grievous sore," the Small-pox, was first known at the time of the impostor Mohammed; as well as the introduction into Europe of another disease, which shall be nameless. Since, however, the pestilence of the small-pox was not, like former divine judgments, sent in a miraculous way, but had its origin in second causes, we may suppose that natural means will be used for its mitigation and extinction, by which the plague shall be stayed," (the text). Inoculation, which was expected to produce this effect, has failed; but it has led the way to one of the greatest temporal blessings which the Preserver of the universe has ever conferred on mankind; viz. the discovery of Vaccine Innoculation; and if the Arabian Impostor be called Apollyon, (the Destroyer,) Dr. Jenner, whose name might be supposed to be derived from the Greek work yaw, to generate and restore, (as Apollyon from ouμ, to destroy,) should be hailed as the benefactor and restorer of mankind. The small pox has already raged 1100 years, and perhaps the period of 1260 years may be affixed to it. Mahommedanism and Popery have had their rise, have reached their summit, and are upon their decline; with them perhaps the pestilence may cease, and it may take the remainder of the period ere prejudice shall universally adopt the remedy.' The British nation has beca the means of extending the blessing of vaccination to every quarter of the globe; and, as perhaps we are the purest nation upon the carth," we may contribute to diffuse farther light and happiness. In conclusion, Mr. P. remarks that the plague had its origin among the Turks, that the leprosy was brought into Europe by mad Cru saders, and that the yellow fever, which rages in the West Indies, that warehouse of enslaved Africans, seems to chastise the nation that traffics in them.' This aukward glance at the slave trade (which, by the way, is no proof of our being the purest nation on the earth,) is counterbalanced by a high eulogy on Britain for her extensive charities; yet, lest we should lay too much stress on this circumstance, we are reminded that it will not avail unless sin ceases among us. The notes subjoined to the first Sermon are curious and amusing.

The second Sermon is in a great measure a repetition of that which was delivered before the University, adapted to the congretion of a parish church; and here the preacher combats, which was not necessary iu addressing a learned body, the vulgar objections to vaccination. We do not pledge ourselves to defend all Mr. P.'s hypotheses: but we heartily concur with him in wishing, that no prejudice may obstruct the use of so valuable and important a discovery as that of cow-pock.

Art. 27. The prophetic and anticipated History of the Church of Rome. written and published six Hundred Years before the Rise of that Church. In which the prophetic Figures and Allegories are literally explained; and her Tricks, Frauds, Blasphemies, and dreadful Persecutions of the Church of Christ are foretold and described. Prefaced by an Address dedicatory, expostulatory, and critical, to, the Rev. Mr. Whitaker, Dean of Canterbury, &c. &c. By Joseph Galloway, Esq. 8vo. 5s. Boards. West, Jones, &c. Had Mr. Galloway been trained by a professed polemical drillserjeant,

Serjeant, he could not have been more expert in that most dextrous manœuvre in theological controversy, the substitution of abusive epithets for calm argument. He can see the defects of other expositors: but he shews no temper when his own comments are attacked. We shall not waste our time by discussing with him what he terms the interpretations and completions of the prophecies of the Apocalypse: but we shall venture to pronounce that his explanations are altoge ther visionary and unfounded, unworthy the attention of the sober critic, and calculated to excite the sneer rather than to produce the conviction of the Infidel.

Art. 28. A full and complete Analysis of Dr. Paley's Natural Theology; or Evidences of the Existence and Attributes of the Deity: collected from the Appearances of Nature. By Jeremiah Joyce. 8vo. pp. 161. 3s. Conder. 1804. Mr.Joyce seems to have faithfully executed his task: but whether that task be beneficial, or not, is to us a matter of doubt. Abridgments did not grow prevalent till the decline of letters; and the losses of valuable works, which they have occasioned, has been often regretted. It may be said that, from that danger, we of this day are perfectly secure: but are we certain that these seductive abstracts will not lead to another evil, that of occasioning the originals to be neglected? They seem to be allowable chiefly in the case of very voluminous and expensive works which can be consulted only by the few, but the substance of which it is desirable to impart to the many. Mr. Joyce earnestly, and, we doubt not, very sincerely, recommends the perusal of his author, while he has taken an effectual step (undesignedly) to circumscribe it.

