upon you: he hath made his glorious grace appear in your everlasting salvation. You have bebaved yourself so as you have heard towards God: You had no love to God but he has exercised unspeakable love to you: you have contemned God, and set light by him; but so great a value has God's grace set on you and your hap piness, that you have been redeemed at the price of the blood of his own Son : You chose to be with Satan in his service; but yet God hath made you a joint heir with Christ of his glory. You was ungrateful for past mercies; but yet God not only continued those mercies, but bestowed unspeakably greater mercies upon you: You refused to hear when God call ed; but yet God heard you when you called: You abused the infiniteness of God's mercy to encourage yourself in sin against God: but yet God has manifested the infiniteness of that mercy, in the exercise of it towards you: You have rejected Christ, and set him at nought; and yet he is become your Saviour: You have neglected your own salvation: but God has not neglected it: You have destroyed yourself: bat yet God has been your help. God has magnified his free grace towards you, and not to others; because he has chosen you, and it hath pleased him to set love upon you. O! what a cause is here for praise? What obligations are upon you to bless the Lord, who hath dealt bountifully with you, and to magnify his holy name? What cause to praise him in humility to walk humbly before God, and to be conformed to that in Ezek. xvi. 63: "That thou mayest remember and be confounded, and never open thy mouth any more, because of thy shame, when I am pacified towards thee for all that thou hast done, saith the Lord God!" You should never open your mouth in boasting, or selfjustification: You should lie the lower before God for his mercy to you. But you have reason, the more abundantly for your past sins, to open your mouth in God's praises, that they may be continually in your mouth, both here and to all eternity, for bis rich, unspeakable, and sovereign mercy to you, whereby he, and he alone, bath made you to differ from others. In copying these extracts, with perhaps some secret feeling of regret that thoughts so excellent had not been expressed in language a little more smooth and elegant, and adapted to the taste of the present time, the question arose in our mind, whether it is possible for language, beautiful with imagery, rich in poetic colours, and polished to the acceptance of the most refined taste, to be made Vol. 3-No. VI. the means of carrying home such powerful appeals to the conscience and the heart, as those we have just quoted. May it not be made a question, whether the melody, the pictures and the associations, which are fitted to fascinate the imagination, and to touch the natural sensibilities of the soul, can, by the force of any genius, be so mingled with other ingredients, as to make the most solemn and effectual impression on the conscience, and the active principles of our nature? If the imagination is delighted and the natural affections moved, and the soul filled with admiration of the talents, and genius, and taste of the speaker, do not these very emotions prevent the exercise, at the same moment, of the strongest powers of moral principle? If these observations are just, then we ought not to regret that any preacher has chosen that method which on the whole produces the most powerful, lasting, and salutary effects. If it should be asked, was Edwards then an eloquent preacher? We answer; if by eloquence be meant the power of gratifying the taste, and pleasing the imagination, and moving the natural affections of an audience, and by these means exciting the highest admiration of the speaker, probably no man ever had less of eloquence, who had at the same time so great a power over the minds of his hearers. But if eloquence is to be understood in its appropriate signification, as the art or power of persuading, if it is to be measured by its effects on the understanding, the conscience, and the will, or by the arguments and motives it addresses to men as rational and moral agents, we certainly do not know the preacher who has a juster title, to the appellation. The question thus stated, is not a question of taste, but of fact-and facts fully justify our assertion. Not withstanding his manner of delivery like that of his writing was plain, and he stood almost motionless in the pulpit, and rarely raised his eyes from his notes, and did not affect the mod40 ulations of voice, which aim at emotion, yet would he fix the eyes and attention of his audience by the weight of his matter, and the deep solemnity and earnestness of his manner, for an hour together, while his words pierced the soul, and left impressions which were not soon effaced, and which were often followed by the most salutary consequences. When he was invited to preach at Enfield, the inhabitants of the town, were in such a state of religious indifference, that, in the language of the historian of Connecticut-" when they" (the neighbouring clergymen) "went to the meeting-house, the appearance of the assembly was thoughtless and vain. The people hardly conducted themselves with common decency. The Rev. Mr. Edwards of Northampton preached, and before the sermon was ended, the assembly seemed deeply impressed and bowed down with an awful conviction of their sin and danger. There was such a breathing of distress and weeping, that the preacher was obliged to speak to the people and desire silence, that he might be heard.