The Task, and other Poems: By William Cowper. One volume, duodecimo. Philadelphia, Carey & Hart.
Among the poets who have written in the English language on religious themes, Cowper unquestionably ranks next to Milton in genius, and before him as a teacher. The Presbyterian poet is admired for his sublime conceptions and his unequaled mastery of language and the intricacies of rhythm; but the bard of Olney is loved by the good and the true as a friend. The new edition of the Task is one of the most beautiful specimens of typography produced in this country, and the etchings, by Cheney, which illustrate it, are of course admirably executed.
The Way of Life: By Charles Hodge, Professor in the Theological Seminary of Princeton, New Jersey. One volume duodecimo, pp. 348. Philadelphia, American Sunday School Union.
Among the many very excellent works published by the American Sunday School Union, we know of none written with more ability, or calculated to do more good than this admirable treatise. The plenary inspiration of the Scriptures, the great practical doctrines they teach, and the influence which these doctrines should exert upon the heart and life, are set forth by the learned author with candor, simplicity and eloquence.
Books for Youth: Heroines of Sacred History, by Mrs. Steele; Philip and his Garden, by Charlotte Elizabeth; Rocky Island, by Samuel Wilberforce; Alice Benden, by Charlotte Elizabeth; Clementine Cuvier, by John Angell James; The Simple Flower, by Charlotte Elizabeth; The Flower of Innocence, by Charlotte Elizabeth; and Moral Tales, by Robert Merry. New York, John S. Taylor & Co.
The eight volumes, of which we have given the titles above, are bound in a uniform style, and constitute a very neat and excellent library for juvenile readers. We know of no books that can be more appropriately presented to the young in the approaching holidays than those of Archdeacon Wilberforce, John Angell James, and Charlotte Elizabeth.