Art. XV. Observations on the Insufficiency of mere Wealth, and external Grandeur, either for our Happiness, Dignity, or Respectability: shewing, that the true Honour and Dignity of Men are placed in nobler Attainments and more exalted Pursuits; and that Virtue, and the Riches, and the Elevation of the Mind form the true Honour and Glory of Man. Some occasional Observations on the Injury done to, and the Disgrace brought on the Clergy, the Church, and Religion itself, by the Ease with which Preferments are obtained by the frivolous Qualifications of the fashionable and obsequious Divine, and on the Neglect of friendless and unprotected Merit and Learning. With an Appeal to the Humanity of Mankind, in behalf of himself and his Family, on the ungrateful and cruel Behaviour of his Son Joshua Lickorish and his Son's Wife. Containing an Account of their Behaviour; with Observations on the duty of Mankind to love one another, particularly on the great and Sacred Obligation of Obedience, Reverence, Duty, and Affection, that Children owe to their Parents. By the Rev. Richard Lickorish, M. D. late of Lincoln College, Oxford. 8vo. pp. 130. Price 6s. Turner. Coventry. 1809.

THE

HE first part of Dr. Lickorish's title would be likely to attract six shillings out of the pockets of some of our readers; we have therefore copied the whole, in the hope of affording them such an adequate notion of the state of his mind, and the nature of his book, as will satisfy their curiosity without trenching upon their finances. We deeply lament the distress this unfortunate gentleman seems to feel on account of his son Joshua's imagined neglect ; and earnestly wish him the long enjoyment of that invaluable blessing, the mens sana in corpore sano.'

Art. XVI. The Elements of Astronomy, according to the Newtonian Principles, illustrated by several new and interesting Diagrams, and adapted, as far as the Science will admit, to the plainest Capacities. Intended solely for the Instruction of Young Ladies and Gentlemen. By George Reynolds. 12mo. pp. xxiv. 144 4 folding plates. Price 4s. 6d. bds. Sherwood, Neeley, and Jones.

1809.

THE author of this concise sketch of the Elements of Astronomy

.

selects, from the numerous advantages resulting from the study of this science, six as the most prominent : 1st. That it is a science better calculated than all others to improve the human mind, and to inspire, if it be possible to inspire it, with something like an adequate notion of the stupendous power and magnificence of the Deity.' 2dly. It expels idle fears, by reconciling us to those appearances in nature, which in early ages were regarded as portentous and horrible. 3dly. It directs the husbandman in the cultivation of the earth, by defining the periods of the seasons. 4thly. It affords a certain and invariable standard for the measure of time. 5thly. It enables us to mark precisely the date of chronological facts. And 6thly, It is subservient to commercial purposes, by assisting us in geography and navigation. The book is written with a view to establish these positions

.

in such a way as shall be obvious to the meanest, or, as the author expresses it, to the plainest capacities.' It is divided into fourteen chapters, which are delivered, with here and there a little allowance for flights of affectation, in a simple and popular style. The plates are neatly executed, and the diagrams, with one or two exceptions, seem to be the author's own, and not copied from other books. Some of his illustrations by means of these diagrams are both new and striking. We think the book rather dear for its size; and must remark that there are some treatises on Astronomy of not more than twice the price, that convey more than quadruple the information. Yet, notwithstanding this, we are persuaded there is an extensive class of readers, whose benefit the performance may promote, and whose patronage it deserves.

Art. XVI. Remarks on some Parts of Mr. Faber's Dissertation on the Prophecies Relative to the great Period of 1260 Years. 8vo. pp. 56. Price 1s. 6d. Hatchard. 1809.

TO balance the arguments and decide the differences of the writers on the Prophecies, would require as much knowledge, time, and patience as to settle the disputes on the five points' in divinity. This writer, upon the whole, is much pleased with Mr. F.'s Dissertations, but differs with him in several particulars. Mr. F. supposes the third woe trumpet began to sound in the latter end of the year 1792; our author thinks it has not yet sounded. He does not admit with Mr. F. that the Prophetic Earthquake and falling of the tenth part of the city were fulfilled by the French Revolution; and that merely because it is said that the rest gave glory of God. He supposes, contrary to Mr. F., we think without sufficient reason, that the death and resurrection of the witnesses have not yet taken place. He conjectures that the greater number of the seven vials are to be poured out under the sixth trumpet, not all under the seventh. Lastly, he cannot think that the Prophet intended to affix the term Antichrist to a particular power that should arise at a late period of the 1260 years.— These opinions are expressed with diffidence; which is peculiarly proper, as they are but feebly supported. He does not appear to possess those large and comprehensive views, without which it is impossible to write well on the Prophecies: hence, we conceive, the gloomy aspect which is cast, very erroneously, as we are persuaded, over future events, by his sentiments on some distinguished predictions. He appears either not to know, or to have forgot, that there are two branches of Protestants established in France, and that all are tolerated. Nor does he seem to be aware, that in the kingdoms of Wirtemburg, Saxony, and Bavaria, and several other places under French influence, there is now free toleration for the Protestant religion. But what could we expect from a writer, who says he has great doubts whether any

