Brief Memoir of the Rev. Wm. Shepherd.

3. My Father, which gave them me, | Ibid. v. 11. The persons given, mean is greater than all," John x. 29. Gave the disciples, for Christ had been with may imply an eternal gift. Yes, but them, and kept them in the Father's may imply a temporal gift to disci- name, v. 12. The persons given him, pleship; for those of whom our Lord did not include all believers, for Christ was speaking, had become his disciples, prayed not only for those that the Fafor they heard his voice, and followed ther had given him, but for those that him, v. 27. would believe through their word, v. 20.

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Brief Memoir of the Rev. Wm. Shepherd.

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tions, that to the admirable precepts | publication of a life of Poggio Brac

of this skilful instructor, he is indebted for the more efficient portion of his education.

When Mr. Shepherd had attained his fifteenth year, his uncle died, bequeathing him to the care of his intimate friend, the Rev. Richard Godwin, minister of Gateacre chapel, who, on his determining to devote himself to the ministry, sent him to the dissenting academy at Daventry, in Northamptonshire, where he was admitted on the foundation; here he continued three years, under the tuition of the Rev. Messrs. Belsham, Broadbent, and Cogan, who were respectively Divinity, Mathematical, and Classical Tutors. From Daventry, Mr. Shepherd removed to the New College at Hackney, where he had the advantage of the instruction of those eminent and learned men, Dr. Kippis and Dr. Rees, and also of Mr. Belsham, who was appointed Divinity Tutor to the New College, during Mr. Shepherd's residence there.

ciolini, a very celebrated Italian scholar of the fifteenth century, and of whom no accurate account had hitherto been given. This work, which was published in 1802, stands in high and deserved estimation with the literary world, and it has been translated into the French, Italian, and German languages. The style is manly, pure, and elegant; the remarks on authors evince a sound discriminating judgment, and the reflections on events, a discerning and cultivated mind.

About the year 1435, Poggio, who was then fifty-five years old, and who had led a very dissipated life, married a lady "who had not seen eighteen summers." In order to justify his conduct for this extraordinary step, he wrote a formal treatise on the question " An seni sit uxor ducenda?" This curious composition never had been made public, till the year 1805, when a few copies were printed by Mr. Shepherd, for distribution among his friends, from the manuscript in the Royal Library at Paris.

In 1814, Mr. Shepherd published the result of two excursions to France, under the title of " Paris in 1802, and 1814;" this work, which is generally | commended for its impartiality, has gone through three editions.

In 1815, Mr. Shepherd, conjointly with the Rev. Mr. Joyce and the Rev. Dr. Carpenter, published, in two octavo volumes, a general compendium of the various objects of liberal study, under the title of "Systematic Education; or Elementary Instruction in the various departments of Literature and Science, with practical rules for study

On the completion of his studies, Mr. Shepherd left the college; and no situation as a minister immediately presenting itself, he accepted an invitation from the Rev. John Yates, of Toxteth Park, near Liverpool, to undertake the office of private tutor to his children. During his residence in Mr. Yates's family, Mr. Shepherd occasionally performed divine service at the Unitarian chapel at Knowsley. His congregation was at first very small, but during his ministry its numbers and respectability were very considerably increased. Mr. Shep herd had resided in Mr. Yates's family about two years, when he receiving each branch of useful knowledge." ed a call to the pastoral superintendence over the Unitarian congregation at Gateacre, where he then went to reside, having entered into the matrimonial connection with Miss Nicholson, daughter of the late Mr. Robert Nicholson, merchant, of Liverpool. Soon after Mr. Shepherd had esta blished his residence at Gateacre, he opened a seminary for the classical education of young gentlemen, which he still continues.

From his intimacy with our worthy townsman, Mr. Roscoe, Mr Shepherd imbibed a partiality for Italian literature, and was induced by a perusal of that gentleman's interesting history of Lorenzo de' Medici, to undertake the

The first edition of this work was very speedily disposed of; a second has since been printed; and as the work obtains very general approbation, it will, in all probability, reach several more.

