of mankind. Herodotus represents the peo ple called the immortal Getæ, on account of and most upright of the Thracian nations. their belief in a future state, as the bravest And Juvenal ascribes the horrible depravity of the age, to the reigning infidelity which had exploded from the public creed the Stygian Lake, and other terrors of the ancient The Christian religion, armed with power, endowed with light, fortified by truth, and revealed by God-foretold in the prophecies, attested by miracles, sealed with the blood of Heaven, is thus presented to man, exhibiting the saints, and sublimed by the morality of him in a state of probation, and enforcing his good conduct in this transitory state, in order to secure his felicity in the regions of eternal bliss. It places what Archimedes wanted, the lever of power on another and a better world, and controls all the operations of man in unison with the prescriptions of divine love. are many abberations from virtue which doing, considerable influence on the interests not come within the cognizance or the policy of human legislation. Violations of what are termed the duties of imperfect obligation, answer to this description. Ingratitude-infi- || delity in friendship-the want of charityan infraction of hospitality-are not punished by the tribunals of men. And deeds of the most dangerous character, which strike at the very foundation of private happiness and pub-mythology. lic prosperity, are sometimes not considered criminal. Lying and adultery, for instance, escape with impunity. The complex ma chinery of government, the arduous administration of justice, and the embarrassment and difficulties which surround the operations of legislation, frequently produce crimes peculiar to the social combinations of man, and generate evils unknown in a state of nature. But in addition to these considerations, it may be remarked, that the innocent are frequently punished instead of the guilty, and that human laws are entirely destitute of the sanction of rewards. To confer honors for obedience, would be as ridiculous as unavailing. The honor of many would resolve itself into the honor of none. To dispense pecuniary rewards would be nugatory or imprac ticable. In an unqualified extent, no government would be able to supply the funds; and even in a restricted form, its operation would be to receive money with one hand as a premium, and to pay it back with the other, in the shape of a tax. The efficacy of the law of opinion, is also limited, and has all the imperfections attached to humanity. It cannot reach those who are hardened in infamy, and plunged in iniquity; and its sanctions do not extend beyond the limits of this world. Hypocrisy braves its denunciations; exalted rank and great opulence, feel, in some degree, superior to its terrors; and the stoic in his apathy, the anchorite in his reclusion, and the misanthrope in his hatred, look with ineffable contempt on the men and the things of this world. And to this it may be added, that the Jaw of opinion does not always present an immutable standard of virtue, and an unerring criterion of excellence; but sometimes connives at departures from the rules of morality. The sanctions of the Divine law supply all these deficiencies, cover the whole area of human action, reach every case, punish every sin, and recompense every virtue. Its rewards and its punishments, are graduated with perfect justice; and its appeals to the hopes and fears of man, are of the most potent character, and transcendant iufluence. The codes of men, and the laws of opinion, derive a great portion of their weight from the influence of a future world. Justice cannot be administered without the sanctity of truth, and the great security against perjury is the amenability of. another state. The sanctions of religion compose the foundations of good government; and the ethics, doctrines, and examples, furnished by Christianity, exhibit the best models for the laws of opinion. The imperfect views which the Pagan religion afforded of futurity, had, notwithstand Feeble and imperfect as this view is, it notwithstanding presents powerful induce ments to encourage your animated perseverance and redoubled exertions in the cause of philanthropy and religion. Institutions like this, unite in the bonds of friendship and char. kindred, sect, tongue, or nation. ity, all their cultivators, without regard to In this place, an altar is erected to concord-peace is declared among the most discordant sectsand the parti-colored coat of Joseph is exchanged for the seamless garment of Christ; and in such a holy cause, be assured, that the visitations of Divine approbation will attend your proceedings-that opposition will prove like the struggles of a river with the ocean-and that although mountains of sophistry may be piled on mountains of invective, like Ossaon Pelion, yet that all such attempts will terminate like the fabled wars of the Titans, and can never prevail against truth and Heaven. Although our extracts have been long, they cannot have been tedious to any, who are delighted with good sense, and sound argumentation. For ourselves, we have been instructed, in the most gratifying manner, by all the speeches, delivered on this interesting anniversary; and should be glad to draw some. thing from every one. But our limits forbid. We cannot, however, withhold the speech of the native of Peru. Senor Vicente Rocafuerte. Conscious, as I am, of the impossibility of expressing properly my thoughts in the English language, I would excuse myself from