will think that the preacher does not so grapple with Mr. Evanson as completely to throw him on his back. We have much distant skirmishing, but no coming to close quarters; we have general remarks and observations in abundance, but, as Mr. F. has avoided any recapitulation or summing up, the reader is left in doubt as to the final issue. Now the kind of refutation which ought to be applied to the "Dissonance" should be conducted independently of eloquence, with a plain strait-forward exhibition of facts and authorities; such as a Lardner would have given had the task been assigned to him. The fault of Mr. Falconer is that he grants too little, and endeavours to prove too much. An outline of his plan is given in the following

passage:

It will be my object in this investigation to refer a large mass of minute and independent objections to some general topics of discussion, and trace them to their principles. I propose therefore to examine the passages of Scripture relative to the application of prophecy, as a standard of the authenticity of the sacred writings; to determine the sufficiency of the external evidence, when compared with prophecy, for the authority of these works; to enquire whether the publication of spurious and fictitious books had, at the time, any influence in perplexing the question respecting the genuineness of the Scriptures; to ascertain the grounds on which we receive the two first chapters of St. Matthew's Gospel; to investigate in what manner, if in any, the establishment of Christianity in the time of Constantine, as the religion of the state, tended to facilitate the corrup tion of the written Gospels; and to reconcile the supposed anachronisms in the language of the Gospels by an historical sketch of the diffusion of the Greek tongue among various parts of the world.'

Passing over most of the subjects here proposed for examination, we shall merely advert to the theme of the last discourse. Here Mr. F. is unwilling to allow, though the position in itself is highly probable, and though the evidence of antiquity is in its favour, that Matthew's Gospel was first written in Hebrew; and he contends that the existing Greek Gospels are not versions, but originals. To prepare us for subscribing to this doctrine, he declaims on the general prevalence of the Greek language at the time of our Saviour's appearance: but it by no means follows, from any part or from the whole of his evidence, that Greek was the vernacular language of Palestine. The strongest proof to the contrary is a fact of which the author takes no notice, viz. that our Lord himself did not use it in his discourses; so that, whether the Evangelists originally wrote in Greek or not, the language of Christ, as exhibited in the Greek Gospels, is merely a version. It cannot be conceded to Mr. F. that the majority of the Jews who resorted to Jerusalem probably used the Greek language.' The majority of people of education probably did, but not the majority of the multitude. Like French at the present day, it was a language known to the gentry, but not to the community. The passage selected for the text of the eighth sermon is a case in point. Paul, when addressing the chief captain, shewed himself to be a person of education by speaking to him in Greek: but, when he directed his discourse to the people, he employed the

15

Hebrew

Hebrew vernacular dialect. Besides, is it more improbable that Matthew, or Levi, who was a Jew, should write a Gospel intended for the use of his countrymen in Hebrew, than that Josephus, another Jew, should compose his history in that language; which, by his own confession, we know that he did? - After all that Mr. F. has advanced respecting the prevalence of the Greek language, he has left us to find out how his remarks particularly apply to the supposed anachronisms which Mr. E. specified: he seems to demand a triumph before he has gained a victory; and, unlike the true Christian disputant, he takes his leave of Mr. Evanson with this proud and insulting dogma, "Qui post semel inventam veritatem aliud quærit, mendacium querit, non veritatem.” “What a bounce !" said one of Mr. F.'s readers: - "This is making short work with all free inquirers," said another: This is not a finale adapted to our taste, say the Monthly Reviewers. It is not the language of 'justifiable indignation.' To these eight discourses is appended a probationary discourse, in which Mr. Falconer labours to establish the reality of the Gun-powder Plot; which some modern sceptics, Protestants as well as Catholics, are much disposed to controvert; and which, when all circumstances are fully examined, "comes in a very questionable shape." Mr. F., with all his ingenuity, has not removed our doubts: but he speaks out manfully on the subject of the Revolution; and he very rationally observes, in conclusion, that however desirable a state of national tranquillity may appear to be in a speculative light, yet where the powers of the mind, the emotions of the heart, and the strength of the animal frame are permitted, in any country, to produce their full effects in determining and improving the condition of man, there the balance of the political constitution can never be quiescent, and where such an equilibrium is supposed to exist, we find on one side a despot, and on the other, slaves.'

The notes manifest the preacher's reading and literary research.

MISCELLANEOUS.

