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NEW BOOKS; with the Prices, Publishers Names, Remarks, and Extracts.

[The fignatures annexed, show to whom we are indebted for the remarks, &c.; M. denoting the Monthly, and C the Critical Review; G. the Gentleman's Magazine, &c.]

Efays: [1] On the nature and immutability of Truth, in oppofition to Sophiftry and Scepticism; [2] On Poetry and Mufic, as they affect the mind; [3] On Laughter, and Ludicrous Compofition; [4] On the utility of Claffical Learning. By James Beattie, LLD. Profe for of Moral Philofophy and Logic in the Marifchal college and univerfity of Aber deen. I vol. 410. Il. Is. in boards. Creech, Edinburgh.

There is a very refpectable lift of fubfcribers prefixed to this book, in number near 500; and of thefe Mrs Montagu fubfcribes for 30 copies; Lord Dartrey 20; Ifaac Hawkins Browne, Efq; 14; the Duchefs of Portland, the Archbishop of York, and Lord Newhaven, 10 each; Lord Carysfort, the Earl and the Countefs Dartmouth, the Bifhops of Durham, London, and Winchefter, Lady Newhaven, Earl Spencer, and James Scawen, Efq; 5 each; Mifs Cooper, Macleane, Efq; and Sir Joshua Reynolds, 4 each; the Duke of Grafton, and the Counters Spencer, 3 each; the Lord Chancellor of England, Lady Lyttelton, and feven be. fides, 2 each; and Mr Creech, bookfeller in Edinburgh, 100.- A few copies only were printed for fale. We in

fert the Author's

ADVERTISEMENT.

This publication has been attended with fome peculiar circumftances, which may be misunderstood, and which, therefore, I beg leave to explain.

About three years ago, fome perfons of distinction in England, who had honoured me with their friendship, were pleased to exprefs a defire, that the EsSAY ON TRUTH fhould be printed in a more fplendid form than that in which it had hitherto appeared; and fo as to enfure profit, as well as honour, to the author. And the proprietors of the copy-right, being at the fame time applied to, declared their willingness to permit an edition to be printed for his advantage, on his agreeing to certain terms, which were thought reasonable.

It was then propofed, that a new e dition of the Efay thould be printed i quarto, by fubfcription. To this th Author had fome objections. He wa apprehenfive, that the fize of that wor might be inadequate to fuch a purpose Befides, to publifh in this manner book which had already gone throug two or three editions *, feemed hazard ous, because unprecedented; and might to thofe who were uninformed of the af fair, give ground to fufpect the Autho of an infirmity, which no perfon wh knows him will ever lay to his charge an exceffive love of money.

It was answered, That the volum might be extended to a fufficiency o fize, by printing, along with that o Truth, fome other Efays, which, thoug not originally defigned for the prefs, hi Friends, who had seen them, were plea fed to think not unworthy of it; an that the Propofed Subscription, being c a peculiar kind, should be conducted i "It shall never, a peculiar manner. faid the promoters of this undertaking "be committed to Bookfellers, no made public by advertisements; nobod fhall be folicited to join in it; we, b ourselves and our friends, fhall carry i on, without giving you any furthe trouble, than juft to fignify your con fent, and prepare your materials: - an if there be, as we have reafon to thin there are, many perfons of worth an fortune, who with for fuch an opportu nity as this will afford them, to teftit their approbation of you and your wri tings, it would feem capricious in yo to deprive them of that fatisfaction, an yourfelf of fo great an honour."

To a propofal fo uncommonly generou the Author could not refufe his confent without giving himself airs, which woul not have become him. He therefor thankfully acquiefced. And the buti nefs went on and has now terminate in a way that does him much honour and demands his moft grateful acknow ledgements to thofe Noble and Learne Perfons who conducted and encouragedi

[There had been five editions of it.] The Gentleman Farmer: being an attemp to improve Agriculture, by fubjecting to the test of rational prisciples. It Strated with copper-plts. [By Lor Kames.]. 6s. Creech.

THis book treats of the Practice an of the theory of Agriculture.-Th

Part is divided into fourteen chap : 1. Inftruments of husbandry; 2. Fam cattle and carriages; 3. Farm-of4. Preparing land for cropping; uture of plants for food; 6. Culof grafs; 7. Rotation of crops; inping corn and hay crops, and ftothem for ufe; 9. Feeding farm; 10. Culture of other plants proar for a farm; 11. Manures; 12. Fen; 13. The proper fize of a farm, and z ukful accommodations it ought to ; 14. What a corn-farm ought to in rent. - The Second Part is dided into three chapters: 1. Prelimirobfervations; 2. Food of plants, fertility of foil; 3. Means of fertifoils. Many of the chapters are aded.An Appendix is added. -We give a few extracts from the

I have not mentioned a fingle aror as certain, but what I have practimany years with fuccefs. The inactions contained in this book, are Funded on repeated experiments and dient obfervation. If any particular pens to be mentioned that has not e under my infpection, the reader is amed of it."

