the other hand, I would remark, (what may be regarded as a cogent argument against intolerance,) that opinion, merely as such, has very little influence on human conduct, which, on sudden emergencies, will, for the most part, take the direction of immediate impulse, and, in cases requiring deliberation, that of habit. In the case of persecution, whether inflicted or suffered, the temper and disposition of mind is every thing, and speculative opinions or theoretical views of the foundations of morals or politics next to nothing. A bold bad man raised to power will either persecute or tolerate as may best suit his secular purposes. The just and conscientious possessor of unlimited authority may, through mistaken notions, be intolerant; but his mistakes are not likely to originate in such a view of the subjects of right, power, &c., as Hylas has been compelled to take. Usually, opinions are only the pretence for persecution. This at least, I think, must be the case in the present enlightened state of the world. The moral causes of it being, for the most part, interest or revenge, or fear, or, in a word, selfishness differently modified according to the characters in which it is found, and the circumstances in which it operates.

If, Sir, I decline remarking on more than one of your valuable Correspondents who have done me the honour to consider some of my notions; this, I trust, will not be ascribed to want of due respect. To one gentleman, who has zealously stood forth in the defence of the Review of the Inquirer's" Four Letters to Mr. Fox," (pp. 288-290,) I can only express my regret that he has so much mistaken me, and that it is my own fault that he has done so. An unfortunate hiatus of mine has led him to suppose that I had charged him with calumny for asserting that the Inquirer appears, in fact, in the train of Hobbes," &c. He may be assured that no such accusation was in my mind. The Latin word, which might have been inserted with far less offence than the omission of it has, to my sorrow, occasioned, and which would have completed the sentence, argumentum ad invidiam, implies that the argument was introduced for the purpose of giving the Inquirer a bad name, by classing him with suspected or avowed Unbelievers, and nothing

further. To the learned Jacob Bryant, who associated Dr. Priestley with what he called the inglorious triumvirate of Collins, Hume and Hobbes, adding, that "he would have been glad to have found him in other company," Dr. P. replied as follows: "I can only say, that if I be in company with truth and good sense, I shall always think myself in good company, whoever else be of the same party." The Inquirer also may very legitimately adopt the erastianisin of Hobbes, the toryism of Hume, and the critical opinions of Gibbon, without partaking in any degree of their infidelity. The hiatus alluded to was wholly unconnected with any thing like a denial of the Inquirer's attachment to some of the opinions of Hobbes, or any thing like a charge of calumny" preferred against the Reviewer for having alleged such an attachment: I, therefore, cannot but lament that that gentleman should have given himself the trouble of searching for, and citing passages from Hobbes in proof of what was never denied.

A

HYLAS.

Contemporary Journals. FRIEND to the Monthly Repo

sitory having for a particular purpose, of no consequence to any one but himself, drawn up a catalogue of the contemporary Magazines and Reviews, with historical and critical notices, now submits it to the readers of that work.

He believes that he has omitted few of these important publications, and none of any consequence. Should the reader detect any omissions, he will oblige the writer by supplying them in communications to the Editor. The only works designedly left out of the list are The Monthly Repository and the Christian Reformer. For convenience of insertion, the catalogue will be divided into parts, the works being arranged according to their professed objects.

No. I.

Monthly-Religious-Magazines. The Methodist Magazine, 8vo. 6d. This belongs to the Wesleian connexion, to whom its circulation is chiefly confined. It is ornamented monthly with the portrait of a preacher. It was established by John Wesley,

and was at first called "The Arminian Magazine." "In the year 1780," (says Southey, in his Life of Wesley, lately published, Vol. II. pp. 414, 415,) he began to publish the Arminian Magazine, for the double purpose of maintaining and defending those doctrines which were reviled with such abominable scurrility by the Calvinists in their monthly journal, and of supplying his followers, who were not in the habit of reading much, with an entertaining and useful miscellany. Both purposes were well answered; but having this means at his command, he indulged his indiscriminate credulity, and inserted, without scruple, and without reflection, any marvellous tale that came to his hands." The ministers of the connexion are the venders

