Gospel of Christ, measures are now actively adopted for improving both the character of preaching and the mode of education; and we have often the happiness to find, that the best gifts of eloquence are no longer wasted upon dry moral portraits, but suitably exerted to honor the Giver, by ascribing glory to the name of Jesus and his atonement. Gentlemen, you are reaping the comfort of that delightful reflection, that from the first moment which gave existence to your Society, you have been Co-workers with Him who alone can bless the works of our hands, and the meditations of our heart. You have sent forth among high and low, thousands and ten thousands of instructive Religious Tracts, but what is infinitely better the Holy Scriptures, that fountain of all true light, which shews us the way to everlasting salvation. We know that these precious donations have brought, forth much fruit, and been received with gratitude through. out the land: which cannot but be very pleasing tidings to you, and afford you a mighty encouragement to persevere in welldoing. Eternal Savior of the world! strengthen and support the desire thyself hast graciously awakened in this Society: that all the Members of it may work as one man; and, with full purpose of heart, spread abroad that heavenly knowledge, which records thy atonement, thy suffer ing, and thy death. Grant suc. cess and thy richest blessing to all we shall do towards promot ing this great end. We place ali our reliance on Thee; and rest our hope of a gracious answer to our supplications, upon on that wonderful love which brought Thee into the world to save sinners. To the Editor of the Panoplist. I AM NOT ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL-Rom. i, 16. THE writer of this article, having lately heard from the pulpit, in a discourse from the above cited text, a sentiment substantially like the following that to be ashamed of one's religious opinions, seriously formed in the belief that they were according to the Scripture, whether RIGHT OF WRONG, is to be ashamed of the Gospel-has been led to inquire, whether this position could fairly be grafted on the text; or, indeed, whether it could be sup ported by Scripture at ali? and whether such a shame as is there described might not more properly be considered as the being ashamed of one's opinions, than of the Gospel? And, however inconsistent it might make the holder of such opinions appear, whether it could ever approach to that class of feelings which would belong to one, who is ashamed of the truth as it is in Jesus? It was said further, however, that this set of opinions being really considered to be the Gos pel by the person professing them, to be ashamed of them, would, to that person, constitute the crime of being ashamed of the Gospel. But it is apprehended, that much fallacy is concealed in so vague a sentiment. There is a way which seemeth right unto a man; but if seeming to be right could make a man so, in any measure, why should the end thereof be the ways of death? Can a man's erroneous opinions of the Gospel ever constitute the Gospel of Christ? If so, will not error and truth be blended in one undistinguishable mass? The writer would further observe, that he has noticed many lax professors of religion, not excepting some of the clergy, who do not openly avow their real sentiments. They would seem to be ashamed of their loose opinions, lest the declaration of them might injure their popularity. But the writer has not been in the habit of considering such persons, as being, in that respect, ashamed of the Gospel. A late venerable Doctor of Divinity, who was known to be a Universalist for several years before his death, was either afraid or ashamed to preach that system. A more obscure case might be adduced of a lay Universalist, who has been heard to assert, that he was led into his system by the Holy Spirit, who, nevertheless, when called to assist in the ordination of an orthodox minister (for he was in regular church-standing,) though the candidate was examined respecting his belief in the doctrine of eternal punishment, made no objection, but readily took an active part in the ordination. And yet the writer, whatever absurdities he might have discovered in these cases, the last of which appears to be directly in point, had never considered them as contravening the apostolic declaration in the text, viz. that in these avoidances of their favorite sentiments, the parties were ashamed of the Gospel. 1. CAN that be denominated a field of wheat, which exhibits a visible proportion of tares to the wheat, as 11 to 1, or 21 to 3? 2. Is the power of executing Christ's law of discipline, in a church, necessary to constitute it a church of Christ? 3. Is the open avowal of any acknowledged heresy, in a church member, (suppose it to be Universalism or Unitarianism) a proper subject for church discipline? 4. Is the habitual omission of any plain practical duty, (such as family-prayer, for instance,) a proper subject for church discipline? 5. Ought a faithful minister of the Gospel to proceed in the stated administration of ordinances to his church, without administering personal admonition, in case a large majority of it should obviously appear to be men of the world, and a considerabie number unsound in sentiment and ligent of family worship? 6 What is the nature of the jeuwship, and the extent of the * Enclosed is a bill of six dollars, which is presented as a small tribute in aid of the translations, by one whose heart's desire and prayer to God for the Heathen, is, that they may be saved. covenant-obligations, which true saints ought to exercise towards mere professors in the same church? 