to a proclamation of the pre-eminence of your principles and practice, you must not forget to plume yourself on the possession of the "impervious ice of impartiality."

My next expedient for the formation of a fine style, is the occasional and judicious introduction of unintelligible phrases. The happy effect of this practice in exalting your credit as a learned man, and a fine writer, needs not to be pointed out. Obscurity is allowed to be one source of the sublime: and the well known adage says, Omne ignotum pro magnifico

est.

In conformity to this rule, you may take occasion to say of somebody, (no matter whom) that his prejudices "preserved him from the perpetration of crime, and guarded all the avenues of his heart from the obtrusion of actual guilt." The readers of this passage would find rare employment for their sagacity. They might, perhaps, betake themselves to the Ethics of Aristotle, in hope of obtaining some elucidation of this mystic sentence. But mortifying disappointment would terminate all their researches; and they would be compelled to admit your superiority, by confessing that you are above their comprehension.

But, that I may give a complete instance of the rule which I am recommending, I quote this inimitable sentence "If there be a tint of romance spread over the outline (of a story), it is such an one as gives to fact a brighter glow of virtuous and honourable impression." Here, Sir, you will perceive, is a constellation of beauties, which I leave you to contemplate at your leisure. You will admire the impenetrable veil of mystery, under which the writer of this sentence conceals his meaning, when he talks of the tint of an outline giving a glow of impression to fact: and you will confess, that he sets all interpretation at defiance, when he speaks of the virtuous and honourable impression of fact, as capable of being heightened by romance-that is, by falsehood.

I will trouble you with only one rule more, and that refers to a particular case. Should you have occasion to characterise the translation of any work, and wish to give it the most exalted praise, you may be supplied

with a hint for appropriate terms of panegyric, by being told that the requisites of a good translation are the same with those of a well-made jerkin; and that, therefore, it is a high recommendation of the one, as well as of the other, to say, that it is "close and easy.'

I might subjoin to these rules a few hints, for the skilful extrication of yourself from any scrupe, into which you may fall. I might suggest to you, that if any thing should appear in your work, of which you should afterwards find reason to be ashamed, you might plead, that you were out of town when the obnoxious article was inserted. And when this plea became too stale to be repeated, you might employ the equally valid one of your having been sick. I am afraid, however, that such pleas would be insufficient to apologize for the insertion of any thing grossly improper in your work; for if you should be absent, or ill, it would be your duty to commit the superintendance of your publication to some one of similar principles with yourself; who would be sufficiently, if not equally careful, to guard against the admission of heterodoxy, slander, or folly. To suppose you would be at a loss to find such a substitute, would be to suspect you of being in a state of miserable destitution, as to associates and friends.

But, Sir, there is one circumstance which I am especially bound to mention. You will have observed, that I have quoted several sentences, in illustration of my rules for the improvement of the style of your publication. Justice requires that I should point out the treasury, from which I drew these rich samples of elegant diction. I therefore beg leave to inform you, that for every quotation contained in this paper, I am indebted to the appendix to the thirteenth vo lume of the Anti-jacobin Review; and, that the appropriation of the credit of these inimitable passages may be the more precise and just, I must add, that these quotations are all extracted from that part which is written by the Reviewer himself; and not from any passages which he has in

*If the editor of any review should be told by his conscience, that in all this I allude to him, I can only say, that I cannot help his conscience being so uncivil.

serted from the work which he was reviewing. If any of your readers should be desirous of seeing the whole, of which the parts are so curious, I beg leave to refer them to the 459th, and the eight succeeding pages of the appendix just mentioned.

be an

In conclusion, let me remark to you, that some advantages may ticipated from this attempt to shew, that the more ethereal and sublimated graces of composition are capable of being reduced to rules, and taught by precepts. The time has been, when astronomers supposed that the comets were mere vagabonds of the sky; for which no regular orbits were appointed, and to which none of the laws of planetary motion could be applied. Maturer observation corrected their error: and the periodical revolutions of those eccentric luminaries are made the subject of correct calculations; and their re-appearances are anticipated, no less than an eclipse of the moon, or hot weather in the dog-days. So, Sir, the brilliant extravagancies, the beautiful absurdities, the sublime inconsistencies, and the illimitable vagrancies of imagination, which leave far behind them the dull boundaries of fact, reason, and sobriety; these, Sir, though despised and avoided by your phlegmatic common-sense-men, are now systematized, and subjected to didactic rules, and may be illustrated (as you have seen) by exquisite examples, and supported by the most magnificent authorities.

