In Mr. D. Wakefield's pamphlet now before us, the doctrines of the French œconomists are attacked with force of argument, and ingenuity of illustration; and some of Dr. Smith's strictures on their system are placed in a new and striking light but our limits will not permit us to enter into any satisfactory detail on the subject; and we can only recommend the pamphlet to the attention of those who interest themselves in the discussion.

Art. 49. A Country Parson's Address to his Flock, to caution them against being misled by the Wolf in Sheep's Cloathing, or receiving Jacobin Teachers of Sedition, who intrude themselves under the specious Pretense of instructing Youth and preaching Christianity. By Francis Wollaston, Rector of Chislehurst, Kent. 8vo. IS. Wilkie. 1799:

From this laudable display of the abominable principles and dangerous practices (in most parts of Europe) of what is called the Jacobin party,' we shall extract a passage which may afford new information to many of our readers, respecting the origin of that denomination ;-al hough we have somewhere noticed it before:

The court of France, surrounded and besieged as it was, with the false philosophers of Voltaire, the followers of Rousseau in his ideal scheme, and the enlightened of Weishaupt, having had many of the adepts belonging to each sect introduced imperceptibly into every department, and become leading men at the head of affairs in that nation, was ripe for an explosion when the signal should be given. The time for that signal was now arrived. The distress in the finances of that court, and the disposition of the last king of France to relieve the burthens of his people, and to consult their wishes, gave rise to a meeting of the nobles for that purpose; a meeting secretly instigated by those who wished for a new scene of things.

At the head of the free-masons in France, and grand master of their order, was that infamous wretch the last duke of Orleans, (who afterwards took the name of Egalité, or Equality; though it is well known that the obtaining of the crown itself was the real object at the bottom of his heart,) having under him little short of 300 regular lodges of free-masons, dispersed in as many towns in that nation, subject with implicit obedience to his nod. A general meeting of them was summoned at Paris; and did meet in the church of the Jacobins; one of the religious orders at that time. To this very numerous meeting of the free-masons, some leading disciples from Weishaupt were sent as delegates: delegates from other clubs and other societies to inflame these with the farther designs of the enlightened or illuminated followers of Weishaupt. In that they succeeded too well. To the liberty and equality of original free-masonry; to the fierce rancor of Voltaire and his self-called philosophers against Jesus Christ and his religion; to the democratic principles of Rousseau, and his visionary schemes about the origin of all government ; these delegates added, the rage of Weishaupt and his pretended more enlightened followers, against all kings, or rather against all who under any title bear any rule among men. The fiery spirit of the French kindled at once into a flame. The names of free-mason, of philosophers, of friends to a social compact, of illuminé or enlight

ened,

ened, were from that instant all absorbed in the one name of Jacobin. The others are heard no more. Jacobin became the name; liberty and equality the watchword; while a rancorous hatred against all good order and all good faith among men, was the object, openly pursued from that day by a most numerous Horde; which had been training up gradually during 60 years to a most stupendous highth, to become the scourge of the earth.'

We understand that the intrusion of certain sectarists, into the author's parish, gave rise to this Address; which, though designed for his own Flock, he thinks may have its use, in cautioning others against a practice of the Jacobin Societies, of which few are sufficiently aware. It were to be wished, that the Law gave to the Minister of a Parish the Power of proceeding, in a summary Way, - against such as intrude unasked into the Fold committed to his Care.'

Mr. Wollaston, we apprehend, is the respectable writer of whom, as a man of SCIENCE, we have more than once taken honorable notice, in the course of our literary labours: we have now had the pleasure of beholding him in the still more revered character of an active and zealous Christian minister.

MISCELLANEOUS.

Art. 50. Proposals for forming by Subscription, in the Metropolis of the British Empire, a Public Institution for diffusing the Knowlege and facilitating the general Introduction of useful Mechanical Inventions and Improvements, and for teaching, by Courses of Philosophical Lectures and Experiments, the Application of Science to the common Purposes of Life. By Benjamin Count of Rumford, F. R. S. &c. 8vo. 6d. Cadell jun. and Davies. 1799. In this pamphlet are explained the reasons which render it desirable to create an institution, such as is described in the title-page. The writer likewise gives the circumstances of the origin and progress of the institution; the terms of subscription; the present subscribers the managers; and the regulations, laws, &c. which are proposed to be adopted.

