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Review-The Rights of God and Cæsar.

have no reason to conclude, what is generally allowed to be true, that this propensity (abstractedly considered) is endued with intelligence. For it would be evidently ridiculous to say of the will, that it is cunning, or sagacious; the same will hold good of instinct, for those epithets are equally_applieable to it. From bence then, I think we may fairly conclude, that instinct is not intelligent; it being an evident inconsistency to ascribe to the will, or any thing analogous to it, wisdom or sagacity. This reasoning may appear strange, and be unsalutary, to those who have been accustomed to adhere to general opinion, and may possibly excite against them the charge of presumption. But let them remember, that to oppose it, will be effectually to contradict the truth of the above definition, which certainly sanctions the conclusion.

However, to close our remarks, it will be proper to observe, that what appears to constitute the essential properties of Instinct, are, a capability of receiving, and communicating power. Should we consider Instinct as it is generally considered, we must ascribe it to the Almighty, and call its essential properties, his perfections. And although various objections may be alleged in opposition to this opinion, yet it must be allowed, that what to us appears foolish and absurd in the modes of nature, may, perhaps, be looked upon by God, as perfect wisdom, being essential to his government of the natural world.

The question connected with this, will be easily answered. For it is manifest, that all the principles of mind, of which man is possessed, form a line of distinction between him and brutes; and it would be repugnant to common sense, to fix upon any particular principles to form this distinction. If we take it otherwise, we shall at once perceive a manifest distinction.

Mirfield, March 12, 1821.

A CONSTANT Reader, requests an English versification of the following Lines, by the late Professor Porson.

Mors mortis morti mortem misi

morte de disset

Eternæ vitæ janua clausa foret.

480

REVIEW.-The Rights of God and Ca

sar; a discourse on Matt. xxv. 15--21. By Adam Clarke, LL. D. F.A.S. Member of the American Antiquarian Society; and Honorary Member of the Historical Society of New York. pp. 31. London. Butterworth& Blanshard. 1821.

THERE is scarcely any ground on which a theological adventurer can tread, more dangerous than that which may be denominated political. At every step he takes, either volcanic fires, concealed abysses, or the prognostics of earthquakes, threaten to arrest his progress, and to overwhelm him in the conflict of elemental war. But, although dangers menace, multitudes have ventured on the polical ocean, many of whom have never more returned to port; and among those few who have been more fortunate, several have appeared with "shrouds and tackle torn."

The discourse before us has evidently a political aspect; but the topics discussed, have no bearing either on Whig or Tory. The ground, which is too wide for party spirit to occupy, embraces, on an extended scale, a reply to this important question-" Is it lawful to give tribute unto Cæsar, or not?" This question is answered in the affirmative; but on such principles as few will be disposed to controvert; and in such a manner as is not likely to give offence, even to men whose political creeds are in hostility to each other. Dr. Clarke observes,

"Christ shews his profound wisdom and prudence, in not attempting to discuss the question at large, as that would have involved considerations of a political nature, which the comof which, in any case, they would have been mon people could not well comprehend; and very inadequate judges. And in this, has not our Lord left the preachers of his gospel an example that they should follow his steps? How injudicious must that preacher be, who frequently brings before his people abstract questions concerning civil rights and civil wrongs, party politics, reasons of state, financial blunders, royal prerogatives, divine right of kings, &c. questions, on which a thousand things may be said pro and con; and, after all, a wise and dispassionate man finds it extremely difficult, after hearing both sides, to make up his mind as to that to which he should from duty and interest attach himself. Those who have made the science of law and government the study of a considerable part of a long life, possessed of such advantages as can never fall within the reach of the common people, find themselves often puzzled in their own speculations and de

481

Review-The Royal Minstrel.

ductions, though formed on and from principles, of the truth and excellence of which they edocated, how naturally strong soever and vigorous their intellect may be, judge on such subjects, so as to steer clear of the perplexities of the science in general, and of the practical absurdities into which the partizans of liberty and prerogative are continually running? Our Lord, therefore, wisely avoids such discussions, as they could never lead to general edification; and settles the business by seizing a maxim that is common among all nations, and was practically acknowledged by the Jews, viz. that the prince who causes his image and titles to be struck on the current coin of a country, thereby claims the sovereignty, and is virtually acknowledged to be the governor. Instances of this are frequent in Asiatic history."-p. 13.

can entertain no doubt! How then can the un

In this extract, the Author has evidently done more than he intended; he has given the character of his sermon, in delineating the wisdom of the Sa

viour.

