look ing into modern history for a fulfilment of Old Testament prophecy. On this subject, Dr. Allix's "Vain Hope of the Jews refuted," may be consulted with great advantage. P.294. Simon Kananites is stated to have been born at Cana in Galilee: it is a more probable explanation which makes the name by which he is distinguished by St. Matthew, synonymous with the Zelotes of St. Luke, deriving it from the Hebrew kana, zealous. We should recommend our Author to submit her work to the revision of a Biblical scholar, previously to a second edition.

Art. IX. Memoirs of the Rev. Thomas Brand, with a Sermon preached on the Occasion of his Death, by the Rev. Samuel Annesley, LL.D. A new Edition, revised and corrected, by William Chaplin. 12mo. pp. 86. Price 2s. Bishop's Stortford. 1822.

THE admirable person whose character is portrayed in these

pages, was an ancestor of the present Lord Dacre, to whom this new edition is dedicated by the Editor. The Author of the Memoir was first cousin to the Earl of Anglesea, Lord Privy Seal in the reign of Charles II. In the phraseology and cast of expression, it bears the marks of those remote times; but to many of our readers, it will not be less interesting on that account; and if there is any uncouthness in the style of the narrative, there was none in the character it describes.

Mr. Brand was designed for the Law. On relinquishing that profession, he devoted himself to theological studies; but such were his views of the responsibility connected with the pastoral office, that he was in the habit of preaching twice or three times every Sunday, long before he could bring himself to undertake a specific charge. Thus, his wary entering into this office, presaged a careful fulfilling of it.' A prominent and instructive feature of his ministry, was his unwearied assiduity in catechizing his flock; a branch of pastoral duty which has, we fear, become almost obsolete.

Next to his preaching,' says his biographer, I will mention his catechising, which in some respects he preferred before it, saying, if he were to be confined to preaching or catechising, and might not do both, he would choose catechising. He had a more than ordinary dexterity at insinuating truths, not only into the heads, but God, hereby testifying his approbation of his zeal, impressed it on the hearts of greater numbers than I dare mention, lest it should seem incredible.

He had so thoroughly digested the whole body of divinity, and so thoroughly acquainted himself with all sorts of catechisms, and so continually exercised himself in sifting and instructing all he conversed with, that he experimentally knew how to propose such questions as were suit

able to the capacities and necessities of all sorts of persons, so as to discourage none, but to benefit all.'

And though the instruction of young and ignorant people is the usual design in catechising, yet he was so full and accurate in illustrating the several heads of religion, that aged and more improved persons did frequently attend his catechetical exercises, with great satisfaction and delight. For his custom in reading not only bodies of divinity, but practical books, was to collect what was most valuable in them, and transfer them to their proper places in his catechism, which was interleaved for that purpose, whereby he was ready furnished to give a grateful entertainment, as well to the most judicious, as to the meaner christians. He would often express how difficult as well as necessary this work was; and therefore he took much pains to have the most clear understanding of the doctrine of the gospel. He was a diligent observer of the practice, method, and success of his reverend brethren in this matter, all which he improved; and his success was answerable to such preparations and endeavours. He would frequently say, that he never experienced more of the assistance of God in any duty than in this: God making him an instrument of conveying very much knowledge hereby. Some that had been under his instruction have proved most judicious and able christians. In short, he saw so much need, and so much good effect of his labours in this way, that he would say, while he had breath he would spend it in catechising.

Besides these weekly exercises, and catechising in all the schools which he erected, he hired some persons in distant places to catechise all children and others who were willing to learn; and once a month or oftener, he rode about from place to place to catechise them himself. And then to encourage those who did well, he gave some reward, either in books or money, according to the quality of the persons. And to encourage parents or masters to send their children or servants, he presented them with some books curiously bound and gilt, that might be most acceptable; and if they were poor, he gave them more money than they could have earned in the time of their learning. His discourse with parents and masters was really catechistical, though so managed, that they could not think themselves disparaged by such instructions. He had a way of so proposing his questions, that the question should lead them to, or furnish them with an answer.' pp. 23-27.

In the lines on Mr. Brand's death, there is a comma misplaced, at line 11, which obscures the sense: it should be,

The noisy bar, the road to wealth and fame.'

They are, for the time of day, far above mediocrity.

F

Art. X. Malay Annals: translated from the Malay Language. By the late Dr. John Leyden. With an Introduction, by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, F.R.S. &c. &c. 8vo. pp. xvi, 361. Price 10s. 6d. London. 1821.

UNTIL

NTIL the researches of Sir Thomas Raffles and Mr. Crawfurd had placed the character of the Malays in a more favourable light, it was even proverbially considered as an odious compound of all that was faithless and ferocious. The hasty inferences of passing travellers, and the interested representations of the Dutch, aided by the excesses of the Malay pirates, and by certain peculiarities in their native cus toms, had given to this representation a strong hold on public opinion; and it is with difficulty we can bring ourselves to believe that they are in reality a brave and high-minded people, distinguished by many of the sentiments and habits connected with feudal institutions, commercial and enterprizing, and exhibiting proofs of civilization and refinement. When Dr. Leyden, in 1805, visited the islands of the Indian Archipelago, he entered with his usual activity on the extensive field of inquiry presented by the language, manners, government, history, and literature, of this interesting race. The popular traditions connected with the Malayan annals, particularly attracted his attention; and he had formed an opinion, probably correct with the limitations with which he held it, that they might supply some information respecting the early history, or, at least, the customs and institutions of these widely scattered tribes.

Their authentic memorials commence only with the introduction of Mohammedanism. Antecedently to that event, little that is satisfactory can be traced amid the wild exaggerations. of the fantastic legends, which take the place of credible narration. We have Rajahs descending to the bottom of the ocean; others who change rice into gold, leaves into silver, and stalks into brass; ants as big as cats, and other rare inventions equally ingenious, and equally interesting.

The most absurd of these tales of wonder occur at the beginning of the volume; as the work proceeds, it becomes more interesting and important. The details, which are, we should imagine, for the most part, sufficiently correct, are not only amusing as examples of Malay narrative, but valuable as illustrating the modes of social and political life among that people. It would be a waste of labour to attempt to extract a regular series of events from this strange jumble of preposterous fictions, but we have on the whole derived much amusement, and some information from the volume. It is more pleasant, assuredly, to read Herodotus or Livy; still, there is some gratification in making ourselves acquainted with the way in which they write history at Malacca.

ART. XI. SELECT LITERARY INFORMATION.

*Gentlemen and Publishers who have works in the Press, will oblige the Conductors of the ECLECTIC REVIEW, by sending information (post paid) of the subject, extent, and probable price of such works; which they may depend upon being communicated to the public, if consistent with its plan.

new edition of the Saxon Chronicles, with an Euglish translation and notes, and a copious index, in a quarto vo

lume.

Art. XII. LIST OF WORKS RECENTLY PUBLISHED.