language, of only three years ftanding;-in which endeavour, we think, Mr. Winzer has fucceeded to a degree that may reasonably encourage him to proceed in the path that he hath marked out for himself. Let him, however, be well advised in the choice of his originals, and carefully confalt the tafte of the English nation, left he fhould be difappointed in the fale of his performances.

Art. 46. The Epiftolary Correspondence of Sir Richard Steele. Illuf. trated with literary and historical Anecdotes. By John Nichols: 12mo. 2 Vols. 7 s. Boards. Robfon, &c. 1787.

The first of thefe volumes contains Steele's Letters to his fecond wife, and their two daughters. The originals from which they are now first printed are depofited in the British Museum. Many of them are domestic trifles; but it is the trifling of a man of wit, and a gentleman. The fecond volume confifts of Letters, Dedications, &c. which were formerly publifhed.-The Notes are, perhaps, the only parts of this publication that will much engage the attention of the Public; and these cannot fail of proving acceptable to all who are curious with refpect to the literary hiftory of that period in which Steele, and the rest of those elegant writers flourished, to whom the world have been fo VERY HIGHLY indebted for the Tatler, Spectator, Guardian, &c. &c.

RURAL AMUSEMENTS.

Art. 47. Effays on Hunting. A new Edition; with a Supplement, containing an Account of the Vizier's Manner of Hunting in the Mogul Empire. By William Blane, Efq. 8vo. 4s. Boards. Stockdale. 1788.

The first edition of thefe Effays being anonymous, induces us to give the prefent publication a place in the Review, that our Readers might be acquainted with the name of the Author; a circumstance which may prove peculiarly acceptable among his acquaintance, and induce fome to purchase the work who might otherwise have paffed it unregarded. A further account of it is rendered unneceffary by our review of the first edition in our fixty-feventh volume, p. 17. The Supplement, containing a detail of the manner of conducting the hunting excurfions of the viziers and nabobs in the East Indies, in fome of which Mr. Blane fays he attended, in the years 1785 and 1786, is very curious, and will prove a choice morfel to our country Sportsmen.

THEOLOGY.

Art. 48. Salutary Admonitions to the Diffenters, in a Letter to Thơmas Rogers, Efq; Chairman of the Committee for the Establish.. ment of a new Academical Inflitution. 8vo. 1s. Bew. 1787. This anonymous writer profeffes himself a warm friend to the Diffenters, and even pays them a compliment, to which they have certainly no exclufive claim, in calling them the depofitaries of civil and religious liberty. He is, however, much offended with them for fome particulars in their political conduct, which he cenfures

The name of the Tranflator, as appears by his dedication to the Queen.

with great freedom. The circumftance at which he is most concerned is, that they have taken fome active measures in fupport of a minifter, whom he calls an indifcreet youth and an enterprifing boy. The more judicious part of the Diffenters will eafily impute this addrefs to its true motive, and will not be perfuaded to defert a liberal and useful plan, in order to adopt the romantic scheme of a general coalition of Diffenters of all denominations in a common fyftem of education. One hint from this monitor may, however, deserve their attention. The great and general error of the Diffenters,' fays he, ⚫ has been, endeavouring to force a fimilitude of conception on difficult propofitions; calling a modification of bigotry the love of truth, and preferring a delufive and unattainable fpecies of orthodoxy to the obvious and intelligible interests of liberty.'

Art. 49. Three Sermons on the Subject of Sunday Schools; with an Appendix, containing Rules, &c. To which are added, a few Hints on Parochial Clubs. By the Rev. Robert Lucas, B. D. 8vo. 2s. Robfon, 1787.

us.

The first and fecond of thefe difcourfes have been already noticed by The third obviates, in a very judicious and fatisfactory manner, both the general objections which are made against inftitutions for the inftruction of the poor, and the particular difficulties which have been started with refpect to Sunday Schools. The Author's account of a parochial club established at Hardingstone in Northamptonshire, promifes fo much benefit, that we shall give the heads of the scheme, as a hint which may, perhaps, be adopted with advantage in other villages.

This parochial club confifts of 81 members, 33 of whom are bonorary, or claim no benefit from the fund. Each member subscribes 3d. per week. The first year near 401. was raised, 30l. of which was placed out at intereft. The indigent fubfcribers have relief in cafe of accident, fick nefs, or age. Such clubs have an obvious tendency to diminish the poor's rates, and therefore are favourable to the more opulent: they give the poor an easy relief, on the footing of right. If women be admitted into fuch focieties, as their claims will be more numerous than thofe of men, their demand must be lefs. In a dear feafon, provifions or coals may be purchased from fuch a flock and fold at an under price. Perhaps this fcheme may fuggeft fome improvement of Mr. Acland's plan of providing for the poor. See Rev. vol. LXXVI. p. 61.

