give to this argument. It might be called a new kind of argumentum ad hominem; an argument that must be convincing of course to the man who uses it, but which cannot possibly have the least influence on any other man, whose feelings do not correspond with those of the professor. It has the advantage of being short and always ready for use, but labours under the disadvantage of many other arguments, that they can be turned with all their force against him who employs them. If another man should say, I have felt strong moral disapprobation of myself for possessing a nature so evil, that it gives rise to innumerable evil thoughts, and as all men are constituted alike, I assume it as a fact, that all others have experienced the same-would not his argument be valid against the theory defended in these discourses? But perhaps the professor would say, that no man ever was conscious of such a feeling. Here we are at issue with him. We will not presume to set up our experience in opposition to that of the respectable writer, but we will undertake to produce hundreds of judicious and upright men, who will avow what has been stated above, as their daily experience. Now, whose conscience is correct in its decisions, in regard to this point, is a thing not to be determined by any one man's experience; no, not even by that of a professor of theology. This first argument therefore is, beyond all controversy, inconclusive, until the important fact in question is settled. Or, to say the least, however it may affect others, it cannot possibly have any weight with us, and with others whose minds are constituted like ours, and who are conscious of a moral disapprobation of depraved principles in the mind; meaning by principles, something antecedent to our volitions, and from which they take their character. If we are wrong in our judgment of this matter, we suffer a great deal of unnecessary pain and humiliation, from which the professor must be entirely exempt; but we cannot help it. This is our candid opinion, after the most careful examination of our own hearts. We admit, indeed, that sin in the heart previously to action, is latent, and that while it remains so, we can have no direct consciousness of it. But when, by a succession of evil acts it betrays itself, we are as certain of its existence as of the acts of which we are conscious; and we have no more doubt about the depravity of the principle than of the acts which proceed from it: just as when from a concealed fountain, poisonous streams issue, we are assured that the fountain itself is poisoned; or when we find bitter and unwholesome fruit produced by a tree, although the nature of the tree is hidden from us, yet by its fruit we know that it is evil.-This last is our Saviour's own illustration, "The tree is known by his fruit." Considering, then, that the consciences of men differ according to their understanding of the law of God, we cannot but think, that it was useless, in a case of this kind, to make an appeal to conscience: it ought to have been made at once to the law. Here, and not in the feelings of this or that man, is the standard of rectitude. To all arguments from this quarter we will listen with profound reverence. We feel ourselves, therefore, under no obligations to consider the other positive assertions respecting the operations of conscience, contained in this part of his proof, for we consider the professor as still giving us his own experience, and taking it for granted that all must agree with him in his facts; whereas we have declared our utter dissent, and expect to have a large majority of the most serious and enlightened Christians agreeing with us. We may therefore well dismiss this first argument as of no validity. It is in truth just as forcible, as if the preacher had said, "In my judgment the thing is so, and as all minds are constituted alike, I shall assume it as a fact, that no man ever had any other opinion." The second argument in support of the general proposition is, an appeal to the universal sentiments of men. On this we have only two short observations to make. The first is, that it seems to us to be the same argument as the former, only expressed in different words. Where lies the difference. between appealing to the consciences of men, and. appealing to their sentiments on moral subjects? Our other observation is, if the ground assumed in this argument be correct, there neither is, nor can be, any dispute on the subject. If the universal sentiments of men are in favour of Professor Fitch's doctrine, then we are of the same opinion with him. But we beg leave to enter a dissent, at least in favour of our selves and a few others-we suspect more than a few. And we may well do this, since the professor has given us no proof of the fact, but briefly says, "And that it is their united conviction, that sin is resolvable into that which I have stated, I refer to the grounds on which they justify themselves in accusing others of blame-worthiness, and in awarding punishments." All that remains of this paragraph has nothing to do with the point in dispute. But if there are found persons who blame others for having an evil nature and evil principles, and who think them deserving of punishment for this evil, then the argument, as before, can have no force until this