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present volume from a perusal of the introductory chapter. Unless his mind has been in some degree perverted by the northern metaphysics, or his judgment warped by a deference to one or two distinguished characters, who have unfortunately afforded a precedent for the union of obscure writing and deep thinking, he will be in danger of concluding the work unworthy of his notice, and will be perhaps surprised at not meeting with any thing to justify the high commendations which have, in various quarters, been bestowed on these Remarks. On the first perusal, indeed, we are disposed to recommend a very unusual mode of procedure. We should advise our readers to begin at the 27th page; and then, with a little allowance for one or two Scotticisms, and a few peculiarities in the use of words, they may proceed very comfortably to the end of the volume, when they will certainly discover that it contains so much that is excellent and useful, so much originality, and so many old ideas placed in a new light, that they will as a matter of course turn instinctively to the first page, and reperuse the whole.

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Considering, however, the intrinsic value of the work, its extensive circulation, and its having been already translated and published in the French language, we cannot but deeply regret the repulsive effect of the first chapter. We are, indeed, plain men, and are in the habit of writing for plain men, for whose use such a style is exceedingly inappropriate. Yet when we recollect the state of things in Edinburgh, the peculiar modes of thought and of expression there prevalent, and the general character of the class of society for whom we apprehend the work was especially intended, we conceive the author might say much in his own defence; and as we entertain a very high respect for his ta

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It is indeed a striking and yet an undeniable fact, that we are comparatively little affected by abstract truths in morality. The cry of a child will produce a greater movement, in almost any mind, than

twenty pages of unanswerable reasoning. An instinctive acquaintance with this fact guides us in our dealings with our fellowcreatures; and He who formed the heart of man, has attested his revealed word, by through which persuasion and instruction showing his acquaintance with the channel might be most effectually communicated. It may therefore be useful to illustrate, at greater length, the analogy which exists between the persuasions of the Gospel, and those which might be fixed on as the most powerful arguments capable of being addressed to any human feelings on the subject of human interests.

Let us, then, present to ourselves a com

pany of men travelling along the seashore. One of them, better acquainted with the ground than the rest, warns them of quicksands, and points out to them a landmark which indicated the position of a dangerous pass. They, however, see no great reason for apprehension; they are anxious to get forwards, and cannot resolve

upon making a considerable circuit in order to avoid what appears to them an imaginary evil: they reject his counsel, and proceed onwards. In these circumstances, what argument ought he to use? persuasion can we imagine fitted to fasten reality of their danger, and the disinterested

What mode of

on their minds a strong conviction of the

benevolence of their adviser? His words have been ineffectual; he must try some other method; he must act. And he does so; for, seeing no other way of prevailing on them, he desires them to wait only a single moment, till they see the truth of

his warning confirmed by his fate. He goes before them; he puts his foot on the seemingly firm sand, and sinks to death. This eloquence is irresistible: he was the most active and vigorous amongst them; if any one could have extricated himself from the difficulty, it was he; they are persuaded; they make the necessary circuit, bitterly accusing themselves of the death of their generous companion; and during their progress, as often as these landmarks occur, his nobleness and their own danger rise to their minds, and secure their safety. Rashness is now not perilous merely,—it is ungrateful: it is making void the death of their deliverer.

To walk without God in the world, is to walk in sin; and sin is the way of danger. Men had been told this by their own consciences, and they had even partially and occasionally believed it; but still they walked on. Common arguments had failed'; the manifestations of the divine character in creation and providence, and the testimony of conscience, had been in a great measure disregarded: it thus secmed necessary, that a stronger appeal should be made to their understanding and their feelings. The danger of sin must be more strikingly and unequivocally demonstrated; and the alarm excited by this demonstration must be connected with a more kindly and generous principle, which may bind their affections to that God from whom they have wandered. But how is this to be done? What more prevailing appeal can be made? Must the almighty Warner demonstrate the evil of sin, by undergoing its effects? Must he prove the danger, of sin, by exhibiting himself as a sufferer under its consequences? Must He who knew no sin suffer as a sinner, that he might persuade men that sin is indeed an evil? It was eren so. God be came man, and dwelt amongst us. He himself encountered the terrors of guilt, and bore its punishment; and called on his careless creatures to consider and understand the evil of sin, by contemplating even its undeserved effects on a being of perfect purity, who was over all, God blessed for

ever.

Could they hope to sustain that weight which had crushed the Son of God? Could they rush into that guilt and that danger against which he had so pathetically warned them? Could they refuse their hearts and their obedience to Him who had proved himself so worthy of their confidence? especially when we consider that this great Benefactor is ever present, and sees the acceptance which this history of his compassion meets with in every breast, rejoicing in those whose spirits are purified by it, and still holding out the warning of his example to the most regardless.-Pp. 63-67.

