why I had been preserved. Truly, God “ I watched the sun sink slowly behind loves us better than we love ourselves. the Jura ; the shadows of twilight spread “And is there care in heaven? and is the recesses of the mountains at the

gradually over the water, and deepen in there love,

head of the lake; and when, still later, In heavenly spirits, to these creatures the stars had begun to glimmer upon the base,

calm surface and I turned to descend into That may compassion for their evils the village, I could still descry the snows move?

of the Dent du Midi gleaming aloft in the There is :-else much more wretched twilight, and tinged with the lingering were the case

hues of departed day.” pp. 304.307. Of men, than beasts. But O the ex

We lament that there is not a ceeding grace Of highest God! who loves his crea- larger proportion of such reflections, tures so,

which might have been exalted And all his works with mercy doth still bigher, even to the highest embrace,

elevation of Christian doctrine and That blessed angels he sends to and fro, To serve to wicked men, to serve his spiritual feeling. The scenes dewicked foe.

scribed would well have admitted How oft do they their silver bowers of this ; and if our author or our leave,

readers would see how beautifully, To come and succour us, that succour

how pathetically, how naturally, want? How oft do they, with silver pinions,

the blessed promises of Scripture, cleave

and the intimacies of the spiritual The flitting skies, like flying pur- life, comport with the diary of a suivant,

Christian traveller, let them read Against foul fiends to aid us militant ? They for us fight, they watch, and duly

the journal of Henry Martyn, ward;

especially that most affecting pasa And their bright squadrons round sage, his last entry in the orchard at about us plant :

Tocat. The charm of such a passage And all for love, and nothing for re

is, that it rises far above religious ward! O how can gracious God to man have sentimentalism, into devout feryour such regard !

and true spirituality. The heart “ The outlines of the vast and magni. mused; and the lips would have ficent scene displayed around the head of spoken, but that there was none but the lake of Geneva, are easy to describe ; God to hear ; but the pen traced the but no pen and no pencil can embody and

warm feeling on the tablet, and the pourtray the beauty and delicious colour; fellow-pilgrim who travels on the ing of the picture, as the hand of God has painted it. Vevay, Clarens, and journey reads the record, and lifts Chillon, are names, which among thou- up his head giving glory to God. sands in the surrounding nations, as well Thus felt the inspired Psalmist, and as our own, have become inseparably his glowing effusions have been linked with the idea of beauty: the mere mention of them seems to bring sun

handed down for the consolation of shine upon the memory:

future ages.

LITERARY AND PHILOSOPHICAL INTELLIGENCE.

GREAT BRITAIN.

We feel pained and grieved at such lanA PAMPHLET with a gross and offensive guage, in whatever cause employed-wbe. title has been sent us, addressed to the ther in an anti-slavery pamphlet; or in Society for the Propagation of the Go- the Record calling Mr. O'Connell a fiend spel, relative to their West-India slave incarnate. We think it right, however, to estates. We only allude to it, without add, that our rebuke to the writer of specifying its title, for the sake of ex- this pamphlet does not spring from any pressing our extreme concern that any

а

who does not do all that in him lies to of spirit-drinking, are appalling beyond terminate so unjust and unchristian a conception; and the only way, we are persystem : and the crime will become great- suaded, in which it is practicable to stem ly augmented, after the explicit admission the torrent, is by rightly instructing all in the late Special Report of the bounden classes of society, and particularly the duty of putting an end to slavery, and the poor, upon the subject; shewing them the proofs which we urged-and which no guilt and folly of the practice; convincing member of the Society has attempted to them that ardent spirits, instead of inrefute-of the safety of so doing ; and creasing strength, are as injurious to the which are now further corroborated by the health as to the morals of the victim ; declarations of his Majesty's Government, and enlisting them, from conscience, conwho have emancipated the Crown slaves viction, and habit, on the side of total abwithout a shadow of the alleged bloodshed, stinence from them. It appears to us massacre, and other evils, with which that all other means—such as imposing some advocate for slavery has contrived higher taxes, and preventing the facilities to terrify some of the Reverend and Right of sale—are of comparatively little use. Reverend friends of the Society. We The poor have too long been treated as chiladopt from our hearts, in relation to sla- dren, to be coerced into sobriety ; not led very, the words of Mr. Pitt, in one of to govern themselves as men and as Chrishis speeches on the slave-trade. “Why tians. If a poor man can buy beer cheaply ought the slave-trade to be abolished? next door, we do not think that a legisBecause it is incurable injustice. How much lature has any right to force him to buy stronger, then, is the argument for imme- it dearly further off.