point is settled. (To be concluded in our next.) The Treasurer of the Trustees of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church acknowledges the receipt of the following sums for their Theological Seminary at Princeton, (N. J.) during the month of February last, viz. Of James S. Green, Esq. from Rev. Dr. Thomas M'Auley, one instalment of $20 00 Of the Newville Mite Society of Cumberland county, (Penn.) for the Oriental and Biblical Literature Professorship, 12 25 Total, $32 25 View of Publick Affairs. EUROPE. But little intelligence has reached us from Europe during the last month. But we rejoice to learn that the general peace of Europe is not, from present appearances, likely to be disturbed; and that there seems to be a prospect that the sufferings of the Greeks are drawing to a close. BRITAIN.-The latest dates that we have seen from Britain, are of the 17th of January, from Liverpool. Parliament was still in recess, and the suffering throughout the nation was much as it had been for some months preceding-in some places a little altered for the better, and in others rather for the worse-on the whole, if there was any amelioration, it was scarcely perceptible. The king bad addressed a letter to the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, requesting that charity sermons might be preached in all the churches, and contributions taken up throughout their diocesses, for the relief of the poor, in the manufacturing districts. Information had been received of the arrival of the British troops sent to Lisbon, and of their welcome reception there. It also appears that considerable reinforcements were expected from Gibraltar and the Mediterranean, so as to make the whole British force in Portugal, 10,000 men, in addition to those sent from England. The death of the Duke of York, which was in rumour in the former part of the last month, is confirmed by the last arrivals. By these arrivals it is also announced, that the independence of Greece has been formally demanded from the Porte, by the three great powers of Britain, France, and Russia. War was also talked of with America. For what cause is not stated; but we suppose, on account of our controversy in relation to trading with her colonies. But this we regard as altogether idle. A census, made by the Roman Catholick clergy of Ireland, states the population of that Island at near nine millions, of which it is said that seven millions are Catholicks. The Roman Catholick orator, O'Connor, made a flaming speech at a publick meeting in Dublin, in December last, which has been published in the British papers, and republished here. FRANCE. We have seen French dates as recent as the 1st of January. It would seem that the French are disposed to co-operate cordially with England, in endeavouring to terminate the Spanish aggressions on Portugal, and that the other great European powers, avowedly at least, condemn the hostile measures of Spain; and recognise the propriety of the British interference for the protection of their ancient ally. There is indeed a party in France that would wish to support Spain, but its influence is entirely overruled. Mr. Canning's famous speech in the British Parliament, relative to the Portuguese expedition, contained some things which were highly of fensive to a number of the members in both the French chambers; and severe recri. minatory speeches were pronounced, in discussing the answer which was to be returned to the royal speech at the opening, and of which we gave an account last month. Eventually, nevertheless, the reply of the chambers was the echo of what had come from the throne. Probably, however, this would not have been the fact, if Mr. Canning had not made what has been termed "a new edition" of his speech, in which he suppressed, or modified, all the offensive parts-It appears, indeed, that he delivered one speech to the British Parliament, and wrote another for the French chambers. Very earnest debates had taken place relative to the passage of a law for regulating the press. We regret to learn from the French papers that our nation's friend, General Lafayette, has been called to mourn the death of his son-in-law. The King of France has recently issued a severe edict against the slave-trade. Merchants, insurers, supercargoes, captains, &c. engaged in this trade, are to be banished the kingdom, and to pay a fine equal to the value of the ship and cargo concerned, SPAIN.-Never, we believe, was a court more embarrassed, than that of Spain has been for some time past. With the best inclination in the world to make war on Portugal, and urged, and even driven to it by the slavery-loving and priest-ridden population of the country, still the king and his counsellors dare not declare war. On the contrary, they assure England and France that they will preserve peace, and make reparation for the aggressions already committed; and this, we believe, through fear of the consequences of a refusal, they have been, and still are, labouring to do--but it is labouring against the current both of their own inclination and the wishes and demands of their party, who loudly call for war, and threaten the throne itself, if the call be refused. Britain, backed by France, has given in her ultimatum, in a most decisive tone, and demanded an immediate answer. The answer is favoura bly made, but hostile dispositions and operations continue. We must wait for the issue, which we think is doubtful. But we see no indications of support to Spain, from any other power, if she goes to war. Perhaps it is her destiny to be conquered into a better temper, or to be deprived of all capacity to do mischief. PORTUGAL.