apostle Paul's caution, to avoid oppositions of their danger. No sinner will be tions of science, falsely so called.' But likely to feel much anxiety for the salvasince this subject has been so involved, I tion of his soul, while he considers it as may be permitted to recollect another depending on his own choice or ability. caution by the same apostle; 'beware lest There is no truth, which the Holy Ghost any man spoil you through philosophy and more frequently and efficiently uses, to vain deceit. I hope to regard these cau- convince men of their sin and danger, tions, and show how philosophy has ob- than their lost, helpless condition by nascured this subject." ture. The publican felt this when he cried, God be merciful to me a sinner.' So fully does the Spirit convince men of their helplessness, when he draws them to Christ, that their cry is, 'Lord, save, or we perish; and ever after, they live and walk by faith, looking to Christ, in whom is their strength, and depending on the Holy Spirit for guidance. After this apologetical introduction, Dr. Fisk goes into the philosophical argument; where he shows that he is "at home"handling points with which he is familiar. We know not what answer the adopters of the theory which he opposes can or will give to his statement and arguments; but we are well persuaded they can give none that will satisfy a discerning, candid, and unprejudiced mind. We have been tempted to extract the whole of this part of the discourse; but it is too long for our pages, and if it were not, we ought not to detach it from the rest of the discourse. We hope many, very many, of our readers will purchase each a copy of this lecture, and also one of each of those which shall succeed it, as they severally proceed from the press. Indeed, it must be recollected, that on the prospect of indemnity for continuing to print the lectures, the publication of the entire series must depend. We are pressed for space, but we know not how we can better employ as much as we can spare, than in laying before our readers the conclusion of this excellent discourse. It is as follows "What now are the uses to be made of this doctrine? "One very important use is to humble man before God. If men are so sinful that they cannot deliver themselves, either from its curse, or from its dominion, they have reason to be humble. They have reason to be humbled under a sense of their sinfulness and their impotence. There are few things of which men are more inclined to be proud than of power. Children early discover a disposition to glory in their strength, or their capacity to accomplish what they consider important. Men are naturally fond of power in all its relations and influence, and are prone to become vain in their imaginations, forgetting their sin and weakness before God. But when once they are taught this doctrine by the Holy Spirit, they are prostrated in the dust, and feel themselves at the disposal of sovereign mercy. The pride of man needs to be humbled for his own benefit; and God will have sinners humbled, that his own power may be manifested in them. Whoso exalteth himself shall be abased.' "Another use of the doctrine is to convince men of sin. So long as sinners perceive no danger, and feel confident in their ability to turn themselves to God at any time, they will not listen to the invitations of mercy, or care for the representa "The Spirit often teaches sinners their danger before he teaches them their helplessness; they look more at the sin of their conduct than the sin of their hearts. In such cases they commence an effort to make themselves better. They try expedient after expedient, confident that they can turn themselves to God. But under the teaching of the Spirit they learn that they make themselves worse instead of better. Let a sinner perceive that he deserves endless misery, and is in imminent danger of his soul-if he has, or think he has power, he will make exertion for his safety. But let him perceive that he is ready to sink into everlasting perdition, and feel that his sin renders him helpless, an agony of distress will fill his soul; and if Christ had not sent the Holy Spirit, despair would drink up his own spirit. Then he trusts in Christ, and is thus drawn by the blessed agency of the Holy Ghost. "But here it may be possibly asked, if this doctrine be not calculated to discourage sinners from seeking the Lord? I suppose it is possible for cavillers to pervert the truth, and even wrest it to their own destruction; but that it is calculated to discourage men from trusting in Christ, and accepting salvation, as it is freely of fered to them, I cannot admit. I know that some have said the doctrine is calculated to lead men to sit down quietly and wait God's time to save them, alleging, that if he do not save them, the fault will be in the Saviour and not in themselves. This cavil never came from a sinner, deeply anxious for his soul's salvation. But if the objection were founded in fact, the influence would not be to quiet the feelings. Suppose a case, which, I think, may illustrate the influence of the sentiments intended in the objection. Were it announced to us that the flames are encroaching upon this house, and