I have now nothing more to add, except it be to commend my admonitions to your serious regard, and to assure you of the sincere good will of

Your very humble servant,

CRITO.

To the Editor of the Christian Observer. I HAVE perused the British Critic for April, with a very great share of satisfaction. If any proof of the ability of its conductors were wanting, it would be obtained by a reference to their review of Jones's Analysis of the Epistle to the Romans, (p. 383.) Their candour and impartiality are also strikingly evinced in several instances. They venture to speak with approbation of the productions of two men, whom the Anti-jacobin Review has stigmatized as Methodists and Schis

matics, viz. Mr. Scott and Mr. Robinson, (pp. 439 and 440); and notwithstanding the thundering anathemas pronounced by the editors of that review and by Dr. Kipling, they refuse to consider Calvinism, as ipso facto excluding those who hold it from honest subscription to the articles. "The difference of opinion," they observe, "between the moderate Calvinists and moderate Arminians, if it recurred to our reformers (as we think it must have done), seems not to have been considered by them as of any importance; and both these denominations of Christians may subscribe the thirty-nine articles in a true sense." British Critic for April, page 379*.

I was particularly pleased with their review of Mr. Gisborne's Sermons, (p. 411.) The warm commendation which they bestow on that work, does them no small credit both as critics and as divines. In proportion, however, as I am pleased with the general strain of their remarks, I am anxious to obviate the ill effects of two or three mistakes, into which, it appears to me, they have fallen.

It

1. The Reviewers observe, (p. 417) that Mr. Gisborne's "picture of enthusiasm in page 367, is specifically opposed to the pretences of the teachers who call themselves evangelical." I do not know how to reconcile this remark with their usual candour. certainly is not supported by any one expression in Mr. Gisborne's sermons, and it can, therefore, only be considered as the conjectural assumption of the Reviewers, grounded, I fear, in some degree, on prejudice. It is very remarkable, that Mr. Gisborne's views of enthusiasm will be found in substance exactly to correspond with those of Mr. Scott, (see Christian Observer, Vol. I. p. 586); a gentleman whom the British Critic may be considered as implicating, (see their num

*I am sorry, however, to remark, that the Editors of the British Critic have deviated widely from their usual candour, in their manner of announcing Mr. Daubeny's intended reply to Mr. Overton, (see British have reviewed Mr. Overton's work, and Critic for March, p. 340.) They ought to manfully combated his arguments, instead of attempting to discredit him by a side wind. On this instance of literary unfairness, I may possibly take another opportunity of commenting.

ber for April, p. 439), in the guilt of calling himself an evangelical mi

nister.

2. Mr. Gisborne's second sermon, they observe (p. 413), shews, "that nothing but perfect obedience could obtain justification under a perfect law; which being impossible, the atonement of the Redeemer could alone supply the deficiency." One would be apt to infer from this passage, that Mr. Gisborne had represented the atonement of Christ as so eking out the scanty measure of human obedience, as to render it available to our justification. Nothing, however, can more directly contradict, not only the general spirit, but the express words of the sermon in question, than such a mischievous and unscriptural sentiment. Justification, Mr. Gisborne uniformly represents as in the strictest sense of the word a free gift, proceeding entirely from the unmerited grace of Christ, and not in the slightest degree from man's obedience. See Sermon II. passim.

3. Mr. Gisborne's doctrine, the Reviewers remark (p. 412) is, “that our works as they never could have purchased, so neither can they obtain salvation of themselves." The qualifying expression here introduced forms no part, however, of Mr. Gisborne's doctrine, as is evident from a passage which they quote in the succeeding page. Good works "cannot buy salvation: they can pay no part of its price; they must let that alone for ever. Indispensable as they are, they are valuable but as evidences, the sole evidences of that faith which justifies through the grace that is in Christ Je

sus."

