ton, Bognor, Southampton, Lymington, Weymouth, Bath, Bristol Hot Wells, Cheltenham, Malvern, Buxton, Harrowgate, Scarborough, Tynmouth, and Yarmouth. The book may do well enough to pass away an idle hour; but we cannot compliment the author on the impartiality of his defcriptions. The Methodifts, for instance, will prefer a heavy complaint, for wherever they are mentioned, it is with abhorrence and contempt. In a work of this complexion, no prejudices of any kind should have been admitted. There is alfo an affectation of wit and originality running through this publication, with which readers of tafte will be difpleased. Simplicity is the divine charm by which ftyle is heightened and improved. We would recommend young authors to clothe their ideas in plain and expreffive language, equally remote from negligence and exceffive ftudy. Proper words in proper places was Dean Swift's definition of a good ftyle; and of the truth of the definition, his own ftyle furnishes the best exemplification; he indeed disdained ornament, but exhibits an uniform neatnefs and a lucid perfpicuity. Review of Poetry, Ancient and Modern, a Poem. By Lady M. Booth. 2s. 6d. THIS, we understand, is the production of Lady Manners, and reflects great credit both on her tafte and understanding. It is addreffed to her fon, and the introduction contains lines beautifully expreffive of parental affection "Object of fondest care, my Mid whofe gay and childish air, Reafon's dawning brightness nigh; Marks Marks thine eye, whofe vivid light, More than features, more than form, Her Ladyship then proceeds to sketch the poets of ancient and modern times with peculiar felicity. We can fafely declare, that whilft the verfe is elegant and easy, fo the portraits of the fons of the mufes are executed with fidelity. We shall be tempted in our next Number, to felect a fpecimen from this pleafing performance; fuch a fpecimen alfo will enrich our Miscellany. (To be concluded in our next.) TO CORRESPONDENTS. The Communications of J. M.-of U. and of R. B. fhall be inferted in the GARLAND; as to the Effay on Truth, its too figurative for our MISCELLANY. Lines on a Goldfinch, and on a Pen, are too profaic for infertion, though the fentiments meet our approbation. We wish Sophia to favour us with more of her Productions. THE MONTHLY VISITOR. MARCH, 1800. SKETCH OF THE MEMOIRS OF THE BISHOP OF LONDON. IN N the profecution of our periodical labours, we would wish to delineate meritorious characters of every defcription. No party fpirit fhall pollute our felection, no unjust partiality fhall ever induce us to proftitute our pen in defcribing or celebrating talents and virtues, which are not, in fome degree, fanctioned by public approbation. The Bench of Bishops is not without its ornaments-a WATSON we have already prefented to the reader, and a PORTEUS fhall now adorn our Mifcellany. DR. PORTEUS, the prefent Bishop of London, was born in the North of England, fome fay Yorkshire, though refpecting this circumftance we can make no pofitive declarations. Nor are we certain at what place he received his grammar learning, an effential pre-requifite for the univerfity. This branch of neceffary learning, however, was not by any means neglected; for no deficiency was ever remarked at college, and the writings which he has laid before the public, are diftinguished for their claffical accuracy. VOL. IX. T When |