The love of God is the radical principle

of the Christian character; and to implant this principle, is the grand object and the distinct tendency of the Christian doctrines. And it may be proper here to repeat an observation which has been already much insisted on, that this love is not a vaguc affection for an ill-defined object, but a sentiment of approbation and attachment to a distinctly defined character. The Bible calls us to the exercise of this affection, by setting before us a history of the unspeakable mercy of God towards man. At first sight, it might seem impossible to conceive any way in which the mercy of God could be very strikingly or affectingly manifested towards his creatures. His omnipotence and unbounded sovereignty make every imaginable gift cheap and easy to him. The pardon of the sins committed by such feeble worms, seems no great stretch of compassion in so great and so unassailable a monarch. God knew the heart of man. He knew that such would be his reasonings; and he prepared a work of mercy, which might in all points meet these conceptions. God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son for its salvation. His was not the benevolence which gives an unmissed mite out of a boundless store it was a self-sacrificing benevolence, which is but meagerly shadowed forth by any earthly comparison. We admire Codrus sacrificing his life for his country; we admire the guide plunging into the quicksand to warn and save his companions; we admire the father suffering the sentence of his own law in the stead of his son; we admire Regulus submitting to voluntary torture for the glory of Rome: but the goodness of God, in becoming man, and suffering, the just for the unjust, that he might demonstrate to them the evil of sin, that he might attract their affections to his own character, and thus induce them to follow him in the way of happiness-was a goodness as much superior to any human goodness, as God is above man, or as the eternal happiness of the soul is above this fleeting existence; and, if believed, must excite a proportionate degree of admiration and gratitude.

The active and cordial love of our fellow creatures is the second Christian duty. And can this sentiment be more powerfully impressed upon us, than by the fact, that Christ's blood was shed for them as well as for ourselves; and by the consideration, that this blood reproaches us with the basest ingratitude, when we feel or act maliciously or even slightingly, towards those in whom our heavenly Benefactor took so deep an interest? Under the sense of our Lord's continual presence, we shall endeavour to promote even their temporal welfare; but, above all, we shall be earnest for the good of their souls, which he died to redeem.-Pp. 142–144.

RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE.

BIBLE SOCIETIES.

LIMA, SOUTH AMERICA. AMIDST the darkness and desolation which prevail so extensively in South America, we hear with the utmost satisfaction, that there exists a very earnest desire to obtain Bibles, Testaments, and other books of religious and general information. At Lima recently several hundreds of Spanish Bibles and Testaments were eagerly purchased in two or three days; and the demand was so great, that an eye-witness states, had there been many thousands they would all have been sold. The Bible Society, with its accustomed promptness, are sending out a large consignment of Testaments, which they are enabled to do immediately, in consequence of the distribution of a considerable impression printed at Barcelona for the use of Old Spain, having been impeded by the exertions of the late Inquisition. We trust the time shall soon come, when from the east even to the west, and from the north unto the south, the Word of the Lord shall have free course, and be glorified.

CALCUTTA AUXILIARY BIBLE SOCIETY.

Amongst the earliest occurrences of the year, the proceedings record the completion of the Malay Old Testament, revised by the Rev. Mr. Hutchings; and the Committee have the pleasure to add, that nearly the whole of the impression, after the copies had been strongly bound at Serampore, is now on its way to its destination; namely,

983 do. 1941 do.

do.

779 Malay Bibles in the Roman character. 1078 do. do. Arabic do. Tests. in the Roman do. Arabic do. Of the English Scriptures, 373 Bibles and 428 Testaments are numbered among the deliveries at the depository. This number is small, in comparison with that of some former years, but the reason is obvious. After having once furnished the great stations with books, and supplied the charity-schools and hospitals, a large increasing demand cannot be reasonably expected. Add to this, that by the happy establishment of the Calcutta Diocesan Committee of the Society for promoting Christian Knowledge, an extensive circulation has been given to the English Scriptures throughout the country.

In the last year, the bookseller's accounts exhibit issues of above 12,000 copies of the Scriptures, in the native languages. Of these, about 4000 were copies of the New Testament, and the remainder, single Gospels.

The sum total of the Scriptures, in all the various languages above-mentioned, MARCH 1823.

sent forth during the year, amounts to about 17,155.