Art. 50. A friendly Addrefs to the Jews: ftating the Motives to ferious Inquiry into the Caufes of their prefent Difperfion, and the Requifites to a right Inquiry refpecting the Chriftian Doctrine; the Characteristics of the Meffiah from the Prophets; and the Teftimonies in favour of Jefus as the Chrift. To which is added, a Letter to Mr. D. Levi; containing Remarks on his Anfwer to Dr. Priestley's Letters to the Jews; fhewing, that however his Arguments may affect the Opinions of Dr. Priestley, they form no Objection against the Chriftian Religion. By J. Bicheno, Newbury. 8vo. Is. 6d. Buckland. 1787.

It seems to have been from a notion that the Jews were more likely to attend to an advocate for Chriftianity under an orthodox than unREV. Feb, 1788.

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der

der an heretical form, that Mr. Bicheno has undertaken to addrefs them. What fuccefs is likely to attend fuch addreffes from either quarter, we shall not prefume to predict; we fhall only fay, that this writer has executed the embafly he has undertaken in a manner which does credit both to his understanding and his heart.

Art. 51. The Objections of Mr. David Levi to the Miffion, Conduct, and Doctrine of the Lord Jefus Chrift, examined. By John Hadley Swain, Morning Preacher of St. George the Martyr, QueenSquare, &c. 8vo. 1s. 6d. Rivingtons. 1787.

The principal point which this writer labours, is to reconcile the Jews to the doctrine of the Trinity; a point which he will probably find fome difficulty in accomplishing.

Art. 52. Remarks on David Levi's fecond Letter to Dr. Priestley, in Answer to thofe he addreffed to the Jews. By Anti-Socinus. 8vo. IS. Bew. 1787.

Mr. Anfelm Bayly (for fuch, it seems, is the real name * of AntiSocinus) has, in thefe Remarks, very rudely treated and abufed Mr. David Levi, because he is a Jew, and has chofen to give his reafons for not being a Chriflian. Of Mr. Levi's character, we have heard a good report. As to his prefent antagonist, he feems better quali fied to wield the birchen rod than to handle the pen of controversy. Art. 53. A Letter to Dr. Priestley, F. R. S. &c. in Anfwer to his Letter to the Right Hon. William Pitt, on the Subject of the Repeal of the Test Act, &c. By William Hunter, A. M. Rector of St. Ann, Limehoufe, and late Fellow of Brazen-nofe College, Oxford. 8vo. Is. Wilkie, &c. 1787.

This letter is written in fo obfcure and confufed a ftyle, that it is extremely difficult to difcover the Author's meaning; and when it is difcovered, all that the reader will learn is, that the writer is much out of humour, and would be glad to fee the fpirit of innovation retrained by the iron hand of perfecution. The Diffenters,' he allows, are a part of the community, and a confounded unfound part 100-a limb of it, which, fhould it continue its unfavourable and incurable fymptoms, had better be lopped off, as in chirurgical cafes, than that a mortification fhould feize on the whole body politic.' The political chirurgeons of the prefent times, we truft, understand their bufinefs better than to have recourfe to amputation, otherwife this bloody-minded operator might ftand fome chance of being employed; and, in that cafe, he would, doubtless, with, like Nero, that the confounded dogs had but one neck, that he might difpatch them at a single ftroke.

Art. 54. A Difcourfe on Baptifm: containing Obfervations on Dr. Priestley's Chapters on the fame Subject. By Philalethes. 8vo. 1s. 6d. Brown.

It is very difficult, perhaps almeft impoffible, for writers on a difputable point wholly to diveft themfelves of a bias to that fide which they have themselves embraced, and to which they have been long attached; by which means the arguments of the oppofite party are often confidered as weak and futile. The Author of the prefent

* Vide the end of his tract.

performance

performance appears, on the whole, candid and moderate, as well as learned and judicious, yet not wholly free from fome preconceived partiality, so often unfavourable to the caufe of truth. There are folid and cogent reafons to be offered in behalf of infant baptifm by fprinkling. Those who have read two fmall tracts published by Mr. Towgood of Exeter, feveral years ago, will incline to think that there is just room to be fatisfied with the practice. But difpute is endless. Some confider baptifm as a profeffion on the part of the fubject who receives it, others as a fign or token of fome advantage to which the fubject is introduced; and this latter account applies well to children. But we are far, very far from becoming parties in the difpute; though we conceive, when things are fairly and coolly reprefented, there is little room for that confidence which anti-pædo-baptifts fo often affume. Philalethes is acquainted with his fubject, and writes in a He confiders a few rational, and, on the whole, a liberal manner. points which Dr. Priestley has maintained, and he dwells much on the argument from Patria Poteftas, as it is termed, and alfo on the baptifm of profelytes, on neither of which, we apprehend, any great ftrefs is to be laid. As to the Fathers, although of ufe for historical evidence, and on fome other accounts, we can allow them no kind of authority refpecting matters of doctrine, or rules of conduct. The pamphlet concludes with a fhort and earnest addrefs to the more rational of the prefent age, among whom we believe this writer ought to be ranked.

