from the Epistle to the Romans, in the 20th page; and half a verse from the Acts of the Apostles, in the 22d page: besides these, there is not a scriptural quotation, or a scriptural phrase, in the whole sermon. The object of the second sermon, as defined in the title page, is to assert "the right and duty of Unitarian Christians to form separate societies for religious worship.' pas The right and duty, which are coupled in the title page, are confused in the sermon itself; although a little reflection might have suggested a very material distinction between a political right, and a moral or religious duty; and also have reminded the writer, that the arguments which might prove the one, might not establish the other. Mr. Belsham's text is taken from the Second Epistle to the Corinthians, ch. vi. and consists of the 16th, 17th, and 18th verses. From this sage of the Apostolic Scriptures, which he affirms to be addressed to him and his Unitarian brethren, he endeavours to justify himself and them, not only in withdrawing from all other assemblies of professing Christians, but also informing separate assemblies, and in opening separate places for Unitarian worship." On the abstract question, into which a full discussion of the Unitarian's claims would lead us, we shall not, and we need not, enter. The limits which should bound that toleration, which it is the characteristic of Protestantism, and the glory of the English Constitution to allow, are not left to be settled by pamphleteers on the one hand, or by critics on the other. The wisdom of the legislature of this country has determined the extent to which it is allowable to depart from the received doctrines of Christianity, and the established mode of religious worship: on this point, therefore, Mr. Belsham is directly at issue with the laws of his country. زر Among Mr. Belsham's remarks on the influence of establishments upon religion, one observation occurs, which is not unworthy of notice. He says, (p. 15), "The interference of the civil power has been, if not the correctly, if he wished to do so; since he would have nothing to do, but to turn to the passage which he had occasion to cite. source, at least the main support, of all the corruptions of moral truth, and of those absurd and pernicious doctrines and practices which have de. formed and disgraced the Christian religion." This is true, to a considerable extent, of the Church by law es tablished in this kingdom. It has been (and long may it continue!) not indeed" the source," but a support" of what an Unitarian would call, "corruptions of moral truth," and "absurd and pernicious doctrines." And it were well if all the main friends of orthodoxy and piety would learn to prize more highly than we fear too many of them do, the influ ence and instrumentality of our ecclesiastical establishment, in the conservation of the true faith and worship, amidst the many dangers, and against the multiplied attacks to which they have been exposed. In speaking of his own sect, Mr. Belsham sometimes adopts a stile, which is by no means remarkable for delicacy or diffidence: and when he introduces Dr. Priestley to our notice, it is in terms of such panegyric, as are not only fulsome, but impolitic; since the consequence of such disproportioned applause must inevitably be that of leading to a demonstration of its extravagance, by a developement of the real character of the person who is so unjustly applauded. When Mr. Belsham represents Dr. Priestley's migration into what he calls the " Atlantic wilderness," as the consequence of " merciless bigotry and party rage," he surely either himself forgot, or hoped that the public had forgotten, that there were other reasons for the flight of the self-exiled philosopher; such as the mortification of literary pride, by the detection of his historical misrepresentations; and the diminution of his theological fame, by a complete and irresistible confutation of his heretical system. A prayer is subjoined to this sermon, which, if it be a fair specimen of the style of devotional addresses, in Unitarian congregations, would prove that we consult the gratification of our taste, no less than the animation of our piety, by attaching ourselves to a Church, possessing such a liturgy as is used in that Church to which it is our privilege and happiness to belong. REVIEW OF REVIEWS, &c. &c. ACCOUNT OF THE EDINBURGH REVIEW; MANKIND may be divided into two If the number of persons who take most of their opinions upon trust be so large, and if those opinions ultimately proceed in a great measure from the press; the importance and the effect of Literary Journals are established. Works of this nature, embracing every treatise on every subject; claining general circulation by their comparative cheapness; attracting readers from all quarters by the promise of information and entertainment; remunerating curiosity by a regular recurrence of gratification; and by summary statements and compendious decrees kindly relieving those who relish not the labour of thought from the trouble of thinking at all; are among the most powerful of the instruments-are themselves, perhaps, the most powerful of the instruments by which the opinions of CHRIST. OBSERV. No. 13. the greater part of the people of this country are, in most cases, produced, guided, and impelled. They are works, therefore, whose principles and proceedings cannot be indifferent