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temporary being; and a state of stupor, which a moderately taught Christian would consider as little short of real madness, is considered as the highest degree of mental perfection to which man can aspire, and from which he shall glide into that union with the Deity, of which he is most desirous. In this state, the devotee considers the voluptuous paradise of his prophet, as pointing out those spiritual provisions for the soul which await him in in the higher stages of his progress:-that Jesus and all the prophets have trodden this mysterious path:-that idolatry and faith are all but one thing,-all being God, and verging towards that state of union with him, at which, finally, they shall all

arrive.

"Whatever may be said of the approach of the Mystick to the truths of Christianity, and something like that is discoverable in the preceding tracts, the fact is, the real principle by which he is actuated, is that of heathenism. The Koran, which contains many things in common with the Scriptures, is mostly cited in a sense, of which, it is extremely probable, its author never dreamt: and hence, however the Mohammedans may be supposed by some to be a sort of heretical Christians, the truth seems to be, that, as far as mysticism prevails among them, they are much more nearly allied to the Hindoos, or to the visionary followers of Plato.

"In order, therefore, to bring our subject fully before such readers, I have taken the following line of argument as the most suitable to our question; viz. To show, in the first place, that the principles, by which evidence has been estimated in the preceding Mohammedan Tracts, is not calculated to ascertain the truth in questions relating to religion. And, in the second, to propose others upon which reliance may be placed.

In the third place, since both parties allow, that a revelation has been made from above, and that the books of the Old and New Testament were originally so revealed, to show, that those books are now mainly the same as they originally were; that is, that no wilful corruption has ever taken place in them, either affecting any point of doctrine, or article of history; although we are disposed to allow, that some variety of reading is found to exist in the different copies.

"Having determined this point, and agreeing with the author of the preceding tract, that all information relating to religion must necessarily be derived from revelation, we propose to inquire, in the fourth place, Whether revelation affords the criteria by which any one laying claim to a divine mission may be known. And, if so, Whether Mohammed's character answer the requirements of such criteria.

"This point being determined, we in

tend, in the fifth place, to ascertain from the revelation, What is the real character of man,-What the word of God has laid down as necessary for his observance, and for what end that has been done. And, in the last place, to make a few remarks on the subject before us."

a

In the following passage we have short and just statement of the rise of Mohammedanism, and of the manner in which its author acquired his authority.

"Before the battle of Bedr had taken

place, as Mr. Martyn has properly remarked (p. 88,) notwithstanding the miracles ascribed to Mohammed during his childhood, of which it is most probable no one had then ever heard one word, added to those of the Koran, not only the majority of the Arabs, but his own family, and even his wife Khadija treated him rather as a madman than as a prophet. His account of having seen the angel Gabriel, and having been saluted by stocks and stones as a person commissioned from above, they considered as mere madness: nor was it till he had obtained power by the fortune of war, that his miracles were at all credited by the multitude. Besides, many years must have elapsed after the battle of Bedr, before the majority of the Arabs could at all be appealed to, and even then, their testimony to his miracles, if we except the Koran, could be of no use, because they must have already denied their existence, if we suppose them to have been eye-witnesses; and if they were not, their testimony is good for nothing.

"It is also well known, that about this time a rival prophet of the name of Moconsiderable numbers after him. The seilema arose, who succeeded in drawing Arabs were, therefore, divided in their opinion, as to which was the true prophet; nor was it until a considerable battle had taken place, in which Moseilema was slain, that any thing like unanimity prevailed on this subject. The majority of witnesses, therefore, cannot be cited in favour of Mohammed at the rise of Islamism; and, many years after, when his authority had been established by other means, their testimony cannot be relied upon; because, in many instances they could not have had knowledge of the facts in question; and, as they had now an interest to maintain, there is no probability that their testimony would be impartial."