THANKSGIVING SERMONS, Dec. 5. Art. 29. The Destruction of the combined Fleets of France and Spainpreached at Worship-street. By John Evans, M. A. 8vo. Symonds.

IS.

The text of this discourse, Rev. viii. 9. And a third part of the ships were destroyed, is not considered as prophetic, but is merely chosen by the preacher as applicable to the late maritime victory; in which, he observes, even more than a third part of the enemy's ships were destroyed. It is farther remarked that this victory is not only great but seasonable, as well as exhilarating; dissipating (for the present, at least,) the fear of invasion, giving greater security to our ships of commerce, and tending to facilitate (though not immediately) the blessings of peace. After this view of the subject, Mr. Evans offers some practical reflections, and exhorts his hearers to contribute to the Patriotic Fund.

Art. 30.

Preached in Oxford Chapel by Cavendish Square; by the Rev. David Evans, Assistant Minister of the said Chapel. 8vo. Hatchard.

Is.

With piety adapted to the occasion, Mr. Evans combines loyalty and patriotic sentiment. He apologizes for what might be termed the indulgence of carnal resentment, in his picture of the stripling foreigner who has risen to empire by a successful sword:' but the feelings of his hearers being probably in unison with his own, they

would

would be rather gratified than disgusted by the preacher's indignant Philippic.

Art. 31. Preached in the Parish Church of St. Mary, Shrewsbury. By John Brickdale Blakeway, A. M., Minister of the Parish. 8vo. Is. Longman and Co.

The pre-eminent blessings which Britain now enjoys are not here enumerated with a narrow spirit, as if the preacher rejoiced in their being withholden from other nations; nor does he comment on them in a way that is calculated to flatter our own vanity and pride: but he laudably endeavours to assist his hearers in viewing political events. through a Christian medium, that Christian virtue may be the result.

SINGLE SERMONS.

Art. 32. The Character of the Christian Teacher delineated, and the Means of forming it represented; delivered at Hackney, January 8, 1:0, for the Benefit of the Academical Institution at Exeter'; and published at the Request of the Congregation. By Thomas Belsham. 8vo. 18. Johnson.

That the Christian minister should be "faithful," and "able to teach," is asserted by St. Paul in the text (2 Tim. ii. 2.); and the preacher in this discourse delineates the qualifications which the fulfilment of his task requires, and urges their high importance in the present state of the church. After having shewn how necessary it is that the Christian teacher should be deeply convinced of the truth of Revelation; possess enlightened and fervent piety; be well instructed; honourable and fearless; disinterested, zealous, yet prudent and charitable; a man of learning and grave elocution; and a living example of the power of Christian principle over the temper, heart, and life; he proceeds to enumerate the means by which such characters may be formed, the most efficacious of which he considers to be Academical Institutions, or Colleges, furnished with proper tutors for the instruction of youth devoted to the Ministry. He laments that rational Dissenters have now no College near London for the education of Ministers, and pays high compliments to an Institution of this kind which existed near the metropolis some years ago, but which, owing to the narrow views of the Managers, was dissolved. Mr. B. concludes with recommending the Academical Institution at Exeter to the patronage of rational Christians. Art. 33. The Character and final Perseverance of the Righteous; preached at St. Margaret's Chapel, Westminster, December 16, 1804, on occasion of the Death of Mrs. Henrietta Stemler, who departed this Life December 6, 1804, aged 55; with some interesting Particulars of her Life and Death. By John Davies, M. A. &c. 8vo. IS. Hatchard.

The remarks which here introduce the account of the deceased are of a Calvinistic stamp, and the preacher laments Mrs. Stemler's acquaintance with Mr. John Wesley, who had disturbed her comfort by raising doubts about the defectibility of grace: but Mrs. Stemler obtained, before her death, an assurance of the perseverance of the saints, and, according to the preacher, was an example of it. She

was

was born at Berne, and kept a school for young ladies in Queen's Square, Westminster.

Art. 34.

Preached in Lambeth Chapel, April 28, 1805, at the Consecration of the Rt. Rev. Henry Bathurst, LL. D. Lord Bishop of Norwich, and published at the Command of the Archbishop of Canterbury. By Richard Prosser, D. D. Prebendary of Durham. 4to. 18. Payne.

