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mer, the order is naturally fuggefted to us in which they are to be confidered." (pp. 11, 12.) The apoftacy of a great and flourishing Chriftian nation did not happen without the prefcience, nor confequently without the permiffion, of a fuperintending power, being long ago revealed to St. Paul, and by him declared to Chriftians of fucceeding ages, as forming a neceffary part of the divine purpofe; though the apoftacy of the Roman church was only alluded to by him, but fully declared by St. Johi in his Revelation. The apoftacy of France was foretold by St. Paul, by the peculiar tenets agreeing with the feveral parts of that apoftacy; 1. a rejection of the Chriftian faith; 2. a rejeétion of all eftablished moral principles; and 3. a natural fpirit of fierce pride and rapacious violence; which Mr. Sumner thews to exift in the French revolution. A denial of a Saviour, and a future ftate and refurrection, leading to a denial of God, to difobedience to parents, want of natural affection, and a deprecation of the honourable state of marriage, and, a laft confequence of infidelity, the production of a ferocious spirit.

"It would be an eafy, though it might now feem an invidious, talk, to revive the recollection of thofe ftates which have ftruggled in vain and bled for independence; of the decreafed population; the profperity deftroyed; the accumulated weight of mifery, which, when the laft account between heaven and earth is to be made,' will bear witnefs against the rapacious violence of the French Revolution." (p. 24.)

"The prophecy of the vials is from its concifenels fo ambiguous, and has received fuch a variety of interpretations, that I hesitate to reft an argument upon it. But it has been generally agreed, to refer the fourth vial which is poured out upon the Sun to France; the Sun being the emblem of that country in her monarchial fiate. It is well known, that the year 1794

66 2 Tim iii. I have been furprifed not to find this prophecy particularly applied to the prefent time. St. Paul's MAN of fin, and St. John's beat with two borns, having been fo applied by Mr. Jones and Mr. Kett; but I cannot help agreeing with Mr. Zouch, that the received interpretation of these prophecies (efpecially of the man of fin), referring them to the papal power, and two monaftic orders, liable to fewer objections."

was fixed by Fleming for the expiration of this vial to be attended with the diffolution of the French monarchy; and let the nations of Europe. I might almoft lay of the inhabited world, bear witnefs, whether power was at that time given to France to feorch men with power; and let the general fate of religion and morals upon the Continent bear tedimony, whether the nations forched with this great heat have blafphemed the name of God, and repented not to give him glory. We may at least conclude from hence, that to fuppofe the prefent period a fubject of prophecy is not a new and indigefted opinion; and it is alfo remarkable, that St. John agrees with St. Paul in predicting violence and infidelity as its peculiar characteriftic. In addition to this corroborating prophecy, we may derive prefumptive evidence of the time alluded to by St. Paul, from the awful words which introduce his fubject: This know, that in the last days perilous times hall come. To what event this exprellion of the laft days bears relation, it is not for me to determine. It is fufficient to remark, that we are now approaching very near to that period, when, according to a very early tradition of Jews and Chriftians, and even of Heathens, great changes and revolutions are expected both in the natural and moral-world; and there remains, according to the words of the Apoftle, a Sabbatum, or holy reft, to the people of God. If therefore, from the correfpondence of these collected proofs, the prefent age may reafonably be prefumed to be that lait age intended by St. Paul; and, if the prefent age has almoft literally verified his propnecy, defcriptive of unholy, incontinent, high-minded men, there feems to be fulficient grounds of probability for dating the account of his prophecy at the era of the French Revolution. As the caules of that great event were gradual in their operation, and, like the combuftible materials of the natural world, lay long concealed in the bowels of the earth, before the time appointed for their ex

* Though I am convinced that Fleming expected the power of France to decline with her monarchy, the coincidence of the date which he drew from the comparifon of other prophecies is remarkable. His "Apocalyptic Key" was fift published in 1701.

plofion;

men."

plotion; fo the effects of it ended not in the momentary convulfion of the furrounding kingdom, but have full continued to require vigilance and watchfulness, though with declining violence and vigour. They fall proceed no further, fays the Apofile, for their following shall be manifeft unto all Infidelity is an evil of fhort duration. It is in no fhape formed for perpetuity. Sudden in its rife, and impetuous in its progrefs, it refembles a mountain torrent, which is loud, filthy, and defolating, but, being fed by no perennial fpring, is foon drained off, and difappears *.' The decline, indeed, of thofe errors which advanced flowly to the vigour of their maturity, must be proportionably gradual, but fill the decline is already vifible. The prefent condition of the French Republic no longer exhibits thofe appalling fcenes of internal commotion, devaliation, and death, which were difplayed at the early period of the Revolution . The exilience of God is no longer openly and with unblufhing front denied; his worship is no more forbidden; and, although the principles of philofophic morality have not yet yielded up their influence, we may jufily hope to fee that new-railed phantom fall by its internal weaknefs, and drop its undeferved honours at the feet of Christianity." (p. 26-30.)