to The Christian Observer. The first number of a new work of this nature, entitled "The Edinburgh Review, or Critical Journal," has re cently been published. In size, it exceeds every similar publication with which we are conversant; but the time which is to intervene between its periodical appearances is three months. In another respect also it is distinguished by peculiarity of design. Purposing to carry the principle of selection to an extent not customary with Reviews, it professes to decline any attempt at exhibiting a complete picture of modern literature, and to confine its attention chiefly to works which have attained, or deserve, a portion of celebrity. This purpose we think very judicious. By discarding the mass of trivial or worthless tracts, by which taste is perverted, and the understanding led astray, leisure and space are obtained for a mature and ample examination of interesting performances. This new potentate in the regions of literature, has as yet advanced but one foot over his threshold: but the articulations are so large, and the sinews so prominent, that we need not hesitate to pronounce, Ex pede Herculem. To the considerate reader, and even to the cursory inspector, of the publication in question, it must be evident, that talents of no common description have been employed in preparing it: talents, in fact, of such magnitude and variety, as have very rarely been united in a periodical work. The depth of reasoning, the acuteness of discrimination, the keen but too sarcastic humour, the closeness and perseverance of investigation, by which' the work is distinguished, are adapted to gain possession of the public mind; and, under conscientious and discreet management, to render essential services to society. Authors, readers, and the community in general, may turn their eyes with reasonable solicitude to the principles and proceedings, F of this formidable tribunal. We shall lay a brief, and we trust a fair, account of them before the public. This critical bench appears to consider itself rather as a court of justice than of equity. While it renounces not the wide jurisdiction assumed by co-ordinate tribunals of criticism, it exercises with scrupulous moderation its sway over the province of rewards: and expatiates with boundless freedom over a department, in which it displays pre-eminent skill, the infliction of punishment. were the grand object to be pursued**; and when it recommends for discussion from the pulpit the great law of Christian practice, adds not the slightest reference, the most distant allusion, to those peculiar doctrines of the Gospel, those fundamental characteristics of the Christian dispensation, whence the principles and motives of acceptable works are to be derived. The parallel which it draws ++ between poetry and religion belongs to that species of wit, into which a religious mind is not easily Gnossius here Rhadamanthus habet duris- ensnared. sima regna. Its motto characterizes its spirit: "Judex damnatur, cum nocens absolvitur." The nocentes seem, by its decisions, to constitute the mass of the literary world. And especial vigilance is exerted, lest by the acquittal of a single delinquent, criminality should be fixed upon the judge. Happy the writer who escapes from the inquisitorial scrutiny without the brand of ignorance or of dulness on his forehead! With regard to political principles, the Edinburgh Review sets its face against the anarchical philosophism of the French Revolutionists, and professes attachment to genuine and well regulated liberty *; speaks in strong terms of respect concerning the Constitution and the King of Great Britaint; avowedly approves what is denominated catholic emancipation; intimates dislike and suspicion of the present ministry, and a highly favourable opinion of the late premiers; and declares its detestation of the slave trade, and its conviction, that the immediate and total abolition of that traffic, by an act of the British legislature, is indispensable to the safety of our colonies. On the subject of morals, it unequivocally accords with Mr. Hume and Mr. Godwin, in assuming universal benevolence, or general utility, or, as the same principle is termed by Dr. Paley, general expediency, as the standard of all moral duty; and in thus reducing virtue to a mere computation of consequences. On religion it delivers no specific opinion. Its language apparently implies belief in Christianity; but nothing farther. In treating of sermons, it speaks as though eloquence * See Review of Mounier's work, passim. + Page 98. Page 90, 237. § Page 237. | Page 138, 227, 233, ¶ Page 20, 21, 25. On the whole, while the Edinburgl Review manifests the possession, it betrays the pride of talents. Irritated, as it should seem, by the exaggerated praises which have been heaped on writers of moderate abili ties, and solicitous to reduce to the proper point in the scale of reputation, those whom fortuitous circumstances have exalted into fame, it wields the scourge of censure with complacent satisfaction, and applies it with unremitting severity. Genius and wisdom and learning unquestionably are to be encouraged; and useless publications to be repressed. But to do good, not to acquire credit, ought to be the motive of every writer; and that motive every reviewer ought to estimate and respect. Works not remarkable for ability may produce much practical good. If such works are reviewed, let