Each Number with the prints and letter-press illustration, stitched together, in a green case, ornamental for the cabinet, and convenient for the pocket, will consist of ten perspective views, and a folding print, containing miscellaneous articles of antiquity, near to the main subject; the whole to be near to a pleasurable ride of each other; with occasional descriptions of the adjacent country: being intended as a portable and explanatory Director, by pointing, at once, to the subjects most worthy the notice of the curious, and illustrated by historical extracts.

In the execution of this work, comprehending the united efforts of the Pencil, the Graver, and the Pen, no pains will be spared to render it an agreeable companion for a tour, as well as a production not unworthy the patronage of the lovers and encouragers of the fine Arts, or undeserving a place in their cabinets. Long practice, and a familiar acquaintance with the originals, lead the artist to flatter, himself with the hopes of success in his anxious attempt to delineate and describe these favourite subjects, with an accuracy and fidelity, which will be acceptable and satisfactory to the strict examiner, and distant connoisseur.'

To prevent any apprehension of the numbers of this work being continued to an undesirable extent, the Artist requests that subscribers will please to observe that every Number will, in general, so entirely terminate the subject which it clucidates, as to be complete in itself, and to render it unnecessary for them to proceed as purchasers of the subsequent parts of the publication, unless the merit of the work should induce them to continue their countenance of the undertaking. Mr. B. farther informs the curious, that a few proof impressions of the engravings will be taken, which, as is usual, will be double price: those on India paper, a guinea and a half.

The subject of the first Number is the fine old Cathedral of Glocester, in ten distinct views, each on a separate paper, the sizes of which are different, but all within the pocket size. These per

spective views have for their objects, respectively, 1. Inside View from the West. No. 2. the Choir, High Altar. 3. The North Aisle, with the Monuments of King Edward II. and King Osrick. 4. Cells for Punishment in the Transept, and an Altar in St. Andrew's Chapel. 5. Whispering Gallery. 6. South Aisle of the Saxon Crypt. 7, The Ladies' Chapel. 3. College School. 9. Library. 10. The Great Cloisters. These we have seen with delight in their existing state; and we now review them with pleasure in these wellengraved resemblances. To the best of our recollection, after the lapse of some years, the views are not only elegantly executed, but accurately designed. In illustration of the engravings, Mr. B. has given proper historical extracts, in distinct pages of letter-press; and he seems to have been diligently and judiciously attentive to matters of fact.

The subject of No. II. of this Perspective Itinerary is Goodrich Castle, Herefordshire, with its environs, and Flanesford Priory, on

*This dissimilarity occurs not in Number II; nor will again, as an advertisement informs us.

the

the banks of the Wye. To these are added a folding miscellaneous plate, exhibiting various subjects, all bearing relation to the castle, in respect to antiquity and curiosity. Proper historical illustrations are here given of the several views, as in the number relating to Glocester Cathedral.

The objects of the distinct Picturesque Views of Goodrich Castle are, 1. The Castle, and its situation in the approach to it by land. 2. Elevation and aspect on the S. E. Bank of the Wye, as viewed from the water. 3. The Great West Tower. 4. The South Tower. 5. Inside View from the West, &c. 6. Inside View from the East. 7. Inside View of the Ladies' Tower, the Kitchen, &c. 8. General View of the Castle. 9. The Breach, &c. 10. Remains of Flanesford. To these are added the folding print already men

tioned.

We cannot conclude without expressing our wishes for the success of this undertaking; of which, indeed, little doubt can be entertained, in an age distinguished for its improved taste and liberality. Art. 45. Essays and Criticisms, by Dr. Goldsmith; with an Account of the Author. Now first collected. Izmo. 3 Vols. 9s. sewed. Johnson.

The first volume of this work contains those Essays which were published in the year 1765, and which were noticed in our 33d volume. These miscellaneous performances were only a selection from a great number, which Dr. Goldsmith had inserted in the periodical publications of the times.

Many pieces (as the present editor observes in his preface) of undoubted excellence were known to be omitted, and some which were suspected to be of his composition could not be certainly ascertained. These circumstances occasioned enquiry, and enquiry was the means of bringing to light what otherwise would not have been known. The late Mr. Thomas Wright, Printer, a man of literary observation and experience, had, during his connection with those periodical publications, in which the early works of Dr. Goldsmith were originally contained, carefully marked the several compositions of the different writers, as they were delivered to him to print. Being therefore, it was supposed, the only person able to separate the genuine performances of Dr. Goldsmith from those of other writers in these miscellaneous productions, it became the wish of several admirers of the Author of the Traveller and Deserted Village, that his authentic writings should no longer be blended with either doubtful or spurious pieces. Mr. Wright was therefore recommended and prevailed upon to print the present selection, which he had just completed at the time of his death.'

