nations polished by learning; after which, in the third place, he confirms the fame doctrine by a variety of general proofs, drawn from teftimonies and facts. The point is maintained with an uncommon extent of learning, and with much judicious criticifm. Befides teftifying to the excellence of the work itself, we must not pafs over the introduction, which difplays the advantages arifing from an accurate knowledge of the pagan idolatry, and contains fome curious obfervations on the meaning of the word death, in the Old Testament. Our author's fentiments upon this head differ materially from thofe which have lately been advanced by bishop Law, Dr. Prieftley, Mr. Arch-Deacon Blackburne, and other writers. Mr. Farmer, in the courfe of the prefent volume, hath made fome candid ftrictures on Bryant's Analyfis. Another author, who is often mentioned, is not treated with the fame gentleness; nor, indeed, had he any reafon to expect it. The perfon we mean is Mr. Fell, a diffenting minifter in Effex, a man not deftitute of abilities, but whofe learning is only of the fecond rate; and who, in a treatise entitled, "Demoniacs," in anfwer to Mr. Farmer's book on the fame fubject, hath manifested a bigotry and malignity of fpirit highly to be blamed. But however justly he hath expofed himself to cenfure, we are forry that he has been made fo much the object of our author's attention; and fhould have been pleased to have feen him exercife lefs fenfibility with regard to the attacks of a writer, over whom, he poffeffes, in every refpect, the most decided fuperiority.

Mr. Boyle's Lecture hath long been celebrated, and has given birth to nobler defences of revelation

than, perhaps, any country in the world has produced. Of late years, the fubject being much exhaufted, and the curiofity of the public having been directed to other objects, the fpirit of the institution, and the regard paid to it, feem to be greatly on the decline. Hence, for fome time paft, the lectures have not always been printed; and, when they have been printed, do not appear to have excited the attention which their merit probably deserved. Some of the preachers have, alfo, thought proper not to publish their twenty-four fermons in the mode in which they were originally deliver. ed, but have reduced them to a more compendious form. This is the cafe with Mr. Williamfon, in his "Argument for the Chriftian Religi on; drawn from a comparison of revelation with the natural operations of the human mind;" which contains only the fubftance of his three years courfe of lectures. this tract, which is divided into four books, the author confiders, in the first place, the rife and progrefs of thofe religious opinions which seem natural to all mankind; fecondly, enquires into the general revealed character of God, and the real, pofitive, prefent, and temporal advantages we enjoy by being under the protection, though fubje& to the government, and left to the ar bitrary difpofal of our Creator; thirdly, treats upon learned prejudice, and the atheistical fyftems which this kind of prejudice appears calculated to fupport; and fourthly, exhibits a general view of the evidence of the Chriftian religion. It is manifeft, from this account of Mr. Williamfon's plan, that his defign leads him to abstracted enquiries, and affords room for fpeculations concerning which there will be a diverfity of opinions. However,

In

every method of confidering a fubject of fuch vaft importance, cannot fail of being ufeful, as it adds to the general mafs of evidence in fupport of revelation. The laft part of our author's treatife will probably be the most acceptable and advantageous to the common clafs of readers.

Mr. Bennet's Divine Revelation impartial and univerfal," endeavours to remove an objection to Christianity which many perfons have beheld in a formidable light. As to ourselves, we do not regard it in that view. The question concerning the truth of the Gofpel is a question of fact; and if the fact is eftablished upon pofitive and convincing evidence, this evidence cannot be overturned by á priori reafonings concerning the time in which our holy religion was communicated, or the extent with which it has been diffufed in the world. It is, however, highly proper to fuggeft every confideration which may tend to elucidate the wifdom and goodnefs of the divine difpenfations. Such is the defign of Mr. Bennet with refpect to the object of his particular enquiry, and, whilft he hath treated upon it with liberality and candour, he hath alledged many things that will be found deferving notice. His folutions of the difficulty he hath undertaken to anfwer, may not, perhaps, in every part of them, appear equally fatisfactory to every mind. What he faith, for inftance, concerning the liberty of the human will, and his thence accounting for the want of an actual univerfality in the diffufion of revelation, will not be admitted by fome of the hardy metaphyficians of the prefent age. As we fuppofe our author to be a young man, and therefore capable of improvement, he will permit us to hope, that, as he advances in

1785

life, he will become more close and compact in his publications.

What we have faid concerning Mr. Bennet, may, perhaps, in fome measure, be applied to Mr. Sneyd, who hath written " a Letter to Dr. Toulmin, M. D. relative to his Book on the Antiquity of the World." When we give it as our opinion, that Mr. Sneyd will pro bably hereafter rife to greater excellence in point of accuracy and depth of reafoning, we do not mean to depreciate the prefent performance. He hath expofed, with juftice and with fpirit, the arrogance of Dr. Toulmin; and in feveral refpects, his arguments are highly fatisfactory. We are pleafed to fee that one of the most contemptible, but, at the fame time, one of the most impudent atheistical writers that ever appeared in the world hath here. received a due caftigation.