occupying a single moment of the time of this meeting; but the love of my country, superior to any self-consideration, impels me to break silence, and ask your indulgence. Born in South-America, near the equator, under the Spanish yoke, and inquisitorial fanaticism, how gratifying it is for me to meet here so many good Christians, the glory of I would wish you might send, on the wings of cherubims, thousands and thousands of Bibles and New Testaments to South America; that you could immediately establish, in Lima, an auxiliary Bible Society, I am convinced that it would prosper; the inhabitants of those happy climates are good, benevolent, of mild dispositions, and sensible enough to comprehend, in a short time, the great utility of this institution. The Spanish policy, guided by short-sighted bigotry, has deprived them till now, of the consolation of perusing those admirable maxims. Very few of the clergy even have had an opportunity of reading the Bible throughout; but when they will know the good effect of the Bible, they will un America, and consolation of humanity. My joy can be better understood than described. Where can there be an emotion more pure and exalted than that which I experience at this moment, seeing myself surrounded for the first time in my life, by so many worthy supporters of religion, who, in spite of the apparent diversity in dress, and worship, are all clothed with the Spirit of the true God, enlightened with the wisdom of the Bible, and united by the brotherly love of the Gospel. From this very difference of opinions and sects results a harmony, as admirable in the moral order as it is in the planetary system; and in the same manner as the different stars, at different distances, in submission to the same law of attraction, are revolving without interfer-doubtedly form several establishments under ing, never altering the calmness of the sky; in the same manner, Christians, subjected to the will of God, as revealed in the Bible, meet each other with cheerfulness; animated by the benevolent spirit of the Gospel, they love their fellow creatures, give up their pas sions, seek the road to heaven by a perfect self-denial of their own concerns, and serve the true God of charity, extending by their good actions the sphere of human happiness. This picture of virtue and religious tolerance is only to be found here, in England, and among the nations which enjoy the benefit of free institutions, manifesting in the purest light, the perfect concord and union between Christian morality, political liberty, and genu. ine principles of legislation. This truth is extremely important for a South American, conscious of the noble struggle in which his country is engaged to expel from those fruitful shores the monster of despotism, and to extinguish for ever that monastic superstition, the enemy to every useful reform; that lever which shakes the earth, fixing in Heaven its point of support; which in the name and in behalf of Religion, sacri. ficed to its avarice the innocent race of Peruvian Yncas, condemned to the stake the unfortunate Guatimozin, the last of the Mexican emperors, and established, in unhappy America, the sanguinary worship of inquisitorial fanaticism. It is not enough to know that there is a perfect union between morality and legislation; its application to the new governments of America is indispensable. To you, noble promoters of virtue, benefactors of mankind, directors of the institution of the Bible Society, to you belongs the fulfilment of that honorable task. Turn your eyes towards the rising nations of the South, and you will there observe a people worthy of your sympathies and of your protection; they are fighting gloriously for independence and liberty, but alas, liberty is not to be obtained without virtue, and virtue is not to be found but in the principles of the Bible and of the Gospel; those sacred books without note or comment are the true elements of social order. To promote virtue through the Gospel, is to fix on solid basis the political liberty of America; it is to sow for future generations the incorruptible seeds of peace and happiness; it is in fine to attain the great object of this institution as new as it is admirable. In the rapture of my patriotie exultation, for the morality and liberty of my country, the auspices of the parent society. Perhaps a great many patriots, and enlightened ministers, giving up their anterior prejudices, will recommend these sacred books, and giving the Bible to the people, they will repeat what the Lord said to Joshua. "This Book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein, for then thou shalt make thy way prosper. ous, and then thou shalt have good success. Yes, the new nations of America will enjoy the triumph of their independence, and the felicity of their liberty, if they would organize their new institutions, following the spirit of toleration, of equality, and self-denial, so much recommended in the Gospel, this Holy Book must be the tie which should unite all the nations of this vast continent; its equality is the true dogma of legitimacy of divine ori gin; its generosity must be the Holy Alliance suitable to Independent America. An alliance of virtues, and not of self-interest; an alliance for abolishing slavery, and not to restrain the noble flight of liberty; au alliance for proraoting human happiness through moral civilization, and not to root it out with a hundred thousand soldiers, forcing conviction at the point of the bayonet; an alliance which shall make fear and dread