ened, and the world at large more speedily and correctly informed than it has heretofore been, of the true state of their affairs. RUSSIA. Whatever may be the ambitious views of the present emperor of Russia, or whatever his secret motives in promoting Bible societies and missionary enterprises within his dominions, his conduct, in regard to religion, is certainly liberal and exemplary. In the Advocate for October and November last, we gave an account of the remarkable conversion of the Persian, Mirza Mohammed Ali Bey, by the divine blessing on the labours of the Scotch missionaries at Astrachan; with a copy of a letter from Prince Galitzin, determining a point in dispute between the missionaries and the archbishop of Astrachan and Caucasus, relative to the baptism of the new convert. It was decided, by order of the Emperor, that "this Persian should receive baptism in that communion with which he wished to be united"-He was accordingly baptized by the missionaries. But in this decision of the Emperor no more was done, and so it is explicitly stated by Prince Galitzin, than to confirm the privileges assured to the Scotch missionaries when, in 1806, they settled in the government of Caucasus-that they should be authorized "to receive by holy baptism, all who are converted to the Lord through their instrumentality." This, however, was, we believe, entirely a new order of things in Russia, and hence probably the claim of the archbishop to baptize the Persian convert; for till the privileges granted in 1806 to the Scotch missionaries, it was indispensable that every Christian convert made in Russia should be baptized by a minister of the Greek church, and received into her communion.—It is probable the archbishop was either ignorant of this new order, or thought it would not be confirmed. But it was confirmed. Yet it would seem that the old order still obtains, in regard to the Moravian missionaries and their converts. There is no evidence that we know of, nor reason to believe, that these missionaries have been banished, as has been reported, from the dominions of Russia. The true state of the fact seems to be, that they have not yet, like the Scotch missionaries, obtained permission to baptize their converts, and take them into their own communion. But we think, from the manifest disposition both of the Emperor and Prince Galitzin, that this permission, if applied for, will not be withheld. We have made these remarks to give a just view of facts relative to missionaries in Russia, and because we think that justice requires that the good, as well as the bad, should be told of princes, as readily and fully as of other men.-We have no new political measure of the emperor to announce, unless it be, that he has "issued a decree, making known his choice of the Princess Charlotte of Wirtemberg, as the consort of his brother, the Grand Duke Michael." We presume that our young readers will not greatly regret, that their choice of consorts cannot be made by an imperial decree. GREAT BRITAIN.-The British Parliament was opened on the third of February by the king's speech, delivered by commission, in consequence of his majesty's indisposition. It congratulates parliament on the prosperous condition of the country; that trade and commerce are extending, both at home and abroad; that an increasing activity pervades almost every branch of manufactures; that in the publick revenue there has been such a growth, as not only to sustain publick credit, but to evince a diffusion of comfort among the great body of the people; that agriculture is recovering from its depression; and that a cheerful spirit of order, and a just sense of advantages enjoyed under the blessings of Providence, were never more prevalent throughout all classes of the community. In the state of Ireland, the speech affirms, there are many indications of amendment. It also gives assurances of the prospect of a continuance of peace, as other powers express the most friendly dispositions toward Britain, and she reciprocates the same to them. An opinion is expressed, that the long continued mediation of Britain, between Russia and the Ottoman Porte, is likely soon to be crowned with success. Information is given of a convention with Austria, for the settlement of the pecuniary claims of Britain on the court of Vienna. The country is felicitated for retaining its neutrality in the late war with Spain. His majesty declares that he has always acted an open and consistent part in regard to the Spanish colonies in America, and has frankly avowed his opinions to Spain and other powers; that he has appointed consuls to reside in the principal ports and places of those colonies, for the protection of the trade of British subjects; and "has reserved to himself an unfettered discretion, to be exercised as the circumstances of those countries and the interests of his own people may appear to require." In the part of the speech which is particularly addressed to the commons, they are informed that some augmentation is required by existing circumstances of the military establishments both by sea and land; and yet that this will be so limited, as to allow them to alleviate in some measure the burden of taxation. Parliament is informed that the desire expressed by the commons at their last session, that means should be devised for ameliorating the condition of the negro slaves in the West Indies, has claimed his majesty's attention; that he has directed the necessary information relative to this subject to be laid before