eredited that ever the enemies of the gospel, in such an enlightened age, should be capable of so much impiety and folly."

Finally, to use the words of the late ingenious MR. CLARKE, in his answer to the question, Why are you a Christian ?" Not because I was born in a Christian country, and educated in Christian principles; not because I find the illustrious Bacon, Boyle, Locke, Clarke, and Newton, among the professors and defenders of Christianity; nor merely because the system itself is so admirably calculated to mend and exalt human nature, but because the evidence accompanying the gospel has convinced me of its truth. The secondary causes assigned by unbelievers, do not, in my judgment, account for the rise, progress, and early triumphs of the Christian religion. Upon the principles of scepticism, I perceive an effect without an adequate cause. 1 therefore stand acquitted to my own reason, though I continue to believe and profess the religion of Jesus Christ. Arguing from effects to causes, I think I have philosophy on side. And reduced to a choice of difficulties, I encounter not so many in admitting the miracles ascribed to the Saviour, as in the arbitrary suppositions and conjectures of his enemies.

my

"That there once existed such a person as JESUS CHRIST; that he appeared in Judea in the reign of Tiberius; that he taught a system of morals superior to any inculcated in the Jewish schools; that he was

crucified at Jerusalem; and that Pontius Pilate was the Roman governor, by whose sentence he was condemned and executed, are facts which no one ean reasonably call in question. The most inveterate Deists admit them without difficulty. And, indeed, to dispute these facts, would be giving the lie to all history. As well might we deny the existence of Cicero as of a person by the name of Jesus Christ. And with equal propriety might we call in question the orations of the former as the discourses of the latter. We are morally certain that the one entertained the Romans with his eloquence, and that the other enlightened the Jews with his wisdom. But it is unnecessary to labour these points, because they are generally conceded. They who affect to despise the Evangelists and Apostles, profess to reverence Tacitus, Suetonius, and Pliny. And these eminent Romans bear testimony to several particulars which relate to the person of Jesus Christ, his influence as the founder of a sect, and his crucifixion. From a deference to human authority, all therefore acknowledge that the Christian religion derived its name from Jesus Christ. And many are so just to its merits, as to admit that he taught better than Confucius, and practised better than Socrates or Plato. But I confess my creed embraces many more articles. I believe that Jesus Christ was not only a teacher of virtue, but that he had a special commission to teach. I believe that his doctrines are not the works of

haman reason, but of divine communication to mankind. I believe that he was authorized by God to proclaim forgiveness to the penitent, and to reveal a state of immortal glory and blessedness to those who fear God and work righteousness. I believe, in short, the whole Evangelical history, and of consequence the divine original of Christianity, and the sacred authority of the Gospel. Others may reject these things as the fictions of humour, art, or policy; but [ assent to them from a full conviction of their truth. The objections of infidelity have often shocked my feelings, but have never yet shaken my faith.

"To come then to the question-WHY ARE YOU A CHRISTIAN? I answer, because the CHRISTIAN RELIGION carries with it internal marks of its truth; because, not only without the aid, but in opposition to the civil authority, in opposition to the wit, the argument, and insolence of it's enemies, it made its way, and gained an establishment in the world; because it exhibited the accomplishment of some prophecies, and presents others, which have been since fulfilled; and because its author displayed an example, and performed works, which bespeak not merely a superior, but a divine character. Upon these several facts I ground my belief as a CHRISTIAN. And till the evidence on which they rest can be invalidated by counter evidence, I must retain my principles and my profession."

These extracts from Sherlock, Gibson, Locke, Wat

son, Doddridge, and Clarke, have been here selected, because they illustrate in a few words both the nature and evidences of Christianity. Thus says an ingenious writer, the Rev. Robert Hall :-"When at the distance of more than half a century CHRISTIANITY was assaulted by a Woolston, a Tindal, and a Morgan, it was ably supported both by clergymen of the established church and writers among Protestant Dissenters; the labours of a Clarke and a Butler were associated with those of Doddridge, a Leland, and a Lardner, with such equal reputation and success, as to make it evident that the intrinsic excellence of religion needs not the aid of external appendages; that with or without a dowry, her charms are of equal force to fix and engage the heart."

It would, however, be as useless as it is impossible, to refer the reader to all the principal treatises which have been written at different periods for the defence and illustration of the Christian religion. But a few ought to be mentioned in justice to the subject; and those alone shall be specified which are easiest of access. The student may therefore consult Lardner's Credibility, Watson's Theological Tracts, Priestley's Institutes of Natural and Revealed Religion, Butler's Analogy, together with Maltby's Illustrations and Paley's View of the Evidences of Christianity. For the use of private Christians read Doddridge's Three Sermons on the Evidences of the Christian Religion, Plain Reasons for being a Christian,

and an answer to the question, Why are you a Christian, by an American divine, but reprinted in this country. Nor can it be improper here to mention a small piece published by Mr. Allchin, of Maidstone, entitled A Familiar Address to young Persons on the Truth and Importance of Christianity. The substance of volumes is comprised within about thirty pages, drawn up with neatness and simplicity. And solemnly doth it concern both ministers and parents, as they are accountable at the tribunal of Heaven, to furnish the RISING GENERATION with religious principles, which by operating on the springs of human conduct, will insure their temporal and eternal felicity.

MAHOMETANISM.

MAHOMETANISM is the religion of Mahomet, who was born in 571, at Mecca, a city of Arabia, and died at Medina 631. Mahomet, though descended from an honourable tribe and from the noblest family of that tribe, yet his original lot was poverty. Upon his father's death five camels and an Ethiopian female slave constituted the entire property left for the support of the mother and her infant son. Under his uncle Abu-Taleb he was employed in commercial pursuits, and became acquainted with Asia, Syria, Palestine, and Egypt, He afterwards married a rich