The altered version in Hinduwee being also taken into consideration, the Society stands pledged for works, the expenses of which are equal to the average subscriptions at 14,000 rupees. In the last year, however, they have scarcely amounted to 12,000. No particular effort has been made; and several of the usual remittances, from a distance, have not yet been received. Under these circumstances, the Committee observe, that the Treasurer's abstract exhibits a balance of above 1490 rupees against the Society. They are far from being discouraged, however, and confidently leave the wants of this interesting charity to the liberal consideration of its friends, and the public at large. Having fully stated their case, they do not anticipate any difficulty in realizing the funds necessary for the works actually undertaken, and also for such new emergencies as may arise. 9

The Committee then advert to the proceedings of the recently formed Auxiliary Society at Madras, as exhibited in their first printed Report, and remark that they have nobly entered upon their work, and by the judicious appointment of a Sub-Committee from their number, as a Committee for Translations, have invested their proceedings with a character of gravity and prudence, which cannot but secure the public confidence, and excite the liveliest hopes of the permanent utility of their exertions.

When all the details of these proceedings, so diversified and so extensive, and the correspondence from all parts of the world which arise out of them, are seriously considered, no doubt can be entertained, that the Almighty is preparing his own way for the accomplishment of the Scriptures of truth. We see nations very remote and dissimilar, united for the sacred purpose of healing the disorders of the world. Ancient feuds and jealousies are forgotten in the strenuous competition of love. Individuals, distinguished for their rank, learning, and piety, from nearly all the kingdoms of the world, are approximated in a communion of Christian councils and a co-operation of Christian labours. Comparing these things with the sure word of prophecy, remembering that it is written, "All the ends of the world shall remember, and turn unto the Lord; and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee;" who can forbear to acknowledge the finger of God, and to rejoice in hope, that "his glory will be revealed, and that all flesh shall see it together?"

It is an animating and refreshing spec

Q

tacle, when nations not only beat their swords into ploughshares, and spears into pruning-hooks; but, as it were, call upon each other in the language of the prophet, "O come ye, and let us walk in the light

SOCIETY FOR THE RELIEF

We have just received the annual statement of the above valuable institution, which is proceeding with the utmost assiduity in its work of mercy. The numerous distressing applications, in consequence partly of the diminished value of agricultural produce, have induced the Committee to expend no less than TwO THOUSAND and EIGHTY POUNDS in the relief of poor pious clergy and their widows; a larger sum than they have ever before distributed, and far exceeding their subscriptions and donations. It is, therefore, obvious, that they must still look to those who feel a tender attachment to the faithful minister of Christ for the supply of those funds, without which the Society must necessarily contract its efforts.

Twenty-nine cases are appended to the Report, of which the following may serve as a specimen.

"My low circumstances constrain me to apply to your Society once more for a little help in my pilgrimage, which you have before liberally afforded me; by your so doing I have been kept at my post honourably, and been able to bring up my family with some degree of credit, as a minister ought to do if possible. I have now but FOUR of my eight children living; the other four it has pleased my good and gracious God to take to himself, and their godly mother likewise, out of "the miseries of this sinful world." I have, through infinite mercy, been more blessed in my family than many. Before they left the world, their mother and myself were careful to instil into their infant minds the principles of our holy religion

, which the Lord in mercy did bless to them far beyond our expectations. I wish all Christians were more careful in bringing up their children; I doubt not, but they would reap the fruit of it to their comfort. My salary is about NINETY pounds a year..... We have six in family -depending on me."

"My incumbent with a large family continues to be very poor, which, unfortunately for me, involves me in difficulties. Out of FORTY pounds, my annual but nominal income, I received no more than half the sum for the last twelve months. The parishioners are kind people, but as they are poor, they can afford me but little assistance. They are in general attending my ministry, and the church is pretty full every Sunday. The Sunday school is thrive ing, and the number of communicants in

of the Lord." May the peace be perpetual, and progressively distinguished by such exertions, until the "earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea!"

OF POOR PIOUS CLERGYMEN.

creasing; but as I have a WIFE and FOUR young children dependent upon my stipend solely for livelihood, I find that I must, though much against my will (unless I be helped from some quarter or another), undergo, before long, the very grievous task of being separated from this kind people."

"The necessity of my circumstances excites me to make application to the Society

-Like my blessed Lord and Master, I continue, it being his gracious will, in a low estate in this world, tried with the painful incumbrances of debts. I have a family of TEN children to support with a salary of fifty pounds per annum. The harvest last year was so bad, that the corn was much damaged and almost spoiled, and I shall be obliged to buy corn till the next harvest.... I trust I shall be considered a proper object of your charitable relief; and that the Lord will bless and prosper all my benefactors, is the earnest prayer of, &c."