Mr. S next proceeds to confider, how far the prefent declining ftate of Papacy is an accomplishment of the prophecy concerning the Beast with Seven heads and ten horns of the Revelations, and the Antichrif or Man of Sin of St. Paul. The marks are clearly afcertained to apply to the Church of Rome. It remains to be confidered, who are her latent immediate enemies. Bp. Newton publifhed a remarkable conjecture about thirty years ago, which we have feen as remarkably verified by the event, Since the Kings of France, fays he, have contributed greatly to the advancement of Popery, it is not impoffible nor improbable that they may fome tinie or other alfo be the principal authors of its deftruction." (vol. I. p. 704, 419 edit.) As this learned Commentator was fupported in his remarks by the words of Revelation, fo he has been juftified in it by the courfe of Hiftory.

Mr. Hall's Sermon. Mr. Zouch's Preface.

Never fince its first exaltation, not even by the fuccefs of Luther and the Reformers, has the throne, and authority, and dominion, of the Pope received a fhock more violent than it has fuffered within the laft ten years by the defection and hoftility of France; an event fo fatal to its power, that fome late writers have been led to date here the epoch of its total ruin. —— Though the Pope is permitted again to wear the robes and hold the fceptre of his predeceflors, and even again eftablifhed on the throne of Rome, he is not restored to his authority, or only in his fpiritual, but not in his temporal, empire over France, which,

as

we before faid, bad fulalled the words of prophecy, and thrown the minifters of this degraded religion upon the world naked and defolate, but has alfo caten their flesh, and confumed their riches. Nothing could be devited more effectually to undermine the power of the Pope, than the very decree which has nominally reeftablished it; which, by confifcating the benefices of his bithops and clergy, has fpread internal diffentions among thofe, who in the prefent times of danger could only exift at all by mutually fupporting each other; and has compelled the very men, who formerly held up their fpiritual head as infallible and fupreme, now openly to abjure and oppofe his authority* "Nor have the principal doctrines of the Romish Church remained firm and unimpaired during the fubverfion of its power. The fuperfitious ceremonies and unauthorized reftraints, which form the eflential character of this religion, and occafion the dreadful vices and corrup tions which have prevailed in it, laid the first foundation fione of infidelity: it was against thefe that the first charge was founded of that open, as well as inteftine, attack, which ended in the temporary extinction of all religion in France. The doctrine, no lefs abfurd than impious, of the Pope's infallibility, though it has not been formally difavowed, is fearcely now fupported even by his real adherents. Univerfal fupremacy can no longer be afferted of him, who, fo far from poflefling external dominion, owes the enjoyment of his own kingdom to the favour and

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ceflion of a foreign power. It is true, indeed, that the enthufiaftic zeal and ardour, with which the human nind as it were mechanically rifes againti oppreflive perfecution, and which for obvious reafons operates molt forcibly in matters of religion, this internal power, and in many, no doubt, a confcientious though miltaken preference, fill preferves among the votaries of the Romith Church a ftrong and unthaken attachment to their native faith; but, I think, whoever confiders the fituation of its own hereditary kingdoms, and of its molt powerful foreign allies, the weakness of the Pope, the alienation of Italy, the philofophy of Germany, and the infidelity of France, will no longer deny the caufe of Papacy is a declining canfe; and that, particularly during the last ten years, it has turned with rapid ftrides towards its diffolution." (p. 38-40.)

The fifth vial, poured out on the kingdom of the beaft, made his kingdom full of darkness, i. e. diminished his power, and by a gradual fall bring on its deftruction, molt probably by fire, of which its territory is full.

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Although it has been a matter of doubt, whether a literal or figurative interpretation thould be given to Revel. xviii. 8, it mufi be owned, that the laft refuge of metaphor is fearcely left to our apprehenfions.” (p. 41.)

"It is indeed a melancholy reflection, that the generation, which is now riling np to manhood in France, will only know by hittory and tradition the genial effects of religion upon fociety; and will neither potiefs a inotive, nor enjoy a reward, for the performance of moral duties; whofe infancy has fucked the poifon of infidelity; and whofe tender years have been nurtured in immorality. courte, however, of Providence leads The ufual us to expect, that good will in fome meature arife from evil; and France may atone eventually for the mitchiefs the has occationed, by accelerating the progrefs of our pure and reformed Church. Popery is indeed again acknowledged the religion of the majority of the French; but it is accompanied, as it never was before, by univerfal toleration; and we may at leaft hope, that the removal of prejudices confequent upon the difpertion of the riches of that country, the abolition of the lucrative church offices, and the altered temper of the people, may all