To his numerous friends, it will be a sufficient recommendation to say, that this discourse is connected with the name of Dr. Clarke, and that it is not unworthy of the name it bears.

REVIEW.-The Royal Minstrel, or the Witcheries of Endor, an Epic Poem, in twelve Books. By J. F. Pennie. 8vo. pp. 442. Pinnock & Maunder, Strand, London. 1819.

482

nidas, and several other works, will be comprised in the same species of composition with the Iliad, the Eneid, and Tasso's Jerusalem Delivered. These works will all range under his definition, which is, that an Epic Poem is, in its nature, the recital of some illustrious enterprise, in a poetical form." Admitting this latter definition to be correct, no doubt can be entertained, that the Royal Minstrel is entitled to the character which it assumes.

The exploits of David constitute the most commanding actions of the Poem, to which various characters, enterprises, interviews, incidents, and adventures, are all made subservient. A consultation between demons and the Witch of Endor, to dethrone Saul, and to prevent David from being king, occupies the first book: David leaving his flocks, and visiting the camp of Israel, the second: the preparations for battle, the defiance of Goliath, David's introduction to Saul, accepting of the challenge, and conquest of the Philistine giant, the third: the friendship of David and Jonathan, the envy of Saul, and the danger of David, the fourth: various vicissitudes in David's life, the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth his interview with Abigail, and the circumstances which follow, the ninth: Da

"AN Epic Poem," according to Bossu, "is a discourse invented with art, to form the manners, by instructions dis-vid's adventures, and Saul's consultaguised under the allegory of an important action related in verse, in a probable, entertaining, and surprising manner."

To enumerate the various opinions that have been entertained, respecting the nature and specific properties of an Epic Poem, would occupy more room, than we can devote to the article now under consideration; and should we take the judgment of some fastidious critics for our guide, we should be led to conclude, that the Iliad of Homer, and the Æneid of Virgil, are the only compositions in existence, that can aspire to this honourable name.

tion of the Witch of Endor, the tenth: the march of the Philistines to fight the Hebrews, a mutiny, Ziklag in flames, and David's triumphs, the eleventh: and the grand battle on Gilboa, the discomfiture of the Israelites, the death of Saul, of Jonathan, and his brothers, the funeral of the king, and David's splendid coronation, fill up the twelfth, and conclude the poem. Ten pages, containing short notes, are appended at the conclusion, explanatory of the historical allusions, the facts, and the modes of expression which occur in various parts of the work.

Although we do not intend to accuse Dr. Blair, however, dissents from the author of plagiarism, no one can this severity of exclusive appropria- cast his eye over this poem without tion, and calls it "the pedantry of instantly observing, that he is inticriticism." According to this author's mately acquainted with Milton's Paraviews, Milton's Paradise Lost, Lu- dise Lost; and it is no dishonour to can's Pharsalia, Statius's Thebaid, his genius to observe, that in many Ossian's Fingal and Temora, Ca- places he has been a successful imimoen's Lusiad, Voltaire's Henriade, tator of this great example. The maCambray's Telemachus, Glover's Leo-chinery throughout, bears a strong re

Review The Royal Minstrel.

485

Wesleyan Missionary Meetings.-Literary Notices.

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY MEETINGS.

THE interest which these Anniversary Meetings continue to excite, seems to increase as their numbers multiply. When first Missionary Meetings were established, some fears were entertained, that when the novelty subsided, which was supposed to have given a momentary impulse to benevolent feelings, they would languish for the want of support; and, like many other charities, retain little more than a name. We are happy, however, in stating, that thus far fact appears to contradict these surmises; and it may be confidently stated, that expectation is now turned into an opposite channel.

On Monday, April 16, Messrs. Watson and Taylor, from London, Dr. Adam Clarke, and several other public characters among the Methodists, visited CHESTER. The Rev. J. Wood, was called to the chair. The meeting was numerously attended; and the animated speeches which were delivered, excited a most lively interest. The collections at the meeting, and on the preceding day, exceeded £100.

