tions and Memoirs of the Royal and Manchefter Societies, the acquifition of Mathematical knowledge has been very much facilitated by Dr. CHARLES HUTTON's excellent Mathematical Dictionary," a work richly stored with correct information in every branch of mathematics, and with ufeful and entertaining accounts of eminent mathematicians. The theory of fpherical trigonometry, already well digefted in many accurate treatifes, is happily applied to practice in Mr. KELLY'S ingenious and well-methodized Practical Introduction to Spherical and Nautical Aftronomy:" the work will be found very ufeful in the practice of ftereographical projection, and in the application of mathematical fcience to navigation.

In Mr. FREND's elementary treatife, entitled "The Principles of Algebra, for the Ufe of Schools," an ingenious attempt is made to fimplify this branch of the mathematics, by dropping the mode of working by negative numbers: other improvements are fuggefted in this work, which well deferve the attention of ma

thematicians. Mr. MANNING has alfo published an "Introduction to Arithmetic," which, if not enriched with much new matter, will be found an ufeful guide to learners. It remains at prefent unfinished.

METAPHYSics.

In the fublime fcience of Metaphyfics, the attention of the English public is called to a new fyftem of speculative phi. lofophy, which has obtained great celebrity in Germany. Mr. NITSCH, a рupil of Profeffor KANT, the father of this fyftem, fubmits to the confideration of philofophers, an "Introductory View of the Kantean Philofophy," concerning Man. the World, and the Deity. In this preliminary sketch, Mr. NITSCH's chief object is, to enable the reader to form fome judgment of what may be expected from a more comprehenfive view of this new fyftem : the work contains a mafterly retrofpect of former opinions in philofophy; and fuch an account of the method of philofophifing adopted by Frofellor KANT, as may ferve to give the reader a glimpfe of his abftract and difficult theory. The doctrine of philofophical neceffity, already fo ably maintained by a numerous train of modern philofophers, has found a new advocate in Mr. CALEB PITT, whofe "Effay on the Nature of Power and Preference," though neither enriched with the acutenefs of a HARTLEY or an EDWARDS, nor diftinguished by much originality, MONTHLY MAG, No. XIII.

poffeffes the merit of clearness of conception, accuracy of arrangement, and pertinency of illuftration: it is intended as introductory to an Effay on the Philofophy of Christianity.

THEOLOGY.

During the period of the prefent retrofpect, the field of Theology has, as ufual, not been unproductive. On the controverfy concerning Revelation, one of the more valuable publications has been "Dr. PRIESTLEY'S fecond series of *Difcourfes on Revealed Religion," delivered, and first published, in Philadelphia, and fince reprinted in London: the volume contains an interefting view of the ftate of religious opinions and practices, prior to the Chriftian æra; and ftates, in a fummary, but mafterly way, the combined evidence for the Jewish and Chriftian revelations. Mr. IRELAND'S "Five Difcourfes, containing certain Arguments for and against the Reception of Christianity by the ancient Jews and Greeks," are entitled to respectful mention, as an ingenious performance of a fcholaftic rather than a popular caft. A publication of confiderable refpectability has appeared, under the title of " Illujtrations of Prophecy, &c." Befides a large collection of opinions and commentaries on the prophetic parts of fcripture, it contains many original obfervations, which bear evident marks of ingenuity, but which would have been more valuable, had the author written lefs under the influence of political fyftem : his fentiments are, however, liberal, and his ftyle is nervous and animated. Dr. FITZGE

RALD's "Effay on the Originality and Permanency of the Biblical Hebrew," particularly pointed against Mr. PAINE'S affertion, that written language is not a proper vehicle for the word of God, is a performance, which will rather imprefs the reader with an idea of the depth of the writer's erudition, than of the accuracy of his judgment. Dr. WILLIAMS's "Remarks on Dr. Bell's Treatife on the Authenticity of the Narrative of the miraculous Conception," proceeds too much upon ill-fupported conjecture, to afford a cautious enquirer much fatisfaction. The liberality of Dr. PALEY'S "Defence of Chriftianity," has awakened fome jealoufy among his more orthodox brethren. Archdeacon Ports, in a "Charge to the Clergy of the Archdeaconry of St. Albans," cenfures the doctor's free conceffions refpecting the infpiration of the Apoftles; and Mr. ROBERTS, in "Obfervations on the Principles of Chriftian Morals," controverts his notion, that in