"In the Preface to the first volume he says, Amidst the multitude of magazines which now swarm in the world, there was one, a few years ago, termed The Christian Magazine, which was of great use to mankind, and did honour to the publishers; but it was soon discontinued, to the regret of many serious and sensible persons. In the room of it started up a miscreated phantom, called The Spiritual Magazine; and, not long after it, its twin sister, oddly called The Gospel Magazine. Both of these are intended to shew, that God is not loving to every man; that his mercy is not over all his works; and, consequently, that Christ did not die for us all, but for one in ten, the elect only.

"This comfortable doctrine, the sum of which, proposed in plain English, is, God, before the foundation of the world, absolutely and irrevocably decreed, that some men shall be saved, do what they will, and the rest damned, do what they can,' has, by these tracts, been spread

throughout the land with the utmost diligence. And these champions of it have, from the beginning, proceeded in a manner worthy of their cause. They have paid no more regard to good nature, decency or good manners, than to reason or truth all these they set utterly at defiance. Without any deviation from their plan, they have defended their dear decrees, with arguments worthy of Bedlam, and with language worthy of Billingsgate.'

"These were the first religious journals which were published in England. Since that time every denomination of Dissenters, down to the most insignificant subdivisions of schism, has had its magazine."

VOL. XV.

of this and all other Wesleian literature; this may account for the immense number of copies of the maga zine said to be sold, 25,000 monthly. With such wide correspondence as the Methodist managers can secure, it is singular that their journal should be so dull and uninteresting, even with regard to their own objects. They take one sure way of perpetuating its dulness-for convenience' sake printing every Number a month before-hand.

The Evangelical Magazine. 8vo. 6d. Now in the XXVIIIth Volume. This work was projected, and for a long time conducted, by the late Mr. John Eyre; its present Editor is Mr. Burder, the Secretary to the Missionary Society. The circulation is or has been upwards of 20,000. It boasts a monthly portrait (somewhat roughly Evangelical" miexecuted) of some "

nister. *

To it is attached, and this is its second title, a Missionary Chronicle," printed, we believe, at the expense of the Missionary Society. This is a very interesting part of the magazine, and the Intelligence generally is of some importance to the Dissenters and to the friends of humanity and religion. The literary part of the Journal is above contempt; it was not so originally. The conductors have the mass of subscribers could bear it. probably improved the work as fast as The profits of the work, which are devoted to the "Widows of Evangelical Ministers," Presbyterians, Independents and Calvinistic Methodists, are derived mainly from the advertisements, which are without parallel for number. The magazine before us has a blue wrapper of 16 pages, containing 111 advertisements: there are besides 14 pages of bills stitched into the wrapper.

The advertisements are a source, not only of profit to the proprietors, but also of amusement to the

readers.

The Christian Observer. Svo. ls. 6d. Now in the XIXth Volume. This work is advertised as "Conducted by Members of the Established Church.", It is, in fact, the organ of the Church Evangelical party. Upon the whole,

it is a respectable publication; though bigotry appears in it occasionally, and in the monthly "View of Public Affairs" slavish political doctrines are not unfrequently inculcated.

The Baptist Magazine. 8vo. 6d. A Portrait occasionally. Now in the XIIth Volume. The work is now carried on for the benefit of the Widows of Particular or Calvinistic Baptist Ministers these were formerly entitled to a portion of the profits of the Evangelical Magazine, but on account of some misunderstanding the Baptists withdrew their claim on receiving a certain sum for their Widows' Fund. The magazine is below the Evangelical in its general articles. Appended to it is the " Missionary Herald," giving an account of the Baptist Mission in the East Indies: also, the "Irish Chronicle," detailing the proceedings of the "Baptist Society for promoting the Gospel in Ireland." This magazine is by no means an adequate representative of the learning and talents of the Baptist denomination; scarcely, it is to be hoped, of their sentiments on great public questions, for it expressly vindicated the prosecution and punishment of the Deist, Carlile.