Under such a sysdiate than gradual abolition! By allowing tem self-controul not exercised; and it to continue even for one hour, do not my the man's abstinence from intoxication is right honourable friends weaken-do not not a moral virtue, but only a physical they desert—their own argument of its necessity, for which he revenges himself injustice ? If, on the ground of injustice, by getting drunk whenever he has an opit ought to be abolished at last, why ought portunity. We see this exemplified in it not now? Why is injustice to be suffered the excesses which have followed throwto remain for a single hour?"_Why in- ing, open the trade in beer. The poor deed? The Society, however, give

had not been taught to govern themselves, reason—namely, to set the planters a and hence, like ill-managed children let good example of the right management of loose, they have rushed into mischief. slaves. This they have not the power to

The proper corrective of this evil is the do, as a corporation West-Indian estate course pursued by temperance societies; must be peculiarly liable to mismanage- not locking up beer and spirits, and irriment. But even allow the plea : what does tating men's minds by unnecessary taxes it amount to ? Setting the planters an

and restrictions, but inducing them, upon example of a Christian way of perpetu- rational and religious principles, to use ating injustice; retaining the profit of their liberty without injury to themselves men-stealers, yet avoiding their guilt and or others. This is the course which has punishment.

been taken in the United States of AmeMiss Joanna Baillie, we lament to state, rica, with such powerful effect that thouhas published a work in favour of Socini. sands of drunkards have been reclaimed, anism, under the inappropriate title of numerous distilleries are closed, many « The Nature and Dignity of Christ.” We taverns refuse to supply ardent spirits, notice the circumstance lest the name of and not a few vessels put to sea for long Miss Baillie, and the misnomer in the voyages without any distilled liquor on title, should lead any reader to purchase board, except in the medicine chest. The the volume expecting better things. The American temperance societies strongly work contains only the common-places deprecate legislative interference; con. of the Unitarian heresy, and does no

vinced that were the slightest legal recredit to the talents of the gifted writer; striction interposed the evil would revive or to the zealous suffrages of the Gen- in all its force. tleman's Magazine, which, we lament to The temperance societies do say, under a profession of attachment to interfere with moderate wine-drinking ; the Church of England, has of late years but if any of their members are prepared strongly countenanced heterodoxy and to follow up truth to the fountain-head, bitterly opposed Evangelical truth. we recommend them to turn their atten

We rejoice to witness the rapid pro- tion to this section of the subject. Every gress of Temperance Societies, from medical man, we believe, without excepwhich we augur great benefit to the pre- tion, who has written or spoken on the sent and succeeding generations. A cen- subject of temperance societies, either tral one has recently been formed in in America or Great Britain, has deLondon, under the patronage of the clared that the difference between wine Bishop of the diocese ; and associations, and spirit drinking is only a question of we trust, will speedily be instituted in degree; that a gentleman who takes reevery parish and village of the kingdom. ğularly only what is considered a moThe evils of drunkenness, and especially derate quantity of the strong wines ordi

not

narily used in this country, consumes readers doubt it in their own case, let more alcohol than a poor man who resorts them consult an honest and well-informed two or three times a-day to the dram- physician, who will not administer a plashop; and that very rarely does a case cebo for a fee. They may also read with occur in which the health and spirits advantage a pamphlet just published on would not be permanently benefited by “ The Wine System of Great Britain," a total abstinence from all alcoholized and the publications of the Temperance beverages and stimulants. If any of our Societies.

RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE.
GENEVA.

before God, on account of the apathy The Company of Pastors has published prevailing in the churches and throughout the discussion between themselves and the nation on a subject of such transcendM. Gaussen. Though it professes to ant importance. Still they cherish sanrelate only to a point of ecclesiastical dis- guine hopes, that both in their own country cipline, it bears on its front the ominous and in Europe, by the blessing of God, character of the prevailing theology of much good will be effected. They allude Geneva, and which is the more to be with great pleasure to the society recently deplored, on account of the great number established in London ; particularly as of ministers, French as well as natives, that institution is founded strictly on: who receive their education at that uni. Scriptural principles, viewing the Lord'sversity. Alas! what will Professor Che day as of Divine obligation, and not a neviere, in particular, have to account for, mere matter of expediency. The comin relation to those young men whose mittee lament that law of the United initiation into the antichristian mysteries States which provides that all the postof Neologism has been conducted under his offices in the country shall be opened auspices! The Company, in this official every Sabbath, and trust that the people document, speak of the doctrines “called may be brought to see that the stability orthodox,” and declare that it is probable of the laws of the state essentially dethat“ the immense majority of the pastors pends upon a solemn recognition and have renounced, in a great number of devout observance of the laws of God. points, the doctrine and discipline of The Report nex states the results of Calvin.” Under this vague expression, several inquiries proposed to clerical and it must be borne in mind, are included lay gentlemen in various parts of the the sinfulness and condemnation of man- United States, soliciting information and kind; justification only through faith in asking advice. The replies shew that the sacrifice of Christ; regeneration by far too little has been done by the prothe Holy Spirit; and the doctrine of the fessed friends of the Sabbath, but that Trinity. These doctrines, the Pastors beneficial results have been produced, expressly state, are not now to be found both upon friends and enemies, by the in their Catechism, and they think that formation and publications of the Union. they ought not to be there. Thus we The discipline in the churches for the have now their own admission of their offence of Sabbath-breaking is stated to having renounced several of the funda- be very lax; and it is added, that the exmental and essential articles of the faith. ceptionable example of persons professing There is now no room for the plea of am religion greatly emboldens others to still biguity; there is no necessity to collate grosser violations. The committee are their modernised catechism in proof of fully convinced that a great work reheresy; they acknowledge that the doc- mains to be done by the friends of their trines“ called orthodox are not there! country and of religion. The anniverWhat, then, remains, but to arise and do saries and publications of the society, their first works, and to endeavour, by and the discussions of the Sabbath questhe grace of God, to restore their church tion, have drawn public attention to the to that purity from which it has fallen? awful delinquencies that prevail, and

shewn the necessity of continual efforts AMERICAN

to rescue the Lord's-day from obliteration, CHRISTIAN SABBATH UNION. They add ;

The third Report of this much-needed Pursuing their steady march, with Society is a most valuable document, and prayer and dependence upon God, it is contains much useful information relative yet in the power of the friends of the to the efforts in progressfor the due obsery- Redeemer to rally around them all the ance of the Lord's-day. The committee friends of good order, of rational freedom, have found the work committed to them and of enlightened piety, for sustaining arduous : difficulties have multiplied on the Christian Sabbath, and thus sustainevery side : and they call upon the mem- ing all our civil and religious institutions, bers of the society to humble themselves Let it be said, then, with affectionate

1831.]
View of Public Afairs.

earnestness, to professing Christians : Earnestly do we echo from this side of
People of the living God ! you who have the Atlantic the warnings and exhorta-
been redeemed by the blood of Christ! tions of our Western friends. We would
awake, repent, and entirely reform; for respectfully recommend the Institution
without your consistent example, vain lately formed in London, to follow the
will it be to attempt the reformation of example of the American society in issuing
others. The desecration of the Sabbath a list of inquiries, with a view both to
will go on and increase, until you manifest obtain information and to concentrate the
to the world that the Sabbath is to you a efforts of all the friends to the cause
delight, holy of the Lord, and honourable, throughout the empire. The Society is
and that you prize it infinitely more than yet scarcely known: otherwise we are
gain, or any secular enjoyment. Like a convinced that it would already have ob-
band of brethren, then, stand forth for tained wide and ample support throughout
the preservation of this sacred day, on the country, especially on the part of those
the right observance of which God has of the clergy who are really anxious for
suspended the temporal and eternal welfare the glory of God and the spiritual welfare
of our country and the world.”

of mankind.