7. Did Christ, during his stay on earth, always commune with the Jewish church? and was his conduct in that respect designed for our imitation? X. CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE OF REMARKABLE EVENTS, WHICH TOOK PLACE IN THE YEAR 1813. The publication of a chronological table in the Panoplist has been objected to, on the ground that political and other secular affairs are introduced. But we cannot believe, that the objection will be persevered in, especially by any person who will take the trouble to reflect upon it. Ignorance of the great political events, which are changing the face of the world, is not commanded as a Christian duty. Facts only are intended to be stated, and those without any coloring whatever, and in as brief a manner us possible. Unless we thought such a table to be of real utility, we certainly should not be at the trouble to compile it.. ED. JAN. 2. The President of the U. S. signs a law for the increase of the navy; and an. other for cancelling the bonds, given by merchants under the non-importation law. 6. The Russians enter Konigsberg, and take 8000 prisoners. 9. The Prince Regent of G. B. issues his manifesto, stating the causes of war against U. S. 10. The French Conservative Senate boast, that they have 300,000 regular forces In the interior of France and Italy. They advise to send 100,000 of the newly raised conscripts to the armies, and to raise 200,000 more. Not long after this, they call out 430,000 additional conscripts. 18. Platoff and his Cossacs invest Dantzie. 22. The Spanish Cortes abolish the Inquisition, 94 votes to 43. The decree to take effect f.om Feb. 3. His Gen Winchester is attacked by the British and Indians at the river Raisin. detachment is entirely cut off. American loss in killed and missing 396; prisoners 536. 25. Bonaparte signs an agreement with the Pope. 26. A loan bill passed the H. R. 75 to 88, for $16,000,000. 30. The thermometer at Boston 4 below o; at Salem 10; at Portsmouth 11; at Portland 16. Feb. 1. Louis XVIII issues a proclamation to the French people. The British government publishes an order in council, permitting the sale of ves sels by belligerents to neutrals. 4. Chesapeake bay blockaded by the British. 7. A party of Americans cross the St. Lawrence from Ogdensburg, and take about 50 prisoners. 8. The Russians enter Warsaw. 10. Votes counted and declared for President and Vice President of the U.S. Mr. Madison had 128 votes, and Mr. Clinton 89, for President; Mr. Gerry had 131 and MrIngersol 86, for V. P. 16. Bonaparte makes a speech to his Senate, in which he professes a desire of peace, but insists upon the same arrogant terms as before. 18. The British House of Commons, after having the diplomatic intercourse between he two nations for the last three years laid before them, unanimously resolve to support the ministry in the American war. 21. Ogdensburgh taken by the British. American loss, 20 killed. 25. The American sloop of war Hornet, 16 guns, Capt. Lawrence, took the British brig Peacock, 19 guns, after a battle of 15 minutes. The British captain, Peak, was killed. British loss 8 killed, 27 wounded; American loss, 1 killed, 2 wounded. The Peacock sunk before all her crew could be taken out. March 3. Expiration of the 12th Congress. 4. The Russians enter Berlin. 5. The Pope's nuncio in Spain issues an ecclesiastical order forbidding the publica tion of the decree, which abolished the Inquisition. 6. Swedish manifesto published, assigning the reasons for engaging in the war against France. A treaty of peace between Russia and Prussia about the same time. 10. The Russians enter Hamburgh, 16. Wittgenstein, the Russian general, issues a spirited proclamation, calling upon the Germans to join him in the great work of national deliverance. 20. The British land at Cuxhaven, and the people of Hanover declare in favor of their old government. 27. The Prussian manifesto against France published. 30. The American ports, New York, Charleston, (S. C.) &c. declared in a state of blockade. During this month Leipsic was the head-quarters of Bonaparte's army, and Hanau, on the Rhine, the head quarters of his army of observation. April 1. Bonaparte introduces his wife into the council of state, and makes her provisionally Empress Regent. 2. The Russian general Tettenborn cuts off the whole French detachment under Morand at Luneburg. 4. A Russian division enters Leipsic. 5. Wittgenstein defeats Beauharnois near Magdeburg. French loss 3,000. 13. Suchet defeated near Valencia by Sir John Murray. French loss, 2,500. Loss of the allies, 600. 15. Bonaparte leaves Paris for his armies; arrives at Mayence in two days. 27. The American army under Gen. Dearborn takes Little York, the seat of the British government in Upper Canada. Gen. Pike killed, and 100 others, by the explosion of a mine. 30. The Russian, Prussian, and French armies were forming near each other. French head quarters at Naumberg The Elbe nearly the line of demarcation. May 1—5. Gen. Harrison was beseiged six days in Fort Meigs, by the British and Indians. Loss during the seige 81 killed, and 186 wounded. At the same time Gen. Clay's detachment was taken by the British almost entire. American loss 50 killed and 600 prisoners. British loss not known. 1-2. The battle of Lntzen, between Bonaparte and the Allies. Loss supposed to be nearly equal, about 15,000 on each side. The allies held the field of battle, but were obliged immediately after to retreat and cross the Elbe. 6-8. The British sent 15 barges with troops from their squadron in the Chesapeake, and burnt Havre de Grace, Georgetown, and Frederictown, in Maryland. 8. Messrs. Bayard and Gallatin sailed for St. Petersburgh, to negotiate a peace with G. B. under the mediation of Russia. 