Mr. Lee closes his discussion with the following impressive remarks

"Let us now make a few remarks on the subject before us. We may ask, in the first place; If God has so provided for the wants of mankind in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament, what probability can there be, that he would make another revelation of his will, such as the Koran is thought to be, in which no such provisions are even hinted at; but in which a number of unmeaning ceremonies, such as praying with the face towards Mecca, the pilgrimage, washings and other cumbrous and unprofitable ceremonies, are imposed upon mankind? What necessity could there have been for sending a mere temporal commander, such as Mohammed confessedly was, in order to undo a system comprehending every necessary requisite for the believer, and to substitute for it a creed inconsistent with the prior revealed will of God, and inadequate to the wants, comforts and improvement of man? But what are we to think of such a system of religion when we know, that it not only opposes the declarations of the Scriptures; but that the Scriptures have warned us from being deceived by any thing of its description? -and when we are told, that lying signs and wonders would be wrought by some, such as were likely to deceive even God's best servants? But this is not all, a system of mysticism is also superadded, contradictory in every point of view to the express declarations of the Scriptures. The frail and sinful person of man, whose thoughts from his very youth are iniquity, and whose ways are false, is represented as an integral part of the great Ruler of the Universe, who, as the Scriptures inform us, is of eyes too pure to behold iniquity! This frail worm is then advised to consider the works of God which he sees around him, as the visions of a waking dream, as the mere trifles set up for his monientary amusement which shall disappear at a time when the curtain of this illusive exhibition shall be commanded to fall; and when he, with all his impurities and follies, shall again be taken back into that ocean of holiness and of light, of which he may now be considered as a drop. But God says: Man shall live for ever: and shall be happy or miserable in a future state of being, just in proportion to his obedience or disobedience tendered in this. What then are we to think of a system like this, manifestly opposed to the declarations of God's word, and claiming no better an origin than the philosophy of pagans? What are we to think of the Koran, which is appealed to, as affording the groundwork of such a mystery of iniquity as this manifestly is? Of the blasphemy of those who have presumed to boast of themselves as

being the Gods of nature, and then deluding their disciples with recitals of lying wonders, which they have supposed themselves able to perform?

"In the next place what are we to think of the character of its author? A man whose main object appears to have been ravage and warfare; and whose character is, in every respect, inconsistent with that, which the Scriptures declare must designate a Prophet? Whose miracles, as they are reported by his follow ers, manifestly stand in need of every requisite necessary to recommend them to belief: and which, in many instances, are palpably false. The book, which he has left behind him for the instruction of his followers, composed indeed in a style tolerably smooth and fluent; yet abound. ing with accounts contradictory to those found in the Scriptures, and in many instances perfectly childish; which the Shiah themselves believe to have been corrupted, but upon which they nevertheless have the inconsistency to repose their faith. The true copy, say they, is kept in the possession of the reigning Imam. But where is he? Reduced to ashes in the grave, and his soul gone to its place. But truth may be with the unseen Imam. And where is he? In the chambers of the grave, and his soul consigned to a place, from which it can never return. But truth may be with the tra ditions. What are they? The mere devices of men, either leagued in the mystery of iniquity, or led captive by the great enemy of man: tales trifling and contradictory, the last props of a vain and tottering system, which will scarcely bear the touch of trial.

"Let him, then, who is desirous of knowing the truth, hear the word of the Lord. In that he will find truth, mercy, and peace, such as will endure for ever; and the path which leads to holiness and happiness so clearly marked out, that he who runs may read. By that he will learn, that the heavens declare the glory of the Lord, and that the firmament sheweth forth his handy-work-that the law of the Lord is complete, converting the soul; that his testimonies are sure and will endure for ever: that by them is his servant taught; and that in keeping them there is a great reward: that they are more precious than the finest gold, and sweeter than honey, or the droppings of the honeycomb. Such are the declarations of the Almighty respecting the last and best of his works, man: and happy is he who is blessed with the knowledge and experience of their efficacy: yea, happy is the people whose God is the Lord.