them not be measured exclusively by the standard of literary excellence. We allude not to any specific work already examined by the conductors of the Edinburgh Review, or likely to come before them. But we have wished to state the general observation as one that probably may be applicable to many performances, and especially to such as are of a religious nature. With regard to religion, we should have been particularly glad if the reviewers had enabled us to speak decisively concerning their opinions. But it would be so rash to prejudge them on this supremely important subject, and so culpable to prejudge them unfavourably, that we feel it our duty to refrain from all further remark, until the progress of their publication shall have disclosed the views and sentiments which they approve. ** Page 83-85, &c. †† Page 63. LITERARY AND PHILOSOPHICAL INTELLIGENCE, &c. &c. GREAT BRITAIN. A very numerous and respectable meeting of noblemen and gentlemen was held at the London Tavern, on Wednesday, the 19th of January, to consider of the best means to be adopted for the EXTERMINATION OF THE SMALL POX, when the Lord Mayor took the chair, and the following Address to the Public was read and approved. The meeting formed itself into a Society for the Extermination of the Small Pox; various resolutions were passed in furtherance of this benevolent design; a liberal subscription was opened, and a committee appointed to conduct the coneerus of the association. ADDRESS TO THE PUBLIC. "The dreadful havoc, occasioned by that horrid pestilence the Small Pox, which, in the United Kingdom alone, annually Sweeps away more than 40,000 persons, ins long been a subject of deep regret to every humane and reflecting mind. "The Inoculation of this Disease has opposed an ineffectual resistance to its destructive career. Although confessedly a valuable improvement in rendering the disease more mild, yet such has been the consequence of the partial adoption of the practice, that it appears, on a careful review of the history of the Small Pox, that Inoculation, by spreading the contagion, has considerably increased its mortality. "A new species of Inoculation has, at length, been providentially introduced by eur countryman, Dr. JENNER, which, without being contagious, without occasioning any material indisposition, or bearing any biemish, proves an effectual preservative against the future infection of the Small Pox. "The House of Commons, having investigated this subject with the most scrupulous attention, and being perfectly convinced of the superior advantages resulting from this discovery, have given their sanction to the practice; the safety, mildness, and cacy of which, more than half a millum of instances have fully confirmed. "The unspeakable benefits which may be expected to arise from an extensive diffusion of this salutary practice, will be much accelerated by the establishment of an Institution in a central part of the metropolis, on a broad basis, supported with a sprit equal to the design, and worthy of the character of the British Nation. And when the magnitude of the object is considered, which is no less than to eradicate a disease, acknowledged to be the great est scourge that ever afflicted mankind, there can be but one sentiment on the subject. The enlightened, the benevolent, the opulent, will, doubtless, vie with each other in the zealous support of an undertaking which will reflect the highest honour upon their country; and, by saving millions of victims from an untimely grave, prove an inestimable blessing to the whole human race." Prepared for the press, a new edition of the first seventeen volumes of the Parliamentary Register, from the general election in 1774 to the dissolution of parliament in 1780, with additions and notes. The price will be ten guineas for the whole; the work to be delivered in six months after 200 subscribers are obtained. Preparing for the press, three grand Imperial Topographical Maps of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, to be published by subscription; accompanied by a History of the Union of Great Britain and Ireland, in one vol. 4to.; the subscription price of the whole nine guineas. A Topographical Account of the United Kingdom will be published about the same time, in three large volumes 4to. with plates. About twelve new newspapers have started with the year, most of them weekly; and about half as many new periodical works. A new edition of BRUCE's Travels is in the press. This edition will contain a Life of the Author; corrections and improvements made by the author himself, on the first edition; and, besides the engravings in that work, various new maps, drawings, &c. Another volume of NICHOLS'S Leicestershire may be expected in the spring. In the press, The Life and posthumous Works of WILLIAM COWPER, Esq. with an introductory letter to the Right Hon. Eart Cowper, by WILLIAM HAYLEY, Esq. in 2 vols. 4to.-The Temple of Nature; or, the Origin of Society; a poem in four cantos, with notes, in one vol. 4to. embellished with plates. By the late E. DARWIN, M. D.A rough Sketch of modern Paris; or, Letters on Society, Manners, Public Curiosities and Amusements, in that Capital; written during the last two months of 1801, and the first five of 1802, in one vol. 8vo.