*" was the commencement of a general revival of religion in that town. This Such were, in a degree, the frequent effects of his sermons, insomuch that similar effects were expected by the audiences to which he was invited to preach, with a confidence rather inconsistent perhaps with those doctrines of grace, which the preacher inculcated. But we need not go in proof of the eloquence of our author's discourses to the time in which they were delivered. Even now, notwithstanding the change which has taken place in the style of writing, an audience, if unusually impressed with religious subjects, will listen with as earnest attention to the reading of one of these discourses, as of any one in the language. We have looked with pleasure at the improvement which is taking place in the preaching of New-England, the in * History of Connecticut, Vol. II. p. 145. creasing elegance of composition, and animation of delivery; but it is certainly possible that these excellencies should be purchased at too great a sacrifice. If an attention to them, withdraws the attention of the speaker or hearer from things of greater moment, if taste is gratified, and the conscience not impressed, if admiration is sought and gained by the preacher, while the honour of his master in any degree suffers by it, there can be no doubt that it is not improvement, but deterioration. But whatever may be thought of Edwards as an eloquent preacher, he was certainly an instructive preacher. His exhibitions of divine truths, were always distinct and full. He stated them, not in the form of abstract propositions, but of important facts. He shewed them in all their parts and bearings, and painted them to the mind so that they could not easily be misapprehended or forgotten. His He was also a powerful and an affecting preacher. The truths which he selected and illustrated were of such a character, and were set home to the heart with such irresistible force, as to reach every conscience not "seared as with an hot iron,"-to rouse and sway all the active principles of man. He was moreover an earnest, animated preacher. earnestness was the pledge of his own conviction of the truth and importance of every word he uttered; and not unfrequently, the glow of his own feelings give the highest degree of animation both to his sentiments and language. Lastly, he was a successful preacher. He was an honoured instrument of turning many from darkness to light, of translating them from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of God's dear Son. His best discourses are to this day the best specimens of sermonizing, if we may judge from their effects, which New-England has ever produced. They are the models of a style of preaching which has been signally blessed by God to the conversion of sinners, and which should be looked to as a standard by those who wish like him to turn many to righteousness, that with him they may shine as stars in the firmament for ever and Literary and Philosophical Intelligence. In press, and will shortly be published by Anthony Finley of Philadelphia, The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America; containing the Confession of Faith, the Catechisms, and the Directory for the Worship of God: together with the Plan of government and discipline, as amended and ratified by the General Assembly at their session in May, 1821.' Proposals have been issued at Portland, for publishing by subscription, "Extracts from the Journals of the late Rev. THOMAS SMITH, from the year 1720 to the year 1788, comprehending notices of foreign events--domestic occurrences—a separate account of the seasons-and a view of the life and character of the deceased-with an appendix containing a variety of other interesting matters. Collected by Samuel Freeman, Esq." Proposals have been issued in Charleston, S. C. for publishing a volume of Gospel Melodies. Robert Southey is preparing for publication, a History of the Quakers. Dr. Adam Clarke is preparing a new and enlarged memoir of Wesley. Theological Seminary at Auburn.