In approving of this last quoted passage, the Reviewers have decided, at least as far as depends on them, the controversy between Mr. Overton and Mr. Pearson on the subject of justification; and supposing them to adopt, as they profess to do, the sentiments of Mr. Gisborne, they will be found in perfect agreement with you, Sir, upon this controverted point; a circumstance which cannot but afford you great satisfaction. Your words are these-" Though repentance and good works are not the conditions of justification, yet they are the necessary fruits of that faith through which by grace we are justified, and also the evidences, the indispensable and only sure evidences, of our being

justified." Christian Observer, Vol. I. p. 441. Allow me, Sir, to make one more remark. The conductors of the British Critic give it as their clear and deliberate opinion, that Mr. Gisborne's doctrine is "sound," that it is "the doctrine of the Gospel and of the Church," and that it is "free from danger." With what consistency then can they commend, as they have done, Rotherum's Essay on Faith, a work the views of which are entirely at variance with those of Mr. Gisborne on some most essential points? Of this fact, I think, they can scarcely fail to be convinced, if they will take the trouble of comparing the essay of Mr. Rotheram with the sermons of Mr. Gisborne. S. L.

To the Editor of the Christian Observer.

66

In the Anti-jacobin Review for March, (p. 336) is the following passageThe Christian Observers charge us with favouring popery, because in a catholic country we ventured to prefer a catholic establishment to a methodistical anarchy." On turning, however, to your number for February, I find this to be a partial and unfair representation of the grounds on which you rested your accusation. You state no less than ten reasons for the suspicions you entertain, but the editor of the Anti-jacobin Review has conveniently contented himself with alluding to one only; that one, without doubt, which appeared to him the best suited, (particularly when clothed in his own words), to answer his purpose of proving the more than semi-methodism of the Christian Ob

server.

A writer who has lately charged the Anti-jacobin Reviewers with "lax morality and corrupt criticism,” is called by them "awilful and audacious liar," (number for April,p. 439.) Under pain, however, of a similar compliment, I cannot help expressing my opinion, that, in the instance which I have adduced, they have furnished at least one proof of that writer's charge; for I know not how to reconcile the passage quoted above, either to the canons of criticism and morality established by Mr. Daubeny (in a pamphlet which they lately reviewed, and on which they bestowed its due meed of praise), or to the principles of

AN HONEST ANTI-JACOBIN.

To the Editor of the Christian Observer. THE writer of the letter signed E, in the last Christian Observer, begs to acknowledge an error into which he has fallen. The mistake occurs in the second column of the 257th page, lines 31 and 32. The marks of admiration there stated to be subjoined to a passage in the Anti-jacobin Review,

instant.

24th May, 1803.

GREAT BRITAIN.

REEVES'S BIBLE.

WE ought not to have so long delayed apprising our readers of the obligation which they, in common with all who value the scriptures, are under to John Reeves, Esq. one of the patentees of the office of king's printer, for the pains he has taken in editing the BIBLE and BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER. The Bible is printed in a new manner, in order to facilitate perusal and the Book of Common Prayer contains an introduction explaining the whole of the Church service, with notes on the Epistles, Gospels, and Psalms. The following is a list of the various editions now printed by Mr. Reeves, and published by G. and W. Nicol, Pall-Mall, with their prices in boards, viz.

£. s. d.

to provide the public with a book, which may be thought more convenient and useful than the Bibles in present use. They are printed in a larger letter, and divided into thin and commodious volumes. In

displaying the text, a distinction is made between what is prose and what appears to be metre in the original. Each book is broken into sections, conformably with the natural division of the several subjects; but by means of small figures in the margin or above the text, the usual division into chapters and verses is still preserved, for the sake of reference; for which purpose alone it was originally contrived. It is material to observe, that no part of the text is augmented, abridged, or altered, in any way whatsoever from that of the Oxford Church Bible, printed in 1769, which was then adjusted with great care.

The editor has had two objects principally in his contemplation, first, by giving to each book a sectional division, to assist the reader in forming a comprehensive view of the several subjects of which it treats; and, secondly, by subdividing the sections into suitable paragraphs, to prevent the interruption of thought which is. apt to arise in the perusal of short disconpected verses.

To this new division and arrangement of the text, the editor has subjoined notes, intended shortly to explain difficult passages without leading the reader into long and unnecessary digressions. The Hebrew and Greek renderings are brought more

distinctly into view, and the most mate

rial references are preserved in the notes.

The introduction to the Book of Common Prayer contains, first, an inquiry into its history; and second, practical observations on the nature and objects of all the services used in the Church. These are further illustrated by notes on the Epistles and Gospels, and on the Psalms.

The Psalter in Svo. contains not only the psalms in the Liturgy, but those also of the Bible translation in parallel columns. The Psalter in 12mo. contains only the

psalms of the translation in the Liturgy, to which are subjoined explanatory notes.

