consequent reformation both of principles and of manners, but especially through the happy instrumentality of the excellent association abovementioned; the praise-worthy exertions of which bid fair to contribute greatly indeed towards answering, in a very considerable degree, the highly important purposes of this truly patriotic institution. We would particularly recommend the perusal of this very animated oration to the Irish absentees in England; and, generally, to all those of our readers who have at heart the best interests of the sister kingdom.

To Mr. Magee's discourse is added an account of the proceedings of the above-mentioned association, from which it will appear how far they have been already assisted towards carrying into effect a plan of reform, (religious and moral,) to which all persons and parties, not actually bostile to piety and virtue, cannot but be well-wishers.

A principal object, in the view of this worthy association, is the distribution of bibles, and small, cheap, rational, and well-adapted tracts, of moral and prudential instruction, among the poor and the uneducated. It appears that an almost incredible number of such useful books have been circulated; and, as there is much reason to hope and to conclude, with good effect.--To rescue the lower ranks of society from the bondage of ignorance is certainly striking at the very root of that depravity, with which they are so generally and, we fear, too justly charged.

Art. 67. Preached in the Chapel of Trinity College, Dublin, February 16th, 1797, the Day appointed for a National Thanksgiving on account of the Providential Deliverance of this Kingdom from the late threatened Invasion. By the Rev. William Magee, B. D. jun. fellow of Trinity College, &c. and now published at the desire of the Students of the University, &c. &c. 8vo. Dublin printed, &c.

Excellently adapted to the occasion, and in every respect worthy of the author of the preceding discourse.

Art. 68. Universal Benevolence: preached in the Parish Church of Castor, Lincolnshire, December 28th, 1796, before a friendly Society of Tradesmen and Artificers, and published at their request. By the Rev. Samuel Turner, A. M. Chaplain to the Earl of Scarborough. 8vo. 6d. Scatcherd.

If this discourse be not peculiarly remarkable for brilliancy of thought and elegance of composition, it has the best recommendation from that spirit of humanity and kindness which it breathes and earnestly inculcates. We cannot, however, but notice the remark of the preacher, that unanimity, or being all of one mind, is the basts of charity, because diversity of opinion is ever productive of fatal consequences. We hope, and apprehend, that unanimity, in the scrip. ture or Christian sense, is very consistent with some diversity of

This institution took place in 1792, and now consists, as we understand, of not fewer than 500 members; the greater part of whom are clergymen; the remainder including some of the most res pectable and distinguished of the laity.

opinion.

opinion. What has been more fatal to the peace of society than the presuming to prescribe what others should believe, and insisting on a concurrence in certain articles of faith!

CORRESPONDENCE.

We have received A. B.'s observations on the "Essential Principles of the Wealth of Nations illustrated;" reviewed in our last month's publication. The difference between Dr. Smith and the author of that pamphlet is this:-Dr. S. says that the consumption of ten pounds value, by a manufacturer, is the cause of production to the amount of twenty pounds :-the author of that pamphlet, on the other hand, maintains that the manufacturer produces little more than sufficient to re-place the value of what he has consumed during the progress of his work; while the labourer employed in agriculture, besides maintaining himself and his family, always produces a rent to his landlord. When our correspondent says that, without the exist ence of the manufacturer, there would probably be no production at all,' he forgets that manufacturers are not the only class of consumers; and that " agriculture is a manufacture which can never become unfashionable as long as men are given to eating." That one person, in the present time, consumes as much as two did in the time of Queen Elizabeth, is a far less probable supposition than that on which the author of the pamphlet reasons, in computing the relative value of landed property at those distant periods.

The letter of A. M., from Newcastle on Tyne, did not come under our notice till after our account of the work to which it relates was written and printed. We are sorry that, in consequence, we are prevented from paying particular attention to the circumstances pointed out by our correspondent.

The polite and friendly communication of Agricola was received under the same circumstances with that of A. M. above mentioned. He will see, however, that our opinion on the subject nearly coincides with his own. The note in the last Review, on which Agricola animadverts in his postscript, was not from the Reviewer's pen, but copied from the preface to the work in question; as was sufficiently marked, though it escaped our correspondent's observation.

Paleophilus forgot, in the course of his inquiries, to discuss the propriety of requiring us to bestow our time and attention on matters which are foreign to our undertaking, and of conveying his request with the imposition of heavy postage. We are continually under the necessity of repressing these letters of inquiry, which should be communicated to Magazines; and it is certainly unfair to ask the donation of advice at an expence to the adviser.

The letters of An Old Friend,'-M. A. from Sandwich,-and • A Friend and constant Reader,'-inquire concerning publications which have escaped our Collector's researches.-W.W. is just received.

In the last Review, p. 189. I. 19. for which,' read who.

THE

MONTHLY REVIEW,

For DECEMBER, 1797.

ART. I. An Enquiry into the Duties of the Female Sex. By Thomag Gisborne, M. A. 8vo. pp. 426. 6s. Boards. Cadell jun. and Davies. 1797.

THE respectable author of this moral inquiry has been for some time advantageously known to the public, by a similar dissertation concerning the Duties of Men*. It is peculiarly fortunate that he should have undertaken the important task of reasoning with the Female Sex relative to their obligations; as he is totally free from that rash and innovating spirit in morals, that rage for recommending new experiments in conduct, which brings with it a much heavier weight of punishment, when practically adopted by the weaker than by the stronger sex. Mr. Gisborne, indeed, appears to be nearly, if not quite, as homely and old-fashioned in his notions of feminine excellence, as was the celebrated author of the Spectator, and seriously to believe that a girl should be modest, a wife chaste, and a mother religious; and that parents and husbands are entitled to more deference and attention, than the half-hour acquaintances of the rout and the ball-room.

