not sin, or that the nature of man as created, is sinful. To say that, at the union of the soul with the body, sin, which had existed only in its beginnings and rudiments, becomes positive in its nature, is not saying that the want of original righteousness in man is not sinful, nor that the nature of man as created, is sinful. "Expressly contradicted," says the Reviewer. If he saw a contradiction, he would have done well to make it visible to others. So far is the last passage from asserting what the Reviewer would have it understood to assert, that it clearly implies the contrary. Thus Turretin speaks of sin as having existence in man before it becomes positive, and the antithetical phrase, "consisting not merely in privation," implies what he has indeed expressly asserted, that sin in his view, does in its beginnings, consist in a state of privation, the want of original righteous ness. How remote then, are these statements of Turretin from expressly contradicting the opinions which are ascribed to him! We might here drop this point.But, knowing as little of Turretin as we do in the opinion of the Reviewer, we shall venture to cite a few passages from this author, corroborative of the opinions which we have ascribed to him. Speaking of the want of original righteousness in man, he says, "which destitution, though it be sinful on the part of man, because it is the destitution of righteousness, which ought to be in him,"&c. Again, speaking of the union of the soul with the body as the occasion of sin, he says, "But we are not to consider God as the author of sin, but as the avenger. He is the author of the union, as this is his own work; but not the author of sin, as this is the fault of another. He unites the soul with the body for the preservation of the species, and unites the soul, destitute of righteousness, with a còrrupted body, for the punishment of sin. Nor is God the cause of the corruption, if, in the union of the soul with the body, he observes an established law of nature, of which the proper effect is the man, but the incidental or circumstantial effect, the sinner."-Locus. ix. Ques. 12. Iu further support of his charge that no reliance is to be placed on the conductors of the Spectator, the Reviewer is pleased to say, "here too, we may adduce the authority of Turretin, in direct contradiction to a statement made by this Reviewer." -p. 233. Our statement is that "perversity of heart and personal mickedness are terms which were never used by any writer to denote any thing but voluntary states of mind." In the Reviewer's quotation from Turretin, this writer is made to say, "it is not true that all sin is voluntary.' What then? Who has said that he did maintain that all sin is voluntary? We have simply said that certain terms, viz. perversity of heart and personal wickedness, are always used to denote voluntary states of mind. How this amounts to the position that all sin is voluntary, the position which Turretin contradicts, we suspect the Reviewer will be un able to tell. The next charge of the Reviewer which we shall notice, is that of prevarication. "There is another characteristic of this writer quite as marked as any we have mentioned. In p. 15, he says "Professor N. then, has never had any doubt that Calvinistic writers abundantly contradict the doctrine, that God creates men with a sinful nature." *** "If Calvinists, as Mr. N. concedes, have abundantly denied the doctrines charged upon them," &c.On the contrary, those who will take the trouble to look, will find that Mr. N. says, "It would, I confess, be a strange thing, if Calvin, or the Westminster Divines, or Edwards, had any where EXPRESSLY CONtradicted the doctrines of their creed; and of consequence, if any express contradic tion was to be found of those passages, which I have produced from their writings in which these doctrines are stated. None such has been brought forward by the conductors of the Spectator." We had marked several other instances of equally gross prevarication, in the Reviewer's references to Mr. N.”—p. 235 Had the Reviewer quoted as he ought to have done, the passage which we cited from Professor N. containing the concession imputed to him, his readers would have had ample means of judging of the equity of this charge. We had said that Calvinistic writers deny the doctrine ascribed to them by Professor N. and had also adduced the passages from some of these writers, which contain such denials. In reference to these, Professor N. had said, "I have never had any doubt that such contradictions and absurdities might be found in abundance in their works." Now if the reader will compare this passage with the one above cited by the Reviewer to show that Mr. N. has not made the concession which we ascribed to him, it will be seen that in the one passage, he does make this concession, and that in the other, he asserts that it would be a strange thing if Calvin and others had any where expressly contradicted the doctrines of their creed. Now, though strange things sometimes happen, we would not intimate that Professor N. is at variance with himself in these passages, but only say he has conceded that contradictions of the doctrines which he charges upon Calvinists are to be found in abundance in their works. But the Reviewer would have it understood that Professor N. instead of conceding, has denied that Calvinists contradict the doctrines which he ascribes to them. So that, instead of being guilty ourselves of prevarication in this matter, the fact turns out to be this: that Professor N. has not only made the concession which we ascribed to him, but, as the Reviewer represents him, has expressly contradicted himself in the space of a few sentences; and this fact the Reviewer has concealed, for the purpose of fixing on us the charge of of prevarication. We ought not, perhaps, to conclude these remarks, without expressing our condolence with the Reviewer in the unfortunate condition in which he 66 finds himself, from having volunteered in this controversy. He complains of being absolutely sick of exposing" our errors and misstatements." We certainly should not have anticipated in his case, after such familiarity with the