-The session of the Portuguese Cortes closed on the 23d of December. The new Cortes were to meet on the 2d of January. The Princess Regent was indisposed and unable to address the Cortes on their dissolution, but the Minister of the Interior assured the members of the good condition of the country. Vigorous and spirited measures, prompted by British counsels and aided by British arms, were in operation to subdue the rebels in the northern part of the kingdom. Some hard fighting had taken place between small corps of the contending armies; but no very im portant advantages had been gained on either side. The British forces had not reached the scene of action. GREECE and TURKEY.-A letter from Napoli, of the date of Oct. 15th, 1826, from our countryman, S. G. Howe, has been published within the past month, giving a detailed account of Grecian affairs at the time of writing. The amount of the whole is, that Athens was then the principal seat of the war; that the Acropolis or citadel was still in possession of the Greeks, and manfully defended; that the existing plan of the Greeks for the relief of Athens, was to intercept all supplies going to the Turkish army, and that this they were likely to effect; that Ibrahim Pacha was too weak to ef fect any thing further in the Morea, without reinforcements from Egypt; that in some late attempts to extend his conquests, he lost 400 men, and was obliged to fall back on Tripolitza, where he was at the time of writing; that the recent naval operations, had been on the whole favourable to the Greeks; that the Alexandrian fleet, by which reinforcements were to be sent to Ibrahim Pacha, was not ready for sea; that Lord Cochrane was earnestly expected, as one of his vessels had arrived; that the national assembly was speedily to meet at Paros; and that there was good reason to believe that a settlement would be effected between the Porte and the Greeks, by means of English and Russian mediation. This last intimation is calculated to render more credible the accounts by the last arrivals, that a settlement has been actually effected, on the united demand of Britain, France, and Russia. ASIA. PERSIA. The London Courier of Dec. 30th contains the following article: Defeat of the Persians.-Despatches were received this morning by Government, dated Trabree, October 3d. They announce that a division of the Persian army, detached by his highness the Prince Regent, under the command of his eldest son, Ma. homed Meerza, and his uncle, Ameer Khan, was defeated with severe loss, on the 26th September, near the village of Shampkar, five turseekhs north-west of Georgia. The battle was fought on the banks of the Yezan, a second stream of which divided the contending armies. The Russian force amounted to about 6000 infantry and 3000 cavalry, with a proportionate number of guns; that of the Persians to 5000 infantry and 5000 irregular horse, with six field pieces. After some hard fighting the Persians were compelled to retire in the utmost confusion; and it is supposed that nearly the whole of their infantry were either killed or taken prisoners. Three field pieces fell into the hands of the Russians, and Ameer Khan was killed by a Cossack, when in the act of rallying his troops. The young prince, Mahomed Meerza, was taken prisoner by a Cossack, but was afterwards rescued, and borne away in triumph by one of his surdars. BURMAH.-The state equipage of the Burmese Emperor fell into the hands of the British in their late military operations in Burmah, and has lately been sold at auction in London. We have seen a most interesting letter from Mrs. Judson, in which she gives a particular account of the imprisonment and sufferings of her husband, Dr. Price, and herself, and more satisfactory information relative to the nature of the Burmese government and mode of warfare than we had seen before. JAVA.-A rebellion of the natives in the island of Java against the Dutch government, has existed for a considerable time past, and now appears to wear a very formidable aspect. A letter received in England, dated Oct. 30, 1826, says "The rebellion is not put down, and I do not perceive any progress making to accomplish so desirable a purpose. The restored Sultan gets no adherents, and the Dutch forces in the interior accomplish nothing but marches and counter-marches.