10. The French army enters Dresden, which the month before had been the head quarters of the Russian army. 19-21. The battles of Konigswartha, Bautzen, and Wurtzchen; usually called the battle of Bautzen; between Bonaparte at the head of his great army, and the Emper or of Russia and King of Prussia with their united forces. The loss nearly equal; about 20,000 on each side. The allies obliged to retreat. 24. Congress meets. 25. The President of the U.S. sends his message to Congress. 27. The American army under Gen. Dearborn, having some time before left Little York, landed in U. C. near Newark with little resistance. The British blew up their magazines at Fort George, and abandoned it. 28. The British took 100 American dragoons, An armistice agreed upon between Bonaparte and the allies, not to expire till July 26, unless with, six days notice. 29. The British landed at Sacket's harbor, and caused the Americans to burn all the military and naval stores. 31. The French left Madrid for the 4th and last time. June 1. The US. frigate Chesapeake taken by the British frigate Shannon, Capt. Broke, after a short action. Capt. Lawrence of the Chesapeake mortally wounded early in the battle. American loss 47 killed, 98 wounded; British loss 27 killed, 58 wounded. 2. The U. S. frigates United States and Macedonian chased into New London by a British squadron. The Growler and Eagle, American sloops, taken by the British on Lake Champlain. 4. The armistice between the French and the allies in Germany completely adjusted. The French occupy all Saxony; the allies all Prussia. 6. An American detachment surprised in U. C. and Generals Chandler and Winder and about 150 men taken prisoners. 12. The French evacuated Burgos, and blew up the citadel. 13-18. Lord Wellington in rapid pursuit of the retreating French. 16. A violent tornado at Philadelphia and the vicinity. 21. The allied army in Spain under Lord Wellington obtains a decisive victory over King Joseph and Gen. Jourdan. All the French artillery, 151 pieces, military chest, 415 waggons, and many prisoners were taken. Loss of the allies, 5,000; of the French 20,000. 22. The British attack Craney Island, in the Chesapeake, and are repulsed with considerable loss. 25. The British take Hampton, (Vir.) A detachment of 570 men under Col. Boerstler taken by surprise and stratagem about 15 miles from Fort George, by a small detachment of British and Indians. 26. Joseph Bonaparte enters France with the remnant of his army. July 6. Death of Granville Sharp, an illustrious benefactor of mankind. 8. The land-tax bill passed H. R. 97 to 70. 19. H. R. refused to consider a resolution approving the conduct of the President of the U. S. respecting the diplomatic intercourse with the French government. 21. The Royal assent was given to an act of Parliament renewing the East India Company's charter, in which there was a provision for permitting Christian missionaries to go to India and reside there. 23. Marshal Soult, having been sent to command the French armies on the Spanish frontier, issues a vaunting proclamation. 24. A loan bill passed H. R. for $7,500,000. 25. The British attempt to take St. Sebastian's by storm, and are repulsed with the loss of nearly 1,000. 28-30. A series of severe battles between Marshal Soult and Lord Wellington, the result of which was, that the French army was again driven back into France. 30. Saragossa surrendered to the Spaniards. Aug. 2. The British attack an American fort at Lower Sandusky, and are repulsed with great loss. 9. Two American schooners, the Scourge and Hamilton, sunk in a gale of wind on Lake Ontario; 70 persons drowned. 10. Two other schooners, the Julia and Growler, taken on Lake Ontario by the British. The allies in Germany give notice that the armistice will cease, and hostilities commence on the 16th. 11. Austria declared war against France, and joined the allies with all her forces. 14. The U. S. brig Argus taken by the British brig Pelican, after a battle of 45 minutes. Capt. Allen of the Argus mortally wounded. The Argus threw 456 pounds of metal at a broadside;-the Pelican 536. The Pelican had 116 men, the Argus 127. 17. Hostilities commenced between the French and Allies, along the whole line from the vicinity of Hamburgh to Dresden. 20. The manifesto of France against Austria published. 21. Bonaparte in person attacks the allied centre under Blucher, on the Bobr, and compels it to retire. Bonaparte took with him 110,000 men. 22. He repeats the attack with the same result. Blucher retires behind the Katsbach. A gale at Charleston, S. C. which destroyed much property. 23. Bonaparte returns to Dresden, leaving M'Donald's corps to withstand Blucher. 24. A violent and destructive hurricane at Turk's Island. 25. Blucher utterly defeats M'Donald's corps, taking 15,000 prisoners and 100 cannon. 26. The allied Austrians and Russians, under Swartzenberg, advanced upon Dresden 140,000 strong. 27. A battle under the walls of Dresden. The allies repulsed with loss. Moreau mortally wounded. This battle was fought in a tremendous storm of wind and rain, Bonaparte commanded the French in person. 30. A French corps of 15,000 under Vandamme, which had pursued the allies into the Bohemian passes, was there overwhelmed and compelled to surrender, with 60 pieces of cannon. The Creek and Choctaw Indians attacked the fort on the Tensaw, took it by storm, and put to death in the fort and vicinity 247 Americans. 31. St. Sebastian's taken from the French by storm. British loss about 2,400. At the same time, the French under Soult attacked the Spanish lines on the Biddassoa, and were several times repulsed. In this month the British Parliament passed a new bill for the relief of insolvent debtors, with benevolent provisions. |