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But our notice of this work would 'be very incomplete, were we to regard it simply as a memorial of individual traits of character, molded and inspired by the inner life of a Christian. Besides being that, it is a valuable and highly interesting chapter in the history of the diffusion of true Christianity, showing how the foundations have been laid for the establishment of the reign of the Redeemer, destined one day to be universal and absolute, at the same time that it involves the truest freedom, and the greatest diversity of manifestation of the "one spirit," in that seat of ancient despotism, that center of primeval civilization, brought into so strangely new associations by the name of the "Assyrian Mission." It will be found, also, that Dr. Lobdell was fully alive to the historical interest of the late researches of Layard, Rawlinson, and others, on the sites of Assyrian and Babylonian empire, as, indeed, he proved by interesting communications to the Oriental Society, some of which have been published in its Journal. With his ardent zeal for knowledge, his inquisitiveness, his quickness of eye and mind, and his courage and buoyancy of spirit, added to ripening scholarship, could he have reconciled the indulgence of his inclinations in this direction with fidelity to his peculiar work as a missionary of the Cross, he might have become, himself, a distinguished explorer.

LIFE OF KNILL.—This memoir introduces us to a field of missionary labor which is undoubtedly new to most of our readers. Mr. Knill, for thirteen years, (from 1820 to 1833,) acted as chaplain for the English residents at St. Petersburg. He was there, of course, at a time which will be remembered by Christians in this country, with special interest. Prince Galitzin was President of the Bible Society, and the Emperor Alexander was encouraging the circulation of the Scriptures throughout the empire. The prospect of some great religious movement in Russia were very encouraging. But in 1826, all this was changed. Nicholas, on coming to the throne, placed the Bible Society under the control of the "Holy Synod," and an effectual stop was soon put to its operations. The memoir gives us many glimpses of the state of things in Russia during the residence of Mr. Knill in St. Petersburg, which are very instructive and interesting. An estimate of his character, with a noble tribute to his worth as a Christian and as a preacher,

* The Life of the Rev. Richard Knill. By CHARLES M. BIRRELL. With a review of his character by the late Rev. JOHN ANGELL JAMES. New York: Robert Carter & Brothers. 1860. 12mo. pp. 358.

is appended to the book, written by his personal friend, the lamented John Angell James, which proved to be the last literary work that he ever attempted.

LIFE OF VITTORIA COLONNA.*This is a new volume, the seventeenth, of the very valuable series of biographies which Mr. O. W. Wight is now editing. Vittoria Colonna, one of the most beautiful and gifted women of Italy, the daughter of one of the most celebrated of its great feudal families, the wife of one of the greatest captains of the age, the companion of popes and princes, the friend of Michael Angelo, herself a poetess of no inconsiderable fame, furnishes a theme for the biographer of no ordinary interest. But it is her religious character, and her intimacy and sympathy with those eminent men of her country, who in the sixteenth century strove to bring about a reformation in the Roman Catholic Church in Italy, which will ever make the history of her life peculiarly attractive to all Protestants.

The author of this "Life" is Mr. T. Adolphus Trollope, son of the Mrs. Trollope who, years ago, made herself so famous by her abuse of this country. His style is remarkably clear, and one that cannot fail to keep up the interest of his readers throughout, even when he is unraveling the intricacies of Italian politics. Almost every page has a dash of quiet humor, and occasionally, when least expected, there is a bit of sarcasm thrown in, that is all the more biting from its being half concealed by an air of the most engaging candor. As an instance of what we mean, we quote a single sentence in which the author explains most satisfactorily how it was that Ferdinand of Spain was induced by Louis XII of France to allow him to possess himself of the crown of Naples, when he had acknowledged that he was bound by every tie of honor as a kinsman and as an ally, to protect the rights of Frederick, the reigning king at Naples.

"The Most Christian King thought that the Most Catholic King might very probably find it consistent with kingly honor to take a different view of the case, if it were proposed to him to go shares in the plunder. And the Most Christian

King's estimate of royal nature was so just, that the Most Catholic King acceded in the frankest manner to his royal brother's proposal."

* Life of Vittoria Colonna; by T. ADOLPHUS TROLLOPE. New York: Sheldon & Co. 1859. 24mo. pp. 247.

LIFE OF JULIUS CESAR.*-We are glad to find in the eighteenth volume of Mr. Wight's "Household Library," the sketch of the life of Julius Cæsar, by Dean Liddell, taken from his large Roman History. It will bring within the reach of multitudes, to whom it would not otherwise be easily accessible, this admirable biography of one of the greatest generals, orators, and writers of antiquity.

WOMEN ARTISTS IN ALL AGES AND COUNTRIES.t-This book furnishes a mass of information which it is not easy to procure elsewhere, and which will be deemed very valuable by all who are interested in the history of art. There is no work in any language which covers precisely the same ground. The first chapter is devoted to an account of what is known of the practice of the arts by women in ancient times. Then follow several chapters which are taken up with short sketches of the lives of the female artists who lived during the fifteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth centuries. These are succeeded by more full and elaborate biographies of those who are best known in more modern times. Among the sketches of living artists, those of Mdlle. Rosa Bonheur, and of our country woman, Miss Hosmer, are particularly full and interesting.

