exhibited in the preface, proves that the instruction hereby con-
veyed is highly useful, conducive to the well being both of indi
viduals and of society; besides, which the book is recommended by
a large type, a price as low as possible, and a size not inconvenient.
The abridgment consists in the omission of several parts; and this
curtailment might probably have been with propriety applied to
several other chapters, particularly such as respect the building and
furniture of the tabernacle, with the institutions and rites of the cere
monial law on which some more general idea might be sufficient.
Bibles, in former times, were accompanied with tables of dif
ferent kinds, brief notes, explications, &c. for the instruction and
benefit of the reader. The publication before us has an advantage of
this sort, in tables of Scripture weights, measures, money, and chro
nology; at the head of every chapter, also, most of the principal
words in each are placed and properly divided. The historical parts
of the Old Testament have, no doubt, often engaged a close atten-
tion from young persons, and afforded them great entertainment:
Mr. Ashburner insists much on this; and, since he apprehends that
his arguments are founded in truth, he concludes that all young
persons should be enabled to give some account of this valuable por-
tion of sacred history, calculated to furnish them with useful instruc-
tion, to afford pleasure, and contribute to their advancement in learn
ing.-Besides the immediate purpose of this volume, the author.
thinks that it might be useful in any family, instead of one much
more voluminous and expensive.'

Art. 21. An Apology for Village preachers or an Account of the
Proceedings and Motives of Protestant-Dissenters, and serious
Christians of other Denominations, in their Attempts to suppress
Infidelity and Vice, and to spread vital Religion. in Country Places &
especially where the Means of pious Instruction, among the Poor,
are rare: with some Animadversions on an Anonymous" Appeab
to the People:" and Replies to Objections. By William Kings
bury, M. A. 8vo. 1s. Chapman.

Hi.

In the preface, this author observes, some, perhaps, may smile at my title, as affecting quaintness, I confess, I wish it to strike the eye in these days of apologies: I have introduced the term vital religion; and I adopt it, because I would have the reader at once understand what cause we wish to diffuse by village preaching; and because it imports that life, vigour and warmth in religion, without which the most excellent doctrines are a dead letter; and the persons who use modes of worship most approved among all denominations, are little better than machines.-On the perusal of this pamphlet, we find ourselves constrained to acknowlege that the appellant, above mentioned, appears here to disadvantage, as every nan must who undertakes the treatment of a subject which he has not well, con sidered, or permits himself to be guided by passion and prejudice. As to the immediate topic, it does not fall under our discussion. Merely to propagate opinious, though of what is deemed an orthodox kind, is effecting little good but to awaken men from a thoughtless and sinful course of life, and to render them sober, faithful, bene volent, and virtuous, is certainly doing much.-If the method of accomplishing

accomplishing this be left to the judgment and ability of those who 1160 their well-meant endeavours, they may be sometimes greatly des ceived in the means. We think that we observe in this sensible and liberal performance, too great a confinement to a particular train of sentiment, as that train whence alone real Christian advantages are to be expected but there are, we are told, a numerous body in this king. dom, differing widely in their opinions from those of Calvin, who are very assiduous in their labours to disseminate what they regard as Christian truth, and to advance piety and virtue; although Wesley, their great leader, is no more. In the conflict of opinions, charity and morality are too frequently lost: but practical piety, which is Christianity, will for ever retain its value and importance.. Hi. Art. 22. The sacred History of the Life of Jesus Christ, illustrative of the Harmony of the Four Evangelists; to which is added an Index of parallel Passages; by the Rev. Thomas Harwood, late of University College, Oxford. 12mo. pp. 149. 38. sewed. Cadell jun. and Davies. 1798.

