der an heretical form, that Mr. Bicheno has undertaken to addref, them. What fuccefs is likely to attend fuch addreffes from either quarter, we shall not prefume to predict; we fhall only fay, that this writer has executed the embafly he has undertaken in a manner which does credit both to his understanding and his heart.

Art. 51. The Objections of Mr. David Levi to the Miffion, Conduct, and Doctrine of the Lord Jefus Chrift, examined. By John Hadley Swain, Morning Preacher of St. George the Martyr, QueenSquare, &c. 8vo. 1s. 6d. Rivingtons. 1787.

The principal point which this writer labours, is to reconcile the Jews to the doctrine of the Trinity; a point which he will probably find fome difficulty in accomplishing.

Art. 52. Remarks on David Levi's fecond Letter to Dr. Priestley, in Answer to thofe he addreffed to the Jews. By Anti-Socinus. 8vo. IS. Bew. 1787.

Mr. Anfelm Bayly (for such, it seems, is the real name * of AntiSocinus) has, in thefe Remarks, very rudely treated and abused Mr. David Levi, because he is a Jew, and has chofen to give his reasons for not being a Chriftian. Of Mr. Levi's character, we have heard a good report. As to his prefent antagonist, he feems better qualifed to wield the birchen rod than to handle the pen of controversy. Art. 53. A Letter to Dr. Priestley, F. R. S. &c. in Answer to his Letter to the Right Hon. William Pitt, on the Subject of the Repeal of the Teft Act, &c. By William Hunter, A. M. Rector of St. Ann, Limehoufe, and late Fellow of Brazen-nofe Collège, Oxford. 8vo. 15. Wilkie, &c. 1787.

This letter is written in so obfcure and confused a ftyle, that it is extremely difficult to discover the Author's meaning; and when it is difcovered, all that the reader will learn is, that the writer is much out of humour, and would be glad to fee the spirit of innovation restrained by the iron hand of perfecution. The Diffenters,' he allows, are a part of the community, and a confounded unfound part too-a limb of it, which, fhould it continue its unfavourable and incurable fymptoms, had better be lopped off, as in chirurgical cafes, than that a mortification fhould feize on the whole body politic.' The political chirurgeons of the prefent times, we truft, understand their business better than to have recourfe to amputation, otherwife this bloody-minded operator might stand some chance of being employed; and, in that cafe, he would, doubtlefs, with, like Nero, that the confounded dogs had but one neck, that he might dispatch them at a fingle stroke.

Art. 54. A Difcourfe on Baptifm: containing Obfervations on Dr. Priettley's Chapters on the fame Subject. By Philalethes. 8vo. 1s. 6d. Brown.

It is very difficult, perhaps almost impoffible, for writers on a difputable point wholly to diveft themfelves of a bias to that fide which they have themfelves embraced, and to which they have been long attached; by which means the arguments of the oppofite party are often confidered as weak and futile. The Author of the prefent

* Vide the end of his tract.

performance

performance appears, on the whole, candid and moderate, as well as learned and judicious, yet not wholly free from fome preconceived partiality, fo often unfavourable to the cause of truth. There are folid and cogent reafons to be offered in behalf of infant baptifm by fprinkling. Those who have read two fmall tracts published by Mr. Towgood of Exeter, feveral years ago, will incline to think that there is juft room to be fatisfied with the practice. But difpute is endless. Some confider baptifm as a profeffion on the part of the fubject who receives it, others as a fign or token of fome advantage to which the fubject is introduced; and this latter account applies well to children. But we are far, very far from becoming parties in the difpute; though we conceive, when things are fairly and coolly reprefented, there is little room for that confidence which anti-pado-baptifts fo often affume. Philalethes is acquainted with his fubject, and writes in a rational, and, on the whole, a liberal manner. He confiders a few points which Dr. Priestley has maintained, and he dwells much on the argument from Patria Poteftas, as it is termed, and alfo on the baptifm of profelytes, on neither of which, we apprehend, any great ftrefs is to be laid. As to the Fathers, although of use for historical evidence, and on fome other accounts, we can allow them no kind of authority respecting matters of doctrine, or rules of conduct. The pamphlet concludes with a fhort and earnest addrefs to the more rational of the prefent age, among whom we believe this writer ought to be ranked.

Art. 55. A fcriptural View of the Refurrection and Afcenfion of Jefus Chrift, by way of Harmony and Paraphrafe. With an Appendix on the Dignity of the Human Body with regard to its final Refurrection. By the Rev. John Weddred, Rector of St. John Baptift, Peterborough, &c. 4to. 1s. Rivingtons.

We do not perceive that much new light is caft on the narrative of our Saviour's resurrection by means of the arrangement here propofed. The Appendix, being chiefly conjectural, will afford but little fatisfaction to thofe who are peculiarly anxious with respect tò the fubject.

