their pillows with tears. Long days ing with its laws.

It decides the

Admitting, then, the Christian standard to be the true one, and that

of sorrow and humiliation wrung question with an authority from my bosom with anguish, till a sove- which there is no appeal, for it is reign God appeared in mercy and sustained by Eternal sanctions. restored my son-not from the depths of hell, as I feared, but from his secret hiding - place. Over- we have not at this late period of whelmed with shame, remorse, and the world's history to discuss the guilt, we hope he has become a true fundamental principles of morality penitent, and has enlisted under the again; can any one doubt, for a banner of that King who holds the moment, what are the lessons which keys of death and hell.'" are taught by the stage, who has This is a true picture of the life, either heard or read any part of not of one, but of thousands, who dramatic compositions? Would any have been the frequenters of those one wish his son or his daughter to "burial-places" of morality-the be taught the principles of human theatres. Yet some seriously pre-conduct in such a school? The retend, that these are schools of public ply is obvious. No person who has morals. What sort of morals those any regard for character would desire are which are fostered by the senti- such instruction. What, then, is ments of the Drama, and exhibited the apology to be made for them? on the stage, it is very easy to de- That they are necessary to encontermine. They are seen in the con- rage the fine arts.-Encourage the duct of those who represent them, fine arts at the expense of public and in the character of those who morals! We will yield to none in are the most constant spectators of admiration of eloquence, of poetry, them. The very neighbourhood and its charming sisters, music and bears its testimony against them, painting; we are not insensible to and proclaims itself to be a gathering "soft Lydian airs married to imtogether of the very dregs of society mortal verse;" but if these are to -an accumulation of the offscouring be put in competition with public of all things.-The plague in Aleppo virtue and religion, we say, perish is not more contagious than that the Fine Arts, and let Virtue live for moral pest which infests the atmo-ever. But there is no need of such sphere. A fire in Constantinople is a sacrifice as this-these may be not more alarming and destructive enjoyed with all their beauty and than is that fire of evil passions attraction, apart from what is degrawhich surrounds it, lighted at the very flames of hell. All this may be reconcileable to the principle of utility, "whose hand never trembles in the midst of the greatest horrors," and who may be perfectly unconcerned till she has determined by her impartial balances what morality is, and whether lying or debauchery be crimes or virtues. But Christianity will admit of no such tamper

*Robert Hall.

ding and injurious in associations, and in a way that may form an agreeable and pleasing interlude to the cares of life. The concert should be a substitute for the orchestra ;the gallery of painting for the scenery, and the eloquence of the Bar or of the Senate for the acts and recitations of the Theatre. It cannot, however, be expected, that a "world which lieth in wickedness" will forego its amusements to propitiate the genius of morality or religion, even

though their authority over human every step of his progress; not so beings be associated with their best and highest interests.-All that can be hoped for is, that Christians will not suffer themselves, nor encourage others, to be fascinated by those charms which dazzle and destroy.

however with man; and in this respect his superiority to the brute creation is manifest: for he is endued with power to range, in his mental vision, along a considerable portion of the path of duty; and along that portion of it which he beholds, it behoves him to proceed, not as if the subject of a blind fatality, but as a voluntary being with

We propose to continue our notice of the Essay in a future number. In the meantime, we would urge upon all our friends the importance of increasing the sale of this valuable unhesitating step and vigorous rework. solve.

MAN A FREE AGENT.

THE design of the following prelections is to show the inconsistency of inactivity, because we are, as to all that concerns us, under the controul and at the absolute disposal of God.

Nothing more fatal to the interests of man can be imagined than the yielding to such a delusion as that of fatalism, on account of our being under the controul of the irreversible and immutable decres of Providence: and if followed out must lead to the most ludicrous and absurd not to say disastrous results. Upon such a principle, we should It is admitted that all things what- make no exertion to procure, and soever exist only by the will of God, therefore no exertion to partake of that his purposes in reference to our food. It must come to us and them are unalterable, that nothing satisfy us, or we must lie down and can effectually oppose his will, that die. What! lie down did we say ? in the words of Scripture God will the absurdity grows more apparent, work and none shall let him. But lie down? but to lie down is a vothis affords not the slightest reason-luntary act; and no such act can be able ground for inactivity. And in performed by one who follows out reference to the work of redemption such a principle: we must wait till it is also admitted that God will, nature is exhausted; then fall down irrespective of the concurrence and and die. But another absurdity co-operation of men (and yet by makes its appearance, and will be them) carry on the great work to its found the most difficult to be got rid consummation and bring it to a tri- of. It will be found in the following umphant issue. But this does not resolution: "I resolve to become sanction or countenance inactivity passive, perfectly passive, (there is on the part of men; nor should they a sense in which we ought to be be as the horse who moves this passive) in the hands of the ruler of way or that as he is guided by his all events: to do nothing except as driver; but make proper and dili- I am moved by Him," which resogent use of the power vested in them lution is implied in all who yield to until God shall call upon them to this species of insanity. Now a lay it down and render to him an resolution necessarily implies a reaccount of their use of it. solver; and who is the resolver The horse needs to be held in here? The being who is going to be and guided by bit and bridle at schooled by these principles of fa