Art. 33. Narrative of the most remarkable Events which occurred in and near Leipzig, immediately before, during, and subsequent to, the sanguinary Series of Engagements between the Allied Armies and the French, from the 14th to the 19th October, 1813. Illustrated with Military Maps, exhibiting the Movements of the respective Armies. Compiled and translated from the German by Frederic Shoberl. 8vo. 5s. Ackermann. 1814.

That Great Britain, in consequence of her insular situation and the protection of her vast navy, has remained unannoyed by the horrors of war, during a period in which the whole continent of Europe has been desolated by the most sanguinary conflicts, is a subject for national gratitude: but, with our gratitude, we ought to blend sentiments of pity for those whose countries have been made the theatre of desolation. Our charity on these occasions, to the honour of the people be it spoken, has been prompt, and we have no doubt that the appeal here made to our feelings will be efficacious*.

* A subscription for the sufferers has been successfully commenced; and the pamphlet before us has already reached a fifth edition.

Germany

Germany has indeed suffered in the extreme; and the pictures of misery here detailed are affecting enough to move a heart of stone. If such be the horrors of war, who is there that must not wish for peace, and such a peace as will tend to settle Europe! War has been long prosecuted on a scale of unexampled destruction; and, if it continues with ravages similar to those which have lately been wit nessed in Saxony, the Continent in a few years must present a dreadful solitude. The narrative before us is derived from an eye-witness, and it cannot fail of accomplishing its purpose; which is to awaken the sympathies and to call forth the humanity of the British nation. Speaking of the conflict mentioned in the title, the author observes

that

It was unparalleled in regard to the form, for it was fought in a circle which embraced more than fifteen miles; it was unparalleled in regard to the prodigious armies engaged, for almost half a million of warriors out of every region of Europe and Asia, from the mouth of the Tajo to the Caucasus, with near two thousand pieces of cannon, were arrayed against one another; it was unparalleled in regard to its duration, for it lasted almost one hundred hours; — it was unparalleled in regard to the plan so profoundly combined and so maturely digested by the allies, and characterized by an unity, which, in a gigantic mass, composed of such multifarious parts, would have been previously deemed impossible; it was unparalleled also in regard to its consequences, the full extent of which time alone can develop, and the first of which, the dissolution of the confederation of the Rhine, the overthrow of the continental system, and the deliverance of Germany, are already before our eyes:-- finally, it is unparalleled in regard to single extraordinary events, the most remarkable of which is, that the majority of the allies of the grand army, who had fought under the banners of France in so many engagements with exemplary valour and obstinacy, in the midst of this conflict, as if wakened by an electric shock, went over in large bodies, with their drums beating and with all their artillery, to the hostile legions, and immediately turned their arms against their former comrades.'

We may judge of the effects of the ravages of such an army on the property and situation of the inhabitants, from the following account given by a venerable Saxon nobleman, of the devastation committed on his own estate:

The ever-memorable and eventful battles of the 16th to the 19th of October began exactly upon and between my two estates of Störmthal and Liebertwolkwitz. All that the oppressive imposts, contributions, and quarterings, as well as the rapacity of the yet unvanquished French, had spared, became on these tremendous days a prey to the flames, or was plundered by those who called themselves allies of our king, but whom the country itself acknowledged as such only through compulsion. Whoever could save his life with the clothes upon his back might boast of his good fortune; for many, who were obliged, with broken hearts, to leave their burning houses, lost their apparel also. Out of the produce of a tolerably plentiful harvest, not a grain is left for sowing; the little that was in the barns was consumed in bivouac, or, next morning, in spite of the

prayers

prayers and entreaties of the owners, wantonly burned by the laughing fiends. Not a horse, not a cow, not a sheep, is now to be seen; nay, several species of animals appear to be wholly exterminated in Saxony. I have myself lost a flock of 2000 Spanish sheep, Tyrolese and Swiss cattle, all my horses, waggons, and household utensils. The very floors of my rooms were torn up; my plate, linen, and important papers and documents, were carried away and destroyed. Not a looking-glass, not a pane in the windows, or a chair, is left. The same calamity befell my wretched tenants, over whose misfortunes I would willingly forget my own. All is desolation and despair, aggravated by the certain prospect of epidemic diseases and famine. Who can relieve such misery, unless God should be pleased to do it by means of those generous individuals, to whom, in my own inability to help, I am now obliged to appeal?'