parliament, and confides that the best attention will be given to any proposition which may be submitted for promoting the moral improvement of the negroes, by an extended plan of religious instruction, and by such other measures as may gradually con duce to the same end." He earnestly recommends calmness and discretion in the treatment of this whole subject," perplexed with difficulties which no sudden effort can disentangle." We have thus endeavoured to give an epitome of this speech, which is of considerable length, so as not to omit a single suggestion, of any importance, which it contains. We have done so, because this is an authentick document, exhibiting the prin cipal features of the political state of that nation with which we have the closest connexion, and with whose interests those of our country seem at present to be most intimately involved-exhibiting, at least, the view which the government of that country gives to the world as true and correct. It is pretty good evidence that the facts asserted in the speech are mainly true, that they were not, so far as we have seen, controverted by the opposition members of parliament; although the inconsistency of some parts of the speech, with the previous course of ministers, was strongly maintained. Our President's last message to Congress was warmly eulogized by the opposition, and partly approved and partly dissented from, by the ministry. The opposition urge in the most strenuous manner that the policy of England will consist in making common cause, openly and avowedly, with this country, in treating the late Spanish and Portuguese colonies in South America as independent states, and in prohibiting all interference of the Holy Alliance in settling their dispute with the mother countries. Britain is now treating these states as independent, and will certainly continue to do so, on account of their trade; but whether she will formally acknowledge them as independent, till they are so acknowledged by Spain and Portugal, is not clear. We on the whole think she will not. And it seems to us that her ministers have determined to keep fair weather, as much as possible, both with us and with the Holy Alliance, and to join either the one or the other, or neither, just as their own interest may ap pear to dictate. Two bishopricks are to be established in the West Indies. The Rev. Mr. Summer and the Rev. Mr. Coleridge are nominated to fill them; the one to reside permanently at Jamaica, the other at Barbadoes, and elsewhere occasionally. An addition is to be made to the military and naval establishment of about 4000 men. SOUTHERN AMERICA.-Our space does not permit us to go into details in regard to this interesting portion of our continent. Mexico is convulsed by parties, and we think the issue uncertain; but hope that freedom will prevail. The Brazils are also in agitation, and the issue doubtful. Our minister, Mr. Rodney, has been received at Buenos Ayres, with every demonstration of respect to him, and of exultation on the part of those to whom he is sent as a plenipotentiary. On the western coast, the conflict in Peru and Chili continues. In upper Peru, the patriots we believe-although the ac counts are flatly contradictory-have suffered a serious defeat. We hope that Bolivar may retrieve their losses. UNITED STATES.-Our congress, during the past month, have been occupied on vari ous subjects.—In the house of representatives, the tariff bill has claimed the principal attention, and is yet on the tapis. In the senate, all the propositions for changes in the constitution have been postponed for the present session. The subject of postponement, when under discussion, drew on a warm debate relative to caucus meetings of the members of congress.-The prevalence of the disease called Varioloid, has not been as general throughout our country as we feared it would be. It is fast vanishing from this city, and we doubt not will soon be entirely extinct. The inhabitants of our heaven favoured land have causes innumerable for gratitude to the Giver of every good gift-May the goodness of God lead us to repentance.-We recommend to our readers a particular attention to the article in our present number signed An Ame rican. TO CORRESPONDENTS. MINIMUS came too late for insertion in our present number-He shall appear in our next. We wish to communicate with PHILO CRITICUs, either personally or by letterWe should prefer a personal interview. It may be as confidential as he may wish it. Erratum in our last number. Page 188, line 15 from bottom, for Island read Colony. THE CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE. MAY, 1824. Religious Communications. LECTURES ON THE SHORTER CATE bounded knowledge, to say that he CHISM OF THE WESTMINSTER AS- perfectly knows Himself. SEMBLY OF DIVINES-ADDRESSED LECTURE VII. In our last lecture we entered on the discussion of that answer in our shorter catechism which relates to the being and perfections of God, and which is thus expressed-"God is a spirit, infinite, eternal and unchangeable, in his being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth"-A short statement was given of the manner in which the existence of the Deity is proved; and we also considered briefly his spirituality, infinity, eternity and unchangeableness. Without farther recapitulation, we shall proceed to consider the remaining attributes of the Deity as specified in the answer before us-Of these the next in order is Wisdom. This, like all the other divine attributes, is infinite. The omniscience