"Being in very distressed circumstances, and feeling unwilling to make a disclosure of them to any other person, I have at length resolved to lay my case before you, for the information of the benevolent Society for whom you act as Secretary. In reply to the questions contained in your circular, I beg leave to state as follows: THIRTY pounds per annum salary-no private income-number of congregation between three and four hundred-number of communicants when I first came to the parish two years ago were 9, now between 50 and 60-one Sunday school superintended by myself. I have distributed many Bibles, Testaments, and Prayer Books, to nearly all the population. Rooms and board I could not obtain at less than 40%. per annum, besides expenses of tea, washing, wearing apparel, &c.”

"Yesterday I received your favour inIclosing a Bank bill of My dear partner and myself were astonished, and overpowered with gratitude, at the bounty of your Committee, and the kindness of a I trust the mercy gracious Providence.

will make a deep and lasting impression on my mind, and cause me to be more diligent in the service of so good a Master..... Were it not for the generous relief afforded by your Committee I should be in great distress, and the cares and anxieties of my situation would have followed me into my closet and my pulpit; but through their liberality, I now go on my knees with grati̟

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WE mentioned in our last having prepared for insertion an extract from the Address of the Society of Friends, on the subject of the Slave Trade; and we have for some time wished to call the attention of our readers to the valuable Report of the African Institution, which is on every account worthy of far more extensive support than it has yet attained; but we have just been favoured with a series of extracts from the Sierra Leone Gazettes, which show in a very striking manner the awful extent to which the criminal and detestable traffic in human flesh is at present carried. We are therefore induced to

omit the Address and Report before adverted to, and confine our attention to these extracts.

It appears, from official returns, that in about twelve weeks His Majesty's vessels on the coast of Africa captured eleven slave ships, containing 1993 slaves, and during the same period visited sixteen others, prepared to contain 4910, but which either from not having slaves on board (which is necessary to constitute a legal capture), or from some other technical cause, the officers were compelled to relinquish. In the space of eight days, H. M. brig Thistle, commanded by Lieut. Hagan, captured two vessels containing 416 slaves, and visited eight others prepared for 2792 more; and H. M. ship Driver, Capt. Woolrige, on another occasion visited twelve vessels prepared for 5791 slaves, of which he captured two, having on board 395. Now, when it is recollected, that every precaution. is taken by the slave-dealers to guard against being surprised by His Majesty's vessels, that by landing their slaves at the approach of a British ship they can often prevent capture, and by keeping their slaves on shore in the neighbourhood, and not receiving them on board till the British ship is out of the way, the wind fair, and other circumstances convenient, they may with very considerable certainty elude detection; it is perfectly obvious, that the ships visited must bear a very small proportion to those who escape untouched. And when, in addition, it is recollected, that the French will not allow us to visit their ships, and that thus any venal wretch, by assuming a white flag and French papers, may carry on his murderous traffic with almost certain impunity, it will appear that the number exported of our fellow-creatures is most dreadful. There is good reason to conclude, that not

vide.' Often did I assure her, that HE cared for us. Now have we found, by blessed experience, that he doth indeed. provide, that he doth indeed care for us."

TRADE.

less than ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND AFRICANS have been torn from their native country, and hurried into the most wretched slavery, during the course of the last

year.

Many of these victims of inhuman cupidity are released by death from the hands of their merciless masters, as indeed might reasonably be expected from merely considering the way in which they are stowed, which will sufficiently appear from the following cases.

The Case of the Portuguese Schooner San José Hallacca.

"The Portuguese schooner San José Hallacca, prize to Lieutenant Hagan of the Thistle, and condemned in the Mixed Court, affords a melancholy instance of the unfeeling and atrocious manner in which the slave-trade is carried on to leeward. This schooner, or rather schooner boat, did not measure seven tons burden, was only twenty-eight feet long, and the space over the water-casks, in which the miserable slaves in irons were stowed, was barely seventeen inches in height!

that

The

"From the information obtained by Lieutenant Hagan in the river Calabar, and corroborated by the evidence taken in this' colony, it appears that thirty negroes were put on board this boat in the Calabar; they were at sea nearly two months without being able to make Princes, when they put back to Calabar with the loss of ten negroes literally starved and crushed to death. It was at this period the boats of the Thistle made the seizure, and rescued the remaining twenty from the grasp of Duke Ephraim, in whose possession they then were. state to which these poor creatures were reduced when received on board the Thistle, Lieutenant Hagan describes as most dreadful; the action of the irons on their arms and ankles, and the sores produced by the small casks on which they were stowed, added to their extreme state of emaciation and debility, presented altogether such a spectacle of horror and suffering humanity, as that officer, long as he had been on this coast, never before witnessed. Six or eight of these victims of slave-dealing cupidity, died on board the Thistle on the passage to this port; the remainder were, of course, placed in the hospitals, where we understand they are in a fair way of recovery."

Report of Lieutenant Hagan of the

Thistle. "The Thistle, during her last cruises

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