Imatges de pàgina
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Of Rev. Moses Hunter, in full of his do. for do. ($17.77 of it from the Female
Education Society of Stephentown)

$50 00 53 00

Of Rev. George S. Woodhull, for Senior Class of 1820 Scholarship
Of Rev. Charles Hodge, from Rev. Charles C. Darling, for Senior Class of
1821 Scholarship

Of Rev. Jos. P. Cunningham, for "the Scholarship of the Eumenian Society"
And from Rev. Thomas Alexander, for do.

Of Rev. Joseph Sanford, for Senior Class of 1823 Scholarship

Of Rev. Moses C. Scarle, for Senior Class of 1824 do.

Of Rev. Elam I. Morrison, do. do. do.

Of Rev. James Stafford, for the ladies of Poplar Tent Scholarship

Of Rev. Benjamin Ogden, from Snow Hill Church, for the Education Fund for pious Students who need aid

Of Rev. Joseph Sanford, from Hempstead, for do.

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Of Benjamin Strong, Esq., from First Presbytery, New York, for do.
Of Rev. L. F. Leake, from Newton Presbytery, for do.
Of Rev. Adams W. Platt, from Mr. Oran Stone, the legacy of Mrs. Charlotte
Bradley, of Watertown, New York, for do.

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View of Publick Affairs.

EUROPE.

Total

93 00 20 00 10.00 60 00

25 00

50 00

10.00

3 33 1.00

29 35 2.34

50 00

$6185 79

We regard our view of publick affairs, and are gratified to find that our readers generally regard it, as constituting an important part of our miscellany. We have laboured, and shall continue to labour, to make it a useful summary of the most important events throughout the world, which come to our knowledge from month to month. But it must be kept in mind that we cannot make events-we can only record them. Manufactured news are worse than none. There is indeed a good deal of this manufacture going in the world; but we have never knowingly dealt in it as yet, and shall endeavour cautiously to avoid it hereafter-When we have no news to communicate, our readers must wait till we obtain the article ready made, and so far as we can judge, genuine-During the month past, little more has been brought us from foreign countries than some details of occurrences, of which we gave the substance in our last view.

BRITAIN. The last advices which we have seen from Britain are not more recent than the 23d of April. Both houses of Parliament adjourned on the 31st of March; the Lords to the 13th, the Commons to the 14th of April. After the recess, the most important occurrence in Parliament was the second reading of the Catholick Emancipation bill. In our last view we stated that this bill had become a law. This we did, on the positive assertion of some manufacturer, as it now appears, of articles of foreign news, and after we had prepared a different statement, in which we had explicitly mentioned our apprehensions that the bill would be thrown out in the House of Lords. The bill has not yet been introduced into the House of Lords. It passed the second reading in the Commons on the night preceding the 22d of April, in a house of 509 members-ayes 268, noes 241. We have read Mr. Canning's brilliant speech on the occasion, which he delivered, it is said, under a violent attack of the gout, that compelled him to leave the house before the question was taken. It is doubtful whether this bill will pass the House of Lords. Petitions against it were getting up with much industry by the English clergy. We hope, however, and on the whole believe, that it will become a law. Serious difficulties arise in making out the details-the chief of which is the pecuniary allowance that shall be settled by law, as a remuneration to the Catholick clergy for an entire renunciation of all claims, presents or perquisites, from the people of their charge.-Since we wrote the foregoing, an arrival at New York has brought advices from Britain to the 29th of April. The whole English nation seems likely to be thrown into a state of excitement, by a speech of the Duke of York in the House of Lords, on the evening of the 25th of April. At that time, many petitions were offered, "praying that no further concessions may be made to the Irish Catholicks." One was presented by the Duke of York from the Dean and Chapter of St. George's, Windsor. On presenting this petition, the royal Duke made a short speech in opposition to the Catholick claims; in which among other evil consequences which, in his opinion, had followed the urging of these claims on a former occasion, he declared his conviction that to this was owing "the many years' illness which his father suffered." He stated that the coronation oath, as taken not only by his father, but by his brother now on the throne, would be directly violated by assenting to such a law as was in prospect-and he concluded his speech