VIEW OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS.

ers.

THE Reform Bill proceeds deliberately. power in its own sphere, that a repre-
Its chief provisions have already been sentation becomes unfair.
agreed to by the House of Commons- The admirable Church-building Bill
namely, the disfranchisement of the small introduced by the Bishop of London
er boroughs ; the limitation of the next embodies almost every thing that, under
class to a single member; the appointment all the circumstances, is desirable. The
of the new places to be represented ; and chief difficulty is the irresponsible veto
the intended qualifications for the elective afforded to each individual bishop. It is
franchise, and, in particular, throwing it argued, that, in the present state of public
open, for the towns, to all 101. household- opinion, and with the right of petition to

The subordinate details are com- Parliament in case of grievance, this is plicated, and some may still be altered : not likely to be abused.

We hope not; it will be time enough to give an abstract but, to guard against such a possible conof the whole should it pass into a law. tingency, we think that the bishop should Two of its provisions have caused much be obliged to state his reasons for refusal ; dissatisfaction among many of the friends and if the parties are not satisfied with of reform : the one, the division of coun- them, that they should be allowed an apties, urged by ministers; and the other, the peal to the archbishop. We see no posgift of a vote for counties to 50l. agri- sible objection to this provision ; for if a cultural tenants at will, forced upon them bishop has not a reason for his veto that by a majority against their wish. Both will bear putting into writing, he ought these provisions, it is urged, tend to defeat not to be allowed to act upon it. We one main object of the bill, and to give defer our outline of the bill till it has to large land owners the power of com

received its final amendments. manding the local constituency. Now it There are two Irish mitres vacant, in appears to us that there is no valid ob- consequence of the deaths of the Bishop jection-quite the contrary——to property of Derry and the Archbishop of Dublin. finding its natural influence. If a tenantry, Had we been aware of the probability of for whatever reason, choose to vote for this last event, we might have omitted or their landlord or his friend, the public postponed, as inopportune, some remarks have no right to interfere between the by one of our correspondents, in a former parties : all that can in justice be done is page of this number, on his Grace's highly to extend the right of voting somewhat valuable work on the Atonement. His largely, as is now to be effected: the in- Grace was pleased to say in that treatise, justice was not in allowing A. or B. to that “the Christian Observer is a work disuse his local weight in the decayed bo- tinguished for the uprightness and talent rough of C. or D., but in giving C. or with which it is conducted ;” and we have D. the privilege of returning members, no reason to think, that, had he seen our and denying it to Birmingham, Man- correspondent's remarks, they would have chester, and

other populous places. Let induced him to retract his testimonial. We our great land-owners enjoy the influence may have another occasion of referring to their estates confer ; they have a stake in this learned, active, and much-lamented the country equal to their amount of pro- prelate. perty: but let them not wish to make We have no space at present for Foreign their privilege exclusive. It is by one Intelligence; otherwise the events class of a community shutting out others, France, Belgium, Holland, Portugal, and and not by each using its own natural elsewhere, offer an ample field for serious

in

remark. President Mouro died on the a solemn lesson, that three out of the four
fourth of last July, the anniversary of the deceased presidents have expired on that
United States' independence. It is a anniversary of their glory.
remarkable coincidence, and may furnish

1

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.
T. N.; VERITAS; A. D.; BETA; J. W.; THEOGNIS; R. H. ; PATEFACTUS;

