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with real genius, taste, or science;" and adds,

subject, but that I have been most inge"I should expatiate further on this niously anticipated by Mr. Dibdin, in his truly entertaining, as well as useful Volume, to which he has given the title of 'Bibliomania.' This will be found to

supersede and render unnecessary all that I could produce in vindication of Biblio

the words of a far greater man than myself, 'having now little to fear or hope from censure, or from praise,' I feel not the smallest occasion for self-reproach. I may perhaps concede, but I can hardly be induced to regret, that, as far as worldly objects are concerned, it would have been better for me to have had less of the disposition to oblige, and to have supposed that it might be possible for fraud, artifice, and villainy, to lurk under the semblance of complacency, frank-graphy, and is altogether one of the ness, and honesty. Neither will I, on this occasion, complain of serious promises made, which never were fulfilled, and of hopes held out, which never were accomplished. Some documents, how ever, remain, which, if produced, would prove, that brighter prospects were once before me; and, as far as I can believe my own heart, or can be supposed to know my own conduct, my claims remain unaltered.-But here I must not omit to add my tribute of gratitude to the excellent and venerable Bishop of

Durham, whose kindness has remained

unaltered, and who has repeatedly dis

tinguished me by acts of liberality.-The very valuable library of the deceased Bishop of Ely, and his Lordship's most important and most friendly communications, suggested the idea of continuing my work, which I was at first disposed to abandon. If I do not flatter myself, no publication in our language, hitherto printed, will be found to give either so circumstantial or so accurate an account of the early printed Books, or of the first editions of the Classicks. I speak with the greater confidence upon this subjeet, because the late Bishop of Ely, than whom no man, with the exception, perhaps, of Earl Spencer, was better qualified, condescended not only to peruse every manuscript sheet before it was committed to the press, but even to correct it afterwards. From gratitude to his memory, I am not unwilling to have it understood, that if the third, fourth, and fifth Volumes shall be found to contain, as I believe they will, much curious research and important information on the subject of early'Typography, the principal merit may be ascribed to his Lordship's greater knowledge, experience, and sagacity; whereas the deficiencies and inaccuracies, of which also I am conscious there are not a few, must rest wholly with myself. I willingly sustain the

burden."

Mr. Beloe then remonstrates, very judiciously, with "those who depreciate the subjects of these Volumes, as unworthy of a man of letters, as requiring none but the most ordinary qualifications, and as incompatible

most agreeable works which modern times have produced. The publick have given it the sanction which it merits, and it is already become entitled to a place among scarce books. In this last Volume, I have no acknowledgments to make, but to my friends Messrs. Nares, Freeling, Todd, and the Rev. Mr. White of Lichfield.-The Index will, I trust, be found sufficiently minute, as well as accurate; and will assist in removing the objection, not unjustly made, to the desultory arrangement of the subjects in

the different Volumes.-Of works of this

description, and perhaps of every other,

I shall, on this occasion, take my leave;' and he who has written and published not less than forty Volumes, which is my case, may well congratulate himself; first, that Providence has graciously spared him for so long a period; secondly, that sufficient health and opportunity have been afforded; and lastly, that he has passed through a career so extended and so perilous, without being seriously implicated either in personal or literary hostilities."

The present Volume is more adapted to general entertainment than any of the former; and we shall take an early opportunity of selecting some of the rarer specimens of its contents. It has also a general Index to the whole work, which will be found a most useful appendage.

4. The General Biographical Dictionary: Volumes V. VI. VII. (Continued from vol. LXXXII. Part II. p. 42.)

WE have to congratulate the Editor and the Publick on the completion of Three more Volumes of this useful and well-digested Work; a Volume of which may now be regularly expected on the first day of every alternate month.

"This change in the periods of Pub lication has been found absolutely neces sary, from the accumulation of New Lives, and the imperfect state in which many of the old ones were given in the former Edition. The Volume [V.] now be

fore

fore the Reader, affords a striking instance of how much is wanted to render the Work, what, in the present state of biographical materials, it ought to be. Of Three Hundred and Forty-seven Lives in this Volume, Two Hundred and Fourteen are New, Sixty-eight are re-written, and Sixty-five only have been retained from the former Edition, the greater part of which have required many additions and alterations. The Editor, therefore, hopes that his anxiety to render the Biographical Dictionary more complete and useful, will reconcile the Publick to this change in the mode of Publication, which, while it does not materially lessen his labours, will at least afford time to fulfil his future engagements without in terruption."

