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itself on the floor of Congress, in ex- duct of a man who can violate so many
pressions of mutual jealousy and im- and so solemn obligations as Mr. C. has
plied charges of corruption. We do done in this instance, to say nothing of
not remember an instance of fiercer his former duels, prove him worthy of
bearing between individuals in a legis- the station which he holdsworthy of
lative assembly, than that lately exhi- the respect and confidence of the Ame-
bited by Mr. M.Duffie and Col. Trim- rican people ?
ble. Still more dishonourable to the To express less than our simple ab-
parties, and to the nation, was the late horrence of duelling, on this occasion,
duel between Mr. Clay and Mr. Ran- would be to neglect our duty. To ex-
dolph. Mr. R., it seems, in one of press more would be superfluous. Du-
those strangely compounded speeches elling is a matter which does not call
in which he aims his shafts at all pare for argumentation. Mr. Clay himself
ties without

discrimination, and which virtually declares it to be a mad pracmost people disregard, as being the effu- tice "an affair of feeling about which sions of a man not perfectly sane, had we (duellists] cannot, although we let fall the words “gambler" and " black should, reason." We quote from his leg," in such a connexion that Mr. Secre- address to his constituents.* “ No man tary Clay applied them to himself. A holds in deeper abhorrence than I (Mr. bloodless duel was the consequence. Clay] do, that pernicious practice. It What is the measure of scandal con- is condemned by the judgment and phitained in these words of Mr. R., we losophy, to say nothing about the relipretend not to know. With Mr. Clay gion, of every thinking man.” Is that they were of more potency than the man then, we cannot help repeating, decalogue itself. They caused him to fit for the management of state affairs, forget alike the dignity and duties of whose judgment and philosophy, to his station, the known sentiments of say nothing of his religion,'are of such the great majority of the American a character that the utterance of two people, and the express prohibition of silly words can drive him to an act that Being whose law is sanctioned by which God and his own conscience reprothe awful retributions of eternity. bate? We hope the time is near when

We advocated the cause of no party in the people by their suffrages shall anthe late contest for the Presidency: we swer, no! We hope the day is not diswere inactive in that “campaign,” ex- tant, when the man who fights a duel cept to point out the evils which would shall be made to feel that his crime is result from the intemperate manner in followed by a political, as it has already which it was conducted some of which the primeval, curse upon it. evils, as we have seen, are already manifest; but we now ask, does the con- * See Spectator, vol. VII. p. 230.

OBITUARY,

The following notice of LINDLEY Jay. At the expiration of four years
MURRAY, whose death occurred on the Mr. Murray was admitted to the bar,
14th of February, is from the London and received a license to practise, both
Monthly Magazine for March.

as counsel and attorney, in all the

courts of the state of New York. In Mr. Murray was a native of Pennsyl- this profession he continued with invania, in North America, but he resided creasing reputation and success, till the for a great part of his life at New York : troubles in America interrupted all buhis father was a distinguished merchant siness of this nature.

He then engain that city. He was carefully and reg- ged in the mercantile line; in which, by ularly educated, and made a rapid pro- his diligence, abilities, and respectable gress in learning. At the'age of nine connexions, he soon acquired a handteen he commenced the study of law : some competency. nd he had the pleasure of having for Having been afflicted with a fever his fellow-student the celebrated Mr. which left a great weakness in his limbs,

and his general health being much im- Spelling Book, have also receired high paired, he was advised, in the year 1784, encomiums. Having began his literary to remove into a more temperate cli- career from disinterested motives, he mate. He accordingly came to this constantly devoted all the profits of his country, and received so much benefit publications to charitable and benevoas induced him to remain. He settled lent purposes : the work which he first at Holdgate, in Yorkshire. The weak- published was “The Power of Religion ness of his limbs gradually increased, on the Mind.” Mr. Murray was a membut he was able to ride in his carriage ber of the Society of Friends; but in an hour or two every day: he regularly his general writings he scrupulously attended public worship, and in sum- avoided introducing the peculiar tenets mer he was frequently drawn about his of the sect. garden in a chaise made for that pur- Mr. Murray married early in life, a pose. For many years previous to bis very amiable woman, about three years decease, however, he was wholly con- younger than himself. They had no fined to his house. Confinement was at children ; but they lived together in first a severe trial; but time and reli- uninterrupted harmony nearly sixty gious considerations perfectly recon- years. Mr. Murray's last illness was of ciled bim to his situation. He turned short duration, scarcely exceeding two his attention to compose literary works, days : but almost his whole life had for the benefit chiefly of the rising gen. been so constant a preparation for his eration. His English Grammar, with final change, that death could scarcely the Exercises and the Key, have been at any time have come upon him unaadopted in most of the principal semi