On Tuesday the 17th, most of the leading individuals who attended the meeting at Chester, honoured the Anniversary, in Brunswick Chapel, LIVERPOOL, with their presence. Dr. Adam Clarke was called to the chair. This meeting was completely thronged, not merely by the persons composing the Methodist Society and Congregation, but by persons of various denominations. The Rev. Mr. Ward from India, Dr. Stewart, and the Rev. Mr. Philip, kindly rendered their assistance. Never, perhaps, was a more pleasing impulse given to the general feeling, on any similar occasion. The details which were communicated respecting the state of the Heathen world, and the progress which Christianity was making in the dark and distant regions of the globe, so riveted the attention of the persons present, that although the meeting continued five hours, they seemed unwilling to separate.

The meeting, being adjourned to Pitt-street chapel, recommenced at six o'clock, on the evening of the following day, and continued until ten. In this chapel the same feelings were excited by a further development of

486

similar facts and incidents; and the same spirit of benevolence was displayed, which had manifested itself on the preceding day. The collections made in the various chapels, in connection with this occasion, amounted to £304.

On Good Friday, the Missionary Anniversary took place in Manchester; and, as might be expected, from the known character of the people, was numerously attended and most liberally supported. The collections amounted to £340.

Literary Motices.

its appearance, entitled, "The London MediA weekly periodical work has lately made cal Record," price 6d. which contains many valuable articles.

"The Cottage of Pella," a new Poem, by is ready for the press, and will speedily be John Holland, Author of Sheffield Park, &c. published, price 3s.

Preparing for immediate publication, a Series of Portraits, illustrative of the "Novels and Tales" of the Author of Waverley.

Looking unto Jesus, and other Works of volume, or 20 numbers, from the Caxton Isaac Ambrose, have lately appeared in one Press.

The 19th Part of the Universal History, by J. Aspin, which had been printed, but was destroyed with the Caxton Printing-office, will shortly be reprinted.

An Exhibition of Engravings, by living British Artists, is about to be established, Soho, London; the King's Most Excellent Majesty, Patron.

Just published, a Practical Treatise, on the eases of the Heart, &c. &c.; by Henry Reeder, Inflammatory, Organic, and Sympathetic DisM. D. Member of the Royal Medical Society of Edinburgh, and of the Medical Society of London.

Also, Dr. Chalmers' (of Glasgow) Discourses on the Application of Christianity to the Comboards. mercial and Ordinary Affairs of Life, 8vo. 8s.

Dr. Chalmers' Sermon on the Importance of Civil Government to Society, and the Duty of Christians in regard to it. 8vo. 1s. 6d.

Dr. Chalmers' Considerations on the System of Parochial Schools in Scotland, 8vo. 1s. Dr. Chalmers' Essay on Church Patronage, 8vo. 2s.

Dr. Chalmers' Christian and Civic Economy of large Towns, No. 7. on Church Offices.

Published Quarterly, price 1s. each number, a New Edition of Dewar on the Nature and Obligations of Personal and Family Religion, greatly enlarged, with an extensive variety of Prayers for Families and Individuals. 8vo. 8s. boards.

The 18th Number of the Bee, from the Caxton Press, is just published.

In the Press, Woman in India, a Poem, by John Lawson, Missionary at Calcutta, and Author of Orient Harping.

487

Commercial Report.

A Nottinghamshire Farmer has in the press, and speedily will be published, Monopoly and Taxation Vindicated, against the Errors of the Legislature.

488

Publishing by Subscription, in 2 vols. 8vo. by a Young Lady, "The Royal Exile," or Poetical Epistles, supposed to be written by Mary Queen of Scots.

COMMERCIAL REPORT, LIVERPOOL, APRIL 21, 1821.

DURING the past month, the market at times has assumed features of much improvement, yet upon the whole, the proceedings have been of an irregular and vacillating character. Before we can expect a decided amelioration in general, we must look for some change in our commercial relations with foreign countries; the proceedings of the Committees in Parliament, continue to excite much interest; the projected alteration in the duties on Timber, it is anticipated will induce Russia to relax some of her prohibitions, with respect to British Manufactures; and in many other instances this alteration will act in a favourable manner, to the export trade of the country.