It was well observed, in antient times of the Christian church, concerning the four gospels, that, had the writers maintained an exact agreement as to time, place, and expression, few would have believed them, because they would have regarded it as human contrivance whereas the difference in some smaller things prevents such suspicion, and proves their authenticity. If in matters of principal moment they differ not, why should it surprize us if, in such as are inferior, there may be some variation ?-Those pens have nevertheless been laudably employed, which have endeavoured to alleviate or remove these smaller difficulties. It is obvious, as Mr. Harwood remarks, that the evangelists have not observed the same order in their details, and were rather careful to relate the events themselves, than the order of time in which they arose. He has therefore applied himself, in the eight chapters which form this work, to present the reader with a view of this important history according with the manner in which the different transactions might probably occur. Hammond and Cave appear to have been his principal direction and authority, with which may be joined Nelson on Feasts but several references are made to other writers, such as Josephus, Grotius, Gasselius, God win, Bunting's travels, &c. once also, we observe, to Justin Martyr, Eusebius, and Chrysostom; and once to Lardner's Credibility.Atthe conclusion of his preface, the writer remarks To the learned, neither the authorities nor the references will be new; they may not, however, be without use to the young and the uninformed. We apprehend that there are other Harmonies, or works of the kind, which might have assisted and improved the performance, Mr. H. Occasionally adds some notes; if a few more had in some instances been given, they might have proved beneficial. He does not lead the reader much to what is controversial, but attends with care to what is practical. On the sermon on the mount, which he seems to regard as the same with that mentioned by Luke as delivered on the plain, he dwells with apparent satisfaction: but, when relating. a conversation with the Jews, recorded in the sixth chapter of St. John's Gospel, he says (on verse 27th) going into the synagogue,

180

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he (Jesus) took occasion to recommend to them spiritual meat, the belief of his word, and receiving of bis sacrament that mystical food which nourishes to eternal life.'We have never seen reason sufficient to convince us that our Lord had here any reference to the institution which he ordained in commemoration of himself, and intended by the sacrament in the passage just recited. E

On the whole, this little volume, which is not designed to supersede but to assist a careful perusal of the four gospels, may in this view be employed to advantage. It is agreeable to many to read accounts of them in different forms; and though Harmonies vary, and the best are still uncertain and somewhat conjectural, a regular dis position of events may in some respects prove informing and pleasant. -The index of parallel passages, which has cost the writer some thought and labour, may amuse and instruct those who assiduously

examine it.

Art. 23-A Charge delivered to the Clergy of the Diocese of London in the Years 1798 and 1799. By the Right Rev. Beilby Lord Bishop of the Diocese. 8vo. 1s. Cadell jun. and Davies.

It is highly proper and commendable in a Christian Bishop to notice the state of Infidelity, to manifest zeal in resisting it, and to afford his instructions to his clergy on the most effectual means of combating and subduing so active and dangerous an enemy. From a man of the Bishop of London's distinguished character and eminence in the church, something may be expected on this alarming subject in a Charge delivered in these perilous times; and the well disposed will readily forgive him, if his apprehensions transport him in his oratory beyond the line of cold and unimpassioned moderation. Who can doubt that Deistical notions, indifference to religion, and profligacy of manners, prevail among us to a serious degree? Who can doubt the necessity of calling the attention of our religious instructors to this apparently growing evil?-If, in his picture of the times, every statement exhibited by the Bishop of London be not strictly correct, the general fact must be admitted; which is amply sufficient not merely to justify but to confer praise on his exhortations. We hope that the instructions given in this Charge will receive attention not only from those to whom it is immediately addressed, but from every one in these kingdoms who has a cure of souls. We particularly admire the Right Rev. prelate when he recommends to his clergy the enforcement of all good doctrines by a good and exemplary conduct. We are of opinion that what in general passes among the common people for infidelity pro ceeds, for the most part, from vicious habits; and therefore the advice here given will commonly be found to be true: 'banish from the hearts of your parishioners all sensuality, pride, vanity, vain-glory, and selfsufficiency, and I will venture to engage that you shall not have a single infidel in your parish.

The prudent caution here suggested to our spiritual guides, to be on the watch against those who are endeavouring to sap every sentiment of religion and morality, is followed By the consoling assurance that the reception given to some modern publications, par

ticularly

Hi.

ticularly to Mrs. Hannah More's Strictures on Female Education
(to which the Bishop in the ardour of his friendly admiration has paid
the most animated but rather overcharged compliments) indicates
a degree of returning seriousness, and that some good impression has
been made on the public mind.

Our clergy will do right to ascertain how far this is the case; and if it appears that these omens of good are well founded, we need not add that it is their duty to improve the circumstance, and to follow up the advantage gained over the enemy of our faith by their lay brethren; that our church may lose its fears of subversion, and the nation cherish, under all its difficulties, the pleasing hope of being Moo-y Art. 24. A Charge delivered by William Lord Bishop of Chester, to the Clergy of his Diocese, and published at their Request. 4to. 18. Rivingtons. 1799.

saved and exalted.

