moral philosophers are introduced, sometimes to confirm the author's own views, and at other times for the purpose of animadversion. Among these, the theory of Dr. Brown appears to be viewed in the most favourable light, while the hypotheses of Dr. Reid, and those who have embraced his philosophy, are generally subject to animadversion, and disapproving remark. These observations however, are not universally applicable. He has not followed Dr. Brown with a blind submission, nor has he dissented from Dr. Reid and those of his school, without assigning his reasons for so doing. In some instances he hesitates to adopt what Dr. Brown has advanced, and in a few others, the sentiments of those from whom he in general dissents, are favoured with his approbation.

It is not always, however, that his arguments employed against Dr. Reid are crowned with success. His objections are sometimes frivolous, while his reasonings are obscure, and his conclusions doubtful. It is in this department of his work that the author appears to the greatest disadvantage. Dr. Reid was a giant, and should never be assailed but with a giant's arm. Hector indeed contended with Achilles, but was slain in the combat, and the Iliad terminated with his death.

On the great question whether desire and volition are identical, Mr. Payne states the objections urged by Mr. Locke, and adopted by Reid and Stewart; and, assisted by Dr. Brown, uses much ingenuity in his endeavours to answer them. In this portion he seems to have displayed all his acuteness, and exerted his utmost energy, the result having an immediate and powerful bearing on the much contested doctrines of liberty and necessity, the latter of which he uniformly aims to establish. Few, however, we conceive will be convinced by his reasoning, except those in whom there was a predisposition to embrace his conclusions.

"The phenomena of mind," he tells us, "like the phenomena of matter, follow each other in a regular order of succession, and are, consequently, capable of arrangement as causes and effects." page 22. These unequivocal declarations furnish the reason why Locke, Reid, and Stewart, are made the subjects of attack. It was necessary to combat what these celebrated authors had advanced, to make way for that chain of inevitable destiny, which, according to the theory he endeavours to establish, commences in foreign causes, runs through all the actions of man, and terminates in his final and irrevocable

doom. It will readily be admitted that fatalism and destiny are not thus advocated in as many words, but such must be the undeniable consequence of the positions advanced in the quotation at the commencement of this paragraph, and a considerable portion of the volume naturally tends to the same momentous issue.

Of the principles, which are thus advanced in the former part of this work, all the consequences may be detected in the latter, which treats of the elements of moral science, and brings them into cer. tain, but partially concealed operation. Viewed as an aggregate, it is an extended foundation, on which every advocate of inevitable destiny may erect his little fabric, and, by attaching infallibility to what Mr. Payne has advanced, triumph in his own security.

In analyzing the various qualities of the human mind, Mr. Payne discards the commonly received notion, that thought, idea, sensation, &c., are distinct faculties, which the mind can use or suspend at pleasure, as so many instruments, that may be thus rendered subservient to its purposes. He views them as the mind itself in particular states of operation, and considers the mental powers as so many capabilities of existing in these states. support of these views, his arguments are strong and convincing, though we cannot avoid suspecting that some of his expressions used on this occasion, have rather a frowning aspect on the mind as an immaterial substance, and which by sensation, thought, and volition, is known to exist "as something which feels, thinks, and wills."

In

But independently of these bearings and distinguishing characteristics, this work of Mr. Payne is one of considerable merit. The author has manifested an intimate acquaintance with the various branches of the great subject which has employed his pen, and has displayed a peculiar adaptation in tracing out their connexion with one another, in the intellectual family. His knowledge of the theories of others is both extensive and profound, and he has brought to the investigation, a mind capable of ranging with dignity throughout the intellectual and moral regions.

The rank which this work will sustain among the metaphysical productions of the age, we presume not to predict. Where destiny and orthodoxy are deemed terms of synonymous import, it will be held in high estimation, and, should argu

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ment happen to prove defective, be ap- | pealed to as an authority capable of supplying the deficiency. With others, however, who have embraced an opposite creed, it will be viewed in a very different light, and perhaps placed much below its real value and intrinsic worth.

After making all due allowance for these extremes, we cannot but view this as a work which will be read with intense interest by all to whom these subjects appear important. To those who think as well as read, it will prove a rich intellectual repast. As a work on mental and moral science, it will find its way into every well-selected library, and take its stand among the venerable productions that adorn its shelves, filling among them an exalted niche, but not one that is more honourable than deserving.

REVIEW.-Theology; or an Attempt towards a Consistent View of the Whole Counsel of God. With a Preliminary Essay on the Practicability and Importance of its Attainment. By John Howard Hinton, A.M. 12mo. pp. 236. Wightman, London.

To those who are acquainted with the nature, scope, and perplexity attendant on religious controversy, this cannot appear but as a hazardous undertaking. Mr. Hinton, however, is a man of strong understanding, of an amiable spirit, well acquainted with the hinges and doors of polemics, of a conciliatory disposition, and moderate in his theological views. From such a person much therefore may be expected; and should his efforts prove unsuccessful, he will be entitled to credit for making the laudable attempt.

The polemical ground on which he takes his stand is that which for ages has been occupied by the Calvinistic and Arminian combatants, from each of whom he takes away weapons and attitudes that appear most frightful, terrific, and offensive. To the love of God he gives an universal aspect, and the death of Christ he allows was designed to benefit all mankind. To all infants, and others not moral agents, he assigns an abode in the heavenly mansions, notwithstanding the sin of Adam, and their incapacity for repentance and faith. From the article of the Establishment which states, that every person born into the world, because of original sin, or the fault and corruption of man's nature, whereby he is of his own nature inclined to evil, deserves God's wrath, he totally dissents, but the

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condition of heathen nations he passes over in silence.