— The Rev. Dr. PERINE, late of the city of New-York; the Rev. Mr. MILLS of Woodbridge, N. J.; and the Rev. Mr. LANSING of Auburn, N. Y. have been chosen Professors in the Theological Institution at Auburn. Collegiate Charity Institution of Amkerst -The Board of Trustees of this Institution, "have elected the Rev. Zephaniah Swift Moore, D. D. President; and he has accepted the trust. The Rev. Gamaliel S. Olds, has been elected Professor of Mathematics, and Natural Philosophy; and Joseph Eastabrook, A. M. has been elected Professor of the Greek and Latin Languages in the same Institution. The price of tuition for each student, is eight dollars the term, or twenty-four dollars a year. Persons who pay for their education, as well as beneficiaries, will be admitted. The preparatory studies, or qualifications of candidates for admission into the several classes of the Collegiate Institution, and the course of studies in the various departments of science and literature, during the four years of membership, are to be the same as in Yale College. The first term of study will commence on the third Wednesday of September next, when candidates for admission into the several classes will be examined. In the present infant state of the Institution and funds, it is expected, that the persons who wish to avail themselves of the charity fund, as beneficiaries, shall be under the patronage of some Education Society, or other responsible association, which shall furnish, to each benificiary, a part of his support, to the amount of at least one dollar a week, for which he will receive his board and tuition. And it will be required of every applicant, that he shall produce to the Examining Committee, satisfactory evidence of his indigence, piety and promising talents." Russia.-"Count Romanzow has lately fitted out two new expeditions for the discovery and investigation of unknown countries. One of the expeditions is to endeavour to travel along the solid ice on the coast of Tschutski from Asia to America; the other to ascend one of the rivers in the North-west coast, in order to penetrate the unknown space between the Icy Cape and Mackenzie's River. New Churches in England." The commissioners for building new churches have made their first report; from which it appears, that 85 new churches or chapels are to be built, furnishing sittings to 144,190 persons: the probable expense is 1,068,000!. List of New Publications. THEOLOGY. The Grand Theme of the Christian Preacher. A Sermon delivered at the ordination of B. B. Wisner, Pastor of the Old South Church, Boston. By L. Woods, D. D. Prof. of Ch. Theol. Andover. Dispassionate Thoughts on the subjects and mode of Christian Baptism, in a series of letters; by the Rev. Jacob Norton, of Weymouth. A Discourse delivered in the West Church, in Boston, Dec. 31, 1820. By the Rev. C. Lowell, A sermon preached before the Convention of Congregational Clergy. By Elijah Parish, D. D. Boston. Strictures on Dr. John M. Mason's Plea for Sacramental Communion on Catholic Principles. By a Friend to MISCELLANEOUS. The Pharmacopoeia of the United States of America. 1820. 8vo. Boston. Conversations on English Grammar; explaining the Principles and Rules of the Language illustrated by Appropri ate Exercises; abridged and adapted to the use of schools. By Charles M. Ingersoll. 12mo. New-York, A Systematic introduction to English Grammar; by John L. Parkhurst, Boston. Sketches, Historical and Topographical, of the Floridas; more particularly of East Florida. By James Grant Forbes. 8vo. New-York. Keligious Intelligence. RETREAT FOR THE INSANE. The Committee appointed by the late Convention of the President and Fellows of the Connecticut Medical Society, for the purpose of collecting information respecting the number and condition of the insane in which has been universally shown, for meliorating the condition of the sick and the destitute, for extending the blessings of civilization, knowledge, and the arts, to distant savage and pagan nations, and for the general diffusion of Christianity, by means of missions, schools, and the circulation of the Scriptures, has been prospered be this State, and of devising a plan for a Hospital for the retreat and recovery of such patients, take this occa-yond the most sanguine expectations. sion to request the co-operation and support of their medical brethren, the clergy of the several denomina tions, and all the benevolent and compassionate, who feel an interest in the welfare of this unfortunate class of human beings. The present is eminently an age for religious, charitable and humane institutions. Such enterprizes, at the present day, are crowned with a success, hitherto unparalleled in the history of the world. Indeed so well are these subjects understood, as to be almost reduced to the certainty of a science. When any new establishment is demanded, its utility and importance need only be made to appear, and the benevolence of the public, places the means within our reach. The ardour But while devoted to these truly great and laudable undertakings, we have hitherto neglected all effectual means of mitigating the evils of one of the most frequent and distressing casubject. Certainly the loss of reason lamities to which the human race is is to be contemplated as pre-eminent in the catalogue of human afflictions. The number of the insane, the bopelessness of recovery under