department, under Mr Williams'
careful and accurate superintendence, is not behind them, while the
history of each State is woven in its leading facts with its
description.
_From the New-York American._
This is a well printed, and we dare say, a well digested compound of
geography and history, adapted for young persons. The portion relating
to America has been rewritten here and much extended, and in that very
fact we see evidence to strengthen a conviction we have long
entertained, and occasionally expressed, that the elementary
works--those of history especially--designed for American schools,
should be written at home.
_From the New-York Weekly Messenger._
We have rarely met with a work of this size embracing so large a fund
of useful, we might say necessary, knowledge of a geographical and
historical character. This work is formed on the basis of Pinnock's
celebrated Manual of Geography, combining the leading facts of history.
It has been revised by Edwin Williams, Esq., a gentleman well known as
the author of the New-York Annual Register, and New Universal
Gazetteer, &c. That part of the work relating to our own country has
been entirely rewritten, and occupies about one hundred closely printed
pages. It will command a place, as a class book, in all our respectable
seminaries of learning; but a work of this kind ought not and will not
be confined to schools. It will be found in the library of the
scholar--the cheerful and happy dwelling of the farmer--the workshop of
the mechanic--the closet of the student--and the counting-room of the
merchant, by all of whom it may be advantageously consulted as a book
of reference.
_From the Knickerbocker._
Mr. Edwin Williams, whose "Annual Register" and "Universal Gazetteer"
are so favorably known to the public, has recently issued--revised and
enlarged from the London edition, and adapted to the use of Academies
and Schools in the United States--Pinnock's celebrated Modern
Geography. The part relating to America has received numerous important
additions in the revision, and the whole may be relied on us affording
a faithful picture of the present state of the world, as far as known.
The work presents a combination of geography and history, which renders
it both useful and entertaining. The latter quality is an unusual
feature in most of our modern school geographies.
_From the New-York Courier and Enquirer._
_Williams' Geography._--The habits and studies of Mr. Williams render
him peculiarly fitted for an undertaking of this sort, and he has
performed the task well. Pinnock's original work is in some respects
one of the best to be found, but the labors of Mr. Williams have
rendered this edition exceedingly valuable. We have looked this book
through with considerable attention, and find a mass of _American
information_ there embodied far beyond our expectation. We question,
indeed, whether any other book in print contains as much; and we are
mistaken if it is not extensively made use of hereafter in our schools
and academies. Few men in the country have amassed more statistical
material than Mr. Williams, and none have spread it before the public
with more accuracy. This book alone is sufficient to entitle him to the
thanks of the community.
_From the New-Yorker._
_Pinnock's Geography._--Mr. Edwin Williams, favorably known as the
compiler of several statistical works of acknowledged merit, has just
submitted to the public an Americanized edition of Pinnock's
"Comprehensive System of Geography and History"--the part relating to
the United States having been entirely re-written and extended over one
hundred pages. The high reputation of the original author as a
geographer, affords a satisfactory guaranty for the character of the
work, which is adapted to the use of seminaries without forfeiting its
claims on the attention of the more abstract student of geography and
history.
_From the New-York Observer._
_Williams' Geography and History._--Mr. Edwin Williams, the publisher
and compiler of the New-York Annual Register, has prepared a new
geography for the use of schools, founded on Pinnock's work on modern
geography, which has been revised and extended. The plan is to combine
a summary of the history of each country with its geography, and to
adapt it to the use of schools and academies, by references to the
maps, and by questions. The part of the work relating to America has
been entirely rewritten, and copious additions have been made to other
parts of the volume. We have not found time to examine the work
critically, but we have no doubt, from what we know of the
qualifications of the author, that it is one of the most valuable
works of the kind in the market.