that if we remain in it a few moments longer we must inevitably be consumed, and that we are unable to get out of the house; would we lie down and sleep? No, every bosom would be filled with wakeful agony. But to make the case somewhat parallel to the real situation of the sinner, we must supply and propagate objections and cavils pose two things more-that our sinfulness against this doctrine. Here let a very alone disables us from escaping, and that strong fact be distinctly marked-one God is entreating us to accept his effi- fixed and intelligent look within, upon the cient and certain relief. Then if we character of the heart as disclosed by the should perish in the flame to-night, would light and teaching of the Holy Ghost, disthere not be crime as well as helplessness arms every objection, and prostrates the in our case? Would there not be a sinner in deep self abasement, and covers striking analogy in the feeling, likely to be him with shame, crying, wo is me, for I excited in such a case, to the conviction am undone.' No cavil or objection can of sinners taught of God? To my mind stand before a conscience enlightened by the analogy is easily traced.* the Spirit of God. "It is again objected that this doctrine sets aside the use of means with impenitent sinners. To this I reply, in unqualified terms, that exactly the reverse is true. If the excellency of the power were of men, every thing would be confused, uncertain, and discouraging. But since it is of God, and not of men, we may hope for success, relying on his ability, which is constant and efficient, to connect the means with the end. This is too plain to need further illustration. "It is further objected, that it is inconsistent and useless to exhort sinners to repent or perform any Christian duty, if this doctrine be true. I know it sounds very singular to some ears to hear such addresses to sinners as look ye blindhear ye deaf-awake thou that sleepest and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.' I doubt not many think such exhortations useless. But so it is, men are thus described, and thus exhorted in the gospel of Christ; and who will undertake to say they are inconsistent? God has ordered us in the gospel commission to announce most distinctly the guilt, helplessness, and misery of sinners; and at the same time to exhort, entreat, and command them to repent. Our warrant is plain, and our prospect of success, in these announcements, rests on the mission of the Holy Spirit. When the voice of the Spirit accompanies the exhortation, sinners hear and coine to Christ. I have already shown the consistency of the doctrine with God's commands, and this rests on the same principle. But I must not longer dwell on this topick; let me say once for all, the human heart and human ingenuity have employed their utmost efforts to multi It is questionable whether, in the whole extent of the Presbyterian church, there is, at this time, a congregation in which there is a more general awakening, a more hopeful revival of religion, than in that of which Dr. Fisk is the pastor. Here is a practical demonstration of the utter and absolute fallacy of the representation, that impenitent sinners are rendered careless and indifferent to their state, by being told of their entire inability to convert themselves-that regeneration is solely the work of the Holy Spirit.-ED. "A very important use of this doctrine is to lead Christians and ministers of the gospel to cultivate a sense of dependence on the special influence of the Holy Spirit, and pray for his agency. No matter how great man's physical power may be considered by others, Christians must feel their entire dependence on the Spirit's blessed agency, which alone can bring men to Christ, enlighten their minds and sanctify them for his service and glory. The more sensible men are of their helplessness and real necessity, the more they will pray for the grace of God. The doctrine tends to induce in Christians a more constant sense of responsibility under the gospel administration, where the Holy Ghost is sent to humble, enlighten, sanctify, and guide them in the knowledge of his will, and discharge of Christian duty. Dependence on the Spirit and responsibility go together. The whole gospel urges upon us this sense of dependence on the Holy Ghost. He takes of the things of Christ, and shows them unto us; and we cannot be too thoroughly impressed with the importance of relying on this influence. Christians do not pray enough for this blessed agency; and too often they attempt the performance of duty with little or no sense of their dependence. This explains their frequent failure and the meagerness of their graces. While Paul recognised, fully, the truth of Christ's declaration, without me ye can do nothing," his humble and confident reliance on the influence of the Holy Ghost, enabled him to say, I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me." It is not a sense of inability, which prevents Christians from growing in grace and fulfilling their obligations, but leaning upon their own understanding, and relying on their own strength. "Under the influence of this sentiment of dependence, and a view of the helpless condition