Mr. G.'s manner is well known to be diffuse, and not severely syllogistic, but to abound with practical good sense, just precept, cautious counsel, useful remark, and elegant instruction. His style is of the middle kind, neither coarse nor artificial, neither flatly naked nor exuberantly adorned.

We cannot better convey an idea of the author's spirit, than by copying a passage or two. From the seventh chapter, in which the article Dress is considered, we have selected the following reflection:

A very important benefit which results from fixed habits of moderation as to dress, and all points of a similar nature, will be clearly discerned by adverting to the irreparable evils into which young women are sometimes plunged by the contrary practice. The lavish indulgence in which they have learned to seck for happiness, *M. Rev. N.S. vol. xvii. P. I. Сс

VOL. XXIV.

becoming,

becoming, in their estimation, essential to their comfort, will bias their conduct in every important step. Hence, in forming matrimonial connections, it exercises perhaps a secret, but a very powerful influence. The prospect of wealth and magnificence, of the continuance and of the encrease of pleasures supposed to flow from the pomp of dress and equipage, from sumptuous mansions, shewy furniture, and numerous attendants, dazzles the judgement; imposes on the affections; conceals many defects in moral character, and compensates for others; and frequently proves the decisive circumstance which leads the deluded victim to the altar, there to consign herself to splendid misery for life.'

In chap. xi. treating of the duties antecedent to marriage, the cautions given in the subsequent quotation cannot be too highly commended, nor too frequently enforced :

If an

The foundation of the greater portion of the unhappiness which clouds matrimonial life, is to be sought in the unconcern so prevalent in the world, as to those radical principles on which character and the permanence of character depend, the principles of religion. Popular language indicates the state of popular opinion. union about to take place, or recently contracted, between two young persons, is mentioned in conversation, the first question which we hear asked concerning it is, whether it be a good match. The very countenance and voice of the inquirer, and of the answerer, the terms of the answer returned, and the observations, whether expressive of satisfaction or of regret, which fall from the lips of the company present in the circle, all concur to shew what, in common estimation, is meant by being well married. If a young woman be described as thus married, the terms imply, that she is united to a man whose rank and fortune is such, when compared with her own or those of her parents, that in point of precedence, in point of command of finery and of money, she is, more or less, a gainer by the bargain. They imply, that she will now possess the enviable advantages of taking place of other ladies in the neighbourhood; of decking herself out with jewels and lace; of inhabiting splendid apartments; rolling in handsome carriages; gazing on numeroas servants in gaudy liveries; and of going to London, and other fashionable scenes of resort, in a degree somewhat higher than that in which a calculating broker, after poring on her pedigree, summing up her property in hand, and computing, at the market price, what is contingent or in reversion, would have pronounced her entitled to them. But what do the terms imply as to the character of the man selected to be her husband? Probably nothing. His character is a matter which seldom enters into the consideration of the persons who use them, unless it, at length, appears in the shape of an afterthought, or is awkwardly hitched into their remarks for the sake of decorum. If the terms imply any thing, they mean no more than that he is not scandalously and notoriously addicted to vice.. He may be proud, he may be ambitious, he may be malignant, he may be devoid of Christian principles, practice, and belief; or, to say the very least, it may be totally unknown whether he does

not

not fall, in every particular, under this description; and yet, in the language and in the opinion of the generality of both sexes,. the match is excellent. In like manner a small diminution in the supposed advantages already enumerated, though counterpoised by the acquisition of a companion eminent for his virtues, is supposed to constitute a bad match; and is universally lamented in polite meetings with real or affected concern. The good or bad fortune of a young man in the choice of a wife is estimated according to the same rules.

From those who contract marriages, either chiefly, or in a considerable degree, through motives of interest or of ambition, it would be folly to expect previous solicitude respecting piety of heart. And it would be equal folly to expect that such marriages, however they may answer the purposes of interest or of ambition, should terminate otherwise than in wretchedness. Wealth may be secured, rank may be obtained; but if wealth and rank are to be main ingredients in the cup of matrimonial felicity, the sweetness of the wine will be exhausted at once, and nothing remain but bitter and corrosive dregs. When attachments are free from the contamination of such unworthy motives, it by no means always follows that much attention is paid to intrinsic excellence of moral character. Affection, quick-sighted in discerning, and diligent in scrutinising, the minutest circumstances which contribute to shew whether it is met with reciprocal sincerity and ardor, is, in other respects, purblind and inconsiderate. It magnifies good qualities which exist; it seems to itself to perceive merits which, to other eyes, are invisible; it gives credit for what it wishes to discover; it enquires not, where it fears a disappointment. Yet, what security can a woman have for happiness in marriage, if the only foundation on which confidence can be safely reposed, be wanting? And ought she not, in common prudence, to consider it as wanting, until she is thoroughly convinced of its existence? He whose ruling principle is that of stedfast obedience to the laws of God, has a pledge to give, and it is a pledge worthy of being trusted, that he will discharge his duty to his fellow-creatures, according to the different relations in which he may be placed. Every other bond of confidence is brittle as a thread, and looks specious only to prove delusive. A woman who receives for her husband a person of whose moral character she knows no more than that it is outwardly decent, stakes her welfare upon a very hazardous experiment. She who marries a man not entitled even to that humble praise, in the hope of reclaiming him, stakes it on an experiment in which there is scarce a probability of her success.

Among various absurd and mischievous lessons which young women were accustomed in the last age to learn from dramatic ie presentations, one of the most absurd and mischievous was this; that a man of vicious character was particularly likely, when once reformed, to make a good and exemplary husband. At the conclusion of almost every comedy, the hero of the piece, signalized throughout its progress by qualities and conduct radically incompatible with the existence of matrimonial happiness, was introduced

Cc 2

upon