THEOLOGY. ART. 21.-The Tyrant of the Church. London, Ogles, Duncan, and Cochran, 1816. 12mo. pp. 77. THE author will not blame us, but perhaps the public will, if we state the purpose of this publication as it appears in the preface; we have, however, no other means to explain it, as it is far beyond the reach of our intellectual powers to discover it. Some of our readers, not labouring under the same deficiencies, and more versed in religious mysticism, will probably comprehend the writer better. "The object of the following attempt," he says, "is the detection of that Tyrannical Power, who as God, sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. The discussion is grounded upon the principle that spirituality of scripture prophecy directs to a spiritual and scriptural interposition. The question turns more immediately on that point of revelation which appears as an index to the anti-christian mystery; where the last prophet, reducing the sacred hieroglyphics to the precision of a numerical estimate, excites investigation, with an exhortation to count the NUMBER of the anti-christian NAME." ART. 22.-Religious Liberty stated and enforced on the principles of Scripture and Common Sense, in Six Essays, with Notes and an Appendix. By THO. WILLIAMS, London, Button and Son, 1816. 8vo. pp. 221. IN our last number we reviewed a pamphlet entitled "the Means of Improving the Condition of the Poor in Morals and Happiness." The present work seems to be a continuation of the lectures to The Minor Institute, as it is called, with considerable additions to, as well as subtractions from them. The notes also comprise some miscellaneous information, with remarks on circumstances that have occurred, and publications that have appeared since the Essays were composed. The reader is not to expect here a legal disquisition on the right to religious liberty, but he will find an historic sketch of the rise aro, Percival, of intolerance from the time of Constantine to, Zimmermann, Memoir of the mation, and from the latter period to the dispute tions on the continent, particularly in France. volume (which ritten by himCRIT. REV. VOL. IV. Nov. 1816. concludes with an account of the present state of popery, and with a statement of the opinion the author indulges of its final overthrow. A specimen of his style may be collected from the following extract, and it will be seen that it is susceptible of some improvement. "But it requires consideration, in what manner we may express a difference in opinion from our superiors, and with what caution we should oppose the dogmas of an established faith. With a grave face, a modest countenance, and a respectful bow, we may presume to differ, and even humbly intimate the reasons of our difference. Yes; says Dr. Paley, "I tolerate all books of serious argumentation: but I deem it no infringement of religious liberty, to restrain the circulation of ridicule, invective, and mockery upon religious subjects." Mighty well this, if both parties were conformed to the same rule! but this will not do. A downy Dean may sit at his ease, and write a Tale of a Tub," or any other tale that ridicules the fundamental truths of the reformation;- -or a Doctor of Divinity may write Notes on Hudibras, and make a mosk of divine influences, so that he do not attack the church, by which he is maintained. I am not an advocate for levity on religious topics; but I see no reason why it should be allowed on one side, and prohibited on the other-why a Butler or a Swift shall be permitted to burlesque vital and practical religion, and a Robinson or a Ringletub must not touch a rite or a ceremony,- -a lawn sleeve, or even a surplice. Yes, I retract:-I do see a reason. Truth and Piety are invulnerable; but human inventions and traditions tremble at the breath of Ridicule !-and some persons seem to know this." (p. 57-58.) ART. 23.-Meditations and Prayers selected from the Holy Scriptures, the Liturgy, and Pious Tracts, recommended to the wayfaring Man, the Invalid, the Soldier, and the Seaman, whensoever unavoidably precluded from the House of Prayer. By a CLERGYMAN, London, Law and Co. 1816. 8vo. pp. 125. No prayers more devout, more fervent, more comprehensive or sublime than those of David and Solomon are on record, if we except the most excellent of all, which was that Christ proposed to all his disciples, and this publicaif the ntended as a review of such prayers, with the nstructive exhortations disseminated throughout res. The author properly considers that the alike require. • Paley's Moral Phil. vol. ii. p. 337. 19th edit, ultimate object of philosophy and all human wisdom, is to make men good and happy, but he somewhat improperly blends with such serious subjects the whimsical, when he tells us, "That there has never yet been any religion promulgated to the world suitable for a gentleman, except that of Christianity." In Morgan's "Sphere of Gentry" we read, "Jesus Christ was a gentleman, and bore arms,' and in the "Moralities," "Thee, the gentyll, that brought Adam from Hell." HYCKE SCORNER. WORKS IN THE PRESS. Literary Intelligence, &c. of instruction and amusement than has been exhibited by any production subsequent, or even previous to the Biography of Johnson. Early in December the Rev. W. M. Trinder will publish a volume of Sermons on the Parables. The Authentic Memoirs of Sheridan, from the pen of Dr. Watkins, illustrated with Original Córrespondence, a variety of interesting Anecdotes, and a very copious account of the Sheridan Family. A large portion of the life was long since prepared from most valuable information communicated to the Author by one In the course of January will of Mr. Sheridan's earliest friends, be published by Mr. T. J. Pettiand nearest relatives; in addition grew, Memoirs of the Life and to which, it will contain new and Writings of the late Dr. Lettsom, original anecdotes of Dr. John- with a Selection from his Corresson, Dr. Parry, Garrick, Burke, pondence with the principal LiFox, &c. &c. It has been justly terati of this and foreign counobserved, that, considering the tries. The Work will be comvarious talents of this celebrated prised in three volumes. The man, the distinguished part he first two will consist of a Metook in the political affairs of the moir