We understand that authentic naries in Great Britain and in America. “ Memoirs of his Life and Writings His French and English Readers; his will shortly be published. Abridgment of his Grammar; and his

wares.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

We have collected on our table a pile of papers, for the purpose of communicating our decisions respecting them. They have been for several months accumulating, and, in respect to some of them, not having time at present to reperuse them, it will be difficult to recal the impressions which they made upon our minds.-We were not quite satisfied with the exposition of Isaiah xlii. 19, by S. J. We wil), if he pleases, propose a different one when we shall have an opportunity.–So much had been already said respecting Byron and his works, that the remarks of D. S. E. G. seemed out of season. S. S. in answer to P. in our November number, we must read again. So far as his sentiments are concerned, we were inclined to print his communication ; but we wished it had been more concise and less caustic. H. T. is, after a careful examination, deemed inadmissible,-for reasons which must be reserved till we can see him. Other communications are under consideration.

The author of a Sermon from Isa. lix. 21, is respectfully informed that his exposition of the text does not appear to us capable of being sustained by just principles of interpretation.

Op We regret that the communication of P.C. S. is several days too late to be inserted in the present number according to his request. It shall receive our candid and friendly ats tention, in our next.

The author of Lay Presbyters' apologizes for occupying so many pages in the present number. It was unavoidable, Jerom having been a subject of disputation for centuries.

For our last number we prepared—but omitted it for want of room—a notice of the joint address to the public, by the committees of the American Board and the United Foreign Missionary Society, relative to the proposed union of the two Institutions. It was too late to express our views in the present number, on the subject. Nor was it necessary; we trust the Christian public is fully prepared for the measure,

THE

CHRISTIAN SPECTATOR,

No. 6.]

JUNE.

T18 26.

Religious.
For the Christian Spectator. of them, distinguished for honesty

and fairness in all pecuniary transTHE ERRORS OF CHURCH-MEMBERS

actions, and for integrity and proNO EXCUSE FOR NOT MAKING A PROFESSION OF RELIGION.

priety in the relations

of life. They

have such an opinion of the value of There is one description of per- personal religion, as to be pleased sons, with whom I have often wish- at seeing the

evidence and the proed to expostulate. The attitude in fession of it in their children and which they stand toward Christiani- other members of their own famity is to me exceedingly interesting. lies. But they do not themselves Some of them are found in the midst make a profession of religion--are of almost every religious communi- not members of any church, and do ty, and several of them are of the not, of course, come to the Lord's Aumber of my own personal friends. supper, nor bring their children to

The class of men, to which I re- the baptismal font. They do not fer, contains many individuals of pass in the world under the name of singular natural endowments, and religious men.” of high distinction and usefulness in Different persons of the above society. A very large proportion general description are doubtless of them are distinguished for good prevented from taking the Christian sense, stability of character, energy, name by different considerations. and enterprise, and have thus ac. I would here speak of those who quired a well earned and leading neglect to make this profession on influence in their several spheres of account of the unworthy example of life and action. They receive the others, who have made it; and some Scriptures as of divine authority, of these remarks may have an apand are largely acquainted with the plication to many, more or less corBible. They have a sincere respect rect in their opinions and life, who for religious institutions, and cheer- have learned to think disadvantafally aid in supporting them. They geously of the Christian name for give a regular and sober attendance the same reason. on the public services of religion on Most of them have no distinct and the Sabbath, and, perhaps, at other avowed hope of their interest in the times. Many of them

have in their promises of the Gospel ; and to the houses some family offices of devo- inquiries of pious friends commonly tion, more or less frequent. Most reply, that they fear they have not of them receive the most orthodox so heard the word of Christ and ur strict explanations of the Scrip- believed on him that sent him, as to tures; or, perhaps, have only some have passed from death unto life. suppressed difficulties in regard to Others, with still more decision, tell what are sometimes called the us they know nothing of the

power harder doctrines. They are, many of religion on their hearts, and have 1826.-No. 6.

36

no expectations of the benefits of respecting the evidences of Chrisredemption. I am led to think, tian character; and those opinions however, that nearly every one of expressed in regard to cases such as this description does not only cher- his, furnish him the same ground of ish the expectation that he shall fi- hope, as if expressed in regard to his

, nally share the blessings procured own case. by the Saviour, but indulges an im- Something like this, I believe, is pression that, in his present state of the state of many a man's mind reinind, if called away, he should not specting his own character, and his lose his salvation. He is conscious relation to the gospel. Or, perhaps, indeed of many sins, and of a great bis persuasion of his own Christian want of conformity to the require. character is more distinct and comments of the Gospel, as understood fortable, and formed more indeby hiinself. But others, who, so far pendently, by a direct comparison as he can discover, are guilty of not of it with the scriptures. But he fewer sins, and betray not less want makes no public profession of his of conformity to those requirements, faith, and does not unite himself to but have taken the Christian name, the body of the faithful; partly beentertain a hope of their piety, and cause he is not so well assured as are countenanced in that hope by he could wish, that he truly repents the ministers of religion and the and believes--and partly because body of the church. And since, in he is go little satisfied with the conhis own view at least, he is behind duct of others who make a profesthese only in the article of profes- sion. He thinks, were he a profes

