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which he had confessedly violated! We do not comprehend the drift of lavishing that tenderness and compassion on a criminal, which should be reserved for virtue in unmerited misery and distress, suffering untimely death from accident, injustice, or disease.

Lines written near Tintern Abbey.-The reflections of no common mind; poetical, beautiful, and philosophical: but somewhat tinctured with gloomy, narrow, and unsociable ideas of seclusion from the commerce of the world: as if men were born to live in woods and wilds, unconnected with each other! Is it not to education and the culture of the mind that we owe the raptures which the author so well describes, as arising from the view of beautiful scenery, and sublime objects of nature enjoyed in tranquillity, when contrasted with the artificial machinery and busy hum of men" in a city? The savage sees none of the beauties which this author describes. The convenience of food and shelter, which vegetation affords him, is all his concern; he thinks not of its picturesque beauties, the course of rivers, the height of mountains, &c. He has no dizzy raptures in youth; nor does he listen in maturer age" to the still sad music of humanity."

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So much genius and originality are discovered in this publication, that we wish to see another from the same hand, written on more elevated subjects and in a more cheerful disposition.

MONTHLY CATALOGUE, For JUNE, 1799..

HISTORY, &c.

Art. 20. Historical View of the Rise, Progress, and Tendency of the Principles of Jacobinism. By the Rev. Lewis Hughes, B. D. 8vo. Is. 6d. Wright. 1798.

T

HIS is a professed compilation from the work of the Abbé Barruel; undertaken, as we are informed, at the suggestion of the Bishop of Bristol. Here the Abbé's hypothesis of a regular and deeply concerted conspiracy of infidels, against the Christian religion, is maintained: but the proofs, though they display the zeal and address with which philosophic and speculative unbelievers have attacked Christianity, do not establish the whole of the declaration respecting a conspiracy. Supposing this to have been the case, however, with some men of letters on the continent, and supposing the Abbé Barruel to have just cause of resentment against them, it is not greatly to the credit of our Protestant church, that we cannot defend our religion, without assuming ground occupied by a Papist, and palliating, though not defending, principles rejected in our esta blishment: (such, for instance, as those which relate to religious or15

ders

ders and monastic institutions ;) and without speaking respectfully of the Inquisition itself *. Popery was the great source of infidelity on the continent. That and Christianity were considered as synonimous

Hence infidelity was more prevalent in France, even during the monarchy, than among us.-Is it become necessary for us to make a common cause with Popery? Surely it is not prudent to do it. Among us, our greatest philosophers have not only believed in, but have been advocates for, the Christian religion; and what does this prove but that Protestantism is more propitious to faith among sensible men; and that our arguments for the Gospel need not partake of the weakness which, almost from necessity, adheres to those of Catholic apologists?

If Mr. Hughes had given a spirited review of our own Deistical writers, and exhibited an antidote against irreligion and infidelity, suited to the circumstances of Great Britain, he would have done more for Christianity than will probably be accomplished by this epitome of the Abbé Barruel.

AGRICULTURE, &c.

Art. 21. The Practical Planter; or, a Treatise on Forest Planting: comprehending the Culture and Management of planted and natural Timber, in every Stage of its Growth: Also, on the Culture and Management of Hedge Fences, and the Construction of Stone Walls, &c. By Walter Nicol, Author of "The Forcing and Kitchen Gardener," &c. 8vo. pp. 430. 8. Boards. Edin burgh. Scatcherd, London. 1799.

Professional men, especially in the department of taste, find their account in authorship: for a book is a good advertisement, and it is an indication of the author's merit in the line of his profession. Mr. Nicol evidently publishes with a view of making himself more known as (what is called) a landscape-gardener, or as a surveyor and designer of pleasure grounds, plantations, &c. and, as his terms are so very moderate, (only one guinea per day, with travelling charges, on horseback, or by stage-coach,) we will not throw a damp on his endeavours. The rural ornamentalist is a favourite character with our nobility and country-gentlemen; and from two to five guineas a-day, and often more, with all travelling charges, not on horseback, nor by stage, but in a post-chaise, are paid for his attendance. With him an architect is sometimes associated, and then Sir l'isto is sure to pay for having a taste..