Art. 56. An Addrefs to the Parish of All Saints, Northampton, and to the Parish of Spratton in that County. 12mo. 6d. Evans,

1787.

A work of this nature requires not criticism, and is far above cenfure. The fpirit which it breathes is highly laudable, and the performance is fo likely to engage the ferious attention of thofe to whom it is addreffed, that nothing is left for us to do, but to applaud the defign of the Author, and to exprefs our wishes that thofe good purposes may be accomplished at which he has benevolently aimed. We may juft add, that one of thefe little tracts is diftributed gratis to every family in each of the above mentioned parishes.

Art. 57. An Efay on the Advantages of Revelation. By the Rev. Jofeph Whitely, A. B. Curate of Beefton, in the Parish of Leeds, and late of Magdalen College, Cambridge, 4to. 2s. Johnfon. 1787.

The fubftance of this effay, we are told, was published by the Author, at a very early age, in confequence of having gained the first Norrifian

N 2

Norrifian prize in the University of Cambridge. After many alterations and additions, it is again fubmitted to the Public on a more extenfive plan, and, perhaps, fomewhat more worthy their

ance.

It was to be expected that fuch a performance as this would obtain the prize above mentioned. It bears the plain evidences of thought and ftudy. The language is correct and pleafant. It difcovers an acquaintance both with ancient learning and with the nature of Christianity, the arguments by which it is fupported, and the manner in which objections to it may be obviated or overthrown. It will not be imagined that fuch fubjects can be fully difcuffed within the narrow limits affigned to this differtation. Yet more is accomplished than might be at firft expected; for the effay abounds with thought and we have perufed it with much fatisfaction.. Art. 58. Sermons on various Subjects. By John Dupré, M. A. Mafter of Tring Academy, and late Fellow of Exeter College, Oxford. Vol. II. 8vo. 65. Cadell. 1787.

For the first volume of Mr. Dupré's fermons we muft direct our Readers to the Review for November 1782, p. 375. vol. Ixvii. This fecond volume bears a confiderable resemblance to the former. The fermons are rather of that declamatory kind which is perhaps beft adapted to the pulpit. There is energy and perfuafion in them, and fometimes pathos. The language is fluent, but not inaccurate. Our Author appears to have an earnest defire to be useful, and an affectionate regard to the beft interefts of his hearers. The fubjects of this volume are the following:-I. Self-murder. Job, ii. 9. Then faid his wife unto him, &c.-II. Sudden death. Matth. xxiv. 44.-III. A good Confcience. Acts, xxiv. 16. And herein do exercise myself, &c.— IV. Lamb of God. John, i. 29.-V. Paffion of Chrift. John, xx. 28, -VI. Redemption. 1 Tim. ii. 5, 6. Who gave himself a ransom, &c. -VII. The Gofpel. John, vi. 67, 68. Then Jefus faid to the twelve, &c.-VIII. Joys of a future State. 1 Theff. iv. 17. Then we which are alive, &c.-IX. General Faft, 1782. Ifa. v. 25. Therefore is the anger, &c.-X. General Thanksgiving. Exod. xv. 9. The enemy faid, &c.-XI. Charity Schools. Mark, x. 14. Suffer, &c.-XII. Charity. 1 Cor. xii. 31. But covet earnestly, &c. -XII. Sunday Schools. Matth. ix. 36. But when he faw the multitude, &c.-XIV. Ditto. Exod. ii. 6. And when she had opened it, &c.

Mr. Dupré, we apprehend, has popular talents; his fermons are not all equal, but it feems a general and juft account that they are lively, fenfible, and practical. He is a warm advocate for Sunday Schools, which he ably recommends in the two last discourses.

Art. 59. Letter to the Rev. Dr. Priestley, in which the Author attempts to prove, by one prefcriptive Argument, that the Divinity of Jefus Chrift was a primitive Tenet of Chriftianity. By the Rev. Alex. Geddes, LL. D. 8vo. IS. Faulder, &c. 1787. The prefcriptive argument advanced by Dr. Geddes in defence of the divinity of Chrift, is briefly this: The Council of Nice, held in the year 325, confifting of 318 of the principal paftors in the Chriftian church, collected from all parts of the world, gave their decifon in favour of this doctrine. This doctrine was therefore the com

mon

mon belief of the Christian churches at the time of this council. It is impoffible to affign any probable caufes for the general prevalence of this opinion, upon the fuppofition that the doctrine of the proper humanity of Chrift was of apoftolic authority. It is therefore most reasonable to conclude, that the Nicene doctrine had been transmitted, through the three first centuries, to these fathers as the pure doctrine of Chriftianity.

The argument is ftated by our Author in its full strength; and whatever be thought of its validity, it must be confeffed, that the pamphlet is written with great ingenuity, and in a very candid

manner.