The London Christian Instructor, or Congregational Magazine. Svo. 18. Now in the IIIrd Volume. The profits are pledged to be devoted to Aged and Superannuated Ministers and Congregational Academies. By the term Congregational, is meant Independents, those Dissenters taking that title who hold that each congregation has all the powers of government within itself. The name, however, applies to almost all the English Dissenting Churches, though it is given by courtesy and for the sake of convenience to one of the Three regular Denominations of Dissenters, who are distinguished from the Presbyterians by their adherence to the doctrine of the Assembly's Catechism, and from the Baptists by their observance of the rite of Infant Baptism. This magazine of theirs is, in point of matter, on a level at least with the other soi-disant orthodox journals. Much superior it cannot yet be said to be. It is as might be expected devoted steadily and zealously to the principles of Nonconformity. Our readers already know that it is not quite exempt from the sin of bigotry.

The Edinburgh Christian Instructor. 8vo. 1s. 6d. Now in the XIXth Volume. This is a work of considerable ability; it is devoted to the inte rests of the Evangelical party in the Kirk of Scotland. Calvinism has no equal advocate in England.

New Evangelical Magazine. 8vo. 6d. A Portrait. Now in the VIth Volume. This work is quite as "orthodox" as the Evangelical, though in a different way. It is not disreputably conducted; it breathes a bold Dissenting spirit. The supporters of it seem to be Baptists, of a Sandemanian cast.

6d.

Missionary Register. 8vo. (Not numbered.) The "Register,” which is in the hands of the Evangelical Church Party, contains "the principal Transactions of the various Institutions for propagating the Gospel with the Proceedings, at large, of the Church Missionary Society." It is a valuable and interesting record of the unparalleled exertions now making for the diffusion of Christianity in the popular acceptation of it. No one can look with indifference on this and similar journals, whose eyes are open to “the signs of the times."

The Christian Guardian. 8vo. 6d. Now in the XIIth Volume. It is also entitled "Church of England Magazine," and said to be "by a Society of Clergymen." It is strongly Calvinistic, and is another instrument in the active hands of the Evangelical Church Party.

The Herald of Peace. Svo. 9d. Now in the IInd Volume. This publication is conducted by the Peace Society, with a view to its great and good object that of bringing War into abhorrence. It is perhaps tinged more than enough with the Quaker peculiarities; but who that is under the influence of the gospel, and loves mankind, can help wishing it good luck in the name of the Lord?

The Jewish Expositor, and Friend of Israel. 8vo. 6d. Now in the Vth Volume. The organ of "The London Society for promoting Christianity amongst the Jews." The contents may be gathered from the title. The work is given to all persons collecting to the amount of one shilling a-week for the Society. Maps and prints, illustrative of Jewish History, Cere monies and Antiquities, are promised.

The Orthodox Journal, and Catho

GLEANINGS; OR, SELECTIONS AND REFLECTIONS MADE IN A COURSE OF GENERAL READING.

No. CCCLXIX. Circumstantial Evidence. "In the county of Warwick there were two brethren, the one having issue a daughter, and being seized of lands in fee, devised the government of his daughter and his lands, until she came to the age of sixteen years, to his brother, and died.

"The uncle brought up his niece very well, both at her book and needle, &c., and she was eight or nine years of age.

"Her unele for some offence correcting her, she was heard to say, O good uncle, kill me not! After which time the child, after much inquiry, could not be heard of.

"Whereupon the uncle being suspected of the murder of her, the rather for that he was her next heir, was upon examination, anno 8 Jac. regis, committed to gaol for suspicion of murder, and was admonished by the justices of assize to find out the child, and thereupon bailed him until the next assizes. Against which time, for that he could not find her, and fearing what would fall out against him, took another child, as like unto her both in person and years as he could find, and apparelled her like unto the true child, and brought her to the next assize: but upon view and examination she was found not to be the true child, and upon these pre

sumptions he was indicted, found guilty, had judgment, and was hanged.