For this nobleman, Count Schönfeld, Mr. Ackermann has opened a subscription at his house in the Strand, where a book is kept for the receipt of contributions. He has informed us, moreover, in an advertisement, that the profits arising from this work will be applied to the relief of the unfortunate inhabitants of Leipzig and its vicinity. We are glad to find that it obtains an extensive sale. It merits perusal; and a double reason exists for purchasing it.

Se

Art. 34 Maxims, Reflections, and Biographical Anecdotes. lected for the Use of Young Persons. By James Hews Bransby. 12mo. 28. half-bound. Johnson and Co. 1813.

This selection is deficient in arrangement, the passages in each section having no obvious connection with each other: but they all inculcate laudable sentiments, and may therefore be safely put into the hands of young people.

Art. 35. Three Hundred and Sixty-five Tables, exhibiting without Calculation the Number of Days from each Day in the Year, to every other Day in the Year. By J. N. Cossham, Accountant, Bristol. 12mo. pp. 735. 18s. bound. Longman and Co., 1813. The object of this work is sufficiently explained in the title-page, it being nothing else than a tabular statement of the number of days from any one day of the year to any other. The common tables of the kind exhibit only the number of days from any period of the year to its end; and, though this may be sufficient for most accounts, the 31st of December being the ordinary period to which interest is calcalated, cases may occur which may require a table terminating at a different date. The 30th of April, for example, is the ordinary term at which West-India houses are in the habit of closing their accounts current, because the old crop is in general sold off and the new one is beginning to come to market at that time. Many other mercantile men are in the habit of making half-yearly statements of accounts, taking Midsummer or 30th June as a closing date. To those persons, the present tables will evidently be useful; and the compiler, we think, would have done well to have rested their merits on this simple basis, instead of claiming for them (Advertisement, paragraphs 2d and 3d) the praise of utility in other points, which every

man of business is in the habit of adjusting without reference to a printed work.

Art. 36. Particulars of the Life of a Dissenting Minister. Written by Himself. With occasional Reflections, illustrative of the Education and professional State of the Dissenting Clergy, and of the Character and Manners of the Dissenters in general. 12mo. 5s. 6d. Boards. Jones. 1813.

Though this publication is anonymous, it displays so much feeling, spirit, and ingenuousness, that we cannot hesitate to yield the fullest credit to the whole of this narrative; a narrative of a singular character, and which must be perused with the liveliest interest by the whole body of Protestant Dissenters, including ministers and their flocks. The philosopher, also, whose attention is drawn to these pages, will find in them ample matter for serious speculation. He will recognize, in Dissenting ministers, a class of men who must excite at once his pity and his admiration; who display a professional ardour under many difficulties and privations; and who become the victims of that church-liberty for which they contend, and the martyrs to that freedom of inquiry on which the whole principle of dissent is founded. Those clergy of the Established Church, who may happen to cast their eyes on this memoir, will "bless their stars" that their "lot has been cast in a fairer ground;" and that, if they have not felt the euthusiasm of the Dissenting student in the pursuit of religious knowlege, they have never been dependent on their congregations, and, consequently, have not experienced his poverty and mortifi cations. We question whether the mass of Dissentients will relish the plain unvarnished tale which is here offered to the public. The author means to probe to the quick, and it is hoped that he will not probe in vain: but we suspect that the evils, on which he so pathetically animadverts, are to a certain extent inherent in the constitution of Dissenting churches. A priesthood elected by its flocks, and depending for a scanty subsistence on their subscriptions, must not only be subject to much vulgar caprice, fickleness, and rudeness, but can never count on any permanent settlement, nor on any provision for old age. It. has been remarked that, to the support of the cause of Dissenters, their ministers are the greatest contributors; and these men, often possessing no inconsiderable talents and literary endowments, sacrifice the most valuable part of life in the performance of duties for which they receive the most paltry salaries, without the prospect of any future remuneration. We may produce the author of this affecting memoir as an evidence of the fact; and, unless his remonstrances should have some effect on the body of Protestant Dissenters at large, we may venture to predict that the future supply of learned ministers will be very small.

This self-biographer is a man of no mean attainments on the several incidents of his life, on the state of the Dissenting clergy, and on the character of the people who constitute Dissenting congregations, his reflections are acute and instructive. He presents us in this volume with only a part of his history: but his style is so manly, and this specimen is executed with so much truth of colouring, that we hope he will be encouraged to give us the whole. To avoid

offence,