Art. 60. A Practical and Explanatory Commentary on the Holy Bible, taking the whole in one Point of View, from the Creation to the End of the World. By J. Yonge. 4to. 10s. 6d. Faulder. 1787. The point of view in which the Scriptures are here confidered, is their reference to the redemption of the world by Jesus Christ, which great event is traced through the historical and prophetical writings of the Old Teftament, and the narrative and epiftolary records of the New, to fhew that the whole has one leading object and defign. The work is rather intended as a practical help to the meditations of the pious Christian, than as a critical elucidation of the facred writings.

Art. 61. A Summary View and Explanation of the Writings of the Prophets. By John Smith, D. D. Minister of the Gofpel at Campbelton. 12mo. Edinburgh printed. London, fold by Elliot. 1787.

A Gaelic tranflation of the prophetical writings having been lately published in Scotland by the Society for propagating Christian Knowledge, it was judged proper to accompany it with a brief explication of that part of Scripture. Such was the occafion of the prefent work, which confifts of, 1. Preliminary obfervations and general rules for understanding the prophetic ftyle: 2. A particular account of each book and chapter, as they lie in order. At the request of fome friends it is now published in the English language. Dr. Smith appears in the character of a Collector and Editor, and feems to have performed the office with attention and judgment. He extracts with freedom from Lowth and Blayney; and acknowledges obligations to Newton, Newcome, and Kennicot. It is a great recommendation of the performance, that it is well calculated for the affistance of those who want ability, or leifure, or inclination, to confult larger volumes,

Art. 62. Padobaptifm examined, on the Principles, Conceffions, and Reasonings, of the most learned Pædobaptifts. By Abraham Booth. 12mo. 2 vols. 8s. Buckland. 1787.

This is the fecond edition of a Work which has been already noticed in the Review: (See our 71ft volume, p. 209.) The difpofition and contents of the work are the fame as before, only that it is now greatly enlarged. The Author abounds in quotations, and difcovers both knowledge and learning. Yet with all his ingenuity and acuteness, we apprehend that, in feveral refpects, it will not be difficult for those who differ from him on the fubject, to furnish a

reply.

1

reply. But we do not mean to take a part in the debate. After the former remarks, all that is neceflary for us, is, to announce Mr. Booth's republication of his work; the enlargement of which may easily be judged of by the increafed bulk, and proportionally advanced price.

Art. 63. An Efay on Anger. By John Fawcett.

bound. Johnfon, &c. 1787

12mo. I s. 6d.

The obfervations contained in this practical treatife may be ufefully extended to other parts of the temper and conduct befide that which is directly mentioned. The author appears to be calvinistical in fentiment, but his remarks and rules may prove beneficial to any who will attentively peruse them. He has enlivened the work a little by the two characters of Eugenius and Proter-vus.

Art. 64. Appendix to Dr. Price's Sermons on the Chriflian Doctrine : Containing Notes occafioned by Dr. Priestley's Letters to Dr. Price. 8vo. 6d. Cadell.

In these notes Dr. Price very candidly makes fome circumftantial conceffions to Dr. Prielley, and acknowledges that his idea of the perfon and character of Chrift, is the kind of Socinianifm he should adopt, were he to relinquish his prefent fentiments without rejecting Christianity. At the fame time he adds, that, as he thinks Chriftianity cannot be reduced to this fyftem, without either torturing the Scriptures, or renouncing their authority, it ought to be given up: for, adds he, 'the creation of an unique among men for no purpose, which a common man might not have answered, and his fudden elevation, for no fervice which a common man might not have performed, to fuch a ftation at God's right hand, such authority in heaven and earth, and fuch dominion over angels and men, and fuch a power to refcue a world from death, and to difpenfe future rewards and punishments, as the Scriptures have been hitherto understood by all Chriftians to declare,-I must be allowed to call an abfurd and incredible doctine.' The Doctor ftrenuously maintains his hold of several paffages of Scripture, particularly John, vi. 32. Phil. ii. 5. as decifive in favour of the pre-existence of Christ.

I. Preached at Hammersmith Chapel and St. Giles in the Fields, on the Death of the Rev. Thomas Manning, M. A. Morning Preacher at the aforefaid Places. By the Rev. Jonas Comins, A. B, 4to. Is. Rivingtons. 1787.

Mr. Comins drops a tear of friendship on the afhes of the deceased; and draws confolation from the words of the Apoftle, But thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory, through our Lord Jesus Chrift.'

II. Preached at the Anniversary Meeting of the Sons of the Clergy, in the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, May 16, 1786. By the Rev. Samuel Horfley, LL. D. F. R. S. Archdeacon of St. Al

bans. 4to. 15. Rivingtons, &c.

An ingenious attempt to prove that poverty, though an evil admitted by Providence, brings an obligation upon men, in civilized fociety, to concur for its extinction, wherever it appears.

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III.