_From the Albany Argus._
_Modern Geography and History._--Mr. Edwin Williams, the publisher
and compiler of the New-York Annual Register, has added another to the
valuable publications for which the public are indebted to his industry
and enterprise, in a revision and extension of Pinnock's celebrated
work on modern geography. The plan of this geography is to combine a
summary of the history and present condition of each country with its
geography, and to adapt it to the use of schools and academies, by
references to the maps, and by questions designed to elicit from the
learner the facts stated in the historical and statistical parts of the
work. Numerous additions have been made in the revision, particularly
in that part relating to America, which, it appears, has been entirely
re-written and extended over one hundred pages. It gives also full
descriptions of the West India Islands, not particularly noticed in any
other geography; extended notices of the modern divisions and
revolutions in South America, and in Greece and Belgium, &c. &c. The
entire work appears to have been prepared with the usual care and
accuracy of the America editor: and his own additions are among the
most valuable of the many important and interesting facts with which
the book is replete. The character of both the American and the English
author must commend the work to the favorable notice of teachers and
all interested in facilitating the business of public instruction.
_Pinnock's Modern Geography and History_, revised by Edwin Williams, is
an excellent compendium of the branches on which it treats, and we
cheerfully recommend it for adoption by teachers and others. Were this
work in general use by the higher classes in academies and schools, the
labors of instruction would be greatly diminished and the youth of our
country, of both sexes, would exhibit a knowledge of Geography and
History which is far from being frequent at present.
JOHN F. JENKINS, Principal of } _Mechanics'
the Male Department; } Society
ARABELLA CLARK, Principal of } School._
the Female Department; }
_February 22, 1836._
_Pinnock's Geography._--This is an excellent book, and not inferior in
value to any which have been put forth by this most industrious
compiler and author.
The work is of that terse, comprehensive character, which distinguishes
his former productions. It is full of entertainment and instruction,
clear and judicious in style and arrangement, discriminating in the
selection of topics, abundant in details, and conducted with that
peculiar brevity which leaves not a word redundant or deficient. It
is a valuable class book, and merits general adoption in the
schools.--_Silliman's "American Journal of Science and Arts._" Vol.
XXVII. No. 2. July, 1835.
RECOMMENDATIONS OF BARNES' NOTES.
_From Abbott's Religious Magazine._
We have previously, in a brief notice, recommended to our readers
Barnes' Notes on the Gospels. But a more extended acquaintance with
that work has very much increased our sense of its value. We never have
opened any commentary on the Gospels, which has afforded us so much
satisfaction. Without intending, in the least degree, to disparage the
many valuable commentaries which now aid the Christian in the study of
the Bible, we cannot refrain from expressing our gratitude to the
Author, for the interesting and profitable instructions he has given
us.--The volumes are characterized by the following merits.
1. The spirit which imbues them is highly devotional. It is a devotion
founded on knowledge. It is a zeal guided by discretion.
2. The notes are eminently intellectual. Apparent difficulties are
fairly met. They are either explained, or the want of a fully
satisfactory explanation admitted. There is none of that slipping by a
knot which is too common in many commentaries.
3. The notes are written in language definite, pointed and forcible.
There is no interminable flow of lazy words. Every word is active and
does its work well. There are no fanciful expositions. There are no
tedious display of learning.
There may be passages in which we should differ from the writer in some
of the minor shades of meaning. There may be sometimes an unguarded
expression which has escaped our notice. We have not scrutinized the
volumes with the eye of a critic. But we have used them in our private
reading. We have used them in our family. And we have invariably read
them with profit and delight.
We have just opened the book to select some passage as an illustration
of the spirit of the work. The Parable of the rich man and Lazarus now
lies before us. The notes explanatory of the meaning of the parables,
are full and to the point. The following are the inferences, which Mr.
Barnes deduces.
"From this impressive and instructive parable, we may learn,
"1. That the souls of men do not die with their bodies.
"2. That the souls of men are _conscious_ after death; that
they do not sleep, as some have supposed, till the morning of the
resurrection.
"3. That the righteous are taken to a place of happiness
immediately at death, and the wicked consigned to misery.
"4. That wealth does not secure us from death.
"How vain are riches to secure
Their haughty owners from the grave.