One article from the Sixth Volume has been extracted by a Correspondent in our vol. LXXXII. Part II. p. 426; and of the very many new Lives, or Lives new-written, in all the Volumes, we should gladly, were it necessary, extract specimens. Among the former, that of Burke is peculiarly interesting; and in the latter class that of Bowyer, which is very prominent, concludes with the following handsome acknowledgment to the Compiler of the "Literary Anecdotes of the Eighteenth Century."

"Early in 1778, Mr. Nichols printed twenty copies of some short Biographical Memoirs of Mr. Bowyer,' an octavo pamphlet of fifty-two pages, which were given in presents to his friends, and reprinted in the Gentleman's Magazine, vol. XLVIII. These Memoirs, although interesting in themselves, were not sufficient to gratify the friends and contemporaries of Mr. Bowyer, who foresaw that, with continued industry and research, Mr. Nichols might erect a more sumptuous monument to the memory of his learned predecessor. Accordingly, from many valuable materials in his possession, and the aid of some literary friends, he produced in 1782, in a handcome quarto Volume, closely printed, Biographical and Literary Anecdotes of William Bowyer, Printer, F. S. A. and of many of his learned friends, containing an incidental view of the progress and advancement of literature in this kingdom from the beginning of the present century to the end of the year 1777. The importance of this work was soon acknowledged by men of learning and curiosity. It contained memoirs of several hundreds of eminent scholars who had been unnoticed or imperfectly noticed in biographical compilations, and opened so many new and rich sources of infor

·

mation and inquiry, that the Author was further urged to extend his labours, and improve upon his own plan so as to include a larger portion of literary history. With this view, during the intervals he could spare from an extensive business, and the publication of many useful works, among which his elaborate History of Leicestershire' stands prominent, amidst too his indefatigable attention to the affairs of the Corporation of London, of which he was for many years a distinguished member, he was enabled in the present year to publish a new edition of his Memoirs of Bowyer, under the title of Literary Anecdotes of the Eighteenth Century; comprizing Biographical Memoirs of William Bowyer, &c.' extended to six copious and closely printed volumes in octavo, illustrated by a series of engraved portraits. Of this work the Editor of this Dictionary, or of any compilation of the kind, cannot speak without gratitude. It will appear, indeed, by our references, that our obligations are nucontent with this brief acknowledgment, merous and important; nor should we be but from a motive of delicacy, it being known to our Readers that the Author to whom we are so much indebted is at the same time the medium of conveying our praises to the publick. We cannot help adding, however, that where we refer to Mr. Nichols's 'Anecdotes,' we wish it to be understood, that it is for the purpose of more ample information than we have usually extracted, and that no book has perhaps ever been published in this or any country by which literary curiosity is so much excited, or so pleasingly gratified."

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History of all Religions," is an emiGeneral Baptists, and Master of a nent Preacher among the Society of respectable Seminary at Islington.

The present Discourse is an honourable discharge of a debt of gratitude.

"It was my honour and happiness," he says, "not only to be introduced to my excellent deceased friend upon my first settlement in the Metropolis, but to share largely in his kindness and esteem. In return for many acts of friend

ship and early patronage, I inscribed to him my Sketch of the Denominations of the Christian World*."

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From the character of Joseph of Arimathea, Luke xxiii. 50. " he was a good man," the learned Preacher, after an inquiry into the nature of what is good, considered in the abstract, in the conduct of the Supreme Being, and in its bearings respecting mankind," proceeds "briefly to describe the good man ;" whom he pourtrays with an able peucil; and concludes with the following account of his venerable friend:

"Mr. John Brent was born in 1729, at Portsea, Hants, of pious and excellent parents, who, knowing the value of religion themselves, brought up their chil

dren in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. He served bis apprenticeship to a shipwright in his Majesty's yard at Portsmouth, and in 1762 removed to his Majesty's yard at Sheerness, where he filled the situation of foreman of the new work along with the late Sir John Williams. About 1768, he was appointed assistant-surveyor to the East India Company, under the late Gabriel Snodgrass, esq. In 1770, he entered into partnership with John Randall and John Gray, esqrs. in the shipbuilding line at

Rotherhithe-here he continued for many years, maintaining a high and deserved reputation in his profession. His mind was active, and his body strong; whilst his skill in Naval Architecture+ exceeded that of most men, and few did more for its extension and improvement. The comprehensiveness of his views, and

* The Dedication of the last and twelfth edition of the "Sketch," published only six months ago, concluded with a very appropriate compliment to Mr. Brent. + Speaking of Naval Architecture in his Preface, Mr. Evans says, "The Scrip-. ture is full of facts and allusions which bespeak its importance and antiquity. Commencing with Noah's Ark, by which he and his family were saved from the general destruction-it must have been a prodigious effort of skill in that early stage of the world-for

