Art. XXIII. An Essay on the Authenticity of the New Testament, with an Account of the ancient Versions, and some of the principal Greek Manuscripts. By I. F. Gyles, Esq. A. M. 8vo. pp. 112. Hatchard, 1812. THAT the books of the New Testament were written by the persons to whom they are usually ascribed, is a proposition of which no one, who has been at the trouble to read what has been said in proof of it, by Lardner, Paley, Less, Michaelis, Gregory, and a host of inferior authors, can entertain the smallest doubt. To attempt to improve or to alter their reasoning, would be worse than trifling, were there not a great multitude of persons too busy or too indolent to work through an ordinary volume. The benefit of this respectable, because numerous class of the community, Mr. Gyles has studied in the present Essay. His object was to comprise, in the compass of an hour's reading, some important arguments for the genuineness of the New Testament, with as much general information on the subject as could be condensed into the proposed limits. The topics on which he insists, are, the ancient versions and manuscripts, the testimony of the early adversaries and abettors of christianity, and the style of the New Testament. Mr. Gyles has done just what he proposed; being quick and conclusive. Each of the circumstances which he has noticed, though cogent in itself, is more than doubly so, when combined with its fellows. If, therefore, the Greek and Latin quotations were entirely omitted, and if the facts from which our author reasons, after being properly explained and enriched with several important circumstances, which may be found, for instance, in the ninth chapter of the first part of Paley's View of the Evidences of Christianity, were made to bear on the point, with concentrated force, this Essay would, it seems to us, be somewhat improved. A word is enough to the wise. FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE, Art. XXIV. Kosmologsche Geschichte der Natur, &c. Cosmological History of Nature, especially of the Mineral and Vegetable Kingdoms. By M. de Hagen. Svc, pp. 340. Heidelberg. THERE is something so whimsical in several of these writer's, 'cosmological' speculations, that a short account of them may amuse if it does not edify, Indeed his performance furnishes one of the most remarkable instances that has fallen under our notice, of the reveries in which it is possible for a modern philosophe to indulge, It is well known that the ancients regarded the earth and the other planets of the system, her neighbours, as animals, Some years ago the French savans revived this doctrine; and having revived it they forthwith bestirred themselves in its support and defence, con amore. Desandrais insisted that the terrestrial globe was an animal sui generis ; which Patrin explained by demonstrating that it had an organic action? not, indeed, that its organization was precisely that of an animal, nor would he venture to pledge himself that it was strictly speaking that of a vegetable; but it was that of a world. Even de la Metherie, in his Principles of Natural Philosophy adopted this hypothesis and included in all great globes. The sun the planets-their secondaries—all were animated; all were animals of particular species. M. de Hagen has greatly improved on this most simple theory. He attributes to the sun, for instance, a generative faculty; and he divides the planets and comets into male and female. This indeed is something worth knowing; and, is evidently a most important addition to the discoveries of his predeces sors. Mercury in conjunction with Venus and the earth, becomes, if we may credit the report of M. de Hagen, the principle of corporization; the Earth per se, is the principle of liberty; and Venus the principle of perfection. After this discovery, we shall certainly think it our duty to watch the motions of these planets very narrowly for perhaps it may be found, that all the appearances of comets have been subsequent to the conjunc tion of the principles of corporization,' and consequent on the efflux thence emanating. Herschell supposes that comets may in time become planets; and that after a sufficient number of revolutions, in which they may learn somewhat of the duties they will have to fulfil in more regular orbits-supposing them to be endowed with animation, &c. M. de Hagen insists-they may be admitted to their places in the planetary chorus. In short, comets are young planets; a proposition which we should not hesitate to defend against all opposers, if we were not some what dismayed by the vigour with which our author asserts-not advert ing to the support his theory would derive from this hypothesis that comets are old planets. He thinks, however, that they retain the prin ciples of their own peculiar vitality; and that they possess an atmosphere infinitely more active, as well as more extensive than that of planets, on which account they possess a very powerful moral influence over the earth and other stationaries. He infers, that, this being proved, the approach of a comet should fill us with a reverential dread and awe, not to say apprehension and