The union of art, of science, of speculative truth, and of practical utility, which formerly was indolently desired rather than actively attempted, has of late years and in many instances been accomplished. To promote such an union, no one has laboured with greater zeal or more success than the author of the present proposals. With un. ceasing activity, he has exerted himself to increase the conveniencies of life, and to enlarge the stock of human happiness. In founding the present institution, he seems desirous of perpetuating his benevolence, and of ensuring a continuance of that activity which labours to attain what Bacon calls the true and legitimate goal of Science; the endowment of life with new inventions, and new sources of abundance. May success continue to crown his laudable endeavours! Art. 51. Biographical Anecdotes of the Founders of the French Republic, and of other eminent Characters who have distinguished themselves in the Progress of the Revolution. Vol. II. 12mo. PP. 470.5s. Boards. Johnson, &c.

The

The first volume of these anecdotes was noticed in our Number for December 1797; the second differs not materially in character. Its contents are also very amusing: but they may also require occasional correction. A less sparing citation of authorities would better have enabled the critical reader to estimate the authenticity of the facts related. A collection so various in style is probably the work of various pens. Many articles, as those respecting Brissot, Condorcet, Mirabeau, Roland, &c. are drawn up with superior information Where the and ability :-but too many personages are introduced. public importance of a character is small, and where individual peculiarities are not prominent, as in the case of Poggé, Chalier, Cochan, &c. it is most convenient in a foreign country wholly to forget

them.

Art. 52. Provincial Copper Coins, or Tokens, issued between the Years 1787 and 1796, engraved by Charles Pye of Birmingham, from the Originals in his own Possession. 8vo. Is. each Plate. Nichols.

These engravings are offered to the public as a substitute for a collection, or complete series, of the coins above mentioned, which many have been desirous of attaining, but have failed in the attempt. The number of plates is thirty-six, each plate containing five coins, with the obverse and reverse. Those which have been best executed the engraver has endeavoured to keep by themselves. We have no doubt that they will all be deemed fair representations of their originals. Some of the later coins, we are told, were struck not for circulation, but merely for the collectors; so that several were unknown at the places whence they derive their names. The greater part of them are to be considered as half-pennies.-An index is added, which gives, (as far as they could be obtained,) with the names of places, those also of the persons by whom the dies were executed. Art. 53. Copies of original Letters from the Army of General Bonaparte in Egypt, intercepted by the Fleet under the Command of Admiral Nelson. PART THE SECOND. With an English Translation. 8vo. 4s. 6d. sewed. Wright. 1799.

In our Review for February last, p. 231, we gave some account of the former part of the publication of these intercepted letters. This second collection is made by the editor of Part I. which circumstance will be considered as a sufficient recommendation with respect to the great article of AUTHENTICITY.-These truly curious letters, which never reached the hands of those to whom they were directed, (and to whom, no doubt, they would have proved highly interesting,) are chiefly written by Bonaparte himself, and by his of ficers; and they are introduced, as was the preceding set, by the animated, sarcastic, but pertinent observations of the loyal and exulting editor. There is likewise given, by way of appendix, a very curious letter [both in the original Greek and in an English translation] from the Metropolitan, the Archbishop, of Constantinople, addressed to the "Most dear and honoured Nobility,-and all ye Christians of Corfou, Cephalonia, Zante, Cerigo, Ithaca, St. Maure, &c. our beloved Children in the Lord, &c. &c." earnestly and pious exhorting them to persevere in their loyalty to the Ottoman Poite; and to cooperate with the allied powers in resisting the invasion of the impious

and treacherous French. The letter is well adapted to the occasion! but whether HIS SUBLIME HICHNESS will fully confirm and substantiate the promise made (in his name) by the good Metropolitan, that the inhabitants of the Archipelago "shall have full power to select whatever form of government they shall judge most conducive to the benefit of their country,-either the aristocratical constitution of Ragusa, or any other that may please them better,"-is a matter which must be left to the manifestation of time.

