A new grammar is no strange thing about these days. The press has literally teemed with such products for several years past; and signs not to be mistaken, indicate that there are "still a few more of the same kind left." The extraordinary activity of grammar-makers has been equalled by that of the compilers of school readers and spelling-books, of which we may almost say that "a nation is born in a day," and dies as soon, to give place to another brood.

Unlike, however, the activity in most other departments of school book making, the efforts at grammar making have been elicited, in great measure, by new ideas on the subject, and improved methods in treating language. The profound investigations of the Germans into the principles of their own, as well as of the classical languages, have given a new impulse to the study of language among nearly all civilized nations. The method of Becker, of treating language in its connection with thought, so happily applied by him to his native tongue, has already been applied by Kühner and others to the Latin and Greek, and many other languages, and furnished with the requisite illustrations and exercises, to make the system simple and practical. It is no longer considered the highest attainment in grammar, to be able to conjugate verbs and govern cases of nouns, but to resolve sentences into their component parts, and describe the character and office of each word and clause in expressing the thought. In this way language becomes intelligible, and its subtile elements are brought within the grasp of analysis.

It is from the impulse of such a spirit that the present work has sprung. Mr. Greene seems to be thoroughly indoctrinated into the new method, and to possess sufficient capacity to apply it successfully to the peculiarities of our tongue. We regard this as a most important step in the history of our language. Some partial attempts of this kind may have been made before; but Mr. Greene, we believe, has the honor of having first applied the new method uniformly and systematically to the whole structure of the language. In doing this, he had the guidance, to be sure, of the great masters who had done the same thing in other languages, but even to transfer the system to our own language, and adjust it to its genius and idioms, we regard as no trifling labor, and as entitling one to no small credit.

We like the book much,-it is just what is wanted in our grammar schools; and if accompanied by an abridgment, for the younger pupils, which the author proposes in his preface to prepare, will leave but little to be desired for the purposes of ordinary instruction in grammar in our schools. The plan is simple, and is developed with great consistency and logical ability. Starting with the simplest form of a sentence, which contains barely a subject and a predicate, the author proceeds to cluster around either one or the other of these all the words and phrases contained in the most complicated sentence, and explain their relations, till the pupil is able, at sight, to resolve any sentence into its parts.

We had thought of making a few slight strictures upon some points in the plan of the work, but as these are mere abstract matters, upon which, perhaps, no two persons would agree, we have concluded entirely to suppress our "bill of exceptions," thinking that quite as likely we might be wrong as the author.

c.

10. The Oriental Baptist. Vol. I. January to July, 1847. Calcutta. . Baptist Mission Press. 2 sheets, 8vo.

It gives us pleasure to notice this monthly magazine. When we recall to mind the events which transpired in India in connection with the arrival of the earliest Baptist missionaries, and now contemplate the Baptist churches in that country, adorned with pastors, and united into a Baptist Association, and now, this periodical issue of a respectable and interesting Baptist magazine, we are impressed with the wonderful changes which a gracious Providence has wrought. This magazine embraces the usual amount of original and selected papers, pertaining to theology, religious intelligence, and miscellany, as elevated in character as the Baptist magazines in England. The editors will be largely dependent for contributions upon the missionary brethren of the various Boards laboring in India, from whom useful papers may be confidently expected. We notice in these numbers some items of intelligence from brethren connected with the American Baptist Missionary Union. The typographical execution of the work is as fair and the paper as good as we usually find in such magazines in England and America.

11. Biography of Self-Taught Men. Vol. II. Boston. Benjamin Perkins & Co. 1847. pp. 324, 16mo.

It is a noble service to the cause of humanity to draw out the talents of those who seem born to obscurity, and to encourage aspiring minds to overcome the obstacles to their usefulness. Nothing is more encouraging to young men, struggling under difficulties, than the example of those who have passed successfully through similar emergencies. Many a tear has, doubtless, been brushed away from a manly eye, and a new energy has been awakened in the breasts of those who were ready to faint, through the influence of some striking case of perseverance under difficulties. The circumstances of our age and country give special value to such a work, and create a necessity for the exhibition of such examples. And, though the public newspapers often give the details of similar cases, he who collects and makes them accessible, is a public benefactor. The basis of the work before us was prepared for the press, some years since, by Prof. Edwards, of Andover. The former and present volumes, by Prof. Brown, of Dartmouth College, are substantially the work of Prof. Edwards, some of the materials, however, having been modified, and several new biographies having been inserted in addition to or instead of, those which originally appeared. The book is one of sterling value, and will yield, beyond question, efficient encouragement to many a young student in his struggles. The volume is adorned by a likeness of Mr. Bowditch.