439

unite their efforts towards weakening the Romish power." (p. 44.)

lar prophecies which appear to be now "I have thus examined the particuaccomplithing, in the established principles of the French Revolution, and the visibly-declining ftate of the Papal power; and this application of faithfulness to their meaning will afford a than religion; for what fronger evinew evidence to the truth of the Chrifdence can be given of a divine revelation than the fit of prophecy, which, as it can only be imparted by HIM who has a foreknowledge of the events of all times, fo is it only imparted to thofe who have especial cominillion to proclaim His divine will? fhould duly confider thefe prophecies, It appears almoti impoffible that any and, if he is an infidel, not be converted, or, if he is a believer, not be confirmed in the faith. Surely, if difplayed in a fyllem fo abundant in any additional proof of mercy can be mercy as that of redemption, it is feen in the providence of God, requiring not a teltimony of faith too fevere for dered that oppofition fhould arife human weakiefs; but, when he oragainst his religion, ordered it likewife to convey a fronger confirma tion of its truth. To fee the purity of the doctrines he profefles fo long the Romish Church, might perhaps violated, and fo fatally perverted by alarm the fears, and even for a mobut, when he is conducted by the clue ment excite the donbts, of a Christian; of prophecy through all the labyrinths fore him, and he willingly furrenders of enormity, the darkncis vanifhes behis own miftaken reaton to the authority of Eternal Wifdom. Again, when he witneffes fuccels attending counfels of God, and proceeded to the injury which commenced with the defiance and outrage of mankind, yet at the fame time perceives that this apoftacy arofe not unforefeen by the divine Providence, the Chriffian becomes more than ever affured of the weakness of his own fhort-fighted powers, and of an implicit faith in God's provifeels a freth conviction of the neceflity dence, reflecting indeed with awe, and cherishing the reflection, that every fuccellive accomplishment of prophecy brings us nearer to that final period where all our foreknowledge ceafes,

* Newson, Differt, 21.

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THE text, Ads xx. 29, 30, is illuftrated by the melancholy view of "the aged Church, torn between Infidelity on the one hand and Enthufiatin on the other, reminding us of her bleted founder, that Jelus Chrift himfelf was crucified between two thieves." Atheifm and Enthufiafin are alike ensiflaries of Satan, but to the latter enemy the Church is at this time much expofed. "When by the abfurd rant and licentious conduct of fanatics facred things are made ridiculous, they are not far from being totally rejected, as the spiteful mockery of the foldiers was the prelude to our Lord's death." The pirit of independence which has got into the Church, as before into the State, is here pourtrayed, and its objections anfwered; and the Clergy of the Eftablishment exhorted to lofe no opportunity of enforcing obedience to the authority wherewith Chritt hath invefted his Church.

70. A Walk through Southampton. By Sir Henry C. Englefield, Bart. F.R.S. and F.A.S.

A CURIOUS and well-drawn de feription of the antiquities, principally in architecture and fculpture of Southampton in their various periods; il luftrated with fix plates, drawn and etched by the author.

71. A Sermon, preached in the Cathedral
Church of St. Paul, London, Thuriday,
June 12, 1800, being Use Time of the
yearly Meeting of the Children educated in
the Charity Sebeds in and about the Cities

of London and Wef minfter. By the
Right Rev. John Lord Bifftop of Chuchel-
Publ fled by the Society for promoting
Chriftian Knowlige.

ter.

FROM 1 Cor. x. 31, the Bishop inculcates the great duty of Chriftian benevolence, more particularly towards the infant children of the poor.

72. Specimens of Literary Refemblance in the Warks of Pope, Gray, and other celebrated Writers; with critical Obfervations. In a

Series of Letters [to the Rev. Peter Fofter,
Rector of Hedenham, Norfolk]. By the
Rev. Samuel Berdmore, late Master of
the Charterhouse Sebaol.

THESE letters were formerly published in the European Magazine, and a few more on the fame fubject are now added. To literary refemb ance there is no bounds, particularly if we take it for granted, that fuch as occur to the reader must neceffarily have occurred to the writer. The firft here mentioned is happily illuftrated; but it is not to be wondered at that Mr. Pope, who re-publifhed the "Poeniata Italorum," fhould catch fome allufion thence.

Fell thirst and famine fcowl, in Gray, bears a very faint refemblance to Virgil's Furiurum maxima juxta

Acuebat.

We may fay the English rifes above the Latin bird; as Dr. Berdmore obferves, it was Mr. Gray's way, whenever he imitated to furpaís. (p. 102.)

Horace's fortuna rapax-firidore acuto is happily illuftrated by the foaring eagle fnatching with great noife the cap off Lucuino's head, emblematical of his advancement.

