force there may be in this reasoning, in the estimation of those who wish to rouse the suspicion of the LegisJature against those who take refuge under the act of toleration, it is diametrically opposed by facts. Our appeal is to the page of history, and to the testimony of our own times. Dissenters from the national church, viewed collectively, have always been the warmest and most distinguished friends of the House of Hanover, and of the Government of the people by King, Lords, and Commons. They are now the most loyal subjects in his Majesty's dominions; and their loyalty is not to be suspected, for it is perfectly disinterested.

We have already extended our observations to a length which precludes our refuting the next charge which is levelled against ley-preach ing. This, we are told, has a tendency to debase the character of the Christian ministry. It may, in the eyes of those who view Christianity through a worldly medium; but this idea will only excite the smile of those who have studied their religion at the feet of the fishermen of Gallilee. At present, we shall only say, That lay-preachers in general understand much more of religion, and are far more useful, than many of those who affect to despise them.

Separate from the intolerance, the partiality, and the prejudice which this volume exhibits, it contains many useful hints, which the clergy would do well to regard. But we do not admire the author's recommendation of reading sermons till the preacher needs spectacles, p. 335; and we sincerely abhor that bigotry which he displays in page 366, where he advises the young clergy

man

to avoid the table of the wealthy citizen, who may be an encourager of separatism;' and where he may happen to sit down with religionists of every form and shape. For our part, we greatly rejoice when ministers of various

denominations, occasionally meet at the friendly board of a candid gentleman; and, we think that, if the author had enjoyed the same privilege, it would have served to rub off some of those sharp angles of party,' which are now so visible in his whole performance; for almost every page is deformed by high church and illiberal prejudices. We deeply regret that this is too much the spirit of the times, a spirit which many clergymen imbibe, from whom we might expect better things; ard it is a spirit which will do a million times more injury to the national church than the com bined exertions of all the sectaries in the kingdom.

to

It is

On the whole, we are constrained say that, although the work appears to be the production of an abe and, we hope, pious man, yet it seems to us to contain a greater sum of evil than we remember to have witnessed in any publication of a religious nature; for it has a direct tendency to revive that religious animosity which subsisted in former days, and to counteracț that mild spirit of Christian candour which, we flattered ourselves, had lately increased. One good effect, however, of a private nature, it will very probably produce, raising the writer from the rank of a humble curate, to that of a wealthy rector.

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The Christian's Views and Reflec tions during his last Illness; with Anticipations of the glorious In-' heritance and Society in the lea venly World: to which are annexed, Two Sermons. By the late Rev. S. Reader. Published from the Author's MS. by the Rev. B. Cracknell, A. M. of Weymouth. Second Edit. 12mo, 3s. 6d. The author of this Work was a pupil of Dr. Doddridge; after which he was ordained over a Dissenting Congregation at Wareham; to which congregation the editor succeeded. The reader will find our testimonial in favour of this work in our Review of the first edition, in our

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Magazine for January, 1795. have only to add, that this edition is recommended by the Rev. Measts.

JERUSALEM, or an Answer to the following Enquiries : What is the Etymology of the Word Jerusalem? and, Is there any Connection between Salem and Jerusalem ? By Granville Sharp.

MR. Sharp considers Salem as the first naine of the ancient city, which was afterwards called Jerusalem. The word Salem, it is agreed on all hands, denotes peace; and this word forms the two last syllables of the name Jerusalem. The two first syllables, according to our learned and pious author, are derived from the Hebrew verb (Jereh) which has two distinct significations: the first, To throw out, or cast forth; the second, To teach, or instruct. Hence

are derived, in the opinion of Mr. Sharp, two different and important meanings of the word Jerusalem, peculiarly characteristic of the different situations and dispositions of the Jewish people. In the first sense, the word signifies to cast away peace.

In order to shew how applicable this import of the word is to the past and present character of the Israelitish nation, Mr. Sharp gives a a very particular and extended account of the various instances recorded in Scripture of their rebellion against the will of God, and especially of their rejection of the true Messiah. To this Mr. Sharp adds a representation of the infidelity of

the Jews, as evinced by the late proceedings of the Parisian Sanhedrim, The opposite meaning of the word Jerusalem, i. e. they shall teach peace, says Mr. S. ' testifies that peculiar character of the house of Israel for teaching and instructing mankind in the true doctrines of peace, to which their nation was des tined by the Almighty.' The Jewish disciples of the Messiah have taught peace by their instructions, the true doctrine of the Messiah has copiously flowed from Jerusalem, like a fountain of living waters, for the healing all other nations.'

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This tract undoubtedly displays considerable ingenuity, and great familiarity with the Hebrew Scriptures.

It will interest and entertain the Biblical student, even if it should fail to obtain the full concurrence of his judgment. The subject is perhaps rather curious than important yet it is not destitute of a claim on our attention, when introduced to our notice by a Hebrew scholar of such acknowledged eminence as Mr. Sharp, whose former treatises on some important points of Biblical criticism, are entitled to the closest consideration. In referring to these, we wish particularly to recommend to notice his excellent Rules to as

certain the Use of the Vau Conver sive, since Mr. Sharp has, on this perplexing point, afforded more assistanee to the Hebrew scholar than any preceding writer. The work in which these rules are to be found, is entitled Three Tracts on the Syntax and Pronunciation of the Hebrew Tongue,'

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The Power of God: a Sermon delivered at Lymington, before the Hampshire Association, Sept. 28, 1808. By J. Hunt, of Titchfield,' Svo, Is. 6d.

THE perfections of God afford the noblest subjects of contemplation: and may very useful to à Christian congregation, when treated in an evangelical and popular manner. Mr. Hunt's sermon, on the Omnipotence of God, contains much excellent and important matter, admirably expressed; and has the strong recommendation of being published

Evangelical Advice and Encouragement: a Farewell-Discourse at Truro, Oct. 2, 1808. By Benj. Coxhead. 1s.

Tuis sermon was published at the request of the members of the church, who admired, as we do, that Christian candour' which it breathes. Mr. C. alluding to some differences, which are not related, says, Disputes and differences, which arise among professors, are, in general, far better suppressed, and buried in oblivion, than kept alive, and published upon the housetops. In this truly Christian sentiment we heartily concur; and earnestly wish that it may practically prevail in every congregation. Mr. C. piously recommends, from Phil. i. 27, 28, a conversation becoming the gospel of Christ.

The Influence and Advantages of Religion, exemplified in the History of Hannah and Samuel: adapted to the Use of Societies for

the Benefit of Lying-in Women, 3d. or 18s. per 100.

THE adaptation of religious tracts to every class of the community, is certainly very commendable; as

that which comes home to the character and circumstances of the reader, is more likely to be regarded with attention than the best treatises, which are of a more general nature. The history of Hannah, the mother of Samuel, affords a suitable subject for the persons addressed, and, we hope, will be use ful to them. What is said about Baptism had, we think, better have becu omitted.

LITERARY NOTICES.

The History of Dissenters, by the Rev. Messrs. Bogue and Bennett, is expected in a few days.

The Rev. W. Bennet intends immediately committing to the press his proposed Essay on the Gospel Dispensation, considered in Connection with God's Moral Government of Men, as Intelligent Accountable Creatures.

Mr. Jos. Ivimey is about to publish A History of Baptism, in the form of Dialogues.

Mr. Thomas's History of the Welch Baptists is about to be reprinted, and continued to the present time.