A New System | Page 3

Analysis of Antient
Mythology," was the next; "wherein an attempt is made to divest
Tradition of Fable, and to reduce Truth to its original Purity." This was
published in quarto, vol. i. and ii. in 1774, and vol. iii. in 1776.
In 1775 he published "A Vindication of the Apamean Medal, (see vol.
v. p. 287.) and of the Inscription [Greek: NÔE]; together with an
Illustration of another Coin struck at the same Place in honour of the
Emperor Severus." This appeared in the fourth volume of the
Archæologia, and also as a separate quarto pamphlet.
"An address to Dr. Priestley, on the Doctrine of Philosophical
Necessity illustrated," 1780. A pamphlet, octavo.
"Vindiciæ Flavianæ; or, a Vindication of the Testimony given by
Josephus concerning our Saviour Jesus Christ." A pamphlet, octavo.
1780.
"Observations on the Poems of Thomas Rowley; in which the
authenticity of these Poems is ascertained." Two duodecimo volumes,
1781. In this controversy Mr. Bryant engaged deeply and earnestly, and
was assisted in it by the learned Dr. Glynn of King's College,
Cambridge. Our author in this, as in his other controversial writings,
was influenced by a spirit of sober inquiry, and a regard for truth. The
leading object he had in view, in his Observations on the poems
ascribed to Rowley, was to prove, by a variety of instances, that
Chatterton could not be their author, as he appeared not to understand
them himself. This plea appears specious, yet it is certain the learned
author failed egregiously in his proofs, and this publication added little
to the reputation he had already acquired. The best way of accounting
for Mr. Bryant's risking his well-earned and high character in the
literary world in this controversy, and for the eagerness with which he
engaged in it, is from the turn of his studies. "He had," to borrow the
words of Mr. Mason, "been much engaged in antiquities, and
consequently had imbibed too much of the spirit of a protest
antiquarian; now we know, from a thousand instances, that no set of
men are more willingly duped than these, especially by any thing that
comes to them under the fascinating form of a new discovery."

"Collections on the Zingara, or Gypsey Language." Archæologia, vol.
vii.
"Gemmarum antiquarum Delectus ex præstantioribus desumptus in
Dactylotheca Ducis Marlburiensis," Two vols, folio, 1783, &c. This is
the first volume of the Duke of Marlborough's splendid edition of his
invaluable collection of Gems, and was translated into French by Dr.
Maty. The second volume was done in Latin by Dr. Cole, prebendary
of Westminster; the French by Mr. Dutens. The Gems are exquisitely
engraved by Bartolozzi. This work was privately printed, and no more
copies taken than were intended for the crowned heads of Europe, and a
few of his Grace's private friends; after which the coppers for the plates
were broken, and the manuscript for the letter-press carefully reduced
to ashes.
"A Treatise on the Authenticity of the Scriptures, and the Truth of the
Christian Religion." Octavo, 1792.
"Observations upon the Plagues inflicted upon the Egyptians; in which
is shewn the Peculiarity of those Judgments, and their Correspondence
with the Rites and Idolatry of that People; with a prefatory discourse
concerning the Grecian colonies from Egypt." Octavo, 1794.
The treatise on the authenticity of the Scriptures was published
anonymously, and the whole of the profits arising from its sale given to
the society for the Propagation of the Gospel. It contains a good general
view of the leading arguments for Divine Revelation.
"Observations upon a Treatise, intituled, Description of the Plain of
Troy, by Mons Le Chevalier," Quarto, 1795.
"A Dissertation concerning the War of Troy, and the Expedition of the
Grecians, as described by Homer; shewing that no such Expedition was
ever undertaken, and that no such City in Phrygia ever existed." Quarto,
1796. The appearance of this publication excited great surprise among
the learned, and made few proselytes to the doctrine it inculcates; and
even his high authority failed in overturning opinions so long
maintained and established among historians, and supported by such

extensive and clear evidence. He is a wise man indeed who knows
where to stop. Mr. Bryant had wonderfully succeeded in his famous
Mythology, in "divesting Tradition of Fable, and reducing Truth to its
original Purity," and this seduced him, as his antiquarian pursuits had
done before, in the case of Rowley, to proceed to unwarrantable lengths
in the Dissertation on the War of Troy. It was remarked on by Mr.
Falconer, and answered in a very rude way by Mr. Gilbert Wakefield in
a letter to Mr. Bryant. J. B. S. Morrit, Esq. of Rokeby Park, near
Greta-Bridge, undertook to vindicate Homer, in a style and with
manners more worthy of the subject and of a gentleman, and was
replied to