Art. 55. A fcriptural View of the Refurrection and Afcenfion of Jesus Chrift, by way of Harmony and araphrale With an Appendix on the Dignity of the Human Body with regard to its final Refurrection. By the Rev. John Weddred, Rector of St. John Baptift, Peterborough, &c. 4to. 15. Rivingtons.

We do not perceive that much new light is caft on the narrative. of our Saviour's refurrection by means of the arrangement here propofed. The Appendix, being chiefly conjectural, will afford but little fatisfaction to those who are peculiarly anxious with refpect to the fubject.

Art. 56. An Addrefs to the Parish of All Saints, Northampton, and to the Parish of Spratton in that County. 12mo. 6d. Evans, 1787.

A work of this nature requires not criticism, and is far above cenfure. The spirit which it breathes is highly laudable, and the performance is fo likely to engage the ferious attention of thofe to whom it is addreffed, that nothing is left for us to do, but to applaud the defign of the Author, and to express our wishes that thofe good purpofes may be accomplished at which he has benevolently aimed. We may just add, that one of thefe little tracts is diftributed gratis to every family in each of the above mentioned parishes.

Art. 57. An Essay on the Advantages of Revelation. By the Rev. Jofeph Whitely, A. B. Curate of Beefton, in the Parish of Leeds, and late of Magdalen College, Cambridge, 4to. 2s. Johnson. 1787.

The fubftance of this effay, we are told, was published by the Author, at a very early age, in confequence of having gained the first Norrifian

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Norrifian prize in the University of Cambridge. After many alterations and additions, it is again fubmitted to the Public on a more extenfive plan, and, perhaps, fomewhat more worthy their accept

ance.

It was to be expected that fuch a performance as this would obtain the prize above mentioned. It bears the plain evidences of thought and study. The language is correct and pleafant. It difcovers an acquaintance both with ancient learning and with the nature of Chriftianity, the arguments by which it is supported, and the manner in which objections to it may be obviated or overthrown. It will not be imagined that fuch fubjects can be fully difcuffed within the narrow limits affigned to this differtation. Yet more is accomplished than might be at firft expected; for the effay abounds with thought and we have perufed it with much fatisfaction. Art. 58. Sermons on various Subjects. By John Dupré, M. A. Mafter of Tring Academy, and late Fellow of Exeter College, Oxford. Vol. II. 8vo. 6s. Cadell. 1787.

For the first volume of Mr. Dupré's fermons we must direct our Readers to the Review for November 1782, p. 375. vol. lxvii. This fecond volume bears a confiderable refemblance to the former. The fermons are rather of that declamatory kind which is perhaps beft adapted to the pulpit. There is energy and perfuafion in them, and fometimes pathos. The language is fluent, but not inaccurate. Our Author appears to have an earnest defire to be useful, and an affectionate regard to the beft interefts of his hearers. The subjects of this volume are the following:-I. Self-murder. Job, ii. 9. Then faid bis wife unto him, &c.-II. Sudden death. Matth. xxiv. 44.-III. A good Confcience. Acts, xxiv. 16. And herein do exercife myself, &c.— IV. Lamb of God. John, i. 29.-V. Paffion of Chrift. John, xx. 28. -VI. Redemption. 1 Tim. ii. 5, 6. Who gave himself a ransom, &c. -VII. The Gofpel. John, vi. 67, 68. Then Jefus faid to the twelve, &c.-VIII. Joys of a future State. 1 Theff. iv. 17. Then we which are alive, &c.-IX. General Falt, 1782. Ifa. v. 25. Therefore is the anger, &c.-X. General Thanksgiving. Exod. xv. 9. The enemy faid, &c.-XI. Charity Schools. Mark, x. 14. Suffer, &c.—XII. Charity. 1 Cor. xii. 31. But covet earnestly, &c.-XIII. Sunday Schools. Matth. ix. 36. But when he faw the multitude, &c.-XIV. Ditto. Exod. ii. 6. And when he had opened it, &c.

Mr. Dupré, we apprehend, has popular talents; his fermons are not all equal, but it feems a general and juft account that they are lively, fenfible, and practical. He is a warm advocate for Sunday Schools, which he ably recommends in the two laft difcourfes.

Art. 59. Letter to the Rev. Dr. Priestley, in which the Author attempts to prove, by one prefcriptive Argument, that the Divinity of Jefus Chrift was a primitive Tenet of Chriftianity. By the Rev. Alex. Geddes, LL. D. 8vo. Is. Faulder, &c. 1787. The prefcriptive argument advanced by Dr. Geddes in defence of the divinity of Chrift, is briefly this: The Council of Nice, held in the year 325, confifting of 318 of the principal paftors in the Chriftian church, collected from all parts of the world, gave their decifion in favour of this doctrine. This doctrine was therefore the com

mon