PRÆMONSTRATOR; A SLUGGARD; A. H.; No PARTY-MAN; M. H.; A CHRIS-
TIAN OBSERVER; J. S. H. ; AN INVALID MissIONARY; J. K. S; T.; J. M.;

and E. M. B. ; are under consideration.
We are much obliged to several friendly advisers, and hope to profit by their sug-

gestions.
Having received from CAPTAIN GORDON a note, stating that we have made upon him

“ a most unprovoked, wanton, and insidious attack," and demanding space in the
present Number for “a full and particular reply,” we wrote to him, expressing
* our willingness at all times to insert a correction of any mistake which can be
shewn to bave been made in our pages," and have, at considerable inconvenience, kept
open our Number to the latest moment for that purpose, but have not received the
promised communication. We state this to prevent misrepresentation, and in justice
both to Captain Gordon and ourselves. He has, however, found a volunteer
defender in the Record newspaper, whose “ attack" upon us in this and other
instances we are not careful to answer. We are quite content to bear, with wiser
and better men, our share of the reproaches of the Record; whose promised labours
we rejoiced to recommend to our readers, but whose subsequent course, much to
our grief, has prevented our repeating that recommendation; though we still kept
silence, hoping even yet that a better mind might be infused into its columns, and
that it might become an instrument of_great good, instead of contention and evil.
We shall still pursue the same course. Indeed it were vain to remonstrate with the
conductors of a publication so wedded to partizanship as, on the one hand, to allow
Captain Gordon to state in their columns that the members of the Bible Society
seem to be labouring under Satanic influence, and to aver, with him, that the annual
public meeting, including hundreds of well-known Clergymen and Dissenting minis-
ters, and the vast body, male and female, of the usual attendants on our religious anni-
versaries, was a “packed ” assembly; and yet, on the other, because we happened
to express our regret at the unhappy spirit which so often arises when Captain
Gordon comes forward in public proceedings, assails us in a tone of reckless in-
justice, of which we shall only say that we mourn to witness it in a newspaper
professing to be devoted to the cause of God and his truth. We, however, grieve
to add, that this spirit runs too much throughout the whole file of its folios ; so
that, opening at almost any part, we might write,“ Si monumentum quæris circun-
spice." Do the conductors of the Record really believe what they affirm, when,
not only falsifying facts, but unjustly attributing corrupt motives, they aver that
the Christian Observer has written as it has done respecting some of Captain
Gordon's public proceedings (for we have not breathed a line in disparagement of
his private life, character, or religious sentiments), “ because the fair fame of the
Observer in the res of Mr. O'Connell, Mr. William Smith, Mr. Long Pole
Wellesley, who was brought into parliament through the energetic exertions of the
Observer's Dissenting allies, and of Friends, we are sorry to say, among others,
would be tarnished; or possibly in the eyes of Lord Brougham, and that cabinet
which has recently met on seven Lord's-days in succession for the dispatch of
business. It is well, we dare say, for the Observer to maintain its character in
such quarters for good judgment and prudence." We ask, do the conductors of
this newspaper, professing to be religious, and therefore to bridle their tongues and
pens, believe one word of this? They cannot ; for the whole of it, from first to
fast, is mere fiction ; its assertion is wholly gratuitous ; it has not a peg for such a
tale to hang upon; we know not even so much as to what it purports to allude. The
Christian Observer fears, says the Record, lest its fair fame should be tarnished
with Mr. O'Connell, Mr. William Smith, and Mr. Wellesley. The extravagance
of such a declaration would have prevented any other journal than the Record
affirming it; for we have not the slightest acquaintance, even to touching our bats,
with any one of those individuals ; nor are we aware that any one of them ever read
or saw a single page of our work. So, also, what the editor of the Record would
insinuate in saying that some allies of ours brought Mr. Wellesley into parliament,
we cannot so much as conjecture; for we know absolutely nothing of these sup-
posed allies, or of Mr. Wellesley's election, or the name of any one of bis voters,
or that any one of them had ever seen or heard of our work. So, again, we never
spoke even casually to Lord Brougham, or to any one member of the present