witnesses are to be found in North America; for Christians in that part of the world appear to him, in avoiding the Scylla of the Romish religion, to have run into Charybdis by having left the church altogether. What he means by the pure church is not clear; but if he means any sect of Christians, or the church of any one nation, distinguished from true believers in Christ and spiritual worshippers of

God in general, it is used in a sense contrary to the application of the term in the scriptures, and utterly inconsistent with just reasoning on the subject of Prophecy.

Art. XVIII. A Brief Grammar of the Laws and Constitution of England, intended for the Use of Schools, and the Junior Students of Law. By the Rev. J. Goldsmith. 12mo. Price 4s. bound. Phillips. 1809.

WHAT favour this work may obtain in schools,' is very doubtful; 'the junior students of law,' however, will feel but little gratitude to the compiler for such slender information as it can afford, or the compliment he pays to their proficiency by intending it for their use! The same reasons which induced us to recommend Mr. Custance's View of the Constitution, (Ecl. Rev. Vol. V. p. 72.) a far superior performance, though chargeable in some instances with favouring arbitrary doctrines and a spirit of tame acquiescence in abuses-incline us to deal leniently with Mr. Goldsmith's Grammar; which, if less copious and correct than we could wish, will notwithstanding furnish some knowledge, to those who might otherwise obtain little or none, of the laws and constitution of their country.

Art. XIX. Motives to Gratitude. An Address delivered at the Baptist Meeting-House, Eagle Street, London, October 25, 1809. the fiftieth [49th] Anniversary of his Majesty's Accession. Containing a brief History of Dissenters; and the Reasons why they should be thankful for the Reign of George the Third. By Joseph Ivimey. 8vo. pp. 58. Price 2s. Burditt. 1809.

AFTER so much has been said and sung, and while so much of what

has been written. and printed remains to be read, on the subject of the Jubilee, it would be the extreme of arrogance to suppose that any thing we could indite upon that topic would deserve much attention from the public. We will only mention the principles on which it appears to us that the festival might be rationally celebrated. What connection a Jewish ordinance as such can have with the politics of Great Britain, it might not be very easy to explain; but as that ordinance with other relics of Judaism has in fact come down to us under the sanction of a long course of observance among the nations professing Christianity, there is no greater absurdity in keeping the forty ninth anniversary of his Majesty's accession than in keeping any other anniversary of that event, or of any other event of similar importance to the nation. As it was proper to keep the original religious meaning of the festival entirely distinct from the adventitious political use, so it was highly important to distinguish a proper expression of respect for his Majesty's person, a respect entirely congenial with constitutional principles, and a comparison of his character with that of other personages of his rank,-from any thing like general approbation of the measures pursued by his successive ministers, or indiscriminate exultation in the present condition of our country.-It is quite superfluous to say, that no reasonable objection can be urged against performing acts of devotion and beneficence, or receiving instructions religious or political, on a day of general leisure.

We shall say a few words on several of the publications that have come to our hands, in the order of their arrival.

Mr. Ivimey's object is to prove that Protestant Dissenters have sufficient reasons for observing the day of Jubilee. With this view, he sketches their history, under the successive denominations of Puritans, Non-conformists, and Protestant Dissenters; the sufferings they have endured; the steps which have led to their enjoyment of religious liberty; and the special reasons they have for being thankful to God for the reign of George the Third. These special reasons are, t. that they have a Protestant prince, of a family distinguished for tolerating principles-which is illustrated by a slight outline of their history, especially since their elevation to the throne of this realm; 2, that his present Majesty has never suffered any infringement on their religious liberties; 3, that during his reign their privileges and liberties have been enlarged by the relief of dissenting ministers, and dissenting schoolmasters, from subscription to the articles, in 1779; and 4, that under the protection of tolerating laws benevolent institutious have been formed, principally among Dissenters, for diffusing religious knowledge over the earth. The Address concludes with some appropriate observations, better intended than arranged, on the value of civil and religious freedon, the use to be made of it, and the blessedness of that liberty, described, in a well known passage, as