talism. But his first act (acts, movements? he can have none) is opposed to them. He is about to become an involuntary being, but in order thereto he must be first a voluntary being, he must give himself up to these principles: that is, he must act in order that he may not act, he must move in order that he may become quiescent, he must speak in order that he may be silent; in fact he must be wise in order that

we were the authors of the scheme of redemption, or had made it our own; and as if, not only our credit, our honour, our reputation, but as if our very existence depended on its success. Has not Christ many enemies, men and fiends, that would exult in its overthrow; and has he not promised immortal life, and a crown of glory, as the reward of triumph? Come, then, make one cause with him; for his cause is your cause, his success your success, But what disastrous results do his honour your honour, his enemies, such principles tend to. There your enemies, his kingdom, glory, must be an end to all exertion on life,-yours?

he may be а fool.

Yes, all, all

R. S.

are

the part of man: no movements, no yours, and ye are Christ's, and efforts, no origination. To what Christ is God's. But ye must fight. must we ascribe all the works of genius, art, ingenuity? If man is to be governed by these principles of

fatalism, it behoves him in reference THE VISION OF CALED; OR, who is

THE HAPPIEST?

An Eastern Sketch.

to such works to act in the same way as these principles would have him act in reference to the conversion of the world. Such reasons as the following should guide him in reference to the construction of any JUDGE not thy fellow-mortals, O piece of mechanism, or the produc- son of man! according to their outtion of any work of genius or art, ward appearance. The favorites of as in contemplating any philanthro- heaven are not distinguished by gorpical or other scheme. "If it be geousness of apparel, they do not intended that this should be done, it recline on couches of down, or tread will be done; therefore I need not the marble pavements of palaces: trouble myself about it." "And if nor are their habitations scented I am to do it, of course my fingers will move to the task, unbidden at least by me." What a world would this be under the influence of such principles. Stagnant matter is conceivable and real; but stagnant mind! who can concive of it,-it cannot be.

with perfumes or cooled with fountains. Often is their table but scantily covered and their cup but half replenished; while the stranger, pausing at their threshold, turns away and disdains to enter their lowly dwelling. Be not deceived by ostentation; listen to the vision of Caled, and be wise.

Our object after demonstrating the absurdity of such principles, is Caled was a merchant of Constanjust to point out the advantage of tinople; he arose at the earliest acting for the Redeemer with the blush of morning to his labours, and same energy, resolution, and ner- the shades of evening found him still vousness, (with more if it be possible, at his task. The blessing of Proviand with more it ought to be,) as if dence rested on his pursuits; riches

flowed into his coffers, like a golden courtly polish of his address. Though stream, and his wealth and integrity still in the vigour of youth he had raised him to a station of high con- been engaged in some protracted sideration in the Turkish metropolis. and sanguinary wars, and his military He was a devout adherent to the prowess and skilful negociations had faith of Islam, and the poor found much advanced the interests of the in him a liberal and a sympathizing empire. His natural temperament friend; nor was his bounty restricted was fiery, impetuous, and haughty, to those of his own faith and coun- but his long residence at court had try. But the accumulations of indus- taught him to curb his ardour and try had failed to bring him enjoyment, repress his pride. And though he for the poison of discontent had had been suspected of political ininfused itself into his heart. He discretions and intrigues, yet the refused to look upon the advantages voice of slander was lost in the of his own situation, but persisted general applause. He now appeared in gazing with envy on those who surrounded by a crowd who waved were above him in rank or esteem. their turbans and hailed with every "What avails it," he thought, " that demonstration of joy the favorite of I am wealthy, my riches can gain for the Sultan. A purple plume danced me no real respect; the warrior re- on his magnificent turban, the folds ceives the plaudits of the multitude, of which were confined and adorned the sage has the veneration of the by a sparkling gem. He restrained wise, but as for me, I am only courted and guided his beautiful horse with for what I possess, and the honours dexterity and grace; the roses of that I obtain are yielded not to me health blushed in his face, and digbut to mine." nity was stamped on his brow. "Ah!" thought the envious Caled,

worth something to live, the day would not then bring to me weariness and the night disgust."