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morals revelation makes no difcovery. The principles of Unitarianifm have been briefly explained, in a fermon delivered in Philadelphia, by Dr. PRIESTLEY; and its fpirit defended against the infinua tions of Mr. Fuller, in a series of letters, by Dr. TOULMIN, entitled, "The Practical Tendency of the Unitarian Doctrine confidered." In defence of Natural Religion, a work of great originality and ingenuity has been written, in French, by M. ST. PIERRE, which Dr. HUNTER has introduced to the English reader, in a handsome tranflation, under the title of "Studies of Nature." The principal object of this work is to establish, by an appeal to phænomena, the doctrine of an intelligent defigning caufe of the univerfe. Whatever may be thought of this writer's theory of the tides, and of fome other fpeculations advanced in this work, we have no doubt that his numerous and curious details in natural hiftory, his elaborate illuftrations of the doctrine of final caufes, and his glowing fentiments of benevolence and piety, will render his work highly acceptable to a numerous clafs of readers. The fundamental principles of natural religion are alfo fupported, with great ability and eloquence, by Mr. CAPPE, in a feries of "Difcourfes on the Providence and Government of God." Of a more mifcellaneous kind, but chiefly directed to the purposes of establishing the Chriftian faith, and correcting the prevalent indifference to religion, is, a volume of "Sermons," by Bishop HINCHCLIFFE, of which the leading characters are, manly folidity of thought, and chafte fimplicity of language. Another more popular volume of Sermons" has been prefented to the public by Dr. HILL, of St. Andrew's they difplay more fplendor of fancy, than depth or precifion of judgment; and more attachment to the eftablifhed fyftem, than ardour in the purfuit and propagation of knowledge. A pofthumous volume of fermons by Dr. ĠILLESPIE have little to recommend them, except their orthodoxy. A most laboured apology for things as they are, in the prefent national eftablishment of religion in this country, has been delivered in the Bampton Lectures" of the prefent year, by Mr. GRAY, under the title of Sermons on the Principles on which the Reformation of the Church of England was established :" in thefe difcourfes it is difficult to fay which is moft to be admired, the ingenuity with which arruments of doubtful validity are exh. bited, the caution with which problema

[Jan.

tical claims are afferted, or the diligence with which trite ideas are decorated with the artificial clothing of ftudied language. Some of the burthenfome and fuperftitious appendages of ancient religious eftablishments are, with more zeal than judgment, defended, in Sir ADAM GORDON'S "Sermons on the Fafts and Festivals of the Church of England." The BISHOP of ROCHESTER, in his laft "Charge to the Clergy" of his diocefe, betrays ftrong apprehenfions, that, between the zeal of infidels, and the indifference of Moralifts, the church is in danger. The fingle fermons of this period require no diftinct notice: mol of thofe which have been preached on public occafions, have been levelled againft the increafing fcepticism and infidelity of the age. "Skeletons of Sermons," for the ufe of young divines, are publifhed by Mr. SIMEON, who has lately given a new translation of “Claude's Elay on the Compofition of a Sermon."

POLITICS.

The effect of the prefent grievous reftrictions on the freedom of difcuffion is evidently perceived, in the present state of political publications. On the general principles of policy, we have to announce the first introductory volume of a liberal work, by Mr. MACAULAY, entitled, "Rudiments of Political Science." "The Origin of Duties and Rights in Man," is a fmall tract, which confounds religious and civil obligation, and makes every right poffeffed by man a grant conferred by God. Dr. BISSET's "Sketch of Democracy," is an artful and partial re prefentation of the ancient republics of Greece and Rome, adapted to bring into difcredit thofe principles which gave exiftence and vigour to Grecian and Roman liberty. On particular queftions, relative to the prefent state of public affairs, the publication, which, beyond all comparifon, has attracted the largest share of public attention, is, Mr. BURKE'S "Two Letters on the Propofals for a Peace with the Regicide Directory of France." Concerning this publication, after the full difcuffion, and complete refutation, which it has received from va rious quarters, we fhall only fay, that while we heartily accede to the applaufe univerfally beftowed on its literary merit, with refpect to the spirit by which it was dictated, were we not convinced that the writer is labouring under a species of invincible phrenzy, we should tik it our duty, as Britons, and as wen, to pour forth the most indignant expreflions