Already have the vessels of this port been seen in every part of the globe, with the excep tion of China; and although America enjoys the greatest proportion of this trade, whilst the private trader of this country has been excluded, yet it is now in the contemplation of Government, to throw open the trade between that country and the continent of Europe, to the British flag. The extension of this trade, cannot fail of being highly acceptable to the British shipowner; and must tend to facilitate the export of our manufactures to that interesting part of the globe.

Cotton has been in good demand during the last week; and consumers, as well as speculators, have been actively engaged in providing themselves: the quantity sold within the last six days, amounts to 10,900 packages; the particulars may be enumerated as under :—

5742 Boweds, at Sd. to 104d. 170 Tennessees, 9 d. to 9fd. 1161 New Orleans, 101d, to 13d. 402 Sea Islands, 15 d. to 2s.

1244 Pernams, 13d. to 13 d. 1085 Maranhams, 12 d. to 13d. 315 Bahias, 11 d. to 12 d.

80 Paras, 11 d. to 113d.

90 Demeraras, 114d. to 14d.
120 Minas, 10 d. to 12d.
10 Barbadoes, 11d.

50 Cubas, 114d.

20 Carthagena, Sfd.

70 Surats, 7 d. to 84d.

250 Bengals, 6d. to 74d.

The inquiry for Boweds and Orleans was very animated; and prices have improved about d. per lb. Brazils have been in more request, but without experiencing any advance.

The late sales of Sugars have gone off more heavily; and the prices of middling and good qualities, are a shade lower. Prices:-Dry Brown, 57s. to 60s.; middling, 61s. to 68s.; good, 70s. to 76s.; fine, and very fine, 78s. to 83s,

In Coffee, the transactions have not been extensive, and public opinion seems to indicate a decline in this article; it is disproportionately high, compared with other W. India produce; the last sales consisted of 800 bags of St. Domingo and Brazil Coffee, on the 19th instant, which weat off at a decline of 3s. to 4s. per cwt.: fair to fine ordinary St. Domingo, was sold at 109s. to 111s. per cwt.; middling Jamaica, at 122s. per cwt.

For Ram and other Spirits, the demand is very feeble, and sales are consequently very limited. Jamaica Rnm, 16 O.P. may be rated at 2s. to 2s. 4d. Geneva, 1s. 11d. Cognac Brandy, 3s. 6d. to 4s. per gallon; all under lock, exclusive of duties.

The stock of Tobacco diminishes sensibly, without any enhancement in value. now in Port, only amounts to 6868 hogsheads.

The quantity

Pot Ashes, and Pearl Ashes, support their value, without any variation since our last. Tar and Turpentine. Buyers are expecting lower prices, so that the sales during the week, comprise only 3500 barrels. American Tar, at 15s. to 15s. 6d. per barrel; and 1000 barrels of Turpentine, at 14s. per cwt.

The price of Carolina Rice, has attracted attention, and it is now selling at 14s. to 16s. per cwt. Dry Saltery Articles.-150 tons of Brimstone, forming a principal part of the stock on hand, have been sold at £23 per ton. Dyewoods are rather increasing in value. Lemon Juice finds a renewed consumption. The large Indigo sale in London, concluded on the 16th instant, with an advance of 9d. to 1s. per lb. on the preceding sale.

Pine Timber is in fair demand, at 19d. to 19 d. per foot.

Oak Bark, for Tanuer's use, is in request, and seems likely to be higher, in consequence of the little demand for Oak Timber. The importers of Dutch Bark, are expecting £8 per ton; and German Bark is held at £7 per ton.

Grain Market. At this day's market, the supplies of Grain and Flour were to a tolerable extent, all descriptions of which met with a dull sale, without affecting the value of any article materially; it was very difficult, however, in any instance to obtain late prices. Prime Malt, of more ready sale, at 7s. 9d. to 8s. 2d. per nine gallons. The supply of Oats was more than adequate to the demand, and sales were made at lower rates.

Several parcels of Clover Seed have arrived from France and America,-red sells at 68s. to 75s. per cwt.-white, 90s. to 100s. per cwt.

Flaxseed maintains its price, at 65s. per hogshead for Philadelphia-68s. for New York.
Bonded Grain and Flour, are without inquiry.

PRINTED BY H. FISHER, LIVERPOOL, PRINTER IN ORDINARY TO HIS MAJESTY.