ordinary means, and the misery resulting both to the sufferers and their friends, is far beyond the conception of those, who have not paid particular attention to the subject. If any reliance can be placed upon an estimate, made from some individual towns, there must exist at this time, between two and three thousand insane persons, within the limits of this State. But making all the allowances, which it is hoped further returns may justify, there must certainly be more than one thousand proper candidates for a retreat for the insane. The utility of the Asylum for the deaf and dumb, is universally acknowledged. Its success has exceeded the expectations of its warmest friends, and it promises to be-indeed it is already, ranked among the most valuable institutions of the state. Ten years ago, the project of this asylum was attended with vastly greater difficulties, than can now attend that under consideration. It is believed, as in that case, that the public need only be informed of the utility, and practicability of the measure, to be induced to carry it into speedy effect. There are certainly twenty, and probably more, insane persons, to one that is deaf and dumb. There is not a single argument in favour of an Asylum for this last mentioned class, which will not apply with ten fold greater force, in favour of an institution for reclaiming the insane. Neither the deaf and dumb nor their friends are necessarily unhappy. The most forcible argument in favour of their cause, the opportunity of affording them moral and religious instruction, it is obvious, will apply to as much greater extent, in the present instance, as the number of subjects is greater "If the mind shrinks for a moment at the aspect of this terrible disease, which seems calculated to humble the reason of man, it must afterwards feel pleasing emotions, in considering all that an ingenious benevolence has, [in other countries] been able to invent, to cure and comfort the patients afflicted with this malady." Had it not been for the oversight and neglect of our predecessors, two thirds of all our maniacs might, long ago, have been restored to society. For want of a suitable institution, they are now, nearly all, for ever lost-and not merely lost, but they remain living monuments of the deepest distress and misery, not only of themselves, but of all around them. The truth is, insanity is a disease, which it is impossible to manage with much success, in private practice. Suitable treatment requires peculiar talents, which are far from being universally or even commonly possessed, and it requires that there should be physicians and attendants exclusively devoted to the patients, and that the patients themselves should be in a situation favourable for carrying the proper medication into effect. In private families, there is no opportunity of employing that moral regimen, which is so indispensable in the management of every disease of the mind. In many instances, by suitable address alone, the peculiar hallucination, which constitutes the disease, may be removed, and the patient restored without a particle of medicine. To insure success however, it is abso lutely necessary, that the insane should be committed to the charge of strangers. Parents and heads of families, who have been in the habit of commanding, and being obeyed, by children and domestics, can never be adequately controled by them, nor can friends and neighbours interpose with much better effect. In fact it is often a cause of the continuance, and one of the greatest aggravations of the disease, that the maniac is sensible, that he has lost his influence over his family and friends, and that he finds he has forfeited their confidence. Hence in private practice, chains, and even more severe coercion, are frequently indispensable; but, in a proper retreat, the insane are protected from the ill judged severity and unavoidable neglect, even of their nearest connexions; for strange as it may seem, it will be found, on examination, that from ignorance of the real nature of the disease, friends usually confound the misconduct of the patient with original perversity of temper. In addition to the essential improvement of the situation of the patient, a Hospital produces incalculable relief to the friends. A thousand maniacs diffused through the state, infallibly draw into the vortex of misery, three or four thousand of their connexions. In a well regulated hospital, two thirds, at least, of all the recent cases are recovered, and restored to society. It is very questionable, whether private practice can boast of a tenth of this number. It is consequently the greatest humanity to the patients, as well as their friends-nay, true benevolence imperatively demands us, to provide such a retreat. A Hospital is the only place that affords means of improvement in the management of the insane, and the only place where practitioners can be trained to competent skill. In a Hospital, the aggregate expense of attend |