But notwithstanding these numerous and apparently liberal concessions, there is still a worm at the root of the gourd, which preys upon its vitals, and very soon gives a new aspect to its appearance. Proceeding to development, the fairy prospect vanishes from our sight, and we are left to amuse ourselves with the equivocation of language. The whole finally terminates in this point, that moderate Calvinism is the only safe and happy mean, where we have a consistent view of the whole counsel of God.

From the views which Mr. Hinton has taken, it is not improbable that he will excite the suspicions of both parties. The Calvinists will think he has made too many concessions, and the Arminians will suspect that he has not been sufficiently liberal. Under these impressions, their warriors will again take the field, and it will be well if he escapes without receiving a blow from each party.

But whatever fate may await the man who treads on volcanic ground, we think this work can hardly be read without being productive of good. Its amiable spirit holds out a bright example to other writers, and the author, by his frankness, has pointed out the fortresses which he thinks totally untenable. It is a noble effort towards the accomplishment of what he had in altogether successful, the gulf seems to be view, and though he may not have been rendered narrower than formerly, and the effected across this awful abyss. time may come, when a passage shall be

REVIEW. Specimens of the Lyrical, De scriptive, and Narrative Poets of Great Britain, from Chaucer to the present day, &c. By John Johnstone. 18mo. pp. 576. Oliver and Boyd, Edinburgh.

1828.

THIS volume is nearly allied in shape, size, and character, to one by the same author, which we reviewed in col. 294, vol. ix.

Both are compilations, consisting of

extracts from the works of authors whose names are well known in the temple of fame, and from those of others whom this favourable association may assist in attaining a niche in that exalted eminence. From the ancient English poets, the selections in this volume are, perhaps, rather too copious in proportion to those from the modern. This, however, seems to be purposely done, that the venerable gems of antiquity, now

locked up in a casket of language that half conceals their beauty, may mingle their sparklings with the brilliancy of jewels extracted from more modern mines.

In its general character this work bears some resemblance to "Elegant Extracts in Verse," but the arrangement is different, the variety less, and the pieces in general are much shorter. The sources, however, whence they have been taken, are equally respectable; and in making his selections, the compiler has shewn a degree of taste and judgment that is highly creditable to his understanding, and not dishonourable to his moral sensibility. It is scarcely possible that any genuine lovers of poetry can view with indifference the valuable selections which this volume contains. A considerable portion of them have already been before the world, both transplanted and in their native soil, and in every form they have invariably commanded admiration. This circumstance will take from them the charm of novelty, but their intrinsic excellence remains unimpaired, and sterling worth will always furnish them with a passport to posterity.

Of several authors Mr. Johnstone has given biographical sketches; and if this plan had been universally followed, we should not have been displeased. Every reader that is charmed with the production of the muse, is always solicitous to know something of the individual whom she has so highly favoured, and to trace the winding path through which he urged his way to the lofty eminence which he occupies on the Parnassian hills. For this omission, however, Mr. J. has assigned a satisfactory reason in his advertisement; and we have the less occasion to complain, when we see the pages occupied with valuable pieces, that must otherwise have been suppressed. We are greatly pleased with the talents which the compiler has brought to the task, and more so with the highly reputable manner in which he has employed them, in the formation of the present volume.

REVIEW.-The Morning and Evening Sacrifice; or Prayers for Private Persons and Families. Fifth Edition. 8vo. pp. 404. Whittaker, London. 1828. THE introductory part of this volume contains two discourses explanatory of the Lord's Prayer; and the remaining portion consists of prayers for mornings and evenings, and for such occasions as may be presumed to present themselves in the ordinary occurrences of life. By whom they were written or compiled does not appear,

nor is this of any consequence as to their intrinsic merit. They contain some excellent thoughts, but on the whole are less evangelical than might have been expected and desired. In too many instances they savour more of self than of Christ. Name, profession, rites, forms, ceremonies, and the routine of duty, occupy the more prominent ground. The pride of character is held up to view, and a correspondent deportment is recommended almost on the ground of honour. Language, however, expressive of a consciousness of guilt, and a cry for mercy at the footstool of the cross, but rarely strikes the eye; nor is the nervous sensibility of the reader in any danger of being shocked by the mention of the blood of atonement. We are not aware, that there is in the whole collection a single prayer which the devoutest Pharisee might not use. To other characters, however, many of these prayers will be found particularly suitable, and by them they may be used with much advantage. It appears from the title-page, that this volume has already passed through five editions. A criterion so infallible, bids defiance to criticism, and, availing ourselves of the hint, we will say no more.

REVIEW.-An Attempt to Elucidate the Grammatical and Critical Construction of the English Language, and to account for and explain various Delicacies and Peculiarities incident to elegant Composition. 12mo. pp. 168. Simpkin, London.

Or this work the author's name does not appear, but why it is concealed we are at a loss to determine, as his remarks and observations would do no discredit to his understanding. It is not a common grammar, in which, according to the general routine, we have etymology and syntax laid down in regular order. The author rather takes his stand on philosophical ground, and, after defining what grammar is, proceeds to analyze the different parts of speech, pointing out what the words belonging to each class express in themselves, and also in connexion with other branches of the same common family. On the noun in union with various particles, he has made many judicious observations, and illustrated his principle by an appeal to various examples. These he has sifted and turned with much acuteness and care, and plainly shewn that to each there is an appropriate situation in a sentence, without which language would become vague and inexpressive.