causes of the malady complained of, much remaining sensibility to their nauseating tendencies. Nor are we uninindful that, if to expose our errors and misstatements has been so disgusting to him, to witness the exposure of his own must be still more offensive; yet, as a proof that we are not wanting in humanity, we would express the hope, that to increase the dose, under this modification, may heal the patient. "But," says the Reviewer, "if it is by such artifices that these gentlemen propose to defend their cause, we have done with them.” We say if this is not sounding a retreat, the trumpet gives an uncer tain sound. Nor do we hesitate to applaud the resolution of the Reviewer, to have done with us. If be can do nothing more than convict his associates and himself of absurdity, and bring unsupported charges of artifice against us, then doubtless to make and cover his retreat as he can, is the part of wisdom. It were hardhearted to deny to him, thus sick and discomfited, the privilege of retiring, in his mood of melancholy, under as plausible a pretext as his ingenuity can devise. Instead then of triumphing over this champion of Unitarianism, we even commend his policy, and assure him of our cordial sympathies when we hear him thus bemoaning himself. In a similar plight, the honest Quaker exclaimed, "O argument! argument! the Lord rebuke thee." But to return to our usual gravity; we ask, is the course adopted by this Reviewer, characteristic of an upright and fair disputant? Principles of controversial procedure, the absurdity of which no sophistry can screen from detection; naked denials of main positions, which had been sustained by argument; assertions unsupported by a particle of proof, even in pretence; unauthorized assumptions of points in debate, and which are shown by the evidence adduced to be false; what the writer imagines, alleged against undeniable matter of fact; a concealment of facts in the case, of which he could not be ignoraut, these things, with reiterated insinuations of ignorance and imbecility, and charges of artifice and prevarication, are all which thus far appear to constitute the Reviewer's defence of his cause. Harmless, truly, are his weapons of personal attack; but is such an antagonist entitled to the confidence of his readers? Is there no method of managing a controversy, which bespeaks the consciousness of defeat and desperation in a bad cause? And if so, what method, if not that adopted by this writer? Of this matter we, perhaps through the prejudice to which all are liable in favor of their own side of a controversy, are not competent judges. We have, however, what to us are honest and sincere convictions on this subject; and we cheerfully submit it to our readers, whether more decisive indications of a conscious discomfiture, and of a determined purpose to defend a weak cause, than what we have now seen furnished by this writer, can be easily found in the annals of controversy. (To be continued.) Sketches of the Earth and its Inhabitants: with one hundred Engravings; by J. E. WORCESTER, A. A. S., Author of the Universal Gazetteer, &c. 2 vols. 12mo. pp. 372 and 350. Boston-Cummings, Hilliard, & Co. AMONG the improvements for which our age is distinguished, those which have been made in works de signed for the instruction of youth, must be considered as peculiarly important. We do not allude to, and do not praise such as pretend with magical art to dispense with the laVOL. VI No.-6. 41 337 bour which must ever attend the acquisition of learning, but consider it our duty to notice with respect and commendation those works on which intelligent men have bestowed labour and thought. Mr. Worcester is well known as the author of a valuable Gazetteer, and we have noticed in a former volume, his "Elements of Geography, Ancient and Modern." The present is a suitable accompaniment to ei ther or both those publications. We have attentively perused these "Sketches," and have no hesitation in saying that we know of no similar work, in which instruction and amusement are so much combined. The accuracy of the statements, the brevity and clearness of the descriptions, the apposite and often beautiful quotations from books of travels and from other works, continually excite and gratify the curiosity of the reader. The Preface of the present work states the object of the writer, and it will readily be perceived that his previous labours had peculiarly qualified him for the composition of these volumes. "The object in preparing these Sketches has been to supply a want which arises from the present mode of teaching geog raphy. The "Elements of Geography, Ancient and Modern," as well as other treatises of similar design, is a work intended to be carefully studied and recited. It is formed upon a plan so concise and comprehensive as not to admit of any lengthened descriptions. In the present work, a new survey has been made of the globe, in a similar geographical order, those matters only being noticed, of which it is desirable to have a more extended account than is contained in the "Ele ments." The topics here treated of are the most interesting that are connected with the They comprise the grand features of napleasing and useful science of geography. ture, the principal mountains, lakes, rivers, cataracts, and other natural curios ties; some of the most remarkable objects in the animal, vegetable, and mineral kingdoms; the chief cities, and most distinguished edifices and ruins; together with a view of the manners and customs of different nations, and the character and condition of man in various parts of the globe. In preparing these Sketches the best Το authorities have been made use of. enumerate them all would be unnecessary, if it were possible. Books of travels in all parts of the world have been consulted, and the authors are generally mentioned when quoted. Many of the sour ces of information, which were used in the preparation of the Universal Gazetteer," have also contributed to the formation of these volumes. The numerous engravings accompanying the work, will be found to add much to its interest and value; for by means of them many things are better illustrated, and more distinctly