fall upon the hypocrites and ambitious chiefs of nations; an alliance which shall extirpate the seeds of war, insure universal peace, and form, from the myriads of the inhabitants of the earth, a numerous and Christian family, as enlightened, as good, and as benevolent, as the members of this meeting. This same meeting is only a sketch, a miniature, of the large evangelical Society, that in future ages, shall cover the surface of the globe; the world, regener. ated by the divine light of the Gospel, will bless the memory of the promoters of this admirable institution. These virtuous Christians will hear from heaven the hymns and songs of praise, directed to the throne of Jehovah, by all the inhabitants of this redeemed land; and their celestial joy can only be increased by the prospect of human happiness in perfect harmony with the will of God. The anniversary meeting of this Society, is said to have continued nearly five hours, with no apparent diminution of the interest taken by the audience in its proceedings. Miscellanies. NOTICES OF DISTINGUISHED MEN. THE following notices of three distinguished friends and benefactors of the missionary cause, are extracted from a sermon preached, by the Rev. Mr. Parson, in the Cathedral at Calcutta, on the 14th of July last.' The parent of missions, in the Established and English Church of India, was the Rev. DAVID BROWN; than whom, a more unambitious, though at the same time simply majes tic and evangelical parent, the cause needs not to claim. His it was, to cherish the infant enterprise with his prayers; and formally to engage others in stated prayer for the same end. Men of more accomplishment may have followed him---men of less artifice cannot; nor have any men better acquainted with Christianity in its great principles. Such a man lived long misunderstood in Calcutta. At length, after a ministry the longest which has been allowed to us, he died a sort of selfsacrifice, in the cause which he thought wor thy of his devotion-a cause connected closely with that of missions-the cause of the Bible Society. The same joint cause appears more certainly to have ent short, or, as it were, burnt out, the life of MARTYN; than whom there has never been a more thorough scholar for his years, nor has any man of a more simple and ingenuous spirit set foot in India. With the vivacity of youth, he combined the wisdom of age. He had science, without its slowness and incumbrances. It was, in itself, much; but he made little of it, unimpeded and uninflated by vanity. His religion, though reared in the Establishment, was of a liberality quite Catholic: he saw the comparative insignificance of modes: he loved the lover of Christ, under whatever mode such a man might worship. All mankind were interesting to him; and he went forth among them-fearless, as having God with him-free, by a conscious inoffensiveness of heart-quick, by the most practised familiarity with his subjects-cheerful, by the peace of the blessed Spirit in him. Diligent in labors which were his delights also, devoted under the foreseen fact that he would not live long, this unsurpassed servant of Jesus Christ has ended his course with joy. Perhaps, however, under God, no man contributed so immediately to the result which we have witnessed, that is, to the accession of an accomplished Prelate to our numbers, and to the Collegiate character which has since accrued to our missions, as Dr. BUCHANAN. Whilst others were otherwise engaged in the same thing, and each according to the assignment of particular Providence, Buchanan employed in the matter a sort of worldly vigor and cleverness as of diptomacy. This has not pleased the world at times; and, perhaps, for the reason that it OBITUARY OF WILLIAM BLAIR, ESQ. Mr. Blair was late surgeon of the Lock Hospital, and other institutions in London, and died Dec. 6, 1822, aged 56 years. The following notice of his last days is from the London Missionary Register. The perusal of it cannot but suggest the memorable exclamation, “Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his!" For many months past, Mr. Blair's health had evidently declined. During the last illness of his excellent wife, he was at times so exceedingly reduced, that she greatly feared he would die before her; and earnestly prayed that her heavenly Father would take her first, if consistent with his holy will, and not allow her to be left an infirm and helpless widow. It pleased God to grant her request: and, after a long and painful but sanctified affliction of many years, she departed peacefully, in the last spring; bearing a clear and unequivocal testimony to the truth and faithfulness of God, who supported and comforted her in every trial, especially when passing through the valley of the shadow of death. After his wife's decease. Mr. Blair began most decidedly to set his house in order, as he knew he must shortly follow his beloved companion. He resolved to give up his profes sional practice; and to retire into the country, where he thought he should enjoy more unin terrupted opportunities for reading, meditation, and prayer. He, therefore, took a house in the neighborhood of Colchester; resigned his situation as surgeon to the Bloomsbury Dispen. sary, and prepared to dispose of the greater part of his library, together with such articles of household furniture as he he would have no occasion for in the country. He had formed a large collection of rare and curious editions of the Bible, and many scarce commentaries in different languages; for the word of God had been