with a declaration, sealed by ar. oath, that at all hazards he would for ever persevere in opposition to any law of the kind contemplated. Now, as it is no very improbable event that the Duke of York may, before long, be king of Great Britain, this solemn declaration has given much alarm to the friends of Catholick Emancipation. On the following evening, in the House of Commons, Mr. Brougham took occasion to advert to the speech and declaration of the Duke of York; and proceeded to de-. nounce it in a strain of vehement eloquence, and violent vituperation, such as we have seldom read. He was called to order-But the speaker rather favoured him, and he went on with even additional violence, till the cry of "order" by his opponents completely drowned his voice and he was obliged to stop. At length, however, he proceeded in a strain somewhat more temperate, and finished his speech. The bill immediately under discussion was one for raising the qualifications of electors in Ire- ̧ land, from 40 shillings to 10 pounds This bill, it is stated, was carried by about double the majority which the Catholick bill received; which seems to indicate a determination, on the part of the Commons, to use all their influence in favour of the Catholick question. Another subject of interest before the Parliament, and one in which we may have a concern, is the repeal of what are called "the corn laws." Meetings in London and elsewhere have determined to petition Parliament to extend the repeal of the acts restricting commerce to the corn laws, as well as to other restrictions; so as to allow the importation of foreign grain at all times, without hindrance, or any regard to the existing price of domestick bread stuffs. The agricultu rists, who rejoiced at the removal of other commercial restrictions, are opposed to this. Thus it is the world over. Men generally advocate a right principle, till it touches their own interest; and then too many are found to prefer private interest to the publick welfare.

FRANCE. The splendid coronation of the king of France has been finally fixed for the 29th of May. The merchants of Paris have presented an earnest, and a very able address or memorial, to the king, relative to the appointment of commercial agents in the new South American republicks. The Parisian merchants are sensible, it would seem, of what we have heretofore noticed, that by delaying to recognise the independence of the late Spanish and Portuguese possessions in America, France will yield to other nations, and with an incalculable loss to herself, the whole commerce of these extended and populous countries. They importunately urge the immediate appoint. ment of commercial agents; and we think they will shortly succeed-the opposition of Spain, Russia, and Austria, notwithstanding.

The number for March last, of Malte-Brun's Annals of Geography, published at Paris, contains the following estimates :

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Square Miles.
75,154

Inhabitants.

47,660,000

292,339

11,714,000

5,554

21,400,000

176,971

115,141,000

10,086

667

469,000

12,265

29,691,000

5,014

11,400,000

578,044

108,074

268,124,000 140,800,000

The five powers together, have in Europe, If the known world have 2,512,000 square miles, and 938,000,000 of inhabitants, then the five powers occupy one quarter of the terrestrial surface, and reign over two thirds of the human race.

If Europe contain upon 155,220 square miles, a population of 206,780,000 .inhabitants, then the five powers occupy more than three-fourths of the European territory and population.

The Empire of China, nevertheless, is more populous than all Europe together. The Spanish monarchy, before its dissolution, had thirty millions of inhabitants. THE POWERS COMPOSING THE HOLY ALLIANCE, with the exception of France, furnish us with no article of intelligence, that we think it important to report at present. THE GREEKS.—Letters from Zante and from Smyrna represent the Greeks as having lately sustained some serious reverses; and even express an opinion that the Turks will be victorious in the ensuing campaign. They affirm that Ulysses or Odysseus has proved treacherous and deserted with his army to the enemy. But other accounts directly contradict the whole of this, except what relates to Ulysses. We suspect the truth is, that the Greeks have sustained some partial losses, but by no means of the serious character represented in the letter to which we have referred. Time only can show what is the real state of facts. Of the ultimate success of the Grecian cause, if the Christian powers will let them alone, we have no fear. But we do fear that Russia and her allies will eventually prove the most formidable enemies of Grecian freedom.

ASIA.

The Burmese war continues and the English are still successful. The climate, however, as was to be expected, has proved fatal to a number of the English officers, as well as to the common soldiers-The number of the British killed in battle is very small. The statement relative to the assassination of the Burman emperor in his capital is not confirmed, but rather invalidated, by the last accounts. There seems little doubt that the whole Burman empire, including Siam, will eventually be added to the enormous territories of Britain in the East Indies-There is no recent information relative to the missionaries.