of Dr. Lettsom, and a SeCountry, his long connection with lection of general Correspondence the Stage, his intimacy with the with Linnæus, Lord Lansdown, highest characters and greatest Drs. Darwin, Falconer, Fotherwits of the age, and those embar-gill, Benj. Franklin, Percival, rassments which too frequently Rush, Waterhouse, Zimmermann, accompany genius, a faithful and &c. &c. and a Memoir of the impartial history of his life may late Dr. Neild, written by himbe expected to open a wider field self. The third volume (which may be had separate) will be composed of Original Medical Papers, Cases, and Correspondence with Baron Haller, Drs. Cullen, Struve, &c. &c. Several Libraries are to be disposed of in a short time, aud to the curious collector the following will be acceptable information: a good assortment of English Topography, Biography, and Antiquities, constituting the whole library of the late Wm. Alexander, Esq. T. S. A. and L. S. (of the British Museum) are to be sold by Mr. Sotheby; and it deserves notice, that many of the books are illustrated with anecdotes in MSS. Also the critical and theological Library of the late Dr. Goodinge, Rector of Cound; and of the late Rev. Chas. Demster, M. A. Rector of Petworth. To these we should, perhaps, add the Medical and Miscellaneous Library of the late Rob. Bland M. D. F. R. S. of Leicester Square. Stage; some of them in conjunction with George Chapman, and other first rate poets of that day. The only plays reprinted in the last hundred and fifty years are "Andromana" and " The Bird in a Cage," in Dodsley's collection-the first by no means a favourable specimen. We believe however that "St. Patrick for Ireland" was reprinted at Dublin about the year 1770, but it scarcely can be said to have been published. The agreeable author of the "Curiosities of Literature," Mr. D'Iracli, is about to publish a third volume of that amusing and instructive selection from his Common Place Book. The two first volumes will, we understand, be reprinted. We soon expect to appear Tales of My Landlord, collected and reported by Jeridiah Cleishbotham, Schoolmaster and Parish Clerk of Gaudercleugh, in four volumes, 12mo. "Hear, Land o' Cakes and brither Scots, Lieut. Col. C. W. Pasley, R.E. F.R. S. the author of an Essay on the Military Policy of Great Britain, a work well known to the public, has in the Press "AA Complete Course of Instruction in the Elements of Fortification," which was originally intended for the use of the Royal Engineer Department. It is to be in two volumes, 8vo. and the subject will be illustrated with 505 engravings in copper and wood. Mr. Gifford, editor of the edition of Massinger, &c. has in the Press a complete edition of the Plays of James Shirley, who may be called the last of the English School of Dramatists. In the whole he wrote 39 pieces for the Frae Maidenkirk to Johnny Groat's; If there's a hole in a' vour coats, I rede ye tent it; chiel's amang you takin notes, An' faith he'll pient it." BURNS. A new edition, from the genuine papers, of the works of the Right Honourable Lady Mary Wortley Montague is in progress, in the form of five volumes post 8vo. A System of Mechanical Philosophy, by the late John Robison, LL. D. Professor of Natural Philosophy in the University, and Secretary to the Royal Society of Edinburgh. With Notes and Illustrations, comprising the most recent Discoveries in the Physical Sciences. By David Brewster, LL.D. F. R. S. E. In 2 vols. 8vo. with numerous plates. We understand that with the above is included a copious article on the History and Operations of the Steam Engine, which has been revised by Mr. James Watt and his Son, of Soho, which is the only account that can be relied upon. This subject is illustrated by eight large engravings. Recent circumstances render interesting an account preparing of the singular Habits and Cir cumstances of the People of the Tonga Islands, in the South Pacific Ocean. By Mr. William Mariner, of the Port au Prince, private Ship of War; the greater Part of whose Crew was massacred by the Natives of Lefooga: Mr. Mariner remaining for several Years after, a constant Associate of the King and the higher Class of Chiefs. To which is added, a Grammar and copious Vocabulary of the Language. In two volumes, 8vo, with a Portrait. same author is shortly to appear, a Domestic Story of the Seventeenth Century, under the title of Mandeville. The author of the Pleasures of Hope has undertaken, in three volumes, the Selected Beauties of British Poetry, with the Lives of the Poets, and Critical Dissertations. An Essay on English Poetry is intended to be subjoined. The extraordinary circumstances in which the Peninsula has been placed during the seven years' war, will afford ample and curious materials to Mr. Robert Southey, in the History he is about to produce of Spain and Portugal during that period. Mrs. Ann Plumptre is preparing for publication, a Narrative of her late Residence in Ireland, which will be illustrated by Plates of remarkable scenery. Dramas, by Sir James Bland Burges, Bart. are printing in two 8vo. volumes. Barron Field, Esq. of the Inner Temple, is printing, in two 8vo. volumes, a Practical Treatise on the Commercial Law of England. Mr. T. Dibdin is preparing for the press, the posthumous Dramatic Works of the late Mr. Ben To Military Men in the East India Connection, we announce, with pleasure, an Historical Account of the Rise and Progress of the Bengal Native Infantry, from its first formation in 1757 to 1796, when the present Regu-jamin Thompson, which will be lations were adopted. By the late published by subscription, for Captain John Williams, of the the benefit of the widow and six Invalid Establishment of the Ben- children. gal Army. It is to be embellished with Plates, and to comprehend a detail of the Services on which the several Battalions have been employed during the interval. Those who are acquainted with the interesting Novel of Caleb Williams, and who is not? will learn with pleasure, that by the The Franklin Manuscripts, noticed in May last, are in a forwards state for publication. Miss Holcroft will publish in the course of next month, Fortitude and Frailty, a novel, in four volumes. Mr. George Cumberland has prepared for the press, a work |