Art. 54. Reports of the Society for bettering the Condition and increasing the Comforts of the Poor. Vol. I. 12mo. 2s. Becket, &c. 1798. In our account of the second Number of the Reports here collec tively republished, it was observed that tracts relating to matters so uncommonly useful ad interesting, especially to the poor, should be published at the cheapest rate, so that they might be conveniently circulated among that class of readers who were concerned in their contents.In a word, that the poor might read them.

It is possible that the hint then thrown out may have, in some degree, attracted the notice of the gentlemen who superintend the business of the society. Accordingly, we here see an edition of the separate Reports, which constitute the first volume, and which may be pur chased for one third of the cost of the original publications.

This instance of judicious attention to the proper management of the concerns of the society merits our due approbation; yet, still, we fear that our wish is not fully accomplished; for can it be supposed that readers, circumstanced as are those here described, can always, till their condition is bettered, well afford to purchase a book at even so moderate a price as two shillings?-We spoke of three-penny pamphlets, as more suitable to the circumstances of the labouring classes.

In the mean time, the benevolent, the charitable, and the patriotic may have opportunities of distributing the present edition of the first volume; which contains the first Six Reports, re-printed from the large octavo edition. The seventh and eighth Numbers, in part the second volume, have also made their appearance.

CORRESPONDENCE.

of

We do not at present recollect any work which we could mention in answer to the inquiries of our correspondent Clara.

F. P. is not perfectly correct in saying that it is our custom to announce works which are yet in the press. We rarely do it, and only in cases of large, important, or foreign publications. In the present instance, we must beg to decline the insertion of F. P.'s advertisement.

We have received Mr. Ashdowne's letter, but must refrain from any farther discussion of the subject.

An Old Friend is received, and transmitted to the gentleman to whose remark it bears reference.

In the last Appendix, p. 490. 1. 22. for ::i:2i+ read ::i: 2 x it ; 507. 1. 8. for build,' r. built; 572. 1. 8. for vary then' I. vary; then,

THE

MONTHLY REVIEW,

For JULY, 1799.

ART. I. Travels in the interior Districts of Africa: performed under the Direction and Patronage of the African Association, in the Years 1795, 1796, and 1797. By Mungo Park, Surgeon. With an Appendix, containing Geographical Illustrations of Africa, by Major Rennell. 4to. pp. 460. 11. 11s. 6d. Boards. Nicol.

1799.

AT

T length the narrative of Mr. Park has appeared; and public curiosity, which has been highly excited, will now seek its gratification. Yet, what has happened in similar cases, when expectation has been immoderately raised, will happen in this; and we shall hear of hopes un-realized, and curiosity disappointed hopes which had perhaps no distinct object of completion, and curiosity which required to be gratified with the narration of events stupendous in their magnitude, or improbable in their strangeness.-Among those, however, who balanced the difficulties of an undertaking like that of Mr. Park, and the means by which those difficulties were to be encountered; who, putting aside childish or inordinate expectations, calmly computed the result of the undertaking, if successful;-there will be no complaint of disappointment. The countries, through which the travels were to be made, had been rarely and imperfectly explored the little that was known of them proved that they were full of various and great obstacles: though the history .of the manners and dispositions of the people, at whose mercy the traveller must be, slightly depended on vague, scanty, or suspicious accounts, yet there was sufficient ground for sus pecting that some of these people were inhospitable, cruel, and rapacious; and if physical and moral impediments oppose the solitary traveller, with what arms can he meet them? The mind may rise superior to all circumstances of distress, yet the body must at length yield to continued hunger and toil: human fortitude and sagacity are limited in their operation; cruelties may be borne, and the snares of designing malice may be avoided but what escape is there from a foe who strikes without mercy, without provocation, and without restraint?

Dismissing, however, the question whether the expectation of those who previously estimated the success of the undertaking VOL. XXIX.

S

be