"But the truth of the case was, that the child being beaten over-night, the next morning, when she should go to school, she ran away into the next county, and being well educated, was received and entertained of a stranger; and when she was sixteen years old, at what time she should cene to her lands, she came to demand it, and was directly proved to be the true child.

"Which case we have reported for a double caveat: first to judges, that they in case of life judge not too hastily upon bare presumption; and secondly to the innocent and true man, that he never seek to excuse himself by false or undue means, lest hereby, he offending God, (the Author of truth,) overthrow himself, as the uncle did." -Coke on Attainders.

No. CCCLXX.

Fanaticism cured by " The Holy
Father"!

Establishing metallic conductors at Dijon was a source of contest between philosophy and religious bigotry. At the time when they had first been proposed by Franklin, Guyton de Morveau, whose abilities as a magistrate were as highly valued as his exertions as a lecturer in chemistry, seconded the efforts of that illustrious philosopher of America; but at first his proceedings were considered as irreverent and irreligious. He was attacked for his presumption in disarming the hand of the Supreme Being! and would have suffered materially from the multitude of fanatics who had assembled to pull down the conductor, placed on the house of the Dijon academy, had not Dr. Maret, the secretary, succeeded in dispersing the motley troop, by assuring them that the astonishing virtue of that instrument resided in the gilded point which had purposely been sent from Rome by the Holy Father!Journal of Science and the Arts, No. VI. p. 269.

May it be asked, if any of our English mayors, aldermen, town clerks, or common council men, or any of the Scotch provosts, baillies, &c., have given lectures in chemistry, or been as famed as Guyton de Morveau, a French magistrate, in the cause of liberality of sentiment and general science?-Fas est et ab hoste doceri.

The work before us is an elegant Map, evidently the result of much skill and industry. It exhibits the country between the parallels or latitudes of 30° 50′ and 33° 40′, and from the meridian of 34° 20′ to that of 36° 30′, east from Greenwich. It therefore comprehends the coast from the Mountains of Lebanon to the confines of Egypt. The size is 41 inches in height by 28 in breadth, and the scale of longitude nearly 11 inches to a degreé.

Than graphical representation, nothing more strongly impresses upon the mind, more especially upon the youthful mind, the events of former days. With the Sacred Volume open before him, and this Map expanded beyond it, the historical and descriptive portions of Scripture will be read by the student with increased interest; because, with this auxiliary, more accurate and lasting ideas will be acquired. The work is illustrated with expressive miniature figures, similar to those in the maps of Janson, which constitute a part of the "Geographia Vetus, Sacra et Profana," but the groundwork is far superior; and, as references are given to the respective passages in which the events or occur rences are described, it serves, in some degree, as an Index to the historical parts of the whole of the Sacred Writings.

In a work like the present, critical accuracy, as to the positions of places, cannot be expected; for the greater part is necessarily laid down from mere verbal description, in which even days' journeys must, in some cases, be admitted as definite measures. It is also well known that, until lately, even the

MR. ELTON, who is well known

to the public by his "Translation of Hesiod," and his Specimens of the Classic Poets," and who has interested our readers by other publications, to which literary usage will not allow us to refer more particularly, now comes before us as a poet, and, we lament to say, as a mourner. His is no fictitious tale and no imaginary grief. He sings of real calamity, such as Providence rarely permits to fall upon the heart of man. The melancholy event is fresh in the painful remembrance of many before whose eyes this page will come; to others it may be sufficient to say, that "The Brothers" were two sons of the author's, youths of high promise, who about two years ago were swallowed up by the waves in the Bristol Channel, in returning from an islet, the passage of which is fordable at low water. What impression such an event was likely to make upon a mind of great susceptibility, some may be able to imagine; but no apprehension of it can come up to the reality as expressed in the Monody, which is the effusion of a heart bleeding at every pore, and which affects the reader of sensibility even to agony. After this, we need not say that the merit of the poetry is of lower consideration; though as far as the attention can be abstracted from the narrative and description, which the " Monody" really is, there will be found great beauty in both the thoughts and the language, and associations of ideas that