We have examined the new matter introduced into these volumes, and we think that it possesses various and unequal merit.-The Essays on the Subjects of Taste and Poetry appear to us to contain many. judicious observations, conveyed in simple and elegant language; though we are of opinion that the criticism en Hamlet's celebrated Soliloquy will be considered by many as severe and unfounded.The paper on the character of the first Lord Chatham scarcely de

served

served insertion, at least its title should have been altered; for, with the exception of the first paragraph, the whole Essay is dedicated to the consideration of the characters of the two Gracchi; characters indeed amiable in themselves, and beautifully delineated by this author: but having, as we think, very little resemblance in their talents, their conduct, or their fortunes, to the subject of his Dissertation; which appears to be little more than an unfinished sketch.

In the Life, we observe little that has not been before communicated to the public. The Specimens of Criticisms (with the exception of that on Butler's Remains, published by Mr. Thyer, which is indeed excellent) might have been omitted without injuring the reputation of the author; for the subjects are for the most part trifling, and are forgotten; and the manner in which they are reviewed is

"not above the common."

S.R.

Art. 46. The Reader, or Reciter: by the Assistance of which any Person may teach himself to read or write English Prose with the utmost Elegance and Effect. To which are added Instructions for reading Plays. On a Plan never before attempted. 8vo. pp. 186. 3s. 6d. Boards. Cadell jun. and Davies. 1799. As a selection of amusing pieces, this publication may be acceptable in this extract-making age; and the remarks on the manner in which they should be read are judicious: but we see nothing which bears the least resemblance to system, nor any thing explanatory of the general principles of elocution. To the novelty of the plan we are as little able to subscribe. Many years ago, a work was published, (see M, Rev. vol. xxvi. p. 199,) by Mr. Burgh, author of Political Disquisitions, Dignity of Human Nature, &c. intitled The Artof Speaking, much on this plan; which not only contained a number of lessons, accompanied with notes and directions for reading, but also (which this work wants) an Essay for teaching to express properly the principal passions and humours which occur in reading. We think that the present work is deficient, from the omission of such an introduction; since it is impossible, without it, for a person to teach himself to read with elegance and effect, merely by the directions interspersed in the lessons: especially such a direction as this, if a direction it may be called, given in p. 166, Your own judgment will, no doubt, find out many places when this (viz. speaking with a significant look) may be practised with effect. When we undertake to instruct, we do not leave the judgment to find out any thing; for what the judgment can discover needs not to be taught. The author of this work may understand well the science and the practice of elocution, but surely he cannot think that a good reader or reciter could be formed merely by a person's reading to himself the few lessons which are here given, with the scanty directions. Some explanation and exemplification are necessary to impart to the pupil an idea of what is here meant by light and shade in reading.-By these remarks, we do not mean to condemn the work, but to shew that it is susceptible of improvement, Moo-y. Art. 47. Thoughts on Marriage, and Criminal Conversation, with some Hints of appropriate Means to check the Progress of the latter; comprising Remarks on the Life, Opinions, and Example, of the late Mrs. Wollstonecraft Godwin. By a Friend to Social Order. Small 8vo. 25. Rivingtons.

REV. Nov. 1799.

6

B b

The

The title page of this little work contains a summary of its contents. In the Thoughts on Marriage, the author designs to vindicate the holy state of matrimony from the heavy charges preferred against it by Miss Wollstonecraft, in her two principal works, the RIGHTS, and the WRONGS, of WOMEN; and this he does by shewing that this lady nearly fell a victim to her own system, (our readers will recollect that she is said to have twice attempted her own life,) and actually did suffer more from spurning the vulgar bonds of marriage, than those common minds usually do who patiently submit to the yoke. Miss Wollstonecraft's history is certainly the best refutation of her innovating system; and the writer of this little tract, paying however great respect to the virtuous principles and acknowleged talents of the lady, fully avails himself of the arguments which her story furnishes in support of the established order of things.