unsung

powers

By poets, and by senators unpraised,
Which monarchs cannot grant, nor all the
Of earth and hell confederate take away:
A liberty, which persecution, fraud,
Oppression, prisons, have no power to bind ;
Which whoso tastes can be a slave no more.
"Tis liberty of heart, derived from Heaven,
Bought with his blood, who gave it to mankind,
And sealed with the same token.—

On the whole, we have to thank Mr. Ivimey for a sensible and interesting pamphlet.

At. XX. Loyal Congratulation, A Sermon, delivered at Greenwich Chapel, on the 25th of October, 1809; being the Fiftieth Anniversary of his Majesty's Accession to the Throne. By William Chap8vo. pp. 30. Price 1s. Maxwell and Co. 1809.

man.

THE slanderous charges of political disaffection at one time industriously circulated, respecting the Dissenters, have ceased to obtain or even solicit credence with the intelligent classes of society. The sermons published by their teachers on occasion of the Jubilee, express the warmest zeal for the government, and the liveliest regard for the king, animated in a peculiar degree by a just feeling of gratitude for the continuance of their religious liberties. This sentiment of gratitude, which is pretty well understood to be due to his Majesty individually, is perfectly consistent with a firm persuasion that the liberty they possess is no more-on the contrary, is much less-than their legitimate rights. Mr. Chapman's Sermon is worthy of the title

it assumes. His text is Neh. ii. 3, Let the king live for ever, a loyal and affectionate salutation, which he employs in its literal and religious import. He illustrates the nature of this eternal life; and the means by which it is to be enjoyed,-the love of God, the atonement of his Son, and the purifying agency of his spirit,-in a manner which impresses us with a high opinion of his correct views and heartfelt piety.

Art. XXI. Intercession and Thanksgiving for Kings. A Discourse delivered in the Parish Churches of Nettlebed and Pishill, Oxon. on October 25, 1809, being the Day observed as a Jubilee, on the Occasion of his Majesty's entering the Fiftieth Year of his Reign. By the Rev. Henry Gauntlett. 8vo. pp. 32. Price 1s. Hatchard. 1809.

MR. Gauntlett's discourse justly recommends intercession, and thanksgiving, for kings, on various substantial grounds. Its loyalty is more conspicuous than its prudence, and is liable to produce a re-action injurious to the very cause it espouses. Its religious tendency, however, is very commendable.

Art. XXII. The Jubilee; a Sermon, delivered Sunday, October 22, 1809, in Argyle Chapel, Bath. By William Jay. 8vo. pp. 40. Price I's. 6d. Williams and Co. 1809.

AS this sermon was preached on the Sunday preceding the Jubilee,

it is very properly of a religious rather than a political complexion. For propriety of arrangement, neatness of composition, and justness of sentiment, it is little inferior to the best of Mr. Jay's performances. He explains the nature of the Jewish Jubilee, inquires into its design, and lastly, illustrates it in many important and striking points as typical of the gospel dispensation. We cordially recommend the discourse, as equally pleasing in style, and useful in tendency.

Art. XXIII. The Duty of Britons to be thankful for their King. A Sermon, preached in the Church of the United Parishes of St. Swithin, and St. Mary Bothaw, Cannon Street, on Wesnesday, October 25, 1809, being the Day on which his present Majesty entered on the Fiftieth Year of his Reign. By Henry George Watkins, M. A. Rector of the Said United Parishes. 8vo. pp. 32. Price 1s. Seeley. 1809.

THE design of this worthy minister, in printing his sermon at the request of his neighbours, was to promote a spirit of loyalty a disposition to treat with candour the measures of public men, and thanksgiving to God for our national blessings.' In doing this, we cannot altogether acquit him of encouraging a slavish and listless spirit, which, if it generally prevailed, would be almost certain to occasion, sooner or later, the subversion of our national liberties. Our opinion on the propriety of judging the actions of public men with great indulgence and many allowances, has been already expressed and sup ported at considerable length, (Vol. IV. p. 855.) In shewing the cause we have to thank God for the highly respectable character and example of our beloved King,' Mr. W. states several interesting anecdotes concerning his moral and religious character.