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There certainly never was in Scotda period, when good leffons in hufsindry were more feasonable than at t. This country, growing in poulation, affords not corn fufficient for ababitants; and yet wafte land ads, which fome kill and much in try would fertilize. Is it not deploe, that in the best-cultivated fhires, patches of land should produce nobut broom and whins, not from nefs, but from indolence? Can rencouragement to induftry be ad, than a ready market for every g the foil produces? how different the condition of Scotland, not more forty years ago! Can a landholder employed more profitably for his try, or more honourably as well as bly for him felf, than to roufe e tion among his tenants, by kind atment, by inftruction, by example, dby premiums? Let him ftudy the es contained in this little work, all of a plain, and adapted to practice. Let him convene his tenants once a year hearty meal, and engage them to w thefe rules. What if he fhould low on the deferving, a plough or a te of the beft construction? Land

cannot be improved at a cheaper rate It was by fuch means, that the late John Cockburn of Ormistown promoted emulation and induftry among his people. His patriotic zeal was rewarded: he lived to fee his eftate in a higher degree of cultivation, than even to this day is feen in any other part of Scotland. The fame means were employed more extenfively, by the late Earl of Findlater [xxxii. 578.]: the skill and perfeverance of that nobleman raifed his tenants from a torpid ftate, to a surprising degree of activity; and few can now vie with them, either for industry or knowledge. Had other landlords been equally active, how flourishing would agriculture have been in Scotland? Great fums would annually have been received for corn; instead of being imported for ready money, a commodity that can very ill be spared. The field is ftill open: let us join hearts and hands to redeem time wofully mispent."

"Agriculture is a very ancient art. It has been practifed every where without intermiflion; but with very little attention to principles. In ftudying the principles laid down by writers, I found myfelf in a fort of labyrinth, carried to and fro without any certain direction. After a long courfe of reading, where there was nothing but darkness and difcrepance, I laid afide my books, took heart, and, like Des Cartes, commenced my inquiries with doubting of every thing. I reforted to the book of nature: I ftudied it with attention: and the fecond part of this work contains the refult of my inquiries. It is far from my thoughts, to impofe my opinions upon others: I pretend only to have reduced the theory of agriculture into a fort of system, more concife at least, and more confiftent, than has been done by other writers. Many eyes are better than one; and if my theory fhall be found erroneous, the many that have erred before, will ferve in fome mealure to keep me in countenance. I am not however afraid of any grofs error. An Imprimatur from one of the ableft chymifts of the prefent age, has given me fome confi. dence of being in the right track *."

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ted for fkill in husbandry, and for patriotifm; to ferve without fee, but their fecretary to have 100l. a-year ; — to meet once a-month; and to be chofen, one named by the juftices of peace of each corn-county at their quarter-feffions, from among whom the crown to chufe the nine;- befide the fecretary's falary, 500l. public money yearly to be at the disposal of the board. "The things neceffary to be undertaken by this board, [fays the Hon. Author], at the commencement of their operations, will require much labour and fagacity. The firft is, to make out a state of the husbandry practifed in the different counties; in which notice must be taken of the climate, of the foil, of the mode of cropping, and of the inftruments of husbandry, noting the prices of all the particulars that enter into farming. The next is, a paper of inftructions for improving husbandry, fuited to the foil and fituation of every district; with fpecial reference to the prefent practice, fhowing where it is defective or erroneous, and propofing the cheapest and most effectual corrections. Thefe prelimina ries being fettled, the ordinary bufinefs of the board may be carried on eafily and comfortably. In the first place, There is a neceffity for an inspector, named by the board, to make a progrefs from time to time in fucceffive places, for reporting the progrefs of the improve. ments directed, and for giving inftruction in cafes that cannot fo clearly be put in writing. In this progrefs, fpecial notice ought to be taken of the bestconducted farms, whether by landlords or tenants. A few filver medals beftowed on the most deferving, will roufe emulation in all, and promote industry. Second, This board will confider it as a capital branch of business, to answer queries, and to folicit a correspondence with men of kill. Third, They ought carefully to inform themselves of every invention that tends to improve the art, and to publish what they think ufeful. Fourth, Premiums ought to be propofed, and distributed among those who profit the moft by the inftructions of the board. Thefe premiums ought to be ploughs, harrows, carts, conftructed af. ter the beft models; which befide exciting induftry, would be a means to introduce the beft husbandry-inftruments. Fifth, In no other respect would a board of agriculture be fo ufeful, as in direct.