"One declaration more of God's word

we shall notice, and then we shall conclude: and this is one which should nerve the arm of every Believer. However sin, error, and sorrow, may now prevail in God's creation, however the powers of darkness may now delude the sons of men, the day is in prospect when the spell shall be broken, the mystery be dissolved, and the light and the truth shall shine forth to

the perfect day. The knowledge of the glory of the Lord,' says the Prophet,

·

shall cover the earth as the waters cover the sea and then shall all know him from the least even to the greatest. Then shall his love, power, and truth be triumphant; and those sheep, which our Lord tells us shall hereafter hear his voice, shall return to the great Shepherd and Bishop of their souls; and shall go in and out and shall find abundant pasturage. Then shall the Idolater, the Hindoo, the Mohammedan, and the Jew, fall down before him, offer the tribute of sacrifice and praise, and be made his children. Then shall the wolf pasture with the lamb, and the lion lie down with the kid, and a little child shall lead them. The Lord shall hasten it in his time.

Mr. L. has undoubtedly performed an important service in the cause of missions by this publication; and if we shall have rendered it even the smallest aid by the foregoing review, we shall esteem the labour of preparing it amply compensated. Let us be permitted to take this opportunity to recommend to missionaries, who may be called to discuss the subject of Mohammed's claims to inspiration, the perusal of Prideaux's Life of Mohammed; and above all, the preliminary discourse prefixed to* Sale's Koran, and his notes on the Koran itself. These are works easily accessible.

We think it right to inform our readers, that a small book now advertised and vended as the Koran of Mohammed, is a most barefaced imposition. It does not contain one half of the Koran, and is otherwise very exceptionable.

Literary and Philosophical Intelligence, etc.

In the general assembly, lately held, of the Church of Scotland, a discussion took place relative to Gretna-Green marriages. The strongest disapprobation was expressed of the conduct of those county magistrates or borough justices who allow them to be attested in their presence, and a committee was appointed to inquire into the best means of preventing them.

About forty young Egyptians have arrived in France for education. M. Jomard has been requested to direct their studies. After residing a few years at Paris, they will return home, to propagate the knowledge which they will have acquired. Mahomet Ali is at the expense of their education.

Mr. Fraser states, in his Travels in Persia, lately published, that when he was at Tabreez, the chief minister of state was employed in writing a book to refute Henry Martyn's treatise against Mahomedanism. Finding none of the learned doctors disposed to undertake the task, the minister resolved to do it himself. He wrote much, but with out effect; and Mr. Fraser adds, that "this matter cost him more sleepless nights than all his state business." Whilst deeply engaged in his labours, the epidemic cholera began to rage in the city: he was seized with it, and died under the rough remedies prescribed by the native physicians.

Near the sources of the Tigris, Mr. Fraser

says, dwell the remains of the numerous Christian population which inhabited all this part of the country in the times of the Greek emperors, and who were forced by their Mahomedan enemies to take refuge in these inaccessible regions. They now consist of four tribes: the Teearees, amounting to about 10,000 families; the Kojumees, to 1,000; the Jiloos, 500; and the Tookabees, to 300. They live under the rule of a sort of prelatical chief, whose dignity is hereditary in the family, although the chief himself, being set apart for the church, cannot marry. He acts both as priest and general, leading the people to church or to war; and they all pay him implicit obedience. They are of the Nestorian creed, and hate Roman Catholics even more than Mahomedans, putting to death, without mercy, all that fall into their hands. Indeed they behave little less cruelly to any others who unfortunately come in their way. They can bring into the field 14,000 capital matchlock-men. They live exclusively among themselves, admitting no one into their country, which is so strong and impenetrable that none can enter it without their leave. The missionaries despatched about three years ago into Persia, by the Society of Basle, were expressly instructed to direct their attention to these degenerated Khoordish Christians.