impressed on the mind, than they could be by the most minute and accurate descriptions. These volumes contain a copious selection and a digest of the most interesting parts of modern travels, as well as an account of the most remarkable objects both of nature and art. They are submitted to the public indulgence, with the hope that they will be found both entertaining and instructive to different classes of readers, particularly to the young; well adapted to the use of the higher schools and of families; and suitable to be read by the student, after he shall have acquainted himself with the elements of geography and the use of the maps." Literary and Philosophical Intelligence. S. Converse of New-Haven, proposes to commence, in the course of the present year, a complete edition of the works of the first President Edwards. This edition will comprise those volumes of his pub. lished works whigh are omitted in the Worcester and English editions, together with several volumes which have never yet been published. It has been in a course of preparation for several years and will be edited by the Rev. Sereno E. Dwight, of Boston. Messrs. A. H. Maltby & Co. of NewHaven, have in the press, Adams' Latin Grammar abridged, and arranged in practical lessons for young learners. The design of this work, is, to retrench all that is not required in an introductory Grammar for beginners, to follow strictly an analytic developement of Latin Grammar, to present the subject in simple language and familiar explanation, to employ frequent recapitulation and other practical exercise, and, throughout, to teach etymology and syntax in conjunction. The matter is selected from Adam, but exhibited in an arrangement adapted to the above mentioned purposes. Mr. George Davidson, of Charlestown, Mass. proposes to publish the political works of Thomas Paine, in 2 vols. octavo of about 900 pages. We understand, says the North American Review, that a gentleman in this country is collecting materials for a life of Ledyard, which may be expected at no distant period to come before the public. the man who rambled in his boyhood among the Indians on our frontiers; who was the first to descend the Connecticut Of river in a canoe, and in one which was A Seminary, to be called the Fellenberg School is about to be established at Windsor, Connecticut. It is designed principally for the education of young men who expect to engage in Agriculture and the useful arts. Out of a very liberal list of studies which are proposed to be taught in the school, each student will be permitted to select such as will best fit him for his future pursuits. A farm is to be attached to the establishment. Professor Olmsted of the University of North Carolina, has ascertained that a fine illuminating gas may be obtained from cotton seed. The product of gas from a bushel of seed, is more than double the average product of the same quantity of New Castle Coal, and greatly exceeds that in illuminating power It partakes of the purity and splendor of gas from oil, with which substance this seed is known to abound. The Boston Journal contains a notice of Count Rumford's donation to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, made in the year 1796. The donation consisted of $5000 U. S. 3 per cent stock, the income of which was directed to be granted every two years as a premium to the author of the most important discovery, or useful improvement on heat or light, that shall be made public in any part of the continent of America during the preceding two years. The Academy has repeatedly announced the fact, that it was ready to award the premium to any person who should show that he was entitled to it, on the terms of the donation, but no discovery or improvement of the kind described, has ever been considered entitled to the premium. The interest has therefore from time to time been added to the principal, which at this time consists of $7361 19 in 6 per cent stocks, and $7050 in 7 per cent. The income on the whole sum, for two years constitutes the premium now offered. A period of two years will expire at the next quarterly meeting of the Academy, which will be held on the 25th inst. at which time they will be ready to award the premium to any person who shall appear to be entitled to it. The Trustees of the Columbian College, in Washington City, have presented a petition to Congress, praying for a grant of public property in the District of Columbia, valued at 30,000 dollars. The Rev. Dr. Mason, President of Dickinson College has been compelled by ill health to tender his resignation to the The New-York Greek Committee have remitted to Messrs. Baring, Brothers & Co. London, the sum of $31,932 29,the amount already collected and received by them for the aid of the Greeks. An American traveller in Europe writes from Paris, that Franklin's Life and Maxims had been just published there in Modern Greek, to be distributed in Greece. The number of students at present in Gottingen, is 1419. Among them are four princes, and seventeen Counts. Of the students, 270 study theology, 730 jurisprudence, 224 medicine, and 195 devote themselves to physics and general philosophy. The University of Leipsick has lately suffered in the death of its Professors, in a degree almost unparallelled. Within a month antecedent to the 12th of March, it lost three of its most distinguished men viz. Professors Cramer, Spohn, and Gilbert. The latter read his lecture on the 6th, and was carried off on the 7th. On the 12th of March, Professors Beck and Hanhold were dangerously sick. Professors Wieland and Weber, who had been dangerously ill, were recovering. Col. Wright, Member of the Ceylon Literary and Agricultural Society, is said to have discovered that within the tropics the mercury rises and falls twice within the twenty-four hours, with such regularity as almost to afford an opportunity of measuring the lapse of time by this instru ment. The Petersburgh (Russia) Gazette in the report of deaths for 1821 gave 724 persons over 100-221 over 105-120 over 110-78 over 115-19 over 120-16 over 125-and 5 over 130 years. One individ. ual is reported to be between 145 and 150 -another between 150 and 155. |