suspend our review of it, and advert to the other book, the title of which at large is 'The * Anarchy of the Ranters, and other libertines, the Hierarchy of the Romanists, and other pretended churches, equally refused and refuted in a two-fold apology for the church ⚫ and people of God called în derision Quakers. "Wherein they are vindicated from those that · accuse them of confusion and disorder on the one hand, and from such as calumniate them with tyranny and imposition on the other; showing that as the true and pure principles of the gospel are restored by their testimony; so is also the ancient apostolic order of the church of Christ re-established • among them, and settled upon its right basis and foundation. The scope of this work may be discovered by its title; but it is useful to know that Friends, at that time, were calumniated by their adversaries as a people who, under colour of private internal direction, were laying waste good order; whilst by some dissatisfied persons among themselves, they were accused of violating the rights of private judgment, and restraining the operations of the spirit in individuals, by the discipline which had been set up among them. The author therefore endeavours to reconcile the province of the body with the privileges of individuals; and he does it in a masterly manner. The work has passed through several impressions; and as its title when abridged to the few words, "The Anarchy of the Ranters," conveys little or no information of its contents, the Yearly Meeting lately ordered an additional title to be prefixed, namely, A Treatise on Christian Discipline.' It is a work worthy of general perusal; and particularly claims the attention of all persons, who think it is their duty to be active, in supporting and executing the discipline of the church. In the collection of BARCLAY's works there is an explanatory postscript (written in prison in 1679,) occasioned by the opposition of Rogers, already mentioned (pp. 48, 49), which exhibits our author in an amiable view.* The Theses Theologica have been already mentioned. They have been printed in Latin, French, German, Dutch, and English. One of the English editions bears the title of The principles of true Christianity and sound divinity asserted.' They are addressed as follows. 'To the clergy of what sort soever, unto whose hands these may come; but more particularly to the doctors, professors, and 'students of divinity, in the universities and ⚫schools of Great Britain, whether prelatical, presbyterian, or any other, ROBERT BARCLAY, a servant of the Lord God, and one of those who in derision are called Quakers, wisheth unfeigned repentance to "the acknowledgment of the truth.' These theses or propositions are fifteen in number. **It appears from a paper subjoined that the Anarchy of the Ranters had been approved by the Morning Meeting at London; which meeting had then been established about three years. The following are the subjects of them. 1. Concerning the true foundation of know ledge. Immediate Revelation. Condition of Man in the fall. every man is enlightened. Perfection. in matters purely religious and appertaining to the con science. 15. Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &c. On these subjects, the author proposes his sentiments, and explains them in conformity with the principles of Friends. The propositions, being sent forward into the world, were well received beyond the author's expectation; and proved the means of removing some false and monstrous opinions which had been imbibed against the society. Actuated therefore by the like design of propagating the truth, and believing himself equally influenced by the Divine Spirit, he judged it proper to explain his propositions somewhat more largely, and to defend them with arguments; and this produced his celebrated Apology. It is entitled An Apology for the true • Christian divinity, as the same is held forth, and preached, by the people called in scorn Quakers; being a full explanation and vindi |