A letter in the Bombay Courier states;

that a cloud of locusts had been hovering for nearly two months over different parts of the province of Guzerat, which must have covered ten square miles. So thickly clustered were they, as to cast an almost perfect and unbroken shadow on the ground. Before their approach, and after their departure, their appearance was that of immense and heavy clouds of dense smoke all along the horizon.

At a late meeting of the Calcutta Medical Society, a paper was read by Dr. Kennedy on the barbarous Indian penance called Gulwuzty Chumk. It is very surprising," says Dr. Kennedy, "how the self-devoted victims, who have for some time been suspended by iron hooks inserted into their flesh, can run about, upon their descent from their elevation, as if nothing had happened, and how speedily the wounds heal without inflammation or suppuration." Dr. Kennedy makes various remarks on the subject, in a medical point of view, with reference to the employment of setons: but his paper further shows, that this monstrous practice of Paganism is not, as has been conjectured by some persons, a mere Indian juggle.

The fourth Report of the Calcutta School Society evinces the interest which the efforts of the Society have awakened amongst the natives. The following is an extract of a letter from Radacant Deb, the native secretary of the Society:-"I have great satisfaction in saying that our countrymen are convinced of the advantage derived by their children from our Society; and that the indigenous schoolmasters, and the parents of boys, who were first alarmed, and refused to receive our school-books, are

now anxious to come under the control of the Society. Eighty-five schools are at present under the patronage of our Society."

In conformity with the practice of administering oaths to witnesses according to their own ideas of what is most binding on their consciences, a mode of swearing Mugh, or Burmese witnesses, has been devised, for a copy of which the regimental interpreters are directed to apply at the proper office. The formulary suggested to government, and on which the official regulation was founded, is as follows. We refer to it chiefly as illustrating the rites of Oriental Paganism, which some professed Christians are lamenting that our missionaries are attempting to subvert. "In the matter now before the court, I swear to speak the truth, and the whole truth. If I forswear myself, then may I suffer the wrath and vengeance of God, and of the angels in heaven; may I be tortured by the Nag, or sea-dragon; may I be slain by the sword of my master; may the sacred writings bear witness against my falsehood, and in every outar, or transmigration, render my state more vile and abject than in the preceding one!"-The manner of swear

ing-in the evidence is thus. His creed is placed on a vessel of water, which the witness holds up to his forehead, standing, facing towards the east, when the oath is read over, the witness repeating each sentence. In any matter purely of a military nature, the person is sworn-in on the spear, or matchlock; but the Burmese, in cases of a doubtful nature, frequently plunge the accuser and the accused into water, and whichever retains his breath the longest is considered as ignorant of the alleged crime. They not unfrequently dip the tips of their fingers into melted lead, and after the expiration of seven days the part affected is probed with a needle; if any pus or matter is extracted, the man is considered guilty; but should blood appear, he is judged inno[Christian Obs.]

cent.

Paragreles.-Paragreles, when made in the simplest manner, consist of wooden poles from thirty-five to fifty French feet high, and fixed in the firmest manner in the ground; on the top of each of which is fixed a sharp point of yellow brass wire, about the eighth of an inch in diameter; to the bottom of this is fixed, by means of a ring, another brass wire, about the sixteenth of an inch in diameter, continued all the way along this pole to three or four feet under the ground, and fixed to the poles by small wire staples.

By this description it will be seen that Paragreles are merely lightning rods made in the simplest and cheapest form, by which it is proposed to draw down the electric fluid from the clouds, and by that means to prevent the formation of hail.

The Paragreles ought to be placed at the distance of 450 Flemish feet from one another. When any tall trees happen to be growing where the pole ought to be placed, the trees may be made use of instead of erecting a pole. It is not necessary to say that as these Paragreles are intended to draw down electricity, care ought to be taken, wherever they are placed, to warn the country people not to go near them during storms

Repeated trials in America, in Italy, in France, and in Switzerland, recommend strongly Paragreles to the attention of agriculturists. Mr. Thollards, Professor of Natural Philosophy at Tarbes, in the Upper Pyrenees, says that he has seen, during six successive storms which took place there, 23d of April, 8th May, 3d, 15th, 16th, and 17th June, 1824, some districts, covered with Paragreles, preserved, as if by enchantment, in the middle of other districts in which the inhabitants had not taken the same precaution, and which latter were totally laid waste.