expreffions of execration; for we are acquainted with no treafon against the ftate, or against humanity, more heinous, than that of fomenting implacable enmity between contending nations, and ftimulating them to the favage ferocity of reciprocal extermination. The fophiftry of Mr. Burke's reafoning has been happily expofed in a mafterly reply, under the title of "Strictures, &c." part 1. evidently the production of a writer of eminent ability. Mr. THELWALL has alfo commenced an Anfwer, concerning which, while we bear a willing teftimony to the writer's liberal principles and great popular talents, we muit exprefs our regret, that he has thought it neceffary, on this occafion, to affume a lefs temperate tone than that of his juftlyapproved reply to one of Mr. Burke's former publications. Other refpondents to Mr. Burke have appeared; of whom, Mr. WADDINGTON is difpaffionate and convincing; Mr. WILLIAMS difcovers plain good fenfe, and a predilection for republican principles; and the author of the "Retort Politic" writes with a rude freedom, but strong argument. Other temporary political publications of this period we may mention on the fide of Adminiftration, "Remarks on the conduct of perfons poffeffed of the Powers of Government in France;" written to fhow, that the French Government is anfwerable for the war; and "Confiderations on the State of Public Affairs at the Beginning of the Year 1796," at tempting to reconcile the nation to the continuance of the war. On the fide of Oppofition, MA O'BRYAN'S " Utrum Horum? the Government or the Country?" in which is forcibly argued the neceffity of fpeedily changing the miniftry, and terminating the war; Major CARTWRIGHT'S "Conftitutional Defence of England," a fpirited affertion of the rights of Englithmen; and Dr. BEDDOES'S "Eflay on the Public Merit of Mr. PITT," in which the portrait is sketched with a mafterly hand. Mr. BRAND'S "Hiftorical Effay on the Principles of Political Affociation in a State," is an ingenious, but fophiftical work; the reafoning of which, if admitted, would preclude the most oppreffed people from all opportunity of obtaining the correction of public errors, or the melioration of their condition. Mr. THELWALL has published a "Profpectus of a Courfe of Lectures, to be delivered during Lent," in which he propofes, within the limit of law, to deduce from ancient hiftory, principles of political wildom, conducive

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to the happiness of fociety. The re-publication of " Dr. TowERS's valuable Collection of Tracts," chiefly political, is entitled to honourable mention. An important series of “ State-Papers," has been published by DEBRETT.

POLITICAL ECONOMY.

Mr. PAINE's attack on the credit of

this country, in his "Decline and Fall of the English Syftem of Finance," has called forth feveral ingenious, and, in many particulars, fatisfactory replies: Mr. BROOME'S "Obfervations," &c. Mr. SMITH'S "Examination," &c. Mr.DANIEL WAKEFIELD'S "Letter," and Lieutenant-Colonel CHALMER'S

"Strictures."

Ufeful hints for retrenching public expences will be found in a fenfible pamphlet, entitled "Confiderations on public Economy." The prefent method of providing for the poor is examined and condemned, in Sir W. YOUNG's judicious "Confiderations on the fubject of Poor-Laws and Workhoufes." The fame fubject is difcuffed, with a fimilar refult, in Mr. JONES's "Prevention of Poverty, by Beneficial Clubs, or Parish Funds." Many plans for meliorating the condition of the poor are suggested in A Letter to Sir J. SINCLAIR, entitled, "Thoughts on the High Price of Provifions." The defign of a general inclofure bill is oppofed, in " Reflections on the Cruelty of inclofing Common Fields, as it will affect the Church and the Poor." An ufeful project is propofed, and fome ingenious information is communicated, concerning the Method of collecting honey from bee-hives, in Dr. LETTSOM's "Hints for promoting a Bee Society." Mr. PLAYFAIR, a zealous advocate for the prefent war, has written a piece which he calls "A real Statement of the Finances and Refources of Great Britain;" in which he endeavours, not very fuccefsfully, we fear, to prove, that the ftrength of the nation has increased fafter than its burthens. The prefent ftate of internal police in our Eaft-India territory, may be, in part, learned from "Letters on the prefent State of Government in the Province of Oude, addressed to Sir John Shore ;" in thefe letters, a diftreffing picture is drawn of the impoverished itate of this country, owing to the enormous fums drawn from it by the English. Certain regulations, promifing to produce a happy effect, are defcribed in a pamplet entitled "New military Arrangements in the East Indies." Military gentlemen may be glad to be informed, that