Agriculture,

ing proper experiments. though the prime of arts, is far from perfection in any country. This in part is owing to its complex nature; but chiefly, to the length of time that is neceffary to afcertain, by a courfe of experiments, any capital point in theory or practice. The life of man is too short for fuch an undertaking. The only remedy is, to employ many hands upon different experiments; which cannot be done effectually, but under the direction of a board that never dies. Let lifts be made from time to time, of the points that are capable to be ascertained by experiments: let proper experiments be fuggefted: let thefe experiments be dif tributed among perfons of skill. And when their fuccefs is reported, the conclufions that may be drawn from them, ought to be published. This would be the most effectual method that ever has been contrived, to ripen knowledge in husbandry. To enliven this branch of bufinefs, premiums ought to be propofed, lucrative as well as honorary.-To make the board proceed with fpirit, a book or pamphlet ought to be published annually, containing the tranfactions of the board during the preceding year. The profit of the work is a perquifite to the fecretary; which will encourage him to bestow his utmost skill in the com pilation."

The nature, extent, and importance, of the duty of Allegiance: A jermon preached at Aberdeen, Dec. 12. 1776, being the faft-day appointed by the King on account of the rebellion in America. By George Campbell, D.D. Principal of Marifchal college. Is. Printed at Aberdeen;" fold at Edinburgh by Dickfon.

EXTRACTS.

Prov. xxiv. 21. — Meddle not with them that are given to change.

Two topics are infifted on: 1. The rights of magiftracy; 2. The grounds of the prefent colonial war.

On the first the Rev. Preacher fays, "The precept in my text, prohibits us from favouring innovations in matters of government, or concurring in violent and irregular meafures, for the purpose of effecting fome change either in the governors, or in the form of government." In proof of this, the texts, Rom. xiii. 1. 2. 5. and 1 Pet. ii. 13. 14. 15. are quoted,

"Are

"Are we then (fay fome) to conclude, that refistance to governors is in all cafes unlawful; and that whatever part they act, however oppreffive and tyrannical, the governed have no choice but obedience and fubmiffion? I do by no means affirm this. There are few general rules that admit no exception. -Unless the nature of the thing require it, we cannot conclude so much from a gederal propofition. And that the na ture of the thing does not in this cafe require it, is manifeft from this confideration, that government obliges us in confcience to obedience and fubmiffion, only because it is the means appointed by Providence for promoting one of the mot important ends, the good of fociety. If this inftitution, therefore, in any inftance, fhould fo far degenerate into tyranny, that all the miseries of a civil war confequent on refiftance, would be lefs terrible than the slavery and op. preffion fuffered under the government, then, and only then, could refiftance be faid to be either incumbent as a duty, or even lawful. It cannot reasonably be denied, that the principle of felf-defence is as natural and juftifiable in communities as in individuals."

"It holds in general, that no man, no body of men, conftituting but a fmaller part of the community, are intitled to refift the magiftrate by force, in what is properly a private quarrel, even though they should think them. felves, and be in fact, unjustly treated by him. For there is a very great difference between not being obliged to give an active obedience, and being intitled to make an active refistance.

I admit that cafes may be fuppofed fo atrociously barbarous, that nature would reclaim against the feverity of this doctrine, and the heart of every feeling perfon would justify the oppreffed in giving way to the impulse of that moft natural and rooted principle of felf-defence. But fuch cafes are uncommon any where, and hardly ever to be found in free or limited governments. Yet even in fuch cafes, the very utmoft we can fay is, that humanity and candour would admit the greatnefs of the provocation as an apology for the refiftance, which would be confidered as excufable, not regarded as incumbent. In fupport of authority a pofitive precept is pleaded; in fupport of fuch a refiftance as has been now fuppofed, the utmoft VOL. XXXIX.

that could be urged is an implied exception, refulting from extraordinary circumftances. In every cafe in which the rule holds, to tranfgrefs it is an invafion of the rights of others, not only the rights of the magiftrate, but the right of the fociety, whofe peace and order we difturb; whereas in the particular cafe above stated, not to avail one's felf of the exception, is only to yield of one's own right; a thing which in most cafes is entirely in one's own power."

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On the fecond topic, Dr Campbell fays, that the right claimed by the British parliament to tax our fellow-fubjects in America," may be called the hinge of the controverfy. On which he obferves, that this right is fupported by immemorial cuftom, from the first fettlement of the colonies, as has been proved beyond a doubt by late writers, The Rights of G. Britain afferted [xxxviii. 68. 707.], Remarks on the 13th parliament [xxxvii. 324.], An Answer to the Declaration of the Congress [xxxviii. 652.], &c.;-and that the charters of the colonifts give no fupport to exemption from fuch taxation; in one of them the right is referved in exprefs terms [xxxvii. 482.], and in others it is referved manifeftly by implication, in as much as immunities from being taxed are granted for a limited term of years, in fome longer, in others fhorter.