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Nor must it be forgotten that the offspring of Naval Architecture is appropriated in Holy Writ to teach lessons of morality. Job, speaking of the brevity of human life, says― My days are passed away as the swift ships.'-Solomon, describing the qualities of the good woman, declares- She is like the merchant-ships she bringeth her food from afar.'-And James, inculcating the government of the tongue, exclaims- Behold also the ships, which, though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm whithersoever the governor listeth-even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things! And, to complete the whole, the Saviour confirmed, illustrated, and propagated his divine mission in connection with maritime affairs. Jesus was in the hinder part of a ship asleep-tossed and even covered by the waves'-when he was awakened, and performed the tremendous miracle of compelling the winds and waves of the sea to obey him.-Jesus, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, stood by the lake of Gennesaret, and saw two ships standing by the lake—and he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land, and he sat down and taught the people out of the ship.'—And Jesus selected his first followers from amongst those who were found in a ship mending their nets, when straightway he called them, and they went after him! Such were the humble but honoured instruments who were chosen by the wise and benevolent Saviour to convey the treasures of divine grace to the children of men."

Naval Architecture was held by the Antients in great estimation-and those. who practised it were even ranked among their deified heroes! The astronomical signs of Aries and Taurus in the Zodiac were no other than two ships; the former transported Phryxus from Greece to Colchos; and the latter, Europa from Phoenicia to Crete. In commemoration of the constructors of these marvellous vehicles -they were metamorphosed into the Constellations of the firmament. A more flattering compliment could not be paid them; for Dr. Doddridge, wishing to eulo gize Sir Isaac Newton, beautifully remarks, that his discoveries have arrayed him, as it were, in the beams of the Sun, and inscribed his name among the Constellations of Heaven!"

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the promptness of his conception, have been the subject of general admiration. The blessing of Providence descended on his superior knowledge and honest industry; by which means he was enabled to retire about twenty years ago to the enjoyment of ease and comfort for the remainder of life. He had erected a

small but neat mansion at Elliot-place, Blackheath, where he lived beloved and revered by all that knew him. His venerable appearance, his cheerful looks, and his kind address, will not be forgotten by those who had the happiness of his acquaintance. His was a patriarchal dignity-the contemplation of which excited the mingled sensation of love and esteem. He was married twice. By his first wife, who died Jan. 23, 1793, and who was distinguished for the mildness of her disposition and the softness of her manners, he had eleven children; two only of whom, Mr. Samuel Brent and Mr. Daniel Brent, live to cherish the virtues of a parent whom they loved and revered. At the time of his death he had nine grandchildren, and eleven great grandchildren.... ..By his second marriage he united himself to the eldest daughter of the late truly respectable and reverend John Sturch, of Newport, in the Isle of Wight-who not only proved a suituable companion in his declining years, but, by her constant kindness and attention, smoothed his descent towards the tomb....... He had been on a visit to his youngest son in Essex; but returning home, was immediately taken ill, and after a few days' indisposition, expired without a groan on the 1st day of July, in the 83d year of his age*."

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6. The Speeches and Public Addresses of the Right Hon. George Canning, during the late Election in Liverpool, and on a Public Occasion in Manchester. To which is appended, a summary Account of the Election. 12mo; pp. 52. Murray.

THESE Speeches, which many of our Readers probably have perused with satisfaction as they were published singly in the Daily Papers, are here very properly collected in a commodious form; and are extremely creditable to the enlightened Statesman by whom they were delivered. We select the declaration of his political sentiments

at Liverpool, after "the immortal memory of Mr. PITT" had been drank:

"Gentlemen, It is usual to return thanks for any honour conferred upon an absent friend. I understand that it will be not unacceptable to you that I should presume, on this occasion, to extend that usage, and to express my acknowledgments for the honour done to the name of a departed friend, the illustrious Statesman whom you have just now so feelingly commemorated.

"Gentlemen, The sentiments with which you regard the memory of that great and good man are not the sentiments of Liverpool only, but of England; not of England only, but of Europe, and of the World. Mr. Pitt, Gentlemen, was always true to those principles which the town of Liverpool has been distinguished for supporting; principles of loyalty and good government at home, and of dignified and magnani-, mous policy abroad. But, Gentlemen, Mr. Pitt has not escaped the misrepresentation, or misunderstanding (I will call it), to which these principles themselves have been exposed; and in the course of the recent contest his name has been brought forward, and his memory reviled, as the advocate and author of War. Gentlemen, without going now into any argument as to the origin of the War in 1793, this at least, I think, may be affirmed of Mr. Pitt, beyond the possibility of contradiction,

that if ever there was a Statesman in the world whose interests, individually, were founded in Peace; if ever there was a Statesman of whom it might be presumed, that in conducting his Country into War he was led by a sense of irresistible necessity, it must have been he, whose fame as well as whose power rested on the basis of the financial prosperity of his country.