terror; feelings extremely different from those which they would tend to excite, if they were sent abroad merely to see the world, (as our unlicked countrymen formerly were on the Grand Tour) before they took their seats among their elders and betters, in the planetary wittenagemote. Not to leave his system imperfect, our author enters into a comparison of the planets with the metals and minerals; and exhilirating it is to think, that while the number of the planetary offspring continues to increase, by means of the faculties and principles already described, the number of metals and minerals increases also, it may be confidently hoped in a proportion amply sufficient to answer all the requisitions and purposes of this comparison. Whether our author be perfectly correct in comparing the moon to sulphur, and comets to phosphorus, we must leave our readers to determine: And as the whole subject is rather of a conjectural nature, it may perhaps be allowed us to hint a doubt whether M. de Hagen has not sent his volume of 340 pages into the world (somewhat like the juvenile planets of which we have been speaking) to give occasion to wise remarks and rational reflections. In this, however, we must beg his pardon if we disappoint him; for whatever be our veneration for his theory, in our humble opinion the addition of rational reflections, would spoil it completely. ART. XXV. SELECT LITERARY INFORMATION. Gentlemen and Publishers who have works in the press, will oblige the Conductors of the ECLECTIC REVIEW, by sending information (post paid) of the subject, extent, and probable price of such works; which they may depend upon being communicated to the public, if consistent with its plan. Speedily will be published, an Account of the Proceedings of the Public Meeting held at the Mansion House, on Thursday the 7th of August, for the purpose of establishing an Auxiliary Bible Society for the City of London, with a Report of the Speeches. A Continuation of Dr. Nash's History of Worcestershire is said to be in preparation. The third volume of Manning and Bray's Surrey,' and the third volume of Hutchins's Dorsetshire, are fast advancing through the press. Robert Surtees, Esq. of Mainsforth, is preparing for the press a History of the County of Durham. The work will, by means of a liberal subscription for the purpose, be illustrated by engravings of the most curious specimens of ancient architecture in the county, and portraits of a few of the most distinguished men. Mr. Clutterbuck has made great progress in his History of Hertfordshire, and the work will speedily be put into the hands of the printer. The Rev. W. B. Daniel will speedily publish a supplementary volume to his Rural Sports. In the press, an Introduction to a Systematic Education, in the various departments of Polite Literature and Science, with practical rules for the best methods of studying each branch of useful knowledge, and directions to the most approved authors. By the Rev. Wm. Shepherd, Author of the Life of Poggio Bracciolini; and the Rev. J. Joyce. Illustrated with plates by Lowry. In two volumes octavo. The Editor of Selections from the Gentleman's Magazine,' has in the press, in two octavo volumes, à collection of curious and interesting letters, translated from the originals in the Bod leian Library, with biographical and literary illustrations. A second edition of Sir John Callum's History of Hawstead, with corrections and additions, is printing in an elegant style, and will appear early in the winter. The Travels of Professor Lichtenstein in Southern Africa, during the years 1803, 4, 5, and 6, are nearly ready for publication. They are translating from the German by Miss Anne Plumptre, and will form one volume in quarto, accompanied by engravings from draw ings taken on the spot. A new edition of Sir George Steuart Mackenzie's Travels in Iceland is in considerable forwardness. In the course of the present month a new work will be published, in three volumés octavo, illustrated with maps, under the title of Shipwrecks and Dis asters at Sea, or Historical Narratives of the most noted calamities and providential deliverances, which have resulted from maritime enterprise, with a sketch of the various expedients for preserving the lives of mariners. The first number of Dr. Farre's Morbid Anatomy of the Liver will appear in the course of next month. The work will be in atlas quarto, illustrated by highly finished coloured engravings. Mr. de Luc has two more volumes of Geological Travels ready for the press. Mr. Wm. Jaques, of Chelsea, has in the press, in an octavo volume, a Guide to the Reading and Study of the Holy Scriptures, with an illustrative supplement; translated from the Latin of, Augustus Herman Franck, with a life of the author, critical notes, and a nota-. tion of books proper for the biblical student. The Rev. Mr. Anstie, of Bridport will publish, early in the present month, a small tract entitled a Reformed Communion Office for the administration of the Christian Eucharist, commonly called the Lord's Supper, &c. &c. Το which is prefixed, an Introductory Discourse, explaining the true nature and