12. The Trees, Fruits, and Flowers of the Bible. By MRS. HARRIET N. Cook. American Tract Society. 1847. pp. 120.

In this small volume, we have a description of thirty-one of the trees and shrubs spoken of in the Bible. Each chapter is written in a plain, but good style, adapted to interest young persons; and religious reflections are intermingled or appended in a judicious mannner, where

they spring naturally out of the subject. By the consultation of some such work as Carpenter's Natural History of the Bible, many of the items might have been greatly enriched, without adding essentially to the bulk of the book. To such persons as have not ready access to some larger and fuller work, it will prove an interesting companion to the Bible. It contains a few very fine illustrative engravings.

13. Address to the Senior Class of the Western Baptist Theological Institule, Covington, Ky. Delivered at the Second Anniversary, June 16, 1847. By R. E. PATTISON, D. D., President and Professor of Christian Theology. Cincinnati. Anderson & Knox. 1847. pp. 31. Ministers Examples to Believers. A Sermon preached before the Graduating Class of the New Hampton Theological Institution, August 15, 1847. By ELI B. SMITH, Professor of Theology and Pastoral Duties. Boston. Damrell & Co. 1847. pp. 23, 8vo.

These discourses are very excellent productions, full of counsels and cautions adapted to the case of young men just engaging in the ministerial work, and very creditable to the mind and heart of the authors. The address of Dr. Pattison has reference to ministers chiefly in regard to their public work; Mr. Smith's, in regard to their personal habits. The three points specially urged by Dr. Pattison are, 1. “It will require habitual progress in knowledge to sustain yourselves as preachers. 2. Your studies, though not confined to theology proper, should have a concentrated bearing upon the duties of the minister. 3. Labor to secure the conversion of sinners to God, by faith in Christ, as the first step in religion, and as laying the only foundation for successfully training a church in practical piety."

The sermon of Prof. Smith is founded on 1 Tim. iv. 12; and is designed to impress upon young men the importance of being examples to believers. 1. In conversation. 2. In behavior. 3. In charity. 4. In spirituality. 5. In faith. 6. In purity. The discussions on these several points are judicious and sober, and calculated to make good ministers of Jesus Christ.

From a note appended to Dr. Pattison's Address, we learn that the Covington Theological Institution was opened for the reception of students, September 16, 1845. The first year the number of students was 8; the second, 14; the third year commenced the session with 18. The library contains 2000 volumes.

14. Universalism not of God: an Examination of the System of Universalism, its Doctrine, Arguments, and Fruits; With the Experience of the Author, during a Ministry of Twelve Years. By MATTHEW HALE SMITH. American Tract Society. pp. 258.

The substance of the works hitherto published by the author on the same subject, is presented in this book in a condensed form. It is written in a manner calculated to secure the attention, and to open the eyes of men to the true character and influence of the soul-destroying errors of Universalism. It is well adapted to the object for which it is written, and we hope it may enjoy a wide circulation. It cannot fail to do good.

15. Abraham Vest, or the Cast-off Restored. A True Narrative. BosJohn Putnam. 1847. pp. 142.

ton.

Little Henry, the Stolen Child. Boston. John Putnam. 1847.

These little books, kindred to some extent in character, contain very interesting accounts of children, stolen from their parents, subjected to the hardships of a wandering life, and ultimately restored again to their friends. The literary execution of the latter is very praiseworthy; a sufficient guaranty for its excellence in this respect, is the fact that it is the work of Mr. Timothy Flint, the author of a valuable book of Travels in the Valley of the Mississippi. They are both prettily printed and bound, and worthy of a place in our Sabbath School Libraries.

16. Banvard's Library Series. 8 vols, 16mo. New England Sabbath School Union. 1847.

These most interesting and instructive books, for children of a larger or smaller growth, are put up in a tasteful box, as a Juvenile Library, and will form a delightful present for the young. They are designed to awaken the attention of children, to observe the wonderful works of God, to implant a taste for the study of natural history, and to entertain and instruct, by the exhibition of facts which open the eyes, sharpen the powers of discrimination, and improve the heart. The titles are, The Young Observers, in 3 vols., Singular Instincts of Animals, Heads and Feet, etc., etc.