his study and delight, during the greater part of his life: a few months ago, anticipating his approaching dissolution, he presented this valuable collection, worth several hundred pounds, to the British and Foreign Bible Society, who have gratefully acknowledged the same in their last annual Report. He had been an active and very useful member of the General Committee of that Society for the last sixteen years: he was also President of the Bloomsbury Bible Association, and Vice-President of the Auxiliary Society: his unwearied labors in the cause of the Bible Society, and in active benevolence to the poor, are well known to his intimate friends. As surgeon to the Bloomsbury Dispensary, he was indefati gable in his attentions to the cases of distress which came under his notice: he cared, not only for the bodies and temporal concerns, but for the souls and eternal interests of his patients; frequently exhausting his income in relieving the wants of the indigent, and, when his own charity-purse was empty, recom. mending the cases, which he could not himself relieve, to the bounty of his friends. The Bible Society, of all benevolent institutions, lay nearest his heart. The last effort which he made to leave his house, was to attend the meeting of the Committee, on the Monday before his death. He asked a friend to lend him a carriage for the purpose, having parted with his own; and proceeded as far as Bridge Street Blackfriars, toward the Bible Society House, but was too ill to go on, and was obliged to return home without accomplishing his object. He went immediately to his bed room. After taking a little refresh ment, he remarked that he felt as if he should not, be able to go down stairs again; and being in great pain, said "Well, I will bear it patiently, for the Lord loveth whom he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth." In the evening of the same day, he requested his servant to read to him the Xith and LXVth chapters of Isaiah, the xth chapter of Hebrews beginning at the 19th verse, the whole of the x1th chapter, and the first thirteen verses of the xiith chapter, of that epistle. After they had been read, he desired his servant particularly to notice those chapters, in order that he might find them the more readily, when he wished to hear them again. On the next day, Tuesday, Dec. 3d. he appeared to suffer great pain. Several friends called, and were admitted to see him. He then desired his servant, if any others came to make inquiries, to say that he was too ill to see them, but that he was firmly fixed upon the Rock Christ. His servant, in the course of the day, read several chapters from the New Testament and also the 1st, xvith, first eight verses of the xvi1th, the XXVII, CIId, and first ten verses of the cvith Psalms. While reading, Mr. Blair said, "There! you see what faith does. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you also shall be saved." With his hands clasped, and uplifted eyes, he added, "I believe in him, and have no doubtno, not the least-but that I shall be saved through the blood of my Redeemer, for I know that my Redeemer liveth." He passed Wednesday nearly in the same manner. Nothing gave him so much comfort as to hear the Word of God. He would often say, while listening to it, "What comfort!what consolation!-what encouragement there is, in seeking the Lord!" and he exclaimed, Come Lord Jesus, come quickly! My only desire is to be with Thee! I am now waiting for Thee!" On Thursday, a medical friend, who called, proposed writing a prescription for him: he replied "You know that it could be of no service: I am aware of my own situation, and that I am a dying man;" proceeding to admonish his friend to seek the Lord, and adding that he himself had sought him during thirtyfive years, and now experienced the comfort of having God for his salvation. Toward evening, feeling some apprehension lest his understanding should be affected, and having considerable pain in his head, he prayed earnestly that God would be merciful to him, and spare him the use of his intellects. The pain in his head was removed, and he was afterward composed and tranquil. An intimate friend called upon him during the week, to whom he expressed his entire confidence in the word and truth of God. He said, "My reliance is alone on the Lord Jesus Christ: as to looking back on my past life, to place any dependence upon that, I cannot bear the thought. My hopes are alone upon the mercy of God, and my trust is in the Rock of Ages: 1 am fixed on that Rock." The Bible lay open on his table; and, looking at it, he said, "That is my only Book-my great comfort. I used to be fond of my library: but I now want no other book than my Bible." Several times during the latter days of his. illness he expressed himself in a similar manner. The same friend called upon Mr. Blair, for the last time, on Friday night, Dec. 6th. His eyes then appeared to be fixed-his mouth seemed to be falling-and he was breathing with great difficulty, while supported in bed by his servant: it was doubtful, from his appearance, whether he had the use of his mental faculties. The servant told him who had entered the room, and he seemed to recognize the name. His friend whispered in his ear. "The Lord Jesus Christ is your Savior:" he immediately replied, catching his breath at every syllable, "Altogether pre. cious!" His friend then said, "When flesh and heart fail, God is the strength of the heart, and he will be your portion for ever:" to which he replied, "Always," repeating the word with great