— Gloomy indeed are the affairs of Netherland India. It will require at least forty millions of guilders more, ere the troubles will be ended." Later accounts are still more unfavourable. They represent the native troops so successful, as to threaten to drive the Dutch out of the island; or at least to confine their influence to Batavia and its environs. AFRICA. The American Colonization Society in Washington city, have received letters from Liberia of as late a date as the 6th of Dec. ult. conveying authentick intelligence of the prosperity and extension of the colony. The African Repository for January gives an interesting account of the adjourned annual meeting of the society, held in the hall of the House of Representatives, on the 20th of that month. It also contains the eloquent speeches delivered on that occasion by Mr. Knapp, of Boston, and Mr. Secretary Clay, as well as much interesting intelligence relative to the general concerns of the Society. We feel constrained to recommend to our friends the patronizing of the African Repository. It not only comprises details of the proceedings of the society, and full statements of the concerns of the Colony, but communicates much useful information in relation to Africa in general. AMERICA. BRAZIL.-It appears that the empress of Brazil, the consort of Don Pedro I., died at Rio Janeiro, on the 10th of December last. The emperor was absent with his army. We have heard nothing of importance recently, of the state of the war between Buenos Ayres and Brazil. There is a rumour afloat, which we wish may prove true, that peace has been made between these powers, through the mediation of Britain. COLOMBIA.-The Liberator Bolivar seems likely to settle the unhappy and ill-boding dissentions which, during his absence from Colombia, broke out, and threatened to plunge that extended Republick into all the miseries of civil war. He has apparently restored peace and order in every part of the country which he has yet visited. It re mains to be seen whether order and contentment will be permanent. When last heard from, in the latter part of January, he was in Caraccas, and was received there with the same enthusiasm as in other places. He appears to have justified the proceedings of Paez; and for this we profess ourselves unable to account. He is clothed with absolute power; and if he shall effect a union of parties and tranquillize his country, and then resign his power, we know not in what manner his patriotism and fame could receive an addition to their lustre.. MEXICO. It appears that the Mexicans are divided into two parties, who have ranged themselves under two orders of Free-Masons, one denominated the Scottish, and the other Yorkists; that to the former belong those who, in our revolutionary times, we should have denominated Tories, and to the latter, Whigs. Both parties are numerous, but the latter are likely to prevail. But the country cannot be in a settled state, while these parties are as strong and hostile as they are at present. We have no news from the Congress of Tacubaya-Commodore Porter is at Key West, with a part of his fleet-not, it is said, blockaded; as he affirms that he can go to sea when he pleases, without a rencontre with the Spanish fleet of Laborde, if such should be his choice. It is said that he is waiting for a reinforcement, which he expects shortly, The province of Texas has declared itself "free and independent of the United States of Mexico," and has assumed the name of the "Republick of Fredonia." A national Congress was to assemble at Nacogdoches, on the first Monday of February, to form a constitution. The Indians, who are very numerous in that region, are represented as friendly to the new republicans, and hostile to the Mexicans.—The lat ter, however, seem determined, by military force, to put an end to this new repub. lick. What will be the issue is very uncertain.. UNITED STATES.-Our Congress have once more put a negative on the attempt to frame a bankrupt law for the Union. The bill to impose an additional impost on imported woollen goods is also likely to be negatived in the Senate, after passing the House of Representatives. Much time has lately been consumed in the Representa. tive's Hall, in a debate relative to the power of the Secretary of State, to appoint printers to publish the laws, in the several states of the Union. When our national legislature sat in Philadelphia, many years ago, a gentleman somewhat given to satire, on observing the hurry of Congress, and its sitting all night at the close of the session, made a remark which we have often thought on since. "Congress, (said he) are like other delaying sinners-They leave almost every thing to be done at the last; and then every thing must be done in a hurry, much is ill done, and much is left altoge ther undone." The committee of inquiry into the official conduct of the present Vice President, when Secretary of War, have made a report, clearing that officer from every charge, or just imputation of improper conduct, in the discharge of his official duties. We have in our present number omitted several heads or titles which usually appear in our miscellany, and of course the articles appropriate to them-Not because such articles were not fully at our command, but solely because the whole of our pages, for the present month, seemed to be imperiously demanded for the publications which we have inserted. We shall, however, very rarely depart from our established ar rangement; and indeed it has been with extreme reluctance that we have done it in a single instance.—“Travels in Europe for Health,” and “Transatlantick Recollections, No. IX." in our next.-"REBECCA'S" inquiry will also be resolved in what will appear in our next number. To the notices on our cover we solicit, with respectful earnestness, the attention of all our subscribers. ERRATUM IN OUR LAST NUMBER. Page 96, line 11 from bottom, for island read district. |