The author's observations on the shameful prevalence of criminal intercourse between the sexes, particularly in higher life, abound with sound morality and good sense; and we are inclined to think with him, that, if the punishment of this crime were rendered infamous, instead of pecuniary, the disease would soon become less epidemic. Wall.... Art. 48. Occasioned by the Death of the Rev. Joseph Towers, LL.D. delivered at Newington-Green, June 2, 1799, by the Rev. James Lindsay; to which is added, the Oration delivered at his Interment, by the Rev. Thomas Jervis. 8vo. pp. 64. 1s. 6d. Johnson..

SINGLE SERMONS.

The object of this discourse is to point out the great advantage which both the common and the enlightened Christian enjoy, above all other men, in anticipating the approach and conquering the fear of death; together with the gratitude due to God on this account. This topic is illustrated and sustained in a rational, clear, and, to us, very satisfactory manner; and it is farther applied for consolation and fortitude, in that prospect of dissolution which every Human Being has for himself, and also under the removal of virtuous relatives and friends. The subject is here considered with an immediate regard to the death of Dr. Towers, who was well known and respected by many among different parties in the literary world. He was a remarkable instance that knowlege and learning may be acquired without the assistance of a regular education; for his attainments, we are here informed, were altogether the fruits of his own application; and such was his improvement that, in the year 1761, when only twenty-four years of age, he was so much regarded as a scholar, that he corre sponded with the celebrated Lord Lyttleton: two years after which, he published a sensible and well-written view of the genuine doctrines of Christianity, in opposition to the tenets of Calvinism; which, on examination, he saw reason to renounce.'

During this period we find him engaged, from the early age of twelve, in the Stationary business; which leads us to applaud his industrious endeavours to advance himself in different branches of useful knowlege and science.-At length he aspired to the Christian ministry; and, with the assistance of Dr. Fleming, he regulated his studies more directly with that design: but it is well known that he did not

confine

·

confine them merely to what is deemed theology; he was well acquainted with history, particularly the English history, law, and constitution, as has been made evident by his detection of the errors and misrepresentations of Hume, Dalrymple, and Tucker;' and by his tract on the rights of juries, which procured him deserved reputation and esteem among many of the first political characters of this country.'

It was in the year 1774 that he appeared in the ministerial character, first at Highgate, where he continued about four years; after which he removed to Newington-Green, and at this latter place finished his labours and his life, having officiated in public about a week before his removal. The integrity and consistency of his character,' observes Mr. Lindsay, entered into all his opinions and all his plans, both in public and private life. It rose above all consi-derations of worldly advantage; nor could any intercst whatever detach him from what he deemed the interest of truth and virtue.'-His publications are numerous; and in the biographical line he was distinguished, particularly in his connection with the late respected Dr. Kippis, as editor of the Biographia Britannica.

The character of Dr. T. is still more distinctly delineated in the. funeral oration; by one short extract from which, we shall close this article: At all times,' observes Mr. Jervis, and especially in uncertain and unquiet times, when the world is up in arms, and the affairs of human beings wear a troubled and threatening aspect; when the whole moral and political hemisphere looks louring and dark; when we hear of nothing but wars and rumours; and though they ery," Peace, peace!" yet there is no peace-but in the grave! in such times, the arguments which should reconcile us to the trial of our faith, constancy, and patience, in the death of those we love, gather strength by the consideration, that they are "taken from the evil to come."

Art. 49. Addressed to the loyal Pimlico Volunteers, previous to receiving their Colours from the Hands of the Countess of Carlisle, in the Rotunda at Ranelagh-house, May 20, 1799, by the Rev. Weeden Butler. 8vo. 18. Polworth, Pimlico.

Art. 50. Preached in the Royal-Hospital Chapel, before the Chel sea Armed Association, on receiving their Colours from Miss North, Daughter of the Lord Bishop of Winchester, May 31, 1799, by the Rev. Weeden Butler. 8vo. 1S. Dillon.

Both these discourses are suited to the occasions on which they were delivered The language in cach is correct; each contains some sensible remarks and useful admonitions; and each concludes with a wish for the superlative blessing of PEACE. The first is, we think, the most eloquent. One paragraph in both is exactly the same; which the author very properly points out to the notice of the reader in the second, sermon. The following lines are part of the passage: It was not, I trust, the puerile inducement of any who have come forward in this generous career, to outshine their neighbours in the external garb and trappings of a military appearance; or to assume a marked distinc-> tion, without strenuously maintaining the just claim to it among us.'. -Such a remark may not be wholly unseasonable; and the same, perhaps, may be said of that which soon afterward occurs:--' nor shall any of us, I hope, in thought or deed, resemble Ephraim's sons of

Bb 2

old,

Hi.