It is clearly this author's aim to apply the text, (Ephes. iv. 15, 16) with corresponding passages of Scripture, to that particular form of church-government, of which he is a member: other parties may deem the account equally suitable to their own;-and so it may be, if Christian piety, truth, and benevolence, actuate the several individuals. Such is, without doubt, the intention of the sacred writers, to prove that, as in the body of man, so also in human society, and particularly in the church of Christ, all the constituent parts, however inferior any of them may seem, have each their importance, and may and ought to be rendered beneficial; as they certainly will, if they are influenced and governed by the spirit of Christ.-Respecting particular forms and orders of ecclesiastical discipline, varying opinions will prevail. Happy had it been, and would it yet be, if, while churches. observe their distinct modes, they would attribute to them but small consequence in comparison with that humility, that union of affection, and that bond of peace for which Christianity so powerfully pleads; yet which, by differing and especially predominant parties, are too generally rejected. Dr. Prosser delivers himself with much propriety of diction; his composition bearing the marks of considerable polish, and his periods being studiously finished.

CORRESPONDENCE.

Mr. Dallas, author of the "Elements of Self Knowlege," mentioned in our last Review, has favored us with a letter respecting the criticisms in that article, and referring to a second edition of the work, just published. With regard to our remarks, Mr. D. wishes it to be remembered that his volume was professedly a compilation, and professedly no more than elementary; that therefore he conceives himself not open to censure where he is found to have borrowed; nor where he has failed to go deeper into a science than he deemed requisite in an elementary treatise. This is very true: but there is a difference in degree, in this sort of literary labour: to compile is one thing, and to transcribe is another; and it seems most proper, where large quotations are made, to assign them to their original sources. A young Lady,' whose letter bears the Nottingham post-mark, has reminded us that the passages on Pride and Vanity, which we extracted from Mr. D.'s book, were borrowed by him from Adam Smith's Theory of Moral Sentiments; but this fair critic seems to have been herself rather under the influence of these qualities, from the smartness with which she communicates her discovery; and she should have recollected that Smith was mentioned as one of Mr. Dallas's acknowleged sources. This circum.

stance

stance shows, however, that, as we have just observed, Mr. D. would have done well in specifying those instances in which he copied largely from others.

The second edition of these Elements is in several respects different from the former. Besides being throughout revised, the anatomical part is made more simple, and the technical terms are explained at the bottom of the page. It is also augmented by Arbuthnot's poem intitled Know thyself, and by Collins's Ode on the Passions.

We have received a letter from Mr. Eyton, author of a Sermon on the late Naval Victory, noticed in our last Number; in which he alleges that we mis-stated his meaning respecting the particular seasons of the occurrence of national blessings: but we do not subscribe to the justice of the charge, though we are very ready to admit his explanation. We merely adverted to the position, which is or is not true, independently of the context. Of his reasoning we were aware: but, unconnected with the context, if the assertion be true that the greatest national blessings have been experienced when iniquity has most abounded, the principle on which fast day and thanksgiving Sermons are generally built completely falls to the ground. Preachers should take care to erect their expostulations on sound premises.

Dr. Adams has pointed out to us an error of the press in our account of his "Answers to Objections against the Cow Pox," in our last Review: where at p. 328. 1. 8. hepatic is printed instead of herpetic. The Doctor also informs us that he has published a new edi tion of his pamphlet, in which he notices those adverse productions which have appeared since his first impression.

Inquisitor apprizes us that the biographical notice of Beaumarchais, and the remarks on his writings, which appeared in our last Appendix, PP. 490-492. were copied without acknowlegement into a Magazine of some standing, for November last.-We know that this practice is often adopted by the Editors of Magazines; who perhaps think that it is fair, from the nature of their work: but we conceive that it would be fairer to state their obligations, because otherwise they may subject us to the suspicion of having copied from them, in the minds of those who do not advert to priority of dates.

We occasionally receive letters from America, respecting the delivery of the numbers of the M. R. to individuals; but we beg to inform all our Western Friends that we have no concern with this matter, which rests with the Booksellers who correspond between the old and the new world.-This note applies in particular to a recent letter from New York.

In the last Review, P. 300. 1. 32. dele with.-P. 328. 1. 8. for hepatic, read herpetic. P. 336. 1. 8. insert the word better before • chance.”

The APPENDIX to this Volume of the Review will be published with the Number for January.