Mr. Nicol appears by this publication to have some knowlege of the art of planting; and if his taste in designing be equal to his practical experience, his assistance in planning parks and shrubberies, and in making walks and lines of approach to the mansion, may be cheaply obtained; of this, however, the volume before us presents no opportunity of forming a judgment. It is a work resulting rather from experience and practical observation, than from genius: but it

*The delusion has extended its fatal influence to the recesses even of the Inquisitorial Court, and disarmed that aweful power of its vigilance and its terror.' p. 77.

may

may be presumed that a man, who has made rural Nature his study, has been admitted to the knowlege of some of her beautiful

secrets.

The book treats of the situations most advantageously suited to the cultivation of forest trees,-of the soils adapted to the different kinds of them ;—of the nursery ;-of hedge-rows and pollards;—of thinning and pruning; of sub-dividing large tracts by belts and stripes; of the value of forest timber, and of various modes of fencing. In treating of these subjects, he shews himself to be no novice; and his book on planting may be of considerable use to those gentlemen who amuse themselves with being their own designers and foremen.

Mr. N. might, however, have compressed his matter into a narrower compass; and he ought to have explained some provincial terms which will not be understood in the southern parts of Great Britain. We particularly approve his recommending acorns to be sown in young plantations ;-his mode of meliorating sterile and exposed districts by striping and belting; and his strong inculcation of the old maxim-If you want a large tree, plant a small one. Art. 22. Hints on Inclosing, Agriculture, Stewardship, and Tythes. By T. Pallett, Land and Timber Surveyor, Hatfield Woodside, Herts. 8vo. 1s. 6d. Robinsons.

These remarks are cursory, but they are evidently the result of experience. All gentlemen of landed property, who are obliged to entrust the care of it to others, must wish their stewards to peruse Mr. Pallett's detail of what a steward ought to be.'-Mr. P. wishes for a general inclosure-bill, and for an alteration in the mode of pay. ing tythe, or rather for a substitute for tythes.

MATHEMATICS, ASTRONOMY, &c.

Art. 23. The complete Practical Arithmetician, &c. By Thomas Keith, Private Teacher of Mathematics. 2d Edit. 12mo. 3s. 6d. bound. Scatcherd, &c.

The first edition of this work was noticed in our Review for October 1789. The author has adopted the improvement suggested by us, which was to be effected by merely altering the arrangement; and the rules and examples are now placed together. Mr. K. has, however, not only differently disposed the parts of his publication, but has rescinded some old and inserted some new notes; a few pages are also added on proportion, square and cube numbers, &c. Art. 24. An Epitome of Astronomy, with the new Discoveries: including an Account of the Eidouranion, or Transparent Orrery, invented by A. Walker, as lectured upon by his Son, W. Walker. 8vo. Is. 6d. Robson, &c.

This small tract is well calculated to assist those persons who at tend Mr. Walker's Lectures on Astronomy. It has indeed the common fault of books of this nature, in abounding in pompous phrasealogy-we continually meet with infinitude of worlds-mind lost in the immensity of contemplation-&c. expressions which fill the ear, but feed not the mind. Philosophy should produce a thirst for know

13

lege,

lege, not excite wonder; and should induce the true and rational elevation of mind, by offering to man an object worthy of his ambition and within the compass of his powers.

Art. 25. A plain System of Geography, connected with a Variety of Astronomical Observations, familiarly discussed in a Conversation between a Father and his Son. By Evan Lloyd, Schoolmaster. Illustrated with Copperplates and Maps. 12mo. Boards. Edinburgh, 1797. London, Richardson.

This book is intended for the instruction of youth, and certainly is executed with sufficient ability to answer its end. Although the style is not entitled to commendation, yet the manner in which the instruction is conveyed is not uninteresting.