→ A volume of Practical Sermons, by THEOP. ST. JOHN, 8vo. An edition of HOMER has lately made its appearance from the Clarendon press, in four volumes quarto, printed at the expence, and under the actual superintens dance, of the three brothers of the Grenville family, the Marquis of Buckingham, Mr. T. G. and Lord G. with the co-operation, it is said, of one or two learned prelates, early connected with the studies of that family. The text is corrected in a few places. This edition has acquired the distinguishing name of the GRENVILLE HOMER. Mr. C. TAYLOR has completed his quarto edition of CALMET's Dictionary of the Holy Bible. It may be had in 64 numbers, on common paper, at one shilling each, or in 21 parts on fine paper, at five shillings each. The value of the original work is generally known; but the present editor has greatly enhanced it by entirely new Illustrations of Scripture Incidents and Expressions, which he has subjoined under the title of FRAGMENTS, and which are selected from voyages and travels into the East, and elucidate the sacred records by the same customs, manners, and ideas, which are maintained in the East at this very day. The whole is accompanied by maps, plates, &c. from the best authorities. The same editor has just published, in twelve numbers common paper, or four parts fine paper, A Supplement to Calmet's Dictionary; containing words, &c. omitted in the dictionary; and further remarks, tc. in continuation of the fragments. He is now publishing, in eight parts fine paper, Scripture illustrated by engravings referring to natural science, customs, manners, &c. of the East; with dissertations, and an expository index of those passages in the Bible, which are capable of illustration by the knowledge of nature. A Monthly Law Journal will commence on the 1st of March, to be conducted by JOHN MORGAN and T. W. WILLIAMS, Esqrs. both of the Inner Temple, Barristers at Law. It is intended to embrace the whole theory and practice of law, and to exhibit clear notices of every alteration; and will contain Reports of important Cases; Original Dissertations; the Analysis and Review of all new Law Books, &c. &c. &c. A new work is announced, the first volume of which will be published this spring, to be continued annually, entitled, The Annual Review, or Register of Literature. The editor will be Mr. A. ATKIN. The most effectual remedy yet employed against the bite of venomous serpents, is said to be caustic volatile alkali, given in water internally, as strong as it can be borne, and frequently repeated for a considerable time, besides applying the same to the wounded part. Eau de luce, spirits of hartshorn, or any similar preparation of this substance that can be had, will answer the purpose. The same remedy is said to have been found effectual in stings from bees or wasps, in the middle of the throat; which sometimes happen in the cyder countries, on drinking new cyder, in which there happen to be half drowned bees or wasps. In our last (vol. i. p. 907) we took notice of the important uses to which Galvinisın may eventually be applied. To prove its power in exciting muscular action the body of Forster, who was executed on the 17th Inst. was subjected to the Galvanic process, by M. ALDINI, under the inspection of Mr. Keate, and several other gentlemen. On the first application of the process to the face, the jaw of the deceased began to quiver, and the adjoining muscles were horribly contorted, and one eye was actually opened. In the subsequent part of the process, the right hand was raised and clenched, and the legs and thighs were set in motion, and it appeared to the uninformed part of the byc-standers as if the wretched man was on the eve of being restored to life. FRANCE. M. GUYTON-MORVEAU gives the following directious for fumigating infected apartments with muriatic acid gas, which may be easily practised in any family. No other apparatus is necessary than a bottle of sulphuric acid (oil of vitriol of the shops), a large glass goblet, and some common salt. The goblet being placed on the ground, or on a table in the middle of the room, a large spoonful of the salt must be put into it, and a very small liqueur glassfull of the acid should be added at three or four different times, with an interval between each time: at every effusion of the acid, there will be disengaged and diffused throughout the apartment a quantity of vapour, which will come into contact with the fetid or malignant miasmata, without producing any inconvenience to the persons present. A superb cabinet of medals is announced for sale at Paris, which was collected, during forty years, in Asia, Africa, and Europe, by D. BALLYET, formerly Bishop of Babylon, and French Consul at Bagdad. This collection consists of near 6500 medals of gold, silver, and brouze, classed and arranged by the bishop's nephew, a distinguished amateur of Besançon, to whom they descended by inheritance. On Monday, the 27th of December, M. LANGLES began, at Paris, a winter course of Persian lessons; M. DE SACY, a course of Arabic; and M. DE VILLOISON, a course of that Greek which is now a living languge in Russia and Turkey. These courses are given under the immediate authority and patronage of the French Government. It would be of importance to the interests of the English East India Company, to form an establishment in London for the purpose of giving public instruction in the Persian and Arabic languages, as these are the common dialects, equally of trade and elegance, in the East. M. LE ROUX has suggested a hint res |