Some are inconfiftent enough (fays he) to maintain, that our legiflature has power to make laws on other articles which fhall bind the colonies, but not to tax them; -"What! have we the command of their perfons, their liberties, their lives, but not of their purses? May we declare what is criminal in them, what is not, and what crimes fhall be punished with imprisonment, what with exile, what with ftripes, and what with death, but cannot affect a fingle fhilling of their coin? Is then the union between a man and his money

more intimate than that between the foul and the body? One would be tempted to believe, that it had been in the head of fome mifer, whofe treasure is his god, that this abfurd conceit had first been gendered."

The Doctor is furprifed at the inconfiftency of men who admit the legality of the navigation-act, and yet deny the legality of taxing.

"The more confiftent patrons of the American caufe (fays he) deny, that the

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legiflative

we may know that the intention was to comprehend those under every conftitu. tion. The powers actually in being at the time, to which the people were commanded to be fubjected, were the powers of the Roman government; not of the republic, but of the empire, a new fpe-cies of monarchy, elective, irregular, and very arbitrary.

legislative power of the British fenate can juftly extend to the colonies in any thing; because men cannot be bound by laws to which they have not given their confent, But when thefe men are pushed for an explanation, their confent dwindles at laft to no more than that by our conftitution the minority are fo far determined by the act of the majority, and thofe who have no voice in the election as well as In regard to tribute, nothing can be the electors, by the majority of the e- more exprefs: Render to all their dues, trilected prefent at the paffing of any act, bute to whom tribute is due, custom to whom as to be obliged to fubmit to it as the custom, fear to whom fear, honour to whom law of the land. But in this fenfe it may honour. What shall we fay to this pafwith equal truth be affirmed, that in fage, if all cuftom and tribute are natuthe ariftrocratical state of Venice, the rally and effentially free gifts on the part people are bound by no laws but thofe to of the people? and if, confequently, no which they have given their confent; be- tribute or custom could be due to any caufe, by their confiitution, the plebei- man to whom they had not previously, ans are determined by the deed of the either perfonally, or by their reprefenpatricians; and are therefore to be un- tatives, freely given and granted it? derstood as virtual and implicit confent- [xxxvii. 345.]- Nothing can be more ers. Nay, ye may extend the maxim to decifive on this point, than our Saviour's the inhabitants of Turky, who, by the reply to a question put by the Jews. Afconftitution of their country, may with e- ter afking them to fhow him the tributequal propriety be confidered as confenting money, and being told that it bore Ceto the declared will of the Grand Signior. far's image and superscription, he immeThe will of a majority from which I dif- diately rejoined, Render therefore to Cefar fer, is no more my will, their opinion which the things which are Cefar's, and to God I disbelieve is no more my opinion, than the things which are God's. Yet it is cerif they were the will and opinion of a tain, that to this tax, or any other exfingle perfon only: and I can never be acted by the Romans, the confent of no faid to be felf governed, if my conduct Jew was ever afked. Is it fo then, that must be regulated by the will and opi. this original, this unalienable, this indenion of others, and not by my own. If feasible right, to which, in the turgid any where the idea of a democracy dialect of America, the laws of nature wherein every member is his own law and of nature's God intitle every man, giver is realized, it is in the diets and di- that no part of his property can be aliectines of Poland: for there every mem- nated without his own confent, was tober has it in his power to stop the pro- tally unknown to our Lord and his aceedings of the whole. The confequence pofties? Did not they discover what is is, that no-where, under fophi, mogul, clear as demonftration to all our Weftern or fultan, is there lefs order, lefs liberty, brethren, that without fuch conient, by Jefs fecurity, than there. Every man is whatever law or ftatute the tax was imat the mercy of every man. Is this cha- pofed, it would be no better than fatotic jumble the great idol of our modern table plunder; - a favourite phrase of the republicans?" Congrefs." [xxxvii. 424.]

The Doctor having tried the novel maxims of our modern republicans by the light of reason, brings them alfo to the Chriftian touch-ftone, the Bible. "Hear Chrift's faithful fervant Paul: Let every foul be fubject to the higher powers; for there is no power but of God. The powers that be are ordained of God. Whof ever therefore refifth the power, refifteth the ordinance of God. And they that refift, hall receive to themselves damnation, or judgement. No limitation is here annexed: magiftrates are denoted by terms of the most extenfive fignification, that

"Some more moderate advocates for the Americans will plead, That without recurring to any democratical and newfangled principles, thefe few queftions for clearing the point may pertinently be asked: 1. Whether or not have the Britifh Americans a civil and conftitutional right to all the privileges of British fubjects? 2. Is it not a diftinguishing privilege of British subjects, that they are not taxable but by their reprefentatives? 3. If this be the cafe, can the Americans be regularly or juftly taxed by a parlia

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