conclude from the mention of Otaheite and other places, not then in the contemplation of the persons endeavouring to found the Society, and from the adoption of Dr. Haweis's beautiful metaphor, in his sermon before the first general meeting, "the numerous clusters of islands, which spot the bosom of the Pacific Ocean."

But the last, and, in many respects, the best of these discourses is the Address, said, though in our opinion, rather improperly, to be delivered before the Missionary Society; since a society, dispersed over the whole nation, and convened only at annual or other general meetings, could no more be said to be present at the Monthly Prayer-Meeting, at Walworth, than at their other numerous PrayerMeetings, held at the same hour in various parts of the kingdom. Though we mention this circumstance, we are persuaded it is an over-sight; as none of the gentlemen, residing in London, would wish to assume the least importance above their brethren of the North or South, who are equally zealous in promoting the interests of the Institution.

The matter of the Address is excellent, and the manner of treating the subject easy and ingenious. It is founded on a passage in the ninth chapter of Zechariah, "He shall speak peace to the beathen." Almost every word of this prophecy being emphatic, furnishes a leading idea for the discussion. The blessing predicted is peace. The author of which is the great God our Saviour; He shall speak peace to the heathen. The objects of this blessing are specified; The beatben. The manner in which it is conferred is pointed out; he shall speak peace to the heathen. The certainty of the event is declared; he shall'speak peace to the heathen. These particulars Mr. J. judiciously considers, and urges upon his auditory as so many motives to render assistance to the Institution, and as so many encouragements to confirm their expectations of

success

We sincerely wish a blessing may accompany this, and every other well-meant performance. We have not perused it in vain ; but have found in it many things we love and admire. At the same time we candidly confess, that had Mr. J. constantly preserved unity of design in all his discourses, as he has in his Address, and rather considered what should, than what could be said on a text, we might have been better pleased, and perhaps more profited; especially as much of the volume is didactic, and requires the utmost possible brevity, that the memory of the person, who is to practise the instructions, be not over-burdened.

Omne supervacuum pleno de pectore manat.

A Sermon, pr.ached at Knaresborough, Oct. 23, 1796, on Occasion of a Form of Thanksgiving being read for the late abundant Harvest. By the Rev. Samuel Clapham, M. A. 4to. Price 1s. Johnson, London; Binns, Leeds. THE ministers of religion never employ their talents more laudably, or with greater probability of success, than when they endeavour

deavour to improve the particular occurrences of Providence, as incitements to humiliation or gratitude. The late alarms of scarcity being succeeded by an abundant harvest, a general form of thanksgiving, for a season so auspicious, was drawn up by authority, and appointed to be used in all our churches and chapels for four successive Sundays. (Page 4). On this occasion our author read to his congregation, as the foundation of a monument to the bounty of heaven, Deut. viii. 10, 11. " When thou hast eaten, and art full, then thou shalt bless the Lord, &c. ;" and were this sermon as fully adapted to the text, as the text to the event, we must have been highly gratified in the perusal of it. But for us, who value such publications by the divinity of their contents, and the force of their application to the eternal interests of men, Mr. C. abounds too much in the declamation of intemperate political zeal.

After various observations on the wickedness of monopolizing the necessary articles of life; the humanity of those who have exerted themselves to counteract the effects of this evil, and the means of prevention for the future; with answers to objections; Mr. C. proceeds, in the seventeenth page of his sermon, to enforce the subject matter of his text: First, on "those who constitute the most numerous and useful part of society, who earn their bread by the sweat of their brow." (Page 17). Secondly, on them who stand in the middle rank of society; and who, "by laying up in a napkin the talent committed to them, will resemble an ungrateful soil and a sandy desert, where the sun loses his seasons, and where the showers produce only thistles and weeds." (Page 20). Thirdly, on the higher ranks of men, whom he addresses with much seeming diffidence of success. The subsequent paragraph will afford a good specimen of popular and useful style, which we are sorry should lose any of its effect by inordinate attachment to political speculation, or the acrimony of political prejudice.

"To you, who are possessed of "this world's goods," and who stand as a "beacon on a hill," directing the steps, and influencing the actions of beholders; permit me to suggest to you, that, according as you reverence the ordinances, and fulfil the precepts of the Gospel, the lower class, almost entirely, and the middle rank of men, in a great degree, will be decent or profligate, regular or moral. If you, considering yourselves as participating in the common blessings of Christianity, would demonstrate to the world, by your religious conduct, your sense of the loving-kindness of God, so peculiarly manifested towards you; soon, very soon, would religion become more engaging in its appearance, more extensive in its influence, and more powerful in its effects. However exemplary the demeanour, zealous the labours, and animated the exhortations of the clergy, yet so attractive is greatness, so dazzling is splendour, that our discourses are heard with indifference, whilst your deportment is copied with emulation." (Pages 21, 22.). The discourse concludes with a short prayer; and is accompanied from the press by miscellaneous

miscellaneous notes, relating to the establishment of Volunteer Corps; the utility of the two bills against seditious meetings; and the danger of a parliamentary reform. (Pages 26, 27.).

The Beauties of Religion, intermingled with Moral Charms; in Prose and Verse. Principally selected from Hervey, Blair, Watts, Fordyce, Young, Blackmore, &c. With Notes and Illustrations. By G. Wright, Esq. Author of Pleasing Melancholy, &c. 12mo. Pages 240. Price 3s. Chap

man.

AS this gentleman lives, so he writes, or rather picks up writings, for the entertainment of mankind. We have the misfortune, however, to differ widely in opinion from him, respecting the merits of this performance. What he denominates beauties, we call scraps; which indeed, should there be readers enow to relish them, might afford some little picking for himself and bookseller; but, alas! we fear this olio is prepared in vain, as few serious characters will desire to be fed with crumbs collected from authors of opposite sentiments, when they can have excess to so many well-spread tables, where every thing good may be enjoyed in the highest perfection. Ministers of the Gospel Witnesses for Christ. A Sermon, preached before the Rev. John Carver, B. L. L. Archdeacon of Surry, at bis Visitation, held in the Parish Church of St. Saviour, Southwark, Oct. 5, 1796. By W. Winkworth, Chaplain of St. Saviour's, Southwark, and Lecturer of St. Paul's, Shadwell. Published at the Request of the Archdeacon, and others of the Clergy then present. Svo. Pages 31. Price is. Dilly, Muggeridge, Matthews.

THIS discourse is plain, faithful, and, in the fullest sense of the word, evangelical; and does equal credit to the integrity of the preacher, and the discernment of the reverend Archdeacon and Clergy, at whose request it is published. Its design is to illustrate the dignity, authority, and grace of Jesus Christ; and to represent in what respects the apostles, and all succeeding ministers of the Gospel, are his witnesses of these things to the people. We sincerely wish the same truths were preached in every pulpit; and that each individual, engaged in the important service of our blessed Lord, may exemplify, on all occasions, equal zeal and fidelity.

POETRY.

POETRY.