So many are the topics, introduced into this able episcopal charge, that it is impossible for us, within the limits to which we are forced to confine ourselves, barely to notice them. The learned and pious Bishop judiciously reviews and comments, on the particular state and circumstances of his diocese, as well as on the general aspect of the national church. He compliments those of his clergy who have, exhibited their attachment to sound religious and social principles, from the press as well as from the pulpit, and praises them in general for the calm and unshaken regard which they have manifested for their clerical character. With becoming seriousness,, he calls their attention to the danger that threatens this country from a pational depravity, which, he says, is apparently advancing by neither slow nor secret steps a general deterioration in the moral and religious conduct in the body of the country collectively viewed ;-that melan. choly abondonment of better habits, which God has in no case permitted to go finally unpunished in his moral government of any people.'

Towards the conclusion, he notices in a very proper way, the senseless efforts of certain enthusiasts, who are continually applying the scriptural prophecies to the occurrences of the present times. Notunfrequently, men otherwise sensible and judicious have countenanced: this indiscretion. In opposition to such a practise, we are happy to quote the Bishop of Chester:

I am clearly of opinion, that from the prophetical books, to which the extraordinary events now passing on earth naturally turn the attention of every religious mind, no expectation, can reasonably be deduced that the prophecies yet unfulfilled are drawing to a speedy completion. The objects are there presented to the view in so indistinct a form, that the most penetrating eye can" see men only as trees walking."

The learned Bishop exhorts us at large not to depend on the interposition of Providence in our behalf, from any comparative view of our religion and morality, but to see that we bring forth such fruit as may be expected from a people so favoured by Heaven.

*See page 416. of this Review.

5*

Art.

Do

Art. 25. A Sermon on the Duties of the Young, By Hugh Blair, D. D. F. R. S. Edinburgh. One of the Ministers of the High Church, &c. Professor of Rhetoric, &c. in the University of Edinburgh. 12mo. Is.. Cadell jun., and Davies.

Reprinted from Dr. B.'s well known and much applauded volumes. The following motive for this republication of a single discourse, 'from the Doctor's collection, is thus assigned in the editor's advertisement this sermon is published separately for the use of schools, at the request of several persons of character, as containing much excellent instruction, properly adapted to the youth of both sexes.'

LAW.

Art. 26. Trial for Adultery. The Whole Proceedings on the Trial of John Bellenger Gawler, Esq. for Criminal Conversation with Lady Valentía, in the Court of King's Bench, before Lord Kenyon. Svo. 28. 6d. Downes. 1799.

As Lord Kenyon is confessedly the best Reviewer in cases of this nature, to his Lordship's judgment we respectfully refer on this occasion; and we shall only add, with regard to the proceedings before us, that the Jury appear to have acted with great propriety when they adjuged 2000l. damages to the R. H. plaintiff, George Annesley, Viscount Valentia, of the kingdom of Ireland.

This copy of the proceedings, taken in short-hand, is dated at the bottom of the verdict, May 19, 1796.

Art. 27. A Collection of Decrees by the Court of Exchequer in TitheCauses, from the Usurpation to the present Time, carefully extracted from the Books of Decrees and Orders of the Court of Exchequer, by the Permission of the Court, and arranged in Chronological Order. With Tables of the Names of the Cases, and the Contents. By Hutton Wood, one of the Six Clerks of the Courts of Exchequer. 4 Vols. Royal 8vo. pp. 600 in each Vol. 31. Boards. Robinsons.

In a former Review, (vol. xxvi. N. S. p. 448,) we announced the appearance of a part of this publication, and then gave a promise of entering more minutely into its merits when the work should be. completed. Mr. Wood has now accomplished his undertaking, and has presented to the public a Collection of Decrees in Tithe-Causes, from the Usurpation to the year 1797. As the performance, however, (at least as far as its author is concerned,) is altogether a com pilation, accuracy in the extracts, or the want of it, must be its chief characteristic; and without departing from the truth, we can assert that Mr. W. is by no means deficient in this indispensable requisite.

The plan of the publication seems liable to objections. The same matter is in course repeated, as the same question is more than once agitated in so long a period of years. The substance of the Plaintiff's Bill, and of the Defendant's Auswer, together with the material allegations contained in the pleadings, must very often, from the nature of the proceedings, be the same, or distinguished only by the slightest variations; yet, in conformity to the author's plan, these

samenesses