Besides the above works, Mr. Shep herd has been the author of several occasional pamphlets, and a variety of fugitive pieces and poems, which have appeared in different periodical publications. Of these, altho' some are on subjects of importance, we have no means of ascertaining either the extent or the merit, many of them having been printed without any signature, and few, if any, bearing the author's name.

381

Review.-Discourses for Families-Farmer's Guide.

REVIEW-A Series of Discourses, containing a System of Doctrinal, Experimental, and Practical Religion, particularly calculated for the Use of Families, preached in the Parish Church of Dewsbury, Yorkshire. By the Rev. J. Buckworth, A. M. Vicar. Second Edition. 8vo. pp. 326. Sherwood & Co. London.

We live in an age, when treatises on experimental and practical religion are much wanted; but happily for us, it is also an age in which such treatises are amply supplied.

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calculated to awaken the inattentive to serious reflection, and to fasten conviction on their minds. We think this book is calculated to be useful.

REVIEW.-The Farmer and Grazier's Guide; containing a collection of valuable Recipes for the most common and fatal Disorders, to which Horses, horred Cattle, and Sheep, are subject. Second Edition, improved and enlarged. By L. Towne. 8vo. pp. 104. Longman and Co. London. 1821.

The strenuous efforts which Infi- ON a work which professedly treats delity has lately made to overturn of diseases in animals, and the means religion, under the specious pretext of their cure, our opinion will proof introducing a freedom of inquiry, bably be of little weight with those have unhappily given birth to a pro- to whom this treatise is likely to fligacy of manners, injurious to pub-prove valuable, when we declare that lic morals, and consequently inimi- we are not well acquainted with cal to the best interests of mankind. either. These pernicious effects, it is the duty of every man, who is the friend of his country and of his God, to endeavour to counteract; and this can never be so effectually accomplished, as by affectionately inculcating experimental and practical godliness.

This treatise contains twenty sermons, on subjects that are important in themselves, and deeply interesting to the Christian world. In their range, they embrace the Divine existence, the truth of Revelation, the commandments of God, the nature of sin, redemption through Christ, faith in his atonement, holiness of heart and life, and the various duties which are peculiar to the relations we sustain in our social intercourse.

We hold ourselves competent, however, to observe, that on most occasions, the Author's remarks appear judicious and plausible, and that his ideas are expressed with ease and perspicuity. On the nature and causes of many diseases, his observations carry with them their own evidence; in the former case they are founded on fact, and in the latter they are supported by the highest degree of probability. The remedies also, and means of cure, which he prescribes, are such as our general acquaintance with the known properties of drugs, either as simples or compounds, would induce us to approve, as being calculated to counteract those maladies which render the use of medicine necessary.

Several of the disorders to which animals are liable, Mr. T. has described with much discrimination, pointing out their symptoms and progress, and prescribing the means through which they may be either prevented or removed.

In the discussion of these momentous topics, the author shows himself to be in earnest for the salvation of those committed to his care; and notwithstanding the peculiarities of his creed, which occasionally appear, and the phraseology to which these On one serious disease, the Rot in peculiarities have given birth, he Sheep, Mr. Towne has relieved us boldly enforces obedience to the di- from the embarrassment which our vine precepts, as the distinguishing deficiency of knowledge would occharacteristics of genuine Chris-casion, by furnishing the testimotianity.

The manner in which his various subjects are introduced and applied, seems to be well adapted for those of his congregation whose welfare he professes to have in view. The language is plain but energetic, and is

nials of many respectable individuals, who have made trial of his medicines, and found them particularly efficacious. These gentlemen, having been extensively concerned in the management of sheep as individuals, and partially so as members

383

Review-Conversations on English Grammar.

of an agricultural society, have aocompanied their attestations with their respective names, and from repeated experiments they strongly recommend the Author's remedy to the world.