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A large compilation, under the title of "Geographical Extracts, intended, and well adapted, to furnish the reader, at an eafy expence of time and money, with a general knowledge of the prefent ftate of the various countries of the world, has been provided by the laudable induftry of Mr PAYNE, editor of a fimiEpitome of Hiftory." The more important parts of that valuable collection of papers, the Afiatic Refearches, have been extracted, and published in a cheaper form, under the title of "Differtations and Mitcellaneous Pieces relating to the History and Antiquities, the Arts, Sciences, and Literature, of Afia." To the third volume, juft pub. lifhed, is prefixed an "Eulogy on the Life and Writings of Sir W. Jones,' delivered by Sir John Shore, Mr. Edwards, &c. Mr. EDWARDS, the ingenious author of The Hiftory of the Weft-India Inlands," has laid before the public an official report of the "Proceedings of the Governor and Affembly of Jamaica, in regard to the Maroon Negroes," accompanied with other information on the fubject, which places the transaction in a favourable fight. Mr THELWALL'S " Appeal to popular Opinion, against Kidnapping and Murder," relates, in the ftrong language of an injured man, a story dif. graceful to a free nation, of a riotous affault made upon him by a party of failors, while he was peaceably delivering his lectures, in Yarmouth.

BIOGRAPHY.

The ftore of Englith biography has received a valuable addition in the last performance of that truly-refpectable antiquary, Dr. PEGGE," The Life of Robert Groffe-Tefte, or Greathead, Prebendary of Lincoln, in the Thirteenth Century." The reader will find in this work, much curious information refpecting the babits and manners of that period, and many proofs of the author's accustomed diligence and accuracy. Dr. WHITEHEAD'S "Lives of John and Charles Weftley," are now completed, and contain much curious information refpecting the Methodifts. "The Life of Mr. Romaine," written by Mr. CADOGAN, will be chiefly read and admired in a particular clafs of religious zealots. "Walton's Lives of Dr. Donne, Sir Henry Wotton," &c. have been republished, in a handfome volume, with numerous notes, by Mr. ZouCH.

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popular and useful fpecies of writing, of which the public has of late been favoured with feveral fuccefsful fpecimens. A Hiftory of the County of Cumberland" has been given us by Mr. HUTCHINSON, which contains much curious and useful information, and fome entertaining biographical memoirs. The work entitled

Veitiges of Oxford Cattle," is an elegant publication, in which the writer, Mr. KING, has difplayed much antiquarian fagacity. Mr. CUMBERLAND'S "Attempt to defcribe Hafod, &c. in Cardiganihire," will be an amuting companion to the traveller in this part of Wales. High commendation is due to the accuracy and elegance with which Mr. GREEN's Hiftory and Antiquidies of Worcester" is prefented to the public. Mr. PENNANT, after having taken his leave of the public, refumes his pen to give a defcription, in his ufual accurate and amufing manner, of his birth-place and family eftate, under the title of "The Hiftory of the Parishes of Whiteford and Holywell." The publi cation, if not equally interefting with fome of the ingenious author's former works, is by no means deftitute of amufing and useful information: to the antiquarian and naturalift it will be highly acceptable; it is embellished with many beautiful plates. In imitation of Sir John Sinclair's Statistical Account of Scotland, Mr. LEDWICHE has given a very minute "Account of the Parish of Aghaboe, in Queen's County, Ireland."

VOYAGES AND TRAVELS.

The principal publication which has appeared under the head of Voyages and Travels, is Captain STEDMAN'S "Narrative of a Five Years' Expedition to Surinam;" a work which, if not dif tinguished by literary elegance, bears every fignature of honesty and fidelity: it contains many curious particulars in natural hiftory, and many interesting details of occurrences, and defcriptions of manners, chiefly tending to expofe the favage cruelty of the traffic in flaves. We have only to mention, befides, Mr. HUNTER's Travels in the Year 1792, through France, Turkey, and Hungary, to Vienna," which, though they do not contain much new information, are agreeably written, and will afford the reader much amusement.

FINE ARTS.

TOPOGRAPHY.

editor