Such is the outline of a work, in exccuting which, we understand, the editor has expended a very large sun. That he might suit the taste and purse of different purchasers, he has varied his books so as to provide five different Bibles, and six Prayer Books, besides Testaments, Psalters, and the Gospels in Greek.

It may be proper in this place to obviate an objection which has been made against these publications, that they are dear. Their price, without doubt, considerably exceeds that given for common Bibles, (for the Bible has been made the cheapest book extant) but compared with other books of similar paper and print, it is not to be esteemed high priced. A more mean and niggardly spirit has generally prevailed in the purchase of Bibles than of any other book. New editions of other books are esteemed for their convenience and neatness: Is the Bible to be estimated by its cheapness only? yet many persons avail themselves of an accommodation originally intended for the poor, and in a gentleman's library the word of God is often found the meanest book on the shelf.

It is but justice to add, that the paper used in these editions is good, the type neat, and the printing, as far as we have examined it, correct. We highly approve of the general plan, and wish that the Bibles printed for common use were permitted to copy its example, in marking the verses only by a small marginal reference. The plan laid down for framing the notes was judicious, viz. that they should be numerous and short, so that nothing night be passed over which appeared to need annotation, that no annotation should digress from the text, and that nothing should be inserted which was learned, curious, or novel. The notes may be, therefore, considered as containing what the editor judged most necessary in the voluminous commentaries of Patrick, Lowth, and Whitby, not to mention others.

We heartily wish success to this public spirited and useful undertaking; and feeling that whatever tends to the more general diffusion of the knowledge of scripture deserves encouragement, we cannot help expressing our hope that the liberality of the public will, at least, indemnify Mr. Reeves for the heavy expence he has incurred.

The Reverend G. S. FABER, Fellow of Lincoln College, Oxford, and author of the Horæ Mosaicæ, has in the press, in two volumes 8vo. A Dissertation on the Mysteries of the Cabiri, or the Great Gods of Samothrace, Troas, Crete, Italy, Egypt, and Phoenicia; being an attempt to shew that the several Orgies of Bacchus, Ceres, Mithras, Isis, Adonis, and Cybelè, were foundCHRIST. OBSERV. No. 17.

ed upon a union of the commemorative rites of the deluge with the adoration of the host of heaven.

LINNAEUS's Vegetable Kingdom, translated and enlarged by Dr. TURTON, is in the press. This work forms a continuation of the Animal Kingdom, recently published. The remaining class, that of Minerals, is preparing for the press.

In the press, The History of France, from the year 1790 to the Peace of Amiens, by JOHN ADOLPHUS, Esq. F. A. S.: to form, with "The History of France to the Revolution in 1790," already published, a complete History of France, from the year 240 to 1802.

Rivington's continuation of DODSLEY'S Annual Register is proceeding at the press. The volume for 1793 will be published the latter end of June; and that for 1794 early in the next winter, when also it is intended to publish the volume for 1801, being the commencement of a new series. The proprietors hope to be able to publish annually two volumes, until the volumes from 1794 to 1800 are printed.

In the press, A History of Galvanism, chiefly drawn from Sue's work on that subject, with a familiar introduction to the Practice of Galvinism; by Mr. WILKIN SON.-An improved edition of A new History of Great Britain, by the Rev. JOHN ADAMS, M. A. on a plan similar to Dr. Henry's History of England.

In NICHOLSON's Philosophical Journal, Vol. IV. p. 250-253, a description is printed of a Magazine Pistol, which is capable of firing nine successive balls by once charging, and that in the space of half a minute, with neither danger nor uncertainty.

Earl STANHOPE is said to have been lately occupied with bringing to perfection an improved mode of printing. His invention, though in some respects similar to the Stereotype method, is said to be superior to it in neatness, accuracy, and cheap

ness.

FRANCE.

The National Institute has been lately new modelled, in conformity to a consular decree. It now consists of four classes. The first class is that of the PHYSICAL AND MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES. The second class is that of FRENCH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE. The third class is that of HISTORY AND FOREIGN LITERATURE. The fourth class is that of the FINE ARTS. GERMANY.

The variety which exists in the different races inhabiting the globe, has been frequently urged as an insuperable objection against the scripture history of mankind. Professor Blumenbach, who has well studied this subject, observes, that some late writers have erred in their disquisitions respecting it, from having too much nar

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