"When posterity shall look back upon that great man, they will discriminate two different æras in his life; the one,

when, on his succession to the government of the Country, he found the finances of the State dilapidated, and its resources enervated by an ill-conducted War. It was then that, with a skilful and repairing hand, he restored the credit of the country, recruited its exhausted means, explored and expanded its capacities for exertion, and laid the foundation of that solid system, of which

"Within the short period of the last two years, the General Baptists have lost three of their best friends, in the decease of Stephen Lowdell, William Kingsford, and John Brent, esqrs. Their joint ages amounted to 239 years, and their eharacter was such that they would have proved an ornament to any denomination of the Christian world,"

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it is enough to say, that it has endured amid the storms which has assailed it since that time. From this statement it may be confidently inferred, that War could not be more the passion of Mr. Pitt, than, most assuredly, it could be his interest. Whether it were, nevertheless, the fault of Mr. Pitt or not (the fault, I mean, of his judgment) that we were engaged, precisely at the moment at which we were engaged, in the War which has continued, with little intermission, to the present time, may, perhaps, be matter of historical controversy; but that by no human wisdom, and by no human forbearance, that War could have been deferred many years, or perhaps many months, the impartial Historian will, I think, find it easy to demonstrate. But be that as it may, however we may have been brought into the War, what admits of no controversy at all is, that from the revivifying energy of his early administration, the Country derived that strength by which it has been enabled to go through the contest. The second æra of his political life began at the period, when from the centre of Europe burst forth that volcanic eruption of desolating principles, which threatened to overwhelm the civilized

world. The firm resistance which Mr. Pitt opposed to the dangers then menacing the Country; the promptitude with which he took his stand on the ground of the Constitution, and the courage with which he maintained it; the voice wherewith he roused the people; the mighty arm wherewith he saved the Monarchy, I need not recall to your recollection; for it is in faithful commemoration of these eminent services that you have this day called upon his name.

"Gentlemen, Into whatever hands the Administration of the Government may be committed, I hope that the Ministers will keep Mr. Pitt's example before their eyes; that they will catch from that example reverence for the Constitution, and zeal for the glory of their Country; that they will learn from it to unite the interests of the People with those of the Crown, in their domestic government; and to uphold, by adequate exertions, and by a tone and vigour of counsels worthy of the high station to which Great Britain is entitled among the nations of the earth, the British name aud influence abroad.

"Gentlemen, I am desired by your worthy Chairman, before I sit down, to propose the next toast. According to the customary courtesy in meetings like the present, of drinking the health of those persons whom the Crown may have selected for the management of the

public affairs, I am to propose to you the Health of his Majesty's Ministers." In doing so I beg to be understood, not as the panegyrist or partizan of the present Ministers; not as avowing any connexion with them, nor as owing them any obligation, or any particular kindness; but simply as paying to his Majesty's present Ministers that compliment, which I would not withhold from any other set of men, placed in these arduous times, in the same public station, as the chosen servants of the Crown; wishing well to all their endeavours for the public good; but coupling my good wishes with this condition, on which alone I can consent to give my feeble support to any Administration; that they shall, according to the best of their ability, maintain at home the constitutional principles, and uphold abroad the highminded policy, of Mr. Pitt."

7. Brady's Clavis Calendaria; continued from vol. LXXXII. Part II. p. 260. ;

HAVING accompanied Mr. Brady, in his explanation of Time, through "epochs" to "moments," to the threshold of the "Kalendar;" we are now to observe, that, by a diligent perusal of Verstegan and other rare and esteemed Writers, he has " restored" much "decayed Intelligence," particularly in the names of the several Months, and the days of the Week.

In the subsequent parts of the Work, taking the Kalendar now in common use for his basis, he illustrates regularly every Saint's-day, Sunday, and Holiday noticed in the several months, descanting neatly upon each; with the History of the several Saints; remarks on the Sundays; and the legend or origin of the other days noticed in the Kalendar, Thus he begins, Jan. 1, 1812, with the Festival of the Circumcision; and "New subjoins a disquisition on Year's Gifts;" then in like manner, notices "Jan. 6. Epiphany," and the following article:

"Twelfth Day, and the Cake, which in most families forms an important part of the entertainment, is known by no other name than that of Twelfth-Cake. Authors differ in their accounts of the origin of the festive practice of drawing for King and Queen, &c. when the Twelfth-cake is divided; some maintain it to have been derived from the custom observed by the Roman children, who, at the end of their Saturnalia, drew lots with beans, to see who would be King; while others, with more apparent rea

son,

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