design of the Lord's Supper. "John France, Esq. has in the press, a View of the Law and Course of Parliament before the commencement of the two Journals. The Rev. T. F. Dibdin has, in a state of forwardness, a metrical History of England, in two octavo volumes. In the press, the Poems of Henry Howard, Earl of Surry, of sir Thomas Wyatt, the elder, and of uncertain authors, who flourished in the reign of Henry the Eighth; accompanied with notes, critical, historical, and biographical accounts of the several writers. By the Rev. G, F. Nott, in two volumes octavo. Omniana. By Robert Southey, in two volumes 12mo. is nearly ready for publication. In the press, Lex Mercatoria Rediviva; or a complete code of Commercial Law; being a general guide to all men in business. By the late Wyndham Beawes. The sixth edition, very considerably improved. By Joseph Chitty, Esq. In two volumes quarto. Mr. Clater, of Retford, will shortly publish a new edition of his work on the diseases of horned cattle and sheep. Speedily will be published, in three volumes, octavo, the second edition of a System of Mineralogy; comprehending Oryctognosie, Geognosie, Mineralogical Geography, Chemical Mineralogy, and Economical Mineralogy. By Robert Jameson, F. R. and A. S. Edin. F. L. S. &c. &c. Early in the month will be published, in octavo, a fifth edition of a complete Treatise, on Land Surveying, by thechain, cross, and offset staffs only, in four parts; to which is now first added, a supplement containing the methods of the Plane Table and Theodolite, together with directions for conducting subterraneous survey. By William Davis. Considerably enlarged with many addi tional diagrams, plates, and a portrait of the author, In the press, and will appear in Oc tober, in two volumes octavo, a work upon the Prophecies, entitled, England safe and triumphant,' or Researches into the Apocalyptic Little Book. By the Rev. Frederick Thurston, M. A. In the press, in one volume octavo, Strong Reasons for rejecting the Roman Catholic Claims, and incontestible proofs that the Popish Religion is the same now as it ever was, decidedly hostile to the Protestants, whose total extermination a Romish Bishop has declared to be near at hand: with remarks on his interpretation of the predictions of St John in the Revelations. ART. XXVI. LIST OF WORKS RECENTLY PUBLISHED. Dialogues on the Microscope; containing an account of the principles of vision, and of the construction and management of the most improved, and generally useful Microscopes. By the Rev. J. Joyce. illustrated by ten plates. 2 vols. 18mo. 7s. half-bound. An Introduction to Practical Arithmetic, wherein Solutions by Cancelling are more generally adopted than have hitherto been. Designed for the use of Schools, By George James Aylmer. 12mo. 3s. 6d. boards, and with the answers 4s. boards. Abrégé de P'Histoire de Gil Blas de Santillane, Par N. Wanostrocht, Docteur en Droit. 12mo. 4s. boards." Observations on, the most important Subjects of Education, containing many useful hints to Mothers, but chiefly intended for private Governesses. 12mo. $s. 6d. Hamilton's Elements of Drawing, in its various Branches, for the use of Students; illustrated by fifty-one engravings, plain and coloured. 8vo. 11. 7s. half-bound. Thoughts on Education, in two parts. By Mrs. Semple. (daughter of the late Rev. Dr. H. Hunter) 12mo. 7.. First Lessons in English Grammāk, adapted to the capacities of Children from six to ten years old. 9d. A compendious System of Moder Geography, Historical, Physical, Political and Descriptive. Being adapted to the use of the higher classes of Pupils, under both Public and Private Tuition. By Thomas Myers, A. M. of the Royal Military Academy, with eighteen maps. 8vo. 12s. boards. HISTORY. The Asiatic Annual Register, or a View of the History of Hindoostan, and the Politics, Commerce, and Literature, of Asia. Vol. 12. for the year 1810-11. 8vo. 11. Interesting Official Documents relating to the United Provinces of Vene zuela, 8vo. 8s. Dow's (Alexander) History of Hindoostan, translated from the Persian, new edition. 3 vols. 8vo. 11. Hs. 6d. boards. JURISPRUDENCE. A complete Collection of State Trials and Proceedings for High Treason, and other Crimes and Misdemeanours, from the earliest period, to the present time. Compiled by T. Howell, Esq. F.R.S. Vol. 14. royal 8vo. 11. 11s. 6d. An Abstract of the several Acts of Parliament, relating to the collectiou and application of County Rates. 8vo. 9s. Ensor's Defects of the English Laws and Tribunals. 8vo. MATHEMATICS. A Treatise on Mensuration, both in Theory and Practice. By Charles Hutton, LL.D. F.R.S. &c. &c. The fourth edition, with many additions. 8vo. 18s. boards. Useful Compendium of many importaut and curious Branches of Scientific and General Knowledge. By the Rev. Thomas Watson, 8vo. 6s. boards. MECHANICS. Reports, Estimates, and Treatises, drawn up in the course of his employments as a Civil Engineer. By the lateJohn Smeaton, F.R.S. illustrated by seventy-four plates, and printed chiefly from his manuscripts, under the direction of a Select Committee of Civil Engi peers. 3 vols, 4to. 7. 7s. boards. Vs |