Dr. Ogilvie's "Inquiry into the Caufes of the Infidelity and Scepticifm of the Times," is the production of a gentleman who is already known to the public in various forms of literary compofition. He made an early appearance as a poet, and his first performance in that way, which was on the Laft Judgment, raised expectations of great future excellence. To whatever caufes it may be afcribed, it is certain that his fubfequent efforts in the poetical line have not been equally popular. His genius we think, is unquestion able; but it feems to have been obfcured by a want of perfpicuity in compofition; and, perhaps, with fome degree of affectation. The fame circumftances more vifibly contributed to leffen the favourable reception of our author's Treatife upon Oratory. Concerning his fermons, a volume of which we believe he published fome years ago, we are not able to fpeak, as they have not P

hap

pened to fall into our hands. In the work before us, Dr. Ogilvie has again appeared in the world as a Divine, and the fubject he has chofen, which is of great importance, hath not been fo diftinctly and fully confidered before. The principal caufes affigned by him of the infidelity and feepticifm of the prefent times, are 1. A love of fingularity, or an inordinate defire to extract novelty from every fubje&t and in particular from points which have been formerly canvaffed. 2. A propenfity to reject whatever bears the ftamp of vulgarity, and to conform our principles, in the fame manner as our drefs, to the prevailing rate and faflion of the times. 3. A defire of imitating the manners of men, whom we have been taught to efteem very highly, and of appearing to adopt their opinions. 4. Our natural inclination to reject thofe tenets as falfe, to which our actions are irreconcileable, and to adopt the contrary. And 5. Certain charges of a very dangerous tendency, refpecting either the general scheme of Chriftianity, or its peculiar doctrines, the nature of its evidences, or the character of its teachers; of which the effect is heightened, in the writings of its adverfarics, by all the arts of plaufible reafoning, infinuation, ridicule, and abufe. In difcuffing thefe topics, the author is naturally led to make a variety of strictures on those writers who have fhewn themselves hoftile to the caufe of revelation. Herbert, Shaftesbury, Bolinbroke, Hune, Gibbon, and Toulmin are the principal objects of his remarks; and he exerts himself, with a laudable induftry, and with an ability deferving of attention, to efface the evil impreffions which thefe fceptical gentlemen may have made, to the prejudice of our holy religion. On the whole, though we

think ourselves obliged to fay, that the manner of Dr. Ogilvie's compofition is not exactly adapted to our own tafte and withes, we do not intend, by this affertion, to detra& from the general excellence of his "Inquiry," which is an elaborate work, and cannot fail, if carefully perufed, to be of confiderable utility

With refpect to Mrs. Trimmer's "Sacred Hiftory, felected from the Scripture, with Annotations and Reflections," it is fufficient to say, that the fecond, third, and fourth volumes are now published, and that they are carried on with all that ability, and fitnefs to convey the most important inftruction to younger minds, which were difplayed by this lady in the first part of her undertaking She has gone through the Old Teftament, and means, in due time, to go through the New Teftament, in the fame manner. We cannot help adding, that there are probably many perfons arrived to years of maturity who might receive no fmall degree of improvement from Mrs. Trimmer's publications.

In the New Annual Regifter for 1781, we gave an account of the first part of Mr. Taylor's "Thoughts on the Nature of the grand Apoftacy of the Christian Churches, foretold by the Apoftles;" and paid a proper testimony of respect to the author's uncommon abilities, ingenuity, and learning. The like tribute of applaufe is due to his "Farther Thoughts" on the fame fubject. This tract contains obfervations on the laws against herefy, the fubfcription to articles of human compofition, and other topics of the utmost importance to the religion of protestants, and of Chriftianity in general. Though thefe topics have been fre quently difcuffed, Mr. Taylor has throw new light upon them; and hath

hath fully proved, that all the churches, both in the Eaft, and in the Weft, have been corrupted; and that the genuine faith which was built upon truth, the teftimony of Jefus, the commandments of God, the apofles and prophets, has fut fered an apoftacy from its original and divine ftandard, by joining to them the commandments of men. The liberal and masterly way in which this work is written is fuch as might be expected from a man who is, perhaps, the ableft divine the church of England has to boast of in the prefent day.