AFRICA.

A dreadful earthquake has been experienced in the north of Africa. A town belonging to the Dey of Algiers, and in the vicinity of his capital, has been entirely overwhelmed, and has buried most of its inhabitants in its ruins. The Dey has endeavoured to afford all the relief in his power. The American colony at Liberia, on the western coast, was in a prosperous and promising state at the last advices from that settlement. It will give pleasure to the friends of religion to see in the General Assembly's narrative, that a religious revival has taken place among the emigrants forming this interesting colony. Many captures have recently been made of French and Spanish slave vessels, by English and French ships of war.-In one captured vessel there were 370 slaves.

AMERICA.

PERU. The information referred to in a note in our last view-that the Spanish general Olaneta, or Olaneto, had made his submission to Bolivar-is confirmed. With the exception of the castle of Callao, the whole of Peru, the upper part as well as the rest, is now completely in the hands of the patriots. Callao is closely invested both by land and sea, and is not likely to hold out much longer.

BUENOS-AYRES.-A treaty has been formed by this republick and its associates with Great Britain, in which it is affirmed that a full toleration of religion is stipulated. This we regard as one of the most important events that has lately taken place in Southern America. There can be little real freedom where the rights of conscience are not held sacred; and where there is freedom of religious opinion, true religion will ultimately prevail and triumph.

COLOMBIA and MEXICO.-A treaty offensive and defensive has been formed and ratified between the Mexican and Colombian republicks. The parties mutually guaranty the integrity of their respective territories and dominions, as they existed at the commencement of the revolution. This is a most important measure, in reference both to domestick peace and to foreign aggression.-A treaty of union and confederation has also been signed between the republick of Colombia and "The United Provinces of Central America."-The Dutch government in Europe has recognised the independence of Colombia.-It appears that the Mexican government had entertained some design of an expedition against the island of Cuba, with a view to withdraw the Spanish forces from the famous castle of St. Juan de Ulloa; but it seems to be understood that this expedition is given up, in consequence of considerable reinforcements having lately been sent by Spain to Cuba.

HAYTI.-It appears that considerable discontent has taken place among the emigrants to Hayti; that a number have returned, and that more are wishing to do so. This we regard as a matter of course. The very same thing has happened, in hundreds of instances, with those who have voluntarily emigrated from Europe to the United States. Inconsiderate individuals emigrate with expectations that never can be realized, and on being disappointed, they complain loudly.—The industrious, whose anticipations of bettering their conditions were not exorbitant, remain and are satisfied. UNITED STATES.-In the political state of our country we have nothing new to report. Health prevails throughout our favoured land. About a month since, the fruits of the earth were threatened by an unusual period of cold and dry weather. But a merciful Providence has, since that time, given us rain in abundance and the genial influence of the sun-the one succeeding the other in the most favourable manner-so that there is now the fairest prospect of an abundant harvest.

The month past has been distinguished in our country, as well as in Britain, by the anniversary meetings of such a number of religious bodies, and charitable and benevolent associations, as would require many pages to give even an outline of the particular times when they met, and the result of their proceedings. These noiseless conventions of the pious, charitable and benevolent, and what they do for the good of mankind, are, we doubt not, viewed by Him "who ruleth over all," as far more glorious in themselves, and far more efficient as a defence to the countries where they take place, than armies and navies, however large and well appointed-more efficient than even the wisest legislation and political arrangements, if not accompanied with the blessing which is called down upon them by the alms and the prayers of Christian piety.

THE

CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE.

JULY, 1825.

Heligious Communications.

LECTURES ON THE SHORTER CATECHISM OF THE WESTMINSTER ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES-ADDRESSED TO YOUTH.

LECTURE XV.

