ings and things are equally because infinitely below him, and all distinctions of high and low are of no account in his sight.

It is further to be noticed, that the objection before us does not attempt a formal reply to any of the arguments by which a particular providence is proved. It merely treats the doctrine as if it were absurd, because an abhorrent consequence seems to flow from its admission. But this very consequence we embrace in all its length and breadth, and for it we contend, as in the highest degree glorious to the character of God. For it exalts our conceptions, and magnifies the glory of his infinite perfections, to know, that their care is extended to every being and event,that his guardianship embraces the vast extent of his wide-spread creation, while its lowest object is not overlooked,-that he is every where present, ever active but never weary; living in all life, and moving in all motion; guiding at the same time the stars in their courses, and the flight of the meanest insect that floats upon the breeze; penciling the humblest flower with beauty, and clothing with eternal freshness and verdure the tree of the waters of life, around which the sons of heaven are gathered to study his works and hymn his praise. Once more,

(3.) It has further been objected, that this view of providence makes it a continued series of miracles. If by this is meant, that all the exertions and displays of providential power are to to be considered as miraculous in the sense that they are wonderful, then the objection ceases to be an objection; for this is not only admitted, but is asserted in the broadest terms. If by it, however, be meant, that every manifestation of providence is of the same nature with what are called miracles, then the assertion is unfounded; for there is this wide difference between the two, that the former is of common or rather constant occurrence, while the latter is the obvious, visible display of divine power, in attestation of the truth of some particular assertion or claim. Every miracle is providential; but every act of providence is by no means miraculous. The recovery of a person from a common disease is not miraculous; though if we were not familiar with such recoveries, every one would regard them as most wonderful. But where an apostle declares that he is sent by God, and in proof of the truth of his assertion, instantly, and with a word, cures the sick or casts out devils, this is properly a miracle.

These are the only objections to a particular providence that are worthy of notice; for as to the objection, that such a providence is inconsistent with the liberty of free-agents, it is completely refuted by consciousness, by which we are all compelled to feel, that we are entirely at liberty, and free to do, or not to do, whatsoever we will, and this with no other restraint than that imposed by the moral laws of God; and as to the inconsistency (sometimes VOL. VIII.

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alledged) of providence with the general laws of nature, it can have no existence; for the expression, "laws of nature,” is but another name for the mode in which God is ever acting around us; they are but a part of his system of providence, or rather the method in which, to some extent, it operates.

With a brief glance at some of the practical bearings of the subject before us, we conclude. And,

1. If a constant and particular providence is exercised over the world, by the infinitely wise and benevolent God, then we should never be dissatisfied with any of his dealings. We are sometimes prone to complain of the hardships of our earthly lot, or to murmur against what seem to be, in reference to ourselves, "mysterious dispensations of providence." But if we make a proper practical improvement of the doctrine before us, we shall rejoice that a God of infinite wisdom and goodness is on the throne, and that all things are ordered by him with the wisest coun sel, and for the best ultimate ends. Whatever be our condition, we shall recognize in its allotment, the hand of our heavenly Father; and if others are more favored than ourselves, we shall be satisfied that it is for the wisest and best reasons. Whatever be our station in life, we shall feel, that it is for us the station of honor, and fitness, and duty, and that our estimation in God's sight, depends not upon the elevation of our sphere, but on the manner in which we fill it.

The same train of remark is equally applicable to the inequality of the dealings of providence, as manifest around us, against which we are sometimes disposed to murmur, as unjust or severe. We refer not to the theoretical objections of the infidel, which are easily answered, but rather to that want of entire practical confidence in God, in reference to the dark dispensations of his providence, which sometimes leads even christians to be dissatisfied with its allotments, as if they could have advised for the better. With regard to all such dispensations, every rising murmur should at once be hushed by the thought, that God is infinitely perfect; and that if many of his providential movements now appear unjust or unwise, it is merely because they are not seen in all their relations, and as they will be seen in the light of eternity. So far, then, from dishonoring the providence of Jehovah, by assuming to sit in judgment on its operations, we should ever cherish an implicit and child-like faith in the rectitude of all his dealings, knowing that they are all conducted not only by infinite wisdom, but by infinite goodness. There is a Jewish tradition concerning Moses, which so beautifully illustrates the point before us, that it is worthy of being mentioned; for though a mere fable, it is not on that account the less instructive. That great prophet, says one of the Rabbins, was called by God to the top of a high mountain, where

he was permitted to to propose any questions that he pleased concerning the government of the universe. In the midst of one of his inquiries, he was commanded to look down upon the plain below, where was a clear spring of water. At this spring, a soldier had alighted a moment from his horse to drink. No sooner had he gone, than a little boy came to the same place, and finding a purse, that the soldier had dropped, took it up and went away. Soon after, there came an infirm old man, with hoary hairs, and weary with age and traveling, who, having quenched his thirst, sat down, for rest and refreshment, by the side of the spring. The soldier by this time had missed his purse, and returning, he demands it of the old man, who affirms that he had not seen it, and appeals to heaven to attest his innocence and the truth of his assertions. The soldier, not believing his declarations, kills him on the spot! Moses falls on his face, in horror and amazement, that such an event should be permitted by God; when the divine voice thus prevents his expostulation: "Be not surprised, Moses, that the Judge of all the earth should have suffered this to come to pass. То you there seems to be no reason why that child should be the occasion of the old man's blood being spilled; but know, that the same old man, years ago, was the murderer of that child's father!" In every dispensation of providence, there is some wise design; and in every one, the Judge of all the earth will do right. Again:

2. In the doctrine of a particular providence, the christian should find an unfailing source of consolation in all the afflictions and trials of life. This world is a world of sorrow and trial, in which all must expect their portion of calamity. Afflictions beset the whole length of our pathway through life, and the agonies of death hold their watch over its close. But though we are "born to trouble, as the sparks fly upward," yet we are taught by the doctrine before us, that afflictions do not spring from the dust,

that troubles do not come from the ground, but that all things are ordered by ONE who loves us too well not to mingle trials with our joys. Without his permission, no power can harm, no ill can befall us; and every afflicting stroke is meant for our good,—to cultivate our graces, to mortify our passions, to elevate and purify our affections, and so to discipline our spirits, as to work out for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of happiness and glory in the heavens. Let the atheist, who believes that chance dashed the fragments of chaos into a world, believe, if he can, that the same chance directs (or rather leaves at random,) every event. It is the consolation, the joy of the christian, to know, that God is the God of individuals, and of individual events, and that every thing which transpires is ordered by him; that every dispensation, whether joyous or grievous, is sent with some definite purpose of

mercy, that even the evils of life are intended to instruct us in patience and virtue, and its very tribulations to be the ministers of our highest joy.

3. This doctrine of a particular providence, should also teach us ever to be watchful of our conduct. The thought, that God is ever, round about us, moving in every motion, and acting in every event, makes this world a serious world, and should lead us to walk through it with serious steps, with our hearts bent upon duty and our eyes fixed upon heaven. It should indeed increase our cheerfulness, and sweeten our enjoyments, to think, that our Father is beside us; but it should also fill us with a holy jealousy of ourselves, and with anxious watchfulness against every thing, whether in spirit or conduct, which may be displeasing to him. An ancient philosopher advised the magistrate, as a restraint to the wicked, to write at the corner of every street, "God sees thee, O sinner!" But to us, who believe in a particular providence, the inscription, "God sees thee," is not only in every street, but upon every object, above, around, within, and beneath If we would but open our hearts to its reception, every thing would proclaim to us the obvious presence of that God,

us.

"Who gives its luster to the insect's wing,

And wheels his throne upon the rolling winds."

We might see it in our own existence and enjoyment,-in the revolving year and the changing seasons. We might read it in the stars, the alphabet of heaven, in which he has stereotyped his own glory, and in the planets which are rolled by his hand through trackless space. We might hear it in the thunder's voice, and see it gleaming in the lightning's flash. Every insect would sing to our ears of the hand that sustains it. Every breeze would murmur of his presence. Every leaf would whisper, "God is here!" And if the imaginary presence of some great and good man could restrain impropriety, and prompt to nobleness of conduct on the part of a pagan, then surely the known presence of the heartsearching GoD, the greatest and best of all beings, should make us watchful of all our actions,-should check the first risings of folly and sin, should give purity to our motives, and humility to our hearts, and holiness to our lives,-should lead us ever to live as under Jehovah's eye, in such a manner as to secure his approbation, both here and hereafter.

ART. II.-IS CHRISTIANITY A PART OF THE COMMON-LAW OF ENGLAND?

As christian spectators, we feel bound to notice the various attacks made upon religion, from whatever quarter they may come. It may not, however, be evident to every one, what connection the question at the head of this article has with religion, at least in this country. To such, it may be sufficient to say, that the common-law of England has been adopted in this country, with such modifications as our situation and circumstances require; in some states, by an express provision of their constitutions, and in others, by the uniform usage of the courts, with the approbation of their different legislatures. Now, inasmuch as the free exercise of all religions are guaranteed to the people of this country, it is claimed, (with how much truth we stop not to inquire,) by those who deny that christianity is part of, or sanctioned, by the common-law, that all legislation, having for its object the punishment of offenses against the christian religion, is unconstitutional, and all adjudications of our courts of justice on this subject," legisla tive usurpation." The attempt to disprove this maxim, is an effort on the part of those who deny or reject the gospel, indirectly to undermine the principles of religion and virtue, and to break down those barriers which have been erected by the gospel against irreligion and infidelity. It is possible, indeed, that some who deny the truth of the maxim, that christianity is sanctioned by the common-law, may not desire the effects which the course pursued by their coadjutors tends directly to produce.

At the head of those who, in this country, have denied the truth of the foregoing principle, we are sorry to be obliged to place the name of a writer and statesman of celebrity, Thomas Jefferson. We are the more sorry for this, because we are aware of the extensive influence which the opinion of Mr. J. will exert upon his and our countrymen.

But we are unwilling that error should at any time go uncontroverted, and more especially when sanctioned by the authority of great names, and are fully called upon to expose every attack upon religion, though it be at the expense of those who make the charge.

We learn from Mr. Jefferson, that Major John Cartwright, an Englishman, had written a work on the British Constitution, in which he undertook to prove," that christianity could not be part

* 1. Kent's Com. Am. Law. p. 472. 1. Swift's Dig. p. 9. Knowles vs. the State. 3. Day's Rep. 103. State vs. Danforth, 3. Comes, 112. Commonwealth vs. Knowlton, 2 Mass. Rep. 530. U. S. vs. Williams, 2. Cranch. 182. Const. Mass. N. Y. Ñ. J. and Maryland.