of sinners, ministers of the gospel will be more likely to rely on the Spirit's influence, and pray for his agency to accompany their ministrations. They will keep the doctrine of the Holy Spirit's agency distinctly in their own and the view of others. It was a judicious remark of a sensible elder in the church, "if ministers of the gospel would honour the Holy Ghost more in their preaching, the Holy Ghost would honour them. "One direct object of preaching the gospel is, to convince men of sin-of their lost, disabled, perilous condition under its influence of the direct and certain consequence of sin, everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his power. Another important object is, to convince or teach them of the righteousness, not only of the law which condemns them, but of Christ, by which alone they can be justified-to explain the scheme of salvation by Christ, and the principles of the administration under which they are planned. This is to be done, "not in the words which man's wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Ghost teaches." O how necessary that ministers of Christ should be deeply impressed with the sense of their dependence on this heavenly instruction and influence! They should go from their closet to the pulpit, to the family, and every parochial service. They should carry the case of sinners before the mercy seat, unite the conviction and conversion of their souls to the intercession of Jesus Christ, which alone can prevail, to send down the answer of peace. "One important practical question must close this protracted discussion. I propose it to every individual in this assembly. Is the agency of the Holy Spirit drawing you? If you feel inclined to seek the Lord, be sure the Spirit is striving with you. That some such inclinations are awakened here, I doubt not. Be cautious that you resist not the Holy Ghost. Recollect that you live under an administration in which this is the last agency employed for your salvation; resist this, and you must perish forever. Recollect that you live in a time greatly distinguished for the outpouring of this blessed influence. You take upon yourselves a fearful responsibility, if you resist the gracious influence. You may, for aught I know, have come very near to that point, when it shall be said of you as of Ephraim, "let him alone." How tremendous the prospect! How urgently should this caution be pressed upon your excited attention! And ye careless ones, remember that your carelessness costs you no small efforts to resist the Holy Spirit; and wo be to you, when you shall have succeeded effectually in quenching the Spirit. "Christian brethren! take heed that you grieve not the Holy Spirit of promise. Cherish his influence; live under his guidance; pray for his agency to convince and convert perishing sinners. May the Lord hear, answer, forgive, bless, and save us all in Christ Jesus. Amen." The continuance of our review of the Review in the Christian Spectator, we must, though reluctantly, postpone to the coming month. Literary and Philosophical Intelligence, etc. Not long since we read, in a short life of Sir Isaac Newton, published in a weekly periodical in this city, a statement that at a certain period in the life of that great man, he was visited with a temporary insanity-after which, it was said, he never attempted any thing that required close, long, and laborious thought. This was perfectly new, and equally surprising to us; although we had before heard, that Newton did not retain his mental vigour in advanced age, as fully as is witnessed in many old men. It was, therefore, with much pleasure that, in the Christian Observer for September last, we met with the following article. The whole story, it appears, is an infidel exaggeration, or rather fabrication; which Christians, as in too many other cases, have incautiously helped to circulate. The article to which we have referred is as follows: "M. Biot in his life of Sir Isaac Newton, has endeavoured to prove, on the testimony of a manuscript note of Huygens, buttressed by various collateral facts, that Sir Isaac Newton became deranged in mind in consequence of the destruction of his manuscripts by his dog Diamond; and that he never recovered his mental powers sufficiently to produce any great work after this epoch, though he was only fortyfive years old at the time. M. de la Place exultingly adds, that this accounts for the author of the Principia turning his thoughts to theology, and writing on prophecy and biblical criticism, which Voltaire sneering. ly urged as a proof that the most exalted mind is not always free from superstitious credulity. Till the publication of M. Biot's memoir, these alleged facts were wholly unknown in England or elsewhere, either from writing or tradition; but they have been lately extensively circulated under high auspicies in this country, in the Life of Newton by "the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge;" who, to their disgrace be it spoken, have not only adopted M. Biot's statement, but also the infidel sneers grounded upon it. Most happy, therefore, are we in being able to inform our readers, that Dr. Brewster, in his Life of Newton, just