In another Letter Bishop Hurd is compared with P. Catrou, as if the former had actually intended an abstract of the other in a finall inftance. The reft are occupied in a critique on the bithop and his friend, the late bishop of Gloucefter, whole myfterious comment on the fixth book of the Eneid is again brought on the carpet. That verbotity and adfcititious phrafeology Pope exceeded his original, Homer, in has been frequently obferved, though perhaps not in the cafe of Iris here adduced.

Letter X. (printed in our vol. LXIII. p. 621) treats of the egotifin and felfconfequence of all the antient poets-◄ except the modeft Pacuvius. That obliquely hinted in the concluding lines even Homer was not exempt from it is of Hind IV. where he takes merit in deferibing a well-fought battle.

Much as we lament the fudden dethor to foon after this publication, ceafe of the learned and benevolent auwe cannot but think he has left us in thefe hard times a dear legacy. 73. Narrative founded on a Series of Events

which took Place in the land of St. Mar

* Dr. B. died of a bloody-flux, in confequence of a cold caught at the Charterhoufe anniversary dinner, Jan, 20, 1802.

cou.

con.

By James Gomm, Efq. Lieutenant, and Commander of the Tickler Gun-Vejjel.

MR. G. and the lieutenants of two other gun-vellels were fuperfeded in their refpective commands, in confequence of their conduct on occation of fome mutinous behaviour among the feamen, July, 1795, in that ifland, on the coaft of France, which has been fuch a difiinguifhed fcene of British gallantry and fuccefs. Mr. G. expected approbation inftead of accufation of his conduct. It does not become us to rejudge the cafe.

74. The Influence of the Female Character upon Society confidered, more efpecially with Refer ence to the prefent Crifis, in a Sermon picached in the Parish Church of John, at Hackney, on Sunday, Nov. 21, 1301. By the Rev. Henry Handley Norris, M. A.

THE advice of St. Peter in his firft Epittle, ii. 1, 2, 3, 4, is well improved to warn the preacher's fair countrywomen from that corruption which the abettors of Illuminifin profefs to intend for them, and under its influence to deprave the other fex, with whom they have fo much more weight in this than in any other country. He thews how much ornament Chriftianity reflects on the female fex, and how much it receives from their profellion of it. He enlarges on the details given by Profef. for Robifon, and the awful warning given in the fenate by Mr. Windham; and glories in his obligations to both of them on this occafion. The experience of facts in a neighbouring country fatally confirms this alarm in our own; and too much pains cannot be taken to place the confequences in the moft forcible point of view. Who can deny the prefent wretchednels of France? Thofe who have hitherto vifited it have been grievously disappointed in their expectations of plenty, peace, and fecurity, all wanting to the interior of that defolated, depopulated, depraved country, whofe inhabitants have loft all power of reflection in diffipation, and of feeling in mifery. And can these things be too much and too often held up to the eyes of neighbours, too ready to be fafcinated by delufive reprefcutations, and by fuggeftions that our neighbours are our best friends and natural allies, when paft history and later experience loudly proclaim the reverfe; and that we, who faved Europe from the ambition GENT. MAG. May, 1802.

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75. Chriftian Views of Death, confidered in a Sermon preached at Bishop's Hull, near Taunton, on Occafion of the Death of the Rev. Peard Jillard, who died 21 Ot. in the 69th Year of bis Age. To which is added, the Address at the Interment. By Joshua Touimin, D D.

FROM Philipp. i. 21, Dr. T. fhews the very difficult and more fatisfactory and certain idea of death, as followed by a refurrection to immortality, inculcated by Chrift from that implied in the law of Mofes, and more gloomy one entertained by the heathens, whofe wifeft men confidered it as a complete diffolution. Mr. Jillard's father was minister of a diffenting congregation at Tavistock, and died at Brittol. His fon officiated at Shepton Mallet 17 or 18 years, and 29 more at Bishop's Hull, and bore an excellent character for candour, courtesy, fuavity of manners, and gentlemanlike behaviour; and, "though there is caufe to believe that he faw reafon to adhere to thofe fentiments he had in former life adopted, on queftions that have been lately much debated, his attachment to them was free from every thing that indicated an unfriendly or an unhandiome thought, on account of opinion, towards thofe who differed from him."

75. A Sermon delivered at the Annual Meeting of the Bestore Union, May 6, 1801. By

Andrew Futler. Publified by Requeft. WE have had occafion more than once to speak of Mr. F. as a friend to the doctrine of Chriftianity. The religious affociation which he here addrelles, though not himself a member of it, was formed at Bedford Oct. 31, 1797, under the title of "the Union of Chrittians, and a fermon preached on the occafion by Mr. Greathead, of Newport Pagnel, published, with an introductory account of their plan and carlieft proceedings, which, as it does not appear another fubfequent annual fermon has been publifhed, is here repeated in abftract." The minifters thus

affociated limit their united meatures to the purpofe of promoting the know

ledge,

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