We are now to consider the following answer of our catechism. "Our first parents, being left to the freedom of their own will, fell from the estate wherein they were created, by sinning against God." In discussing two or three of the previous answers, we have had occasion to say so much on the nature of that estate in which man was originally created, that it will not be necessary to add much to it here. It was an estate of perfect innocence, in which he had his standing under God, as his Lord and Creator; it was an estate in which he was perfectly conformed, in his measure, to the image of God; had intimate fellowship and communion with him; and an ample dominion over all the work of his hands in this lower world, the tree of knowledge of good and evil only excepted: It was an estate, too, in which he was bound to obedience by solemn covenant engagements, enforced, as was shown in the last lecture, by the awful sanctions of life and death, in all the various and extensive import of those terms; and in which he knew that his posterity, as well as himself, was to share. It was, in fine, an estate which he had full power given him to maintain; VOL. III. Ch. Adv:

since he could not lose it without the voluntary choice of evil; and since his will, though capable of choosing evil, was not only not inclined to it, but sweetly and perfectly disposed to the choice of good. Such being his estate, he was left to the freedom of his own will; and he fell by sinning against God.

How a being, formed and constituted as man was, should fall into sin,-how sin should ever come to be the choice of a perfectly free and holy soul,-is a problem on which the strongest minds have often tried their strength; and hitherto, so far as I know, they have tried it in vain. The origin of moral evil is, in every view that we can take of the subject, an inexplicable mystery. It is one of the arcana of the moral world. While no one can doubt or deny the fact, that it does exist,for I do not believe that even professed atheists doubt it,-yet to account for its existence, or to explain the process, or manner, in which it came into existence, is not, I suspect, within the reach of the human faculties, in the present life.

Will any one undertake to affirm that the Deity could not have preserved all his moral offspring from sim? We have no right to say that he could not. We are by no means sure that man might not have been made and preserved in a state of as perfect freedom as he actually possessed, and yet have been kept from 20

sin. And for myself I would not dare to say, that infinite wisdom, power and goodness, could not have formed a system, into which as much happiness should have entered, as will ever be found in our system, and yet that no moral evil should have entered with it.-I cannot tell what infinite wisdom, power and goodness, could perform. Thus does this subject transcend our powers, as it relates to the Creator.

It is also unsearchable, I think,

even as it relates to the creature.

How man, being perfectly holy, should fall in love with sin,-how the first sinful exercise or emotion, should gain admission to his heart; is a difficulty which at present we are unable to explain. If we suppose that we find some assistance in an explanation, from the circumstance that man was powerfully and most insidiously tempted-as he certainly was-still the question returns, how did his tempter become a sinner?-how did the angels, who kept not their first state, fall into transgression? Sin did not first take place on earth. It began in heaven, among an order of beings of much higher rank and nobler powers than those which we possess. How did rebellion against God first find its way into their powerful, and pure, and holy minds. And here, too, at least in regard to the first that fell, there was no tempter. What shall we say to these things? In reference to our Maker, we should say "O the depth of the riches, both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out." Yes, the judgments and the ways of God are past finding out. And yet, my young friends, let it be remembered, after all, that we know perfectly, all that we need to know on this very subject: yea, let it be remembered, that a murmuring desire to know more than God has made known on this subject, partakes of the nature of that very sin by which our first parents fell

the sin of wishing to be as Gods in our knowledge. We know assuredly that our Creator is perfectly holy, and perfectly opposed to all siu; that he is not and cannot be the author of it; that though he left man to sin, he did not incline him to it; and that on this very fall of man, is founded the whole work of redemption by Christ; which will exhibit the divine glory, and raise the redeemed of the Lord to the greatest heights of heavenly bliss, throughout eternity.

In regard to man, we know that although he was created perfect, yet he was also created mutable; that being mutable, he was capable of falling; that though we cannot explain the manner in which sin was conceived in his heart, yet that under the temptation of the devil, there it was conceived; that he did sin, and that freely; and that sinning he fell, and "brought death into the world and all our woe;" and that this whole transaction did actually take place, in such a manner as to leave the whole guilt of the fall resting on man and on his vile seducer. These are facts, clearly ascertained to us in scripture ; and they are all that it is of any practical use for us to know. If we could clearly understand all that is actually beyond our depth on this subject, what would be the consequence? It would make no alteration at all, in any one point of duty. It would then be our duty to act exactly as we are now called to act. Our knowledge might gratify curiosity, but it would not direct our practice. And it seems to be the character of the divine dispensations, and of the state of our knowledge at present-not only in regard to religion, but to every thing else that we should be acquainted with facts, and with the use that we are to make of them; but that we should be able to proceed but a very little way in any of our theories for their explanation. To be humbly submissive to this order, and con

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