published in Murray's Family Library, has collected a number of interesting facts, bearing upon the point, from which, though it certainly appears that Newton laboured under a temporary nervous irritability, caused by fever and want of rest, yet that it was only temporary; that his exertions, mathematical, theological, and critical, bear powerful testimony to his vigorous powers of mind at the very period of his alleged incompetency; and that all his theological publications were composed in the vigour of life, before the illness which is said to have affected his reason. We may take an opportunity of detailing the facts more fully, as well as some other interesting particu lars in Dr. Brewster's valuable narrative; but in the mean time our readers may procure the book for themselves. It does great honour both to Dr. Brewster and Mr. Murray's popular series; and particularly for the praiseworthy anxiety with which the deeply scientific writer rebuts the insinuations of scepticks against Christianity." The two following articles of the most recent intelligence from Constantinople, belong to this department of our work, and are of too much interest to be omitted. "Constantinople, Oct. 10.-On the 5th instant, a natural phenomenon, such as few persons remember, and the effects of which have been most destructive, filled with terror the inhabitants of this country, who are at the same time suffering under all kinds of evils. After an uncommonly sultry night, threatening clouds rose about 6 in the morning in the horizon, to the south and west, and a noise between thunder and tempest, and yet not to be compared to either, increased every moment, and the inhabitants of the capital, roused from their strife, awaited with anxious expectation the issue of this threatening phenomenon. Their uncertainty was not of long duration; lumps of ice, as large as a man's foot, falling first singly, and then like a thick shower of stones, which destroyed every thing that they came in contact with. The oldest persons do not remember ever to have seen such hail stones. Some were picked up half an hour afterwards, which weighed above a pound. "This dreadful storm passed over Constantinople and along Bosphorus, over Therapia Bejukdere, and Belgrade, and the fairest, nay, the only hope of this beautiful and fertile tract, the vintage just commenced, was destroyed in a day. Animals of all kinds, and even some persons, are said to have been killed, an innumerable quantity are wounded, and the damage done to the houses is incalculable. Besides that scarcely a window has escaped in all the country, the force of the falling masses of ice was so great, that they broke to atoms all the tiles on the roofs, and shattered like musket balls planks half an inch thick. Since that day the rain has not ceased to pour down in torrents, and from the slight way in which the houses are built, almost wholly consisting of windows, and with very flat roofs that have nothing to keep off the wet beside tiles, innumerable families are not much more comfortable than in a bivouac. If, in addition to this, we consider that in consequence of the burning of Pera, and the great fires in Constantinople itself, many have no shelter whatever, and recollect besides the plague, which continues to spread, and the cases of cholera which still occur, both together indeed make the whole a most gloomy picture. "The delay which has taken place in rebuilding the houses burnt down is not yet remedied, because the directions have not yet been published, which are to obviate the defects of the mode of building hitherto practised, and to afford greater security against fire; and, however injurious this delay may be to many an unsheltered family, it may be easily accounted for, without imputing blame on the government, which has to contend with innumerable obstacles in the introduction of any, even the most useful innovation. The houses taken from the Catholick Armenians at the time of the persecution, most of which are in ruins, have been restored to them. "A journal in the Turkish and French languages will shortly be published here, by order of the Sultan, and under the special direction of a commission appointed for that purpose. The prospectus of this journal, which is to be published once a week, has been printed in the Turkish language, and distributed among the pub lick." The Comet.-The European papers speak of a Comet that will appear within 60,000 miles of the earth's orbit, some time in the year 1832. If the earth should happen to be in that portion of its orbit, nearest the path of the comet, in its approach to the sun, they say its motion will be much disturbed, and serious consequences may reasonably be apprehended. M. Lalande has computed that comets may pass within 30,000 leagues without sensibly deranging the motion of the earth. The comet of 1470, approached so near the earth as to increase its periodical time upwards of two days; and had its mass been equal to that of the earth, it is com puted by La Place, the earth's motion in her orbit would have been equally retarded, and consequently have increased the length of the year nearly 49 hours. As no such effect was produced, the disturbing force of the comet was considered insensible. The mass of the comet was 15000th part less than that of the earth. In 1454, the moon was eclipsed by a comet, which must have passed within 200,000 miles of the earth-and it is known that no effect was produced by its attractive force, either on the earth or moon.