17. Anecdotes for Boys. Illustrations of Principles and Character. By HARVEY NEWCOMв. pp. 144, 16mo.

Anecdotes for Girls. By HARVEY NEWCOMB. Boston. Gould, Kendall & Lincoln. 1848. pp. 144, 16mo.

These little books, gleanings from the history of events and of individuals, and illustrating the true principles of virtuous and upright living, are well selected and arranged, and adapted to produce useful impressions on children and young persons. He who infuses into the mind of the young right principles of action, is a true benefactor of souls and of the community,-of his own, and of coming generations. A terse anecdote, to the point, may be the seed of a harvest of incalculable good. It may awaken thoughts and purposes, whose salutary influence will never cease to be felt.

18. The Christian Harp. American Sabbath School Union. pp. 164, small 4to.

and Music, original and Prepared for the New 1848. pp. 80.

The Sabbath School Lyre, a collection of Hymns selected; for General Use in Sabbath Schools. England Sabbath School Union. Boston. The first of these books is a collection of the purest evangelical poetry extant, both British and American,-omitting, however, for the most part, the pieces which are found in the familiar selections used in public worship. It is a sacred gem, exquisite in literary taste, and worthy the attention of every lover of religious poetry.

VOL. XIII.-NO. XLIX.

13*

The Sabbath School Lyre contains a variety of hymns and music, designed to add to the interest of juvenile singing. Some of the tunes are familiar, others are new; and still others are adaptations of favorite music, hitherto employed for other purposes, to a sacred use. This latter is one of the most pleasing features of the work. It is a valuable little book, and worthy to be patronized in reference to the design it proposes.

19. Reminiscences of the Best Hours of Life for the Hour of Death, etc. By JEAN PAUL FRIEDRICH RICHTER. Boston. James Munroe & Co. 1848. pp. 98, 32mo.

The Silent Pastor; or Consolations for the Sick. James Munroe & Co. 1848. pp. 187, 16mo.

The former of these little books is truly German. It contains conceptions which none but a German imagination would have ever excogitated. Jean Paul is a favorite writer, and his name will go far to commend any of his productions. The first part which is described in the title, is a pleasant narrative, graphic and touching; not adapted, however, as some might imagine, to alleviate the pains of a sick room and a dying hour; but rather to interest and instruct persons in health. The second part is an antidote for atheism. It exhibits the boldest conception, and furnishes in a narrative form, with great simplicity, a convincing argument against the folly of the infidel.

The second of these works, "The Silent Pastor," is a delightful little book. It is designed to be a comfort and solace in the sick room. The contents are as follows: The Christian View of Sickness; Compensations of the Sick Room; Suffering, the Discipline of Virtue ; God our Help; Immortality; Scripture Consolations; Prayers to be used by and with a Sick Person; Prayers on Recovery; Hymns. The basis of the volume is an English work. The thoughts are pure and appropriate, the tone serious, the style chaste, and the whole manner attractive. An additional chapter, from such a work as Thomas Brooke's "Mute Christian," would render the book a very perfect manual for the use for which it is designed. Much of the poetry is truly beautiful.

Ed

20. The Sacred Tableaux: or Remarkable Incidents in the Old and New Testament. Illustrated by Forty Steel Engravings, from the Ancient Masters. The Descriptions by Distinguished American Writers. ited by THOMAS WYATT. Boston. Tappan, Whittemore & Mason. 1848. pp. 314, 12mno.

Among the numberless books, sent forth from the prolific press, this is something new. The engravings are in the style of medallions, circular, and about three inches in diameter; they are arranged, two on a page, and are exceedingly neat, clear and beautiful. The various figures on the quasi-medallions are exhibited as if in relief. The descriptions accompanying the engravings are chiefly by clergymen of several different Christian denominations, and are generally written in a manner to interest and profit the reader. The conception of the work and its execution are equally happy. Its beauty, also, as a specimen of the art of book manufacturing, gives it an additional attraction. We learn that within two or three weeks after its issue, 1500 copies were sold by the publishers.