24. Mormonism and the Mormons. A Historical View of the Rise and Progress of the Sect self-styled Latter-Day Saints. By Rev. DANIEL P. KIDDER. 18mo. New-York: G. Lane & P. P. Sandford. 1842. It is a matter of astonishment that such an imposture as Mormonism should in the nineteenth century, and in the United States, obtain the least consideration. It is a revival of Mohammedanism, under the auspices of an ignorant knave-a most senseless imposition from beginning to end, and yet it is making thousands of converts, both in this country and in England. In the work before us, we have an account of the origin and progress of this truly blasphemous and revolutionary system. The "Latter-Day Saints" are a political and military faction, as dangerous to the peace of the country as to the interests of true religion. We shall review the book hereafter.

25. A Practical Grammar of the English Language; or, an Introduction to Composition in which Sentences are classified into Verbal Forms and Phrases By EDWARD HAZEN, A. M., author of "The Symbolical Spelling-book," "The Speller and Definer," and "The Panorama of Professions and Trades, or Popular Technology." New-York: Huntington & Savage.

So many English grammars have been published within the present century without materially improving the science, that we hardly expect to meet with a new work on this subject worthy of particular attention; but, from the reputation of Mr. Hazen for diligence in his investigations, we were prepared to expect from him valuable improvements, if not new discoveries, in the mode of communicating a knowledge of the grammar of our language. We can only glance at the peculiarities of his system.

The author proceeds upon the principle that the leading object in the study of grammar is to learn the constructions of the language, and that these can be thoroughly learned only by forming these constructions. He has, therefore, made every example proposed for parsing a model for imitation. This method of learning the language is rendered easy by the classification of sentences into verbal forms and phrases, which are as distinct and as easily understood as the parts of speech themselves. These constructions are presented, and fully discussed, one at a time, so that pupils are not liable to be confused.

Though Mr. Hazen has proposed a radical change in the method of teaching the grammar of our language, yet it is so easy and practical, that instructors need not be alarmed. We commend this grammar to their attention. Though we have not been able fully to scan its merits, we have little doubt but it will be found to contain some valuable improvements upon existing systems.

26. Sanders' Series of School Books; comprising Sanders' Spelling Book, Primary School Primer, and School Readers, First, Second, Third, and Fourth Books. New-York: Dayton & Newman.

THIS Series furnishes a gradual and complete system of spelling and reading exercises suitable for all classes, from the young tyro to the highest classes in our schools. The orthography and orthoepy, adopted by the author throughout his works, are in agreement with Dr. Webster's Dictionary, which, if generally adopted, cannot fail to bring about a uniformity in spelling and pronunciation, so very desirable. The scheme for parsing or analyzing words, orthographically presented on the seventeenth page of the Spelling Book, must be a pleasing and profitable exercise for the scholar in acquiring a knowledge of the elementary principles of our language. In addition to the usual exercise in the Spelling Book, the more difficult words that compose the reading lessons in the Readers are arranged together at the head of each lesson for spelling, with their definitions given primarily, according to the sense in which they are used. Questions are subjoined to each of the reading lessons in the Third and Fourth Readers-the answers to which are calculated not only to bring out the most important ideas contained in the lessons, but also the appropriate inflection, modulation, tones, &c., to be observed in the reading, reference frequently being had to the rules of rhetoric and exercises in the fore part of the book. Mr. Sanders is exerting himself with commendable zeal in endeavoring to provide our primary schools with such books as will aid the young mind in the first stages of its developments. We wish every such effort all the success that its merits deserve.

27. The Domestic Circle; or, Moral and Social Duties explained and enforced on Scriptural Principles, in a Series of Discourses. By the Rev. M. SORIN. 12mo., pp. 260. Second edition. Philadelphia: J. Harmstead. 1841.

THE subject of this book is one too little studied, and, consequently, too little understood. Our author has clearly and ably discussed the great laws which should govern the domestic circle, and has exhibited in a strong light the interests which are staked upon their uniform execution. We most cordially recommend this family directory both to parents and children. Had we space we could say much more of a commendatory character.

28. Devotional Melodies. By CHARLES M. F. DEEMS, A. B. 12mo., pp. 48. Raleigh, N. C. Thomas Jefferson Lemay. 1841.

:

We are as far from being a poet as possible. And if a poet only can judge of poetry, our opinion is absolutely good for nothing. Hence we would always speak with reserve of this species of compositions. In the effort now before us, there are things which, to us, seem not a little beautiful. We wish the amiable author great success in his intercourse with the muses.

29. Scenes in the Wilderness: an Authentic Narrative of the Labors and Sufferings of the Moravian Missionaries among the North American Indians. By Rev. WILLIAM M. WILLETT. 18mo., pp. 208. New-York: G. Lane and P. P. Sandford. 1842.

WE venture to promise our readers, young and old, a rich reward for the purchase and perusal of this little work. The author has selected his facts with care and judgment, and they are of a character both to interest and instruct the reader. The work was not edited in our department, and, of course, we have no claim to credit for the editorial touches which it may have received. We hope it may have a wide circulation.