BIOGRAPHY OF SELF-TAUGHT MEN.-There are here between forty and fifty short biographical sketches of men who have made themselves useful, and gained distinction and a high position in the world's history, by their own exertions. The book is an admirable one for boys who are beginning to think. Parents who are able to give their children the advantages of the best education, cannot teach them too early that there is one thing which is absolutely essential to success in life that they cannot give to them, and which each person must acquire for himself. The education of the common school, and even that of the college and the professional school is not enough. Besides all these, and equally important-perhaps more important than any of them-is the education which each man must give himself. Parents who wish their children to learn this lesson, will do well to make them familiar with such biographies of "self-taught" men as this book contains.

*Life of Julius Cæsar. By HENRY G. LIDDELL, D. D., Dean of Christ Church, Oxford. New York: Sheldon & Co. 18mo. 1860. pp. 247.

+ Women Artists in all Ages and Countries. By Mrs. ELLETT. Harper & Brothers, New York: 1859. pp. 377. 12mo.

Biography of Self-taught Men; with an Introductory Essay, by B. B. ED1859. Boston: J. E. Tilton & Co. 18mo. pp. 642. VOL. XVIII. 16

WARDS.

THE DIARY OF A SAMARITAN.*-This is a singular book, and we hardly know what to make of much of its contents. The Howard Association, of which the author represents himself to be a member, has done a noble work in the care of the sick, and a reliable narration of the experience of any of its members would of course be very interesting and valuable. But the book does not seem to us to be reliable. The author speaks of himself as a sinner after the flippant manner of one whc does not think such an acknowledgment amounts to much. He says he writes currente calamo, and his pen is evidently not merely a running, but an erratic one, narrating some things which never could have occurred, and making his patients die in modes which are never seen except in those who die in novels with yellow covers Undoubtedly much of this book is true, but how much we know not. We hardly think that it will accomplish much for the object for which the author says he wrote it, namely, "to uphold the virtue of charity in its fullest sense." Those who will be thrilled or amused by its details, will not be apt to be incited by the perusal to any deeds of charity. Neither the virtue nor the taste of the author is of the refined sort, for he speaks of drinking wine with the inmates of a house of prostitution, as if it were a matter of course, on coming down from a chamber of sickness into the common parlor of the establishment; and many other things might be mentioned of a similar character. True virtuous charity enters, indeed, the abodes of vice, and faithfully performs its kind services to sinning humanity; but it comes out uncontaminated, which can hardly be said of the Samaritan that here gives us his diary. Such familiarity with vice as he indulges in, certainly indicates no just appreciation of either the preciousness or the majesty of virtue.

THREE SISTERS.†-Our readers are aware that the American Tract Society of Boston have commenced their "volume" publications. We have noticed, above, Prof. Tyler's memoir of the lamented Lobdell, who yielded up his life among the Nestorians. The book before us, another volume published by the Society, carries us into one of our smaller inland Connecticut villages, and shows us the development of Christian character in the more ordinary walks of life. The biography of three young sisters

* The Diary of a Samaritan. By a Member of the Howard Association, of New Orleans. New York: Harper & Brothers. 1859.

The Sisters: A Memoir of Elizabeth H., Abbie A., and Sarah F. Dickerman. By Rev. ISRAEL P. WARREN. American Tract Society, Boston. 18mo. pp. 283.

is given, who seem to have been eminent for their personal piety, and to have learned well the secret of doing good. The story of their lives may be read with profit by all young people.

HISTORY.

THE NORWICH JUBILEE.*-All who were present on the occasion of the Norwich Jubilee, will bear us out in saying that there are few places in the whole country, which, on the two hundredth anniversary of its settlement, could gather up so many and so varied reminiscences to swell the tide of its joy. Most fully did the inhabitants enter into the spirit of the occasion. Every one seemed to be thoroughly impressed with the fact that Norwich had, during the whole two hundred years of its existence, been a power in the earth. The addresses, the speeches, the songs, and the decorations everywhere telling of the rich past-all helped to deepen the feeling in the hearts of those who were assembled, so that when the second day was ended there was danger, that in the minds of the vast multitude about to separate, the rest of this round ball would be held at altogether too large a discount, and that Norwich would be considered ever after the Jerusalem of the whole earth. We have great sympathy for the feeling that pervaded that multitude, and as we have read the history of the jubilee in the book before us, our interest has been as much awakened as if we had been to the manor born. The book of which we have spoken is a full and fitting record of the great occasion. The reader will gain a correct idea of all the proceedings and of the effect of the jubilee as a whole. There are some things, it is true, of which it can give no idea. One must have been there to have any conception of the beauty of Norwich when decked in robes by her loving sons and daughters for her gala day, or of the enthusiasm and joy which every fresh demonstration of her virtues and glories awakened, or of the wellings up of thought and feeling which were to be witnessed on every side, as those who had been separated for years greeted one another again in their early home.

Two days were occupied with the festivities of the occasion,—and two more beautiful days were rarely ever seen, so that the town had a full

The Norwich Jubilee. A Report of the Celebration at Norwich, Connecticut, on the Two Hundredth Anniversary of the Settlement of the Town, September 7th and 8th, 1859. With an Appendix, containing Historical Documents of Local Interest. Compiled and Published by John W. Stedman. Norwich: Conn. 1859. pp. 304. (See Advertisement in New Englander Advertiser, p. 5.)

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