Mr. Astolfe, engineer, saw in the month of June, 1824, two frightful stormy clouds, which poured down an immense quantity of hail upon a considerable extent of country, which passed harmlessly over a space furnished with Paragreles. There only fell

some

me large hailstones between the first and second line of Paragreles. but in the interior there was only seen, to the great astonishment of the spectators, to fall, in place of hailstones, drops of the consistence of snow. The Journal du Commerce of Lyons, of 3d August, 1825, contains a fact precisely similar, which happened to the vineyards of

Corsier. Whilst the hail fell in great abundance upon the meadows and fields situated without the line of Paragreles, there only fell upon the vines some flakes of snow, or rather of a watery, substance softer than snow. An hour afterwards another cloud crossed the same vineyards, and presented the same phenomenon.

Religious Intelligence.

The faith and patience of the friends of missions have of late been put to a severe trial-which yet we hope they will endure without fainting-by the death of some of their most gifted and useful missionaries in foreign lands. To the number of those who have gone to receive their reward, information conveyed to us within the last month obliges us to add the name of the Rev. Gordon Hall. We knew him well. Fifteen years ago he and his missionary brother, Newell, were preparing for their work by attending the medical lectures in Philadelphia, and it was our privilege to give them all the countenance and aid in our power. We have since received some valuable communications from Mr. Hall. He was a most excellent and amiable man, and a highly qualified missionary, devoted without reserve to the noble and sacred enterprise of evangelizing the heathen. He is gone -but he did not depart without being permitted to prepare, as the last important act of his life, the following circular; "and by it he being dead yet speaketh."-Yes truly he here speaks in a manner calculated to touch every Christian heart, and to enlist every feeling and exertion of those who love the Lord Jesus Christ and the souls of men, in the hallowed work of sending the gospel to the millions of perishing heathen, among whom and for whose benefit he cheerfully sacrified his life. Frequently have we thought and said that Harriet Newell probably served the cause of missions a hundred fold more by her death, than she could have

served it by the longest life. And if this circular of the lamented Hall shall be rendered impressive and efficient by its being his dying legacy, so as to rouse the dormant energies of the American churches, and call forth the holy ardour of a hundred young missionaries, to offer themselves to supply his loss-he too will have done more by his death than he could have done by his life: And the mystery of Providence in calling away, in the midst of his years and his usefulness, one of the most able and faithful of the heralds of salvation will, at least in a measure, be explained. MY DEAR CHRISTIAN FRIEND,*

Your love to your Redeemer, your com passion for a lost world, and your bowels of mercy for your dying, perishing fellow men, often move you to call out, "Watchman, what of the night?" A dark, a long, a gloomy, a woful night has settled upon our guilty race. It envelopes all. Its issues are too expanded, too tremendous to be comprehended by finite intellect. But glory be to God in the highest and for ever, that the darkness of man's fall was rapidly succeeded by the light of his recovery. From the hour the first beams of that light revealed to man the redeeming love of God, in the garden of Eden, how has every suc ceeding ray that has fallen upon this dark earth, cheered the heart of Christian benevolence, while every intervening cloud, obscuring the prospects of love and mercy among men, has tried and grieved the people of God.

To the far distant heralds of Zion our what of the night?" Sometimes the reply hearts often seem to call, "Watchmen, is "Zion travaileth and bringeth forth children; the Lord hath done great things for us, whereof we are glad. The word has Spirit has been given, sinners have been been preached, prayer has been made, the converted." We hear the glad tidings.

cular, directed by the hand of Mr. Hall. We have received a copy of this cira few days before his death.

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