emphasis. This visit had the effect of rousing him; for after his friend had taken his leave, and another attendant had entered the room, on the latter saying, "I doubt not, Sir, you can say with Job, I know that my Redeemer liveth," he immediately took up the passage, and repeated the two following verses, beginning the 25th, 26th, and 27th verses of the xixth chapter of Job, which had formed the text of the last sermon that. he had heard preached at St. John's Chapel, where he usually attended divine service. Shortly afterward, he said, "Though my flesh and my heart fail, God, is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever." He next endeavored to repeat the Hymn, page 232 of Mr. Cecil's Collection. "Rock of Ages rent for me, &c." He then desired his servant to read those chapters which he had noticed at the beginning. of the week, particularly the x1th of the Hebrews, to the 14th verse of the x11th chapter, and the cind Psalm. One of his attendants said to the other, "What a blessing is it to see him so happy!" which Mr. Blair overheard, and interrupted him by saying, "Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death"-then, hesitating as if endeavoring to recollect the passage, he at length added, "Comfort me." He now be came very weak, and was unable to attend to the reading. About five minutes before he died, he said, "Reach me that blessed Book, that I may lay my hand on it once more." The Bible was brought to the bed, and his hand placed on it. Then, reclining his head he distinctly said, "I rest in Christ;" and thus peacefully expired. DISTRIBUTION OF BIBLES IN SOUTH AMERICA. Arp. 56, we mentioned the very rapid distribution of 500 Spanish Bibles, and 500 Spanish Testaments, at Lima. Respecting this pleasing and remarkable fact, we now publish a translation of part of another letter to Mr. Hill, from E. Lynch, Esq. to whom these precious volumes were sent. This letter is dated Lima, Nov. 20, 1822. I RECEIVED the Bibles and Testaments from the British and Foreign Bible Society, and, as I mentioned in a former letter, the whole were either sold, or gratuitously distributed. The number sold pays about the amount of the invoice. They were delivered out singly, in three days; and so great was the concourse of people, that I was obliged to close my door upon them. The public papers, however, have spoken against them, for there are yet many religious prejudices existing here.-A recommendation from you has much weight with me; and I shall not fear to receive and distribute more Bibles. I have written to the Secretary of the Society. AFRICANER. AFRICANER, once the terror of all around him in South Africa, and his son, have both died in the faith of the Gospel. Younker, the pious grandson of Africaner, thus writes to Mr. Moffat, who was formerly the teacher to whom the young man alludes:--"My grandfather, old Africaner, has left me, and died in the Lord: also my dear father, Christian Africaner, the chief, has left me, and died in the Lord. I have lost my grandfather, my father, and my teacher: thus am I deprived of parents." Mr. Moffat adds, in reference to the aged chief,-"I feel as if deprived of a near relation; especially when I call to mind the many happy hours, which I spent in his company, performing the delightful task of infusing into his growing understanding the doctrines of redemption." -Africaner is a remarkable instance of the efficacy of the Gospel, as a corrective applied to the hearts and the lives of men. Before conversion, he was cruel, vindictive, delighted with robbery and murder; and spread his desolations over a wide extent of country, and the dread of his name, over a much greater extent. But, immediately on his conversion, he was found to be gentle, docile, merciful, the friend of every body, and at peace with every body. NEW TESTAMENT WITH A KEY. The New Testament, with references and a key-sheet of Questions, Historical, Doctrinal, and Practical; designed to facilitate the acquisition of Scriptural knowledge, in Bible-classes, Sunday-schools, common schools, and private families. By Hervey Wilbur, A. M. We have not room to enter into a description of Mr. Wilbur's plan. His object is to facilitate the acquisition of religious knowl edge from the Fountain of all such knowl edge. His plan is well adapted to the design he has in view. It is simple, ingenious, easily accommodated to the practice; and is certainly worthy of the attention of the conductors of Bible-classes, and of school-teachers and parents. This work is stereotyped.—We have, also, before us a copy from the eleventh edition of another work of the same author, which he denominates, "The Bible-class Text-book, or Biblical Catechism, containing questions, historical, doctrinal, practical, and experimental: designed to promote an intimate acquaintance with the Inspired Volume." MISSIONARY HYMN. A Hymn, said to be composed by the Rev. REGIN ALD HEBER, (the newly appointed Bishop of Calcutta,) for the purpose of being sung in Whit tington Church, Shropshire, in which Parish a Min sionary Association was formed, on Sunday, April 16, 1820. FROM Greenland's icy mountains, From India's coral strand, Where Afric's sunny fountains, Roll down their golden sand; From many an ancient river, From many a palmy plain, They call us to deliver Their land from Error's chain. What tho' the spicy breezes Blow soft o'er Ceylon's isle, Bows down to wood and stone. Shall we whose souls are lighted Has learnt Messiah's name! Waft, waft, ye winds, His story, It spreads from pole to pole: |