-The immense velocity of comets may be a principal reason why they do not sensibly affect the motion of the planets. That of 1680, was calculated by Newton to move at the rate of 800,000 miles an hour, and Boybone observed one at Palermo, in 1670, whose velocity he computed to be equal to 2,500,000 miles an hour. The comet of 1450, is best known by astronomers. Its period is computed to be about 75 years, though from its motion being disturbed by the planets, it is sometimes longer. It appeared in 1632, very bright; and was looked after with very great anxiety in 1758; but Clairault determined from calculation that it would not appear till April, 1759. The increased length of its period he attributed to the influence of Jupiter and Saturn, near which it would pass. It accordingly approached nearest the sun on the 12th of March, 1759. If this is the comet to which the European papers refer, it will not appear until 1834 or 5-the distance of this comet from the sun, when in the extreme end of its orbit, is about 82,000,000 miles; yet it returns regularly, and its period has been calculated by the mathematician within 30 days. English Tariff on Titles.-A professor in the University of Cambridge, (Mr. Babbage,) has published a work containing severe charges of personal ambition and aggrandizement, against the Royal Society of London, and others as severe against other societies and distinguished individuals. It is entitled "Reflections on the Decline of Science in England." The following tariff of admission to some of the principal societies, including compo sition for anuual payments, is contained in it. The letters are the society initials. Royal Society, Royal Soc. of Edin. Royal Acad. Dublin, £50 0s. F.RS. 15 4 F.R.S. E. M. R. I. A. 26 5 36 15 50 8 36 34 13 Royal Soc. Lit., Antiquarian, Linnæan, Geological, Astronomical, Zoological, 25 4 26 5 Royal Institution, 50 Royal Asiatic, 31 10 48 6 21 F.R. S. Lit. F.A. S. F. L. S. F. G. S. M. A. S. F.Z. S. M. R. I. F. R. A. S. Horticultural, F. H. S. Medico Botanical, F. M. B. S. Mr. Babbage remarks, that "those who are ambitious of scientifick distinction may, according to their fancy, render their name a kind of comet, carrying with it a tale of upwards of forty letters, at the average cost of £10 9s. 93d. per letter." Safety of Steam Engines.-The Societé d'Encouragement of Paris have decided upon granting two premiums:-"One to him who shall perfect and complete the means of safety which have hitherto been employed or proposed, against explosions of steam engines and other boilers, or point out better ones; the other, to him who shall invent a form, and a construction of the boiler, which will prevent or annul all danger from explosion. Each of these premiums shall be two thousand francs, and decreed to any Frenchman or foreigner who shall be deemed most worthy of it. The method proposed must have been tested by at least six months' trial in a steam engine of high pressure, of ten horse power or larger, or on a boiler of equal force. The efficacy of the proposed improvement must be duly authenticated, and the inventor must renounce any intention of securing patent privileges. The memoirs, designs, or models, reports or certificates, must be sent before the first of July, 1832. Emigration to Liberia.-The schooner Crawford sailed from New Orleans on the 13th ult. for Liberia, with twenty-one emigrants from Kentucky. She took out a large supply of merchandise, books, medicine, &c. &c. for the use of the colony. The expedition is under the superintendence of CHARLES G. SHAVE, M. D. of Cincinnati, a talented and worthy young gentleman who volunteered his services, and gratuitously gives them to the colonizing enterprise. It is added, that not a drop of ardent spirits was taken in the Crawford. PETERSBURG, (Va.) Dec. 20, 1831. The Sora-It has long been a question among naturalists, (and still unsettled, unless the fact we are about to mention should put it at rest,) whence cometh the sora, and whither goeth it? This interesting bird usually makes its appearance along the tide waters of Virginia, about the middle of August; and leaves the first severe frost. During last week, one of a party skating on a meadow in the vicinity, happened to break in, when immediately upon extricating himself, four or five soras came through the aperture, one of which was caught. The others retreated beneath the ice, and thus escaped. The captive bird was brought alive to town, has been seen by many, and there can be no doubt as to its species. The sora, therefore, does not always emigrate, if it changes its clime at all; which, from its being a clumsy flyer, it is as little able to do as any individual of the feathered race. The Seat of Taste.-By covering the tongue with parchment, sometimes in whole, and sometimes in different parts, it has been determined by two experiments in Paris, by MM. Guyot and Admyraula, |