, sion, and in some other respects, sor, he could lead a more Christian perhaps, comes nearer than they life than they do, and do more to the Christian pattern, he cannot

honour to the Christian name. But but think it possible that he too is in they do so little, he does not like to a state of safety. No man's charac- identify his reputation with theirs. ter, he is apt to say to himself, is He does not like to share the reputhe worse for his own humble opinion tation of a profession discredited by

a of it. If he is a Christian, his fear- so many who make it. He even ing or believing he is not, does not prefers the reputation of an honest, prevent his being one, any more moral man of the world, to the repthan his believing he is a Christian utation

utation of such professors of reliwhen he is not, would make him to gion as he sees around him. He be one. And, since so many around feels as if it were better to make no him, apparently not better than professions, than to make them and himself, are, not only in their own then fail of living up to them. He judgment, but even in that of the would rather have his reputation more serious part of the church, above his profession than below it. prepared for the future world, he He cannot forbear to make compadoes not perceive why they should risons between honest and moral not entertain as good hopes of him. men out of tbe church, and weak And, though his own judgment is and worldly men in it; and thinks not satisfied that such a heart and the comparison results in his favour. such a life as his answers the con- He sometimes forms a habit of lookditions of the Gospel, he is ready to ing up the faults of professors of redistrust his own, and adopt the ligion, dwells on them, and perhaps more favourable judgment of others speaks of them with some measure respecting men such as he, or cer- of severity or exultation ; and may tainly not better entitled to hope go so far as to congratulate himself well of themselves. He is ready to that he makes no profession, and think some respect and confidence if he is less exemplary than he is due to the judgment of Christians should be, he cannot be reproached

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as acting inconsistently with his state of things. But the neglect to pretentions. He is at least free of make such a profession is at all the guilt of hypocrisy. He does not times a thing of great account in the doubt the truth of the Scriptures, view of Christ himself. A continnor the existence of religion as a ued neglect to make it, in the cirgoverning principle in the hearts of cumstances in which most of us are some men, but regards it as a high placed, amounts to a refusal ; which, attainment, to which he hesitates to after what Christ has said to us, lay claim, and which many more leaves us exposed to the terrors of would hesitate to claim, bad they such passages as these : “ He that sufficient modesty and caution. denieth me before men, shall be de

There are several considerations, nied before the angels of God. that deserve to be pondered by per- (Luke xii. 9.)-Whosoever shall sons in this way of thinking, -by deny me before men, him will I alall who neglect to make a profession so deny before my Father which is of their faith in Christ, on account, in Heaven. (Matt. x. 33.)-Whoin any measure, of the unworthy soever shall be ashamed of me and example of others who have made of my words, in this adulterous and it-by all who have learned, on sinful generation, of him also shall this account, to think disadvanta- the Son of Man be ashamed when geously of the Christian name, to be he cometh in the glory of his Father,

, more satisfied to have no part nor with the holy angels. (Mk. viii. 38.) lot with the professed followers of (See Luke ix. 20.) the Lamb.

The Scriptures prescribe no parI would first caution all such ticular form in which Christ is to be gainst thinking themselves safe, professed before men. The manbecause they believe themselves as ner of professing our discipleship is good as many in the church, who left to be regulated by the wisdom seem to be thought in a state of of the church in every age and safety by their Christian brethren. country. But the very grounds on For those professing Christians may which this profession is thus pernot be thought so well of by their emptorily required, make it essenmore serious brethren as is suppo- tial that it should be such as will sed; or, however that may be, it is cause us to be regarded as the dispossible they are not heirs of life. ciples of Christ, such as will lead Those who are content to remain the world to take knowledge of us out of the church on earth, because as his followers, such as will they can there be as good and as oblige us to share the reproaches, safe as some others in it, may find the disadvantages, and the mortifithemselves at last in their company, cations, and incur all the responin a state of exclusion from all sibilities, that inseparably attach good. Or it may often be that this themselves to the Christian profesfrail brother that did so little honour sion, in our age and country, whatto the Christian name, had yet a ever they be. We are not permited humble and penitent spirit in his to aim at any reputation incompati. better hours, and will find accept- ble with this profession, or avoid ance, when the more correct, but any odium or contempt which an less humble and penitent man, who open and explicit declaration of our here stood without, will then find faith and subjection to his authority himself forever shut out of the brings with it. What if such a church of the first-born.

profession will expose us to unmerTo profess to be a disciple of ited reproach-to the aspersions of Christ is indeed of very small ac- the ignorant and the malicious ? count toward proving one to be These are a part of what Christ such; especially in the present taught his disciples to expect, as the

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