"The rich, the beautiful, the gay, as well as the poor, go down to the
grave. All their pomp and apparel; all their honors, their palaces and
their gold cannot save them. Death can as easily find his way into the
mansions of the rich as into the cottages of the poor, and the rich
shall turn to the same corruption, and soon, like the poor, be
undistinguished from common dust, and be unknown.
"5. We should not envy the condition of the rich.
"On slippery rocks I see them stand,
And fiery billows roll below.
"6. We should strive for a better inheritance, than can be possessed in
this life.
"'Now I esteem their mirth and wine.
Too dear to purchase with my blood,
Lord 'tis enough that _thou_ art mine.
My life, my portion, and my God.'"
"7. The sufferings of the wicked in hell will be indescribably great.
Think what is represented by _torment_, by burning flame, by
insupportable thirst, by that state when a single drop of water would
afford relief. Remember that all this is but a representation of the
pains of the damned, and that this will have no relief, day nor night,
but will continue from year to year, and age to age, and without any
end, and you have a faint view of the sufferings of those who are in
hell.
"8. There is a place of suffering beyond the grave, a hell. If there
is not, then this parable has no meaning. It is impossible to make
anything of it unless it is designed to teach that.
"9. There will never be any escape from those gloomy regions. There is
a gulf fixed--_fixed_, not moveable. Nor can any of the damned beat a
pathway across this gulf, to the world of holiness.
"10. We see the amazing folly of those, who suppose there may be an
_end_ to the sufferings of the wicked, and who on that supposition
seem willing to go down to hell to suffer a long time, rather than go
at once to heaven. If man were to suffer but a thousand years, or even
_one_ year, why should he be so foolish as to choose that suffering,
rather than go at once to heaven, and be happy at once when he dies?
"11. God gives us warning sufficient to prepare for death. He has sent
his word, his servants, his son; he warns us by his Spirit and his
providence, by the entreaties of our friends, and by the death of
sinners. He offers us heaven, and he threatens hell. If all this will
not move sinners, what _would_ do it? There is nothing that would.
"12. God will give us nothing farther to warn us. No dead man will come
to life, to tell us what he has seen. If he did, we would not believe
him. Religion appeals to man, not by ghosts and frightful apparitions.
It appeals to their reason, their conscience, their hopes, and their
fears.--It sets life and death soberly before men, and if they will not
choose the former they must die. If you will not hear the Son of God,
and the truth of the Scriptures, there is nothing which you will or can
hear; you will never be persuaded, and never will escape the place of
torment."
If we have any influence with our readers, we would recommend them to
buy these volumes. There is hardly any Christian in the land, who will
not find them an invaluable treasure.
_Extract of a Letter from a distinguished Divine of New England._
It (Barnes' Notes) supplies an important and much needed desideratum in
the means of Sabbath School and Bible Class instruction.
Without descending to minute criticism, or attempting a display of
learning, it embraces a wide range of general reading, and brings out
the results of an extended and careful investigation of the most
important sources of Biblical knowledge.
The style of the work is as it should be, plain, simple, direct; often
vigorous and striking; always serious and earnest.
It abounds in fine analyses of thought and trains of argument,
admirably adapted to aid Sabbath School Teachers in their responsible
duties: often too, very useful to Ministers when called suddenly to
prepare for religious meetings, and always helpful in conducting the
exercises of a Bible Class.
Without vouching for the correctness of every explanation and sentiment
contained in the Notes, its author appears to have succeeded very
happily in expressing the mind of the Holy Spirit as revealed in those
parts of the New Testament which he has undertaken to explain.
The theology taught in these volumes, drawn as it is from the pure
fountain of truth, is eminently common sense and practical.
It has little to do with theory or speculation.
The author appears not to be unduly wedded to any particular school or
system of theology, but to have a mind trained to habits of independent
thinking, readily submissive to the teachings of inspiration, but
indisposed to call any man master, or to set up anything in opposition
to the plain testimony of the Bible.
We would here say, once for all, we consider Barnes' Notes the best
commentary for families we have seen.--_N. E. Spectator.