Caled was, one day, reclining moodily at his casement, and indul-" were I but Abdallah, it would be ging in his wonted lamentations on the inferiority of his lot. A sudden outcry in the street below broke in upon his meditations, and he arose The merchant lingered yet awhile to discern the cause of the tumult. at his casement, and he at length He perceived that it was Abdallah, perceived Amrad, a Moollah emithe Chief of the Janissaries, who, re-nent for wisdom and sanctity, who turning from a visit to the Seraglio, was slowly proceeding towards his was received as he passed by the residence, on foot. The persons acclamations of the populace. Ab- who met him moved respectfully dallah occupied an eminent station aside to suffer him to pass, and reat the Ottoman Porte; his merits garded him with silent but deep adhad gained him the esteem of the miration. Amrad was esteemed Sultan, who had confided to him throughout the Turkish dominions trusts of importance and placed him for his profound knowledge of phinear his person. His noble features losophy and science. By his suggesand commanding form were fitted to tion a remedy had been applied which win the hearts of all; the people had arrested the progress of a disease were delighted with his frankness that at one time had threatened the and generosity, while the rich and life of the Sultan, and his grateful the noble admired and envied the sovereign had courted him with faextent of his influence and the vours and loaded him with wealth.

66

Did any insuperable difficulty arise heaven; he looked again and recogto perplex the counsels of the nation, nized the countenance of Zapphira, the question was referred to the su- a Christian woman, whom in her perior penetration of Amrad the adversity Caled had formerly beWise; and scarcely a calamity friended, but who had long since occurred in the metropolis but the been numbered with the dead. A sufferers were certain that it might robe of azure encircled her form, have been averted had fate per- a pearly chaplet glittered on her mitted them to secure the advice brow, and celestial love and comand the prayers of the Holy Amrad. passion illumined her countenance. Every tongue was eloquent in his The astonished merchant bowed praise and every ear was anxious to himself to the earth and veiled his listen to fresh tales of his goodness. face before the awful vision. Rise, "Fortunate Amrad!" again ex- Caled," said the Phantom, "and claimed the dissatisfied Caled, "In hearken with composure to the thee surely Allah delights to con- purpose of my appearance. template the reflection of his own Almighty has beheld they devotion, wisdom. Thy days are crowned nor has thy cry for assistance been with usefulness and thy memory will breathed only to the winds. Arise, be blessed. But I have made no stand on thy feet, and the doubts of attainments in knowledge, and when which thou hast been complaining summoned by the Angel of Death shall be removed." all remembrance of me will pass away and be forgotten, like the echo of distant music.'

miserable than I."

The

Having thus spoken, she cast a mantle of heavenly workmanship over the shoulders of Caled, who While he still continued to look immediately found himself, with into the streets, there passed a Zapphira, in the palace of Abdallah. young Greek of timid and subdued They stood, invisible, in the wardemeanour; his dress bore the mark rior's private room, and beheld the of poverty and his countenance, chief of the Janissaries in deep and though serene, seemed worn with stealthy consultation with several toil. "Child of dirt!" said the other leaders of military bands. merchant, as he turned contemptu- Anger and anxiety sat on their ously away, "Thou at least art more brows; they talked of insults, of imbecility, of resistance, of conAt that moment the muezzin's quest. "How long," exclaimed voice was heard from the minaret, Abdallah," are we to be paraded calling the faithful to prayer. Caled from palace to palace, the gilded fell prostrate in devout adoration playthings of a childish Sovereign? and implored the Divine aid. "Oh! Are our sabres for ever to lie idle! Allah!" he cried, "let the errors Is it not enough that we are bearded of a mortal meet with forgiveness, by our enemies, despised by our and reveal to thy servant where friends, and that the people of our true happiness may be found." Sud- empire are murmuring under opdenly, even as he spoke, a super-pression? Are those whose station natural lustre pervaded his apart- and profession constitute them the ment, and a delicious perfume guardians of the State to be confloated around him. He looked sidered and treated as the mere up and he beheld a shape radiant pageantry of a Court? Yes, my with the dazzling habiliaments of brethren, I have to confide to your