Art. 26. Tables of Interest, calculated at 5 per Cent. Shewing at one View the Interest of every Sum, from One Pound to 365 Pounds. They are also carried on by Hundreds to One Thousand Pounds, and by Thousands to Ten Thousand Pounds, from One Day to One Hundred Days. To which are added, Tables of Interest from One to Twelve Months. By Joseph King, Accountant, Liverpool. 8vo. pp. 227. 7s. 6d. Boards. Richardson. The design of these tables is sufficiently set forth in the title-page; on their accuracy we cannot undertake to decide. Though the calculations are made for 5 per cent., yet, by means of a table prefixed to the work, they may be used for any other rate of interests

RELIGIOUS, &c.

Art. 27. A Vindication of the Divine Inspiration of the Holy Scriptures, and the Doctrines contained in them, being an Answer to Mr. Paine's Age of Reason. By Thomas Scott, Chaplain to the Lock Hospital. Second Edition. 12mo. IS. Matthews.

We announce with satisfaction the second edition of this pamphlet, which, for common use, we have already mentioned as the best antidote against "The Age of Reason." If we cannot at all times subscribe to Mr. Scott's opinions, we have full proofs of the candour and liberality of his mind, and heartily rejoice in the success of his truly Christian exertions.

Mr. Scott thus speaks of this edition: The author has corrected some errors and inaccuracies of the former edition: and he has bestowed considerable pains, in rendering the whole more instructive and convincing to the serious enquirer. He hopes, therefore, that though the work is rather shortened, it is in many respects improved; and especially rendered more suitable to the case of those, who, having never read The Age of Reason, are yet perplexed with difficulties concerning the divine inspiration of the Scriptures, and wish to have their objections fairly considered, their arguments answered, and their doubts removed: and that it may better answer the purpose of those benevolent friends of revelation, who desire to put such an answer into the hands of their sceptical acquaintance.'

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In the chapter on prophecy, he has qualified what in the first edition stood as an universal proposition. He now says: I am confident that the sober student of the Bible will find very few pas

sages,

sages, in which the idea of a divine impulse, in one way or other, is not evidently connected with the words prophet, or prophecying; except where false prophets are evidently intended.'

Art. 28. Observations on the Signs and Duties of the present Times: with some Account of a Society of Clergymen in London, who have agreed to preach in Rotation weekly Lectures in each other's Churches and Chapels, on this important Subject: and a Summary of their Views and Endeavours to excite a Spirit of Prayer, and of Exertion to promote vital Godliness at this alarming Period. Drawn up by the Desire of the Society, and published with their Approbation. By Thomas Scott, Chaplain to the Loek Hospital. 8vo. 64. Matthews, &c. 1799.

Of Mr. Scott's zeal and Christian picty, the public have had many specimens. In this addition to them, the object proposed by him and his brethren of the Society, mentioned in the title, is highly laudable; though there are some expressions in the account before us which do not seem to be the most happily calculated generally to diffuse the spirit of piety.

Mr. S. begins with observing that an understanding of the times (he does not mean political understanding) is peculiarly necessary to ministers, and to private Christians; since every man's duty varies, in some respect, according to circumstances, and it cannot be properly performed if he remains entirely uninformed of these matters; and he farther remarks, when he comes to the signs of the times, as they concern Great Britain, that no one who compares facts with the Bible will be sanguine respecting ourselves.'

Such observations seem preparatory to a statement of the necessity of general repentance and piety to avert national judgments, and to make what the Lord is about (to use Mr. S.'s familiar expression) issue in blessings to our country-but this is not the case; for, though the sin and departure of all from God have made the danger of all, the universal seeking of God in prayer is not necessary to remove it. Our hope rests (Mr. S. tells us) on the remnant of real Christians scattered through the land;-they are the chariots and horsemen of the nation;-they are the only persons whose intercessions for the land can be properly considered as effectual; and therefore we ought to enquire what should be done to stir them up to attend to the alarming signs and important duties of the times.'

The mode recommended for stirring up this remnant of believers is a weekly lecture; and the clergymen composing this Society propose to the candid attention of this remnant of this pious and noble army of national deliverers, their sentiments on the following subjects:

1. The duty of intercession for the nation and for the church, in seasons of danger and distress.

2. The nature and special objects of those prayers which may be supposed to be availing on such occasions.

3. The prevalence of acceptable prayer according to the Scrip

tures.

4. The other duties which are incumbent on us, along with our prayers, in the present emergency.

Much

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