REVIEW.--Conversations on English Grammar, in a series of familiar and entertaining Dialogues between a Mother and her Daughters, &c. &c. By Mrs. Williams, author of the Syllabic Spelling Book, or Summary Method of Reading. 8vo. half-bound, pp. 213. London, Lackington & Co. 1821.

How much soever a fastidious critic might be disposed to hunt after error, and to triumph in the few discoveries which ingenious severity might enable him to make, common justice must extort from him a tribute of approbation. The general principles introduced into these conversations vary only in a few subordinate particulars from those of Mr. Murray, from whose work the rules of Syntax, though varied in their arrangement, are avowedly taken.

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minds of children, in terms which they can scarcely misunderstand.

At the end of each conversation, the whole being sixteen in number, the principal articles are selected to be proposed in questions to the children, whose answers are to be given in observations as they may have made, their own language, founded upon such during their respective lessons. We cimen. give the sixth conversation as a spe

"Charlotte. Mamma, where have you been? I did not know you were going out this morning!

Mrs. Grenville. You know we expect company to dinner; I have been to order the dessert! Emily. I had forgotten the company; what Do tell us about the deshave you bought?

sert.

Mrs. Grenville. I have ordered a pine-apple, a cake, two melons, and some grapes, peaches, walnuts, and filberds. Perhaps you can tell me what part of speech these good things are.

for

Charlotte. They are substantives common, they are the names of several things of the same kind, and not of one particular person or place.

Mrs. Grenville. Substantives common have two numbers; the singular number, which means only one, and the plural number, which things I have ordered for the dessert are singular, and which of them are plural?

means more than one. Tell me which of those

Emily. There is one cake, and one pineapple; cake is singular, and pine-apple is singular, but two melons are plural.

Charlotte. Grapes, peaches, walnuts, and filberds, are plural, there are so many of them.

By assuming the form of dialogue, this needful science is divested of its forbidding aspect; and the plain and familiar manner in which the conversations are conducted, entitles the author to justly-merited praise. Every term of difficulty, on its first introduction, is fully explained, in language which we conceive any child of seven or eight years of age may easily comprehend; and the questions which lead to the various replies from Mrs. Grenville to her pupils, àre such as would naturally occur to every inquir-day. ing mind, when "the young idea begins to shoot."

To those who have the instruction of children committed to their care, it may appear, that Mrs. Grenville's pupils learn too fast, and obtain a knowledge of their lessons with more facility than practical observation can justify. But this fact can furnish no real cause of discouragement. The same lesson may be repeated until it is fairly understood by a real pupil, which an ideal one may comprehend at the first glance. It is of more importance to observe, that the questions proposed, and the replies given, are full and pertinent, and that the lessons, though short, are sufficiently

Emily. Are two men, or two women, plural? Mrs. Grenville. Every number that signifies more than one is plural; a child is singular, but children are plural; children may mean only two, or three children, or may mean all the children of that Charity-school we met the other

Emily. I counted almost a hundred boys and girls together.

Charlotte. Why are they called Charitychildren?

Mrs. Grenville. They are children of poor parents, who would grow up in ignorance, if gentlemen and ladies did not pay for their being taught at proper schools; and as whatever is given for the benefit of the poor, is called charity, these schools are called Charity-schools.

Charlotte. Here is John with a basket, what has he brought?

John. Mrs. Wilmot's compliments, ma'am, and she has sent you a couple of chickens, and a dozen of ripe apples for the young ladies. Mrs. Grenville. You may leave the apples here; give my compliments to Mrs. Wilmot, and we are very much obliged to her.

Charlotte. How good-natured Mrs. Wilmot is! She generally brings us fruit, or something nice, whenever she comes to town.

comprehensive to communicate ade- Emily. What pretty little apples! I think

quate ideas of the subject to the

they are nonpareils, and there are several of them. How many make a dozen?

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Review-Christian Biographical Dictionary.

Mrs. Grenville. There are twelve in a dozen.

