others into opinions and practices, equally contrary to true religion and morality.

"I, therefore, think it my duty to make this confession, with all possible sincerity, and with much grief of heart; to the end, that if I should die before I can speak with those whom I have perverted, they may return to the way of God; for, I solemnly protest, that the opinions I used to be so forward in maintaining, were wholly and solely the offspring of vanity, and an affectation of knowledge superior to my neighbours. And I make this declaration, with the most unfeigned sorrow, for having offended God, and in the humble hope, that he will pardon my sin, through the mediation of Jesus Christ. I earnestly entreate all those, who have been seduced by my example, to consider the eminent danger they are in, and beseech them to deliver themselves, without delay, from divine judgment, which here, or hereafter, will most assuredly overtake them, if they persist in their present evil courses."

HANWAY, (JONAS) was born at Portsmouth, in England, in 1712. He was early engaged in business, and from that circumstance, as well as the few traces of literature to be discovered in his writings, may be presumed to have received but a confined education.

If, however, to devote a long life, a large fortune, and talents, which if not splendid, were useful to the good of mankind and the advancement of public happiness, be deserving of applause and imitation, let the following narrative of the life of one, who is entitled to an honourable distinction amongst those persons who are held in veneration by the world, excite such as may feel a desire of obtaining well earned fame to follow the example of Jonas Hanway, in whose eulogium it will be no extravagance to assert, that the last century did not produce an indi

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vidual, to whom the world was under more obligations, or in whom were united the virtues of the patriot, the christian, or the universal philanthropist in a higher degree.

In the year, 1729, he went to Lisbon, where he was employed in the counting-house of a respectable merchant, and soon after, entered into business for himself. It was not long, however, before he returned to London, and in the year, 1743, accepted of the offer of a partnership with a merchant at St. Petersburgh, in Russia. He arrived at that city on the 10th of June, where he was soon made acquainted with the Caspian trade, which was then in its infancy, and the object of the sanguine hopes of several of the most considerable merchants.

From that time, he indulged a desire of seeing Persia, in which he had very soon an opportunity of gratifying his inclination. The trade of the English nation over the Caspian sea into Persia, had, at this period, been entrusted to Mr. Elton, who, not content with the pursuit of commercial affairs, had injudiciously engaged in the service of Nadir Shaw, to build ships on the Caspian sea, after the European manner. This alarmed the merchants in the Russian trade, and a resolution was formed, that one of their body should make a journey into Persia. On this occasion, Mr. Hanway offered his service, and was accepted. He set out on the 10th of September, and after experiencing a variety of hazards in that kingdom, during the space of 12 months, he returned to St. Petersburgh, January 1st. 1745, without having been able to effect his purpose. His disappointment was partly attributed to the jealousy of the court of Russia, on account of Elton's connection with the Persians, and partly to the troubles and revolutions. of the latter kingdom.

Though Mr. Hanway's conduct, during this expedition, seems to have been directed by the strictest rules of integrity; yet some difficulties arose in settling

his demands on his employers. These, however, in the end, were referred to impartial arbitrators, who decided in his favour. "I obtained," says he, "my own, and as to any other personal advantage, it consisted in exercising my mind, in patience under tails, and encreasing my knowledge of the world."

He now settled at St. Petersburgh, where he remained five years, with no other variations in his life, than such as may be supposed to occur, in the dull round of mercantile employinent. During this time, he interested himself greatly in the concerns of the merchants, who had engaged in the Caspian trade; but the independence he had acquired, having excited a desire to see his native country, he, after several disappointments, which prevented him from accomplishing his wish, left St Petersburgh, in July,

1750.

On his arrival in his native country, he did not immediately relinquish his mercantile connections, though he seems to have left Russia with that view. He employed himself for some time as a merchant, but afterwards more beneficially to the world as a private gentleman.

In 1753, he published "An Historical Account of the British trade over the Caspian sea; with a journal of travels from London, through Russia into Per-. sia and back again through Russia, Germany and Holland. To which are added, the revolutions of Persia, during the present century, with the particu lar history of the great usurper Nadir Kouli," 4 vols. 4to, a work which was received with great attention by the public. It is remarkable, that, at this juncture, our author had no intention of being so frequent an employer of the press as he became afterwards. In his dedication of this work, he says, "It has long been a maxim with me, that a book should be the true picture of the author's mind: such, with all its imperfections, I am sure is this The folly of writing, if it be one, I shall never comVOL. III, No. 17. C

mit again; and, having taken this resolution I have said all that I have to communicate to the public."

The above resolution, however, was scarcely made before it was broken. Immediately on the publication of the above travels, he was attacked in an appendix to a pamphlet, entitled "Reflections upon Naturalization, Corporations, .and Companies, as relating to the Levant Trade, or Turkey Company." To this he published a short answer in an 8vo. pamphlet, immediately on the publication of his antagonist's work.

The close application he had bestowed on the object of this history, having considerably impaired his health, which at the best was but indifferent, he went to pass a few weeks at Tunbridge Wells, where finding himself, in a short time, considerably recovered, he set out for the continent, and after having leisurely visited most of the capital places, returned to England.

At this period, the clamour against the proposed naturalization of the Jews ran very high, and Mr. Hanway having joined the cry, published several pamphlets, in which he very forcibly opposed that measure. The controversy, however, which had originated from this cause, was soon terminated, by the repeal of this obnoxious bill.

In 1754, we find Mr. Hanway recommending a plan, for the advantage of Westminster and suggesting hints for its farther improvement, which were soon after adopted with very little alteration.

In 1756, he published " A Journal of Eight Days journey from Portsmouth to Kingston upon Thames," &c. with an Essay on Tea, considered as pernicious to health, obstructing industry, and impoverishing the nation," which was afterwards re-printed in 2 vols. 8vo. His strictures on tea, in this work, occasioned the displeasure of Dr. Johnson, who attacked him without mercy.

At this juncture, Great-Britain was on the eve of

a war with France, the event of which was very important to the nation at large, and required every effort of patriotism and prudence to ward off the impending danger, Upon this occasion, Mr. Hanway published his " Thoughts on the duty of a good citizen with regard to war and invasion," which was intended to quiet the minds of the people, as to the probability of the event taking place, and the means: which they had, if properly executed, to repel their enemies, in case they should land.

About the same time, several gentlemen formed a plan, which was matured and made perfect by the assiduity of Mr. Hanway, for providing the navy with sailors, by furnishing poor children with necessaries to equip them for the service of their country. The success and propriety of this scheme soon became apparent. A society was formed for this laudable purpose, in consequence of Mr. Hanway's writ-ings, and through life it was the favourite object of

his care.

The next year, he became an advocate for another charitable institution, which derived considerable emoluments from his patronage. This was the Magdalene charity, and to assist it, he published "A Letter to Robert Dingley, esq. being a proposal for the relief and employment of friendless girls and repenting prostitutes." He also published several other small performances on the same subject.

In 1759, Mr. Hanway wrote " Resons for an augmentation of at least twelve thousand mariners." The next year he, likewise, published several performances: 1. "A candid historical account of the hospital for the reception of exposed and deserted young children, representing the present state of it, as productive of many evils. 2. "An account of the society for the encouragement of the British troops. in Germany and North America." 3. "Eight letters on the custom of vail-giving in England." This practice of giving vails had arrived at a very extravas