It is well known that Mr. Farmer, in his elaborate Treatise on the Demoniacs, publifhed within thefe few years, has endeavoured to deftroy the doctrine of real poffeffions. Mr. Barker, with modefty and candour, in a tract, entitled, "The Nature and Circumftances of the Demoniacs in the Gof pels, ftated, methodized, and confidered in the feveral Particulars," has futained a different opinion. Several of his arguments merit confideration, and especially that which is drawn from the clearnefs and opennefs wherewith the perfons poffelfed afferted the Meffiahfhip of Jefus." Though many of the Jews did at times fpeak of Chrift as a great prophet, yet their notions of him were very various; fome fuppofing him to be John the Baptift rifen a gain; fome Elijah, others Jeremiah, or one of the old prophets. But with the demoniacs it is no fuch thing; they are all exactly in the fame ftory; thou art the Meffiah, the Son, the holy one of God." We acknowledge that Mr. Farmer's work, when we read it, carried conviction to our minds on his fide of the question. However, what can be alledged on the other fide, is enwirled to a fair and difpaffionate ex

amination; and upon a point fo nice and difficult as that before us, the wifeft and the best men may be expected to entertain a diversity of opinion. Nor can a diverfity of opi• nion be of any prejudice, fo lon; as it is accompanied with that tem per and moderation of which Mr. Barker hath afforded an amiable example..

Though Dr. Bell's admirable Treatife on the Lord's Supper, may feem to have rendered all farther publications upon the fubject almost needlefs, at least for a time, we are, nevertheless, indebted to those who carry on the fame useful defign, by endeavouring to propagate rational and fcriptural views of the inftitu tion. This is the cafe with Mr. Temple, whofe Two Difcours upon the ordinance are conformable to the juft fentiments which have been entertained concerning it by liberal divines. His interpretations of the texts of feripture are fupported by judicious criticifm; and, in this work, the author hath added to the reputation which he had already gained by other valuable perform

ances.

Of Dr. Difney's "Reafons for refigning the Rectory of Panton and Vicarage of Swinderby, in Lincolnfhire," and quitting the church of England, it is only neceffary to fay, that they come from a moft worthy man, who has explained the progrefs of his own mind, and the grounds upon which he hath acted, with the greateft fimplicity and candour. Even thofe who differ from him in opinion will applaud the motives of his conduct, and others will give their approbation to the principles he hath embraced. We believe, too, that many fincere friends of the church of England will regret the lofs of fuch an upright and valuable member.

Mr. Lindsey, who, feveral years fince, exhibited the fame example of integrity, and who hath affociated Dr. Difney with himself in his own congregation, hath added another large work to thofe he has already published on the fubject which he has fo much at heart. The title of it is, "An Historical View of the State of the Unitarian Doctrine and Worship, from the Reformation to our own Times: with fome Account of the Obstructions which it has met with at different Periods." This performance contains a variety of biographical as well as of religious information; and is written with all that regard to truth, and that in genuity of mind for which the au thor is eminently distinguished. He is not one of those who can fee no error in the men with whom he concurs in fpeculative opinion, or who will apologize for their wrong conduct. This he hath particularly fhewn with regard to Socinus, whofe intolerant principles and practices are related at large, and freely and fully expofed. The perfons in our own country who are the principal objects of Mr. Lindfey's notice, are Mr. John Biddle, Mr. Thomas Firmin, Mr. Emlyn, Mr. Whifton, Dr. Samuel Clarke, bifhop Hoadly, Sir Ifaac Newton, Mr. Tucker, Dr. Robertfon, Dr. John Jebb, Dr. Chambers, Mr. Tyrrwhit of Jefus College, Cambridge, Mr. Evanfon, Mr. Maty, Mr. Harries, and Dr. Difney. If our author had been more accurately and copioufly ac quainted with the state of the Pro teftant Diffenters for the laft fixty years, he might have enlarged the account which he has given of Englith Unitarians. Thofe who do not agree in fentiment with Mr. Lindfey, will be pleased with the hiftotical knowledge communicated by

him; and it will be their own fault if they are not edified by the piety and candour with which he writes.

It was not likely that fo capital a work as Dr. Priestley's Hiftory of the Corruptions of Chriftianity fhould be fuffered to pafs without notice. The freedom with which he attacked the Trinity, might be expected, among other objects, to excite an alarm; and efpecially his boldness. in afferting, that the doctrine of the pre-existence of our Saviour, was not the doctrine of the primitive Chriftians. In this opinion, many did not concur with him, who, in general, were highly pleafed with his performance. The doctor's pofitions could not fail of being par ticularly offenfive to thofe who maintain the prevaling, and, indeed, the established fyftem concerning the divinity of Chrift; and accordingly, he has been called to an account by a gentleman of no fmal! note in the world of letters, and who, at the fame time, is a digni tary of the church. Dr. Horfley, archdeacon of St. Alban's, in a charge delivered to the clergy of the arch-deaconry, hath taken up the matter in a strong and firm tone. Whilft he pays a due regard to Dr. Priestley's perfonal character, and is fenfible of his abilities, he zealoufly controverts the propofitions advanced by him, and afferts, that "They reft upon precarious affumptions, perverted history, and mifconftrued and mifapplied quotations." In fupporting his argument, Dr. Horfley difplays an energitic mind, a confiderable portion of learning, and a full confidence in his own caufe. It is probable, that the writings of bifhop Bull, may have afforded fome affiftance to the archdeacon in his defence of the orthodox doctrine of the Tri