This word dozen reminds me that I have not yet pointed out to you a third sort of substantive, which is called a collective substantive, or a noun of multitude.

Emily. A noun of multitude seems to be both singular and plural, for a noun means one noun, and multitude means a great number.

Mrs. Grenville. That is exactly the case. An army is singular, for it is one army, but there are a great many men in one army, several ships in one fleet, several trees in one forest, and several children in one school; therefore, the words army, fleet, forest, and school, are collective substantives.

Charlotte. John called the two chickens a

noun.

couple; I think couple is a collective substantive, as there must be two things to make one couple. Emily. I saw a great crowd in the street this morning, Several men, women, and children, were collected together; crowd is a collective Mrs. Grenville. It is so. I hope you will recollect that there are three sorts of substantives, proper, common, and collective: that substantives have three genders, the masculine and feminine, or common to both, and the neuter; and that substantives have two numbers, the singular number, and the plural number. Tomorrow we will consider the cases of substanYou may go up stairs now; I cannot stay with you any longer this morning, for I have several things to attend to, before I

tives or nouns.

dress for dinner.

Questions adapted to the Sixth Conversation.
1. How many numbers have Substantives?
2. What is the singular number?
3. What is the plural number?
4. Are two singular or plural?

5. What is a collective substantive?
6. What is the word dozen?

7. What is the word school?

8. How many sorts of substantives are there?
9. How many genders are there?
10. How many numbers are there?

Parse the following words :---gloves, score, church, congregation, aunt, masters, birds, audience, friends, England.---pp. 51, 55.”

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REVIEW.-A Christian Biographical Dictionary; containing an account of the Lives and Writings of most distinguished Christians and Theologians of all Denominations, and in every nation, from the commencement of the Christian Era, to the present period. By John Wilks, Jun. small octavo, pp. 336. London, Longman & Co. Paternoster Row, and F. Westley, Stationer's Court. 1821.

It is not to be expected that a single Volume, containing less than four hundred pages, should include the biography even of one-tenth part of those celebrated divines, and other eminent characters, who, in every age and nation, since the commencement of the Christian æra, have distinguished themselves by their piety and usefulness, in the cause of our holy religion. But it is not improbable, that on this account, many persons, not finding the name of some favourite author in the list of selected worthies contained in this book, will accuse the compiler of partiality, and think his labours unworthy of their regard. From this charge, founded upon local views, and personal attachments, the plan which Mr. Wilks has adopted, forbids him to make any retreat. We can, however, assure our readers, that of those persons who have been selected, the biography is clear and satisfactory; and we conceive that the bigot only, whom nothing will please but the elevation of his party advocates, above their predecessors and cotemporaries, will charge the compiler with giving an unjust delineation of individual character.

It is to be regretted, that Mrs. Grenville and her pupils should appear in those exalted stations of splendid life We gather from the title-page, that which can fall to the lot of few only, Mr. Wilks had no design to confine to whom this book may render essen- his biographical researches to persons tial service. Dress, company, visits, whose lives had been exclusively deand coaches; livery servants, atten- voted to the ministry. Hence, Chrisdants, and equipage, may please a tians of all denominations, and of vacertain description of persons, but the rious ranks in society, appear before principles of grammar are now acquir-us: and many illustrious females, in ed in the less dignified stations of the a subordinate degree, occupy some community, where these decorations pages in this volume. In general, are inapplicable and disgusting. But the biographical sketches are partinotwithstanding these peculiarities, cularly interesting; under which chathe volume demands our decided ap-racter we rank the lives of Buchanan, probation, and we recommend it with confidence to public patronage and support, as being admirably adapted to communicate to the tender mind correct ideas of the rudiments of grammatical knowledge.

Bunyan, Erasmus, Fenelon, Flavel, Grotius, Hale, Paley, Wesley, Whitfield, Coke, Martyn, and many others.

From a work which is exclusively biographical, it may appear injudicious to give an extract that will not