of the Deity is included in his attribute of wisdom. Of this something was said, in speaking of the immensity of the Supreme Being. I now add, that "all things in all their relations, all things existing and all things possible, are the objects of the divine know ledge." The Deity Himself is perfectly known only to Himself. That which is finite never can com- * Witherspoon. The knowledge which the Deity has of his creatures, and of their actions both present and future is, in no degree, dependent on the creatures. To him nothing is contingent. He has a certain and infallible foreknowledge of all those we denominate casual or continevents and all those actions, which gent. Very many of the things predicted, or prophesied of, in holy scripture, depended on the free actions of moral agents. Yet these actions, it is plain, were perfectly known to God, hundreds of years before any of the agents existed. This foreknowledge did not impair the freedom of the agents; nor can known. Still, we have the most unwe tell how their actions were forequestionable evidence of the fact. Nor was this only some general foresight or prescience. It was a particular knowledge of every individual creature concerned, and of every circumstance of his conduct or actions. "Wisdom is usually considered as respecting some end to be obtained; and it implies the clear discovery of the best and most effectual means of attaining it." In all the works of creation and providence, the infinite wisdom of God is conspicuous. If we search into what are called the laws of nature-if we observe the order, harmony, and regularity 2 B * Witherspoon. of the heavenly bodies; or analyse the various material substances; or consider the immense number and diversity of structure of living creatures, and how each one is formed to answer the purpose of its existence; or take a survey of the all but infinite variety and beauty of the vegetable kingdoms; or contemplate the structure and organization of our own bodies, and the powers and faculties of our minds; and if, in all, we mark the wonderful adaptation of means to ends, and the provision which is made for the preservation and gratification of all sensitive beings-we shall every where be struck with the infinite wisdom of the great Creator-We shall find enough to overwhelm our minds, if we attempt to compre hend it. But especially in the plan of redemption by Jesus Christ, the wisdom of God shines with transcendent lustre. No wisdom short of that which is infinite could have devised that plan in which "mercy and truth have met together, righteousness and peace have kissed each other"-In which all the claims of violated justice are completely satisfied, while yet the offending sinner is not only justified and acquitted, but qualified for the happiness of heaven and raised to the eternal enjoyment of it. "Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God," the great apostle of the gentiles represents as the epitome of his preaching And any system of religion which exhibits salvation by Christ as a scheme which human wisdom might devise or provide for, is unquestionably false; and he who has never seen the wonderful wisdom of God as manifested in every part of this "great salvation," is yet in that blindness in which, according to St. Paul, the god of this world holds those who believe not. The next attribute or perfection of God, mentioned in the answer before us, is his Power. The omni potence of the Deity is conspicuous in all the works of creation and providence. When we look at the visible universe, and recollect that there was a period in which it had no existence, and that it sprang into being at the word of the Almighty,-how are we lost in astonishment, at the power which could produce such an effect! The formation of something out of nothing is, indeed, an operation incomprehensible to the human mind. Hence the atheism of philosophers both ancient and modern:-they have professed to believe matter eternal, because they could not comprehend how it should be formed out of nothing. Yet they have been driven into absurdities unspeakably gross, and even ridiculous, on every hypothesis which they have ever been able to form. The truth is, that exertion of Almighty power by which the material universe was called out of nothing into being, although indeed incomprehensible, is not incredible, if we admit the Being and perfections of the Deity. These admitted, creation by the power of God, affords infinitely the most rational, and the most credible account of the origin of all other beings, that ever was or ever can be given-" In the beginning God created the heavens and the earthHe said let there be light and there was light-He spake and it was done. He commanded and it stood fast." The same power which created, is necessary to preserve and uphold the universe. The laws of nature are words without a meaning, if they are not intended to express the will or appointment of the Deity. Whether we do, or do not maintain, that preservation is a constant creation, we must admit that all things depend on God, are ordered according to his sovereign will, exactly fulfil his purposes, and will cease their operations whenever he shall please. The revolution of the seasons; the succession Synod's Catechism,' and to which I own myself indebted, in these. lectures, for many useful thoughts of day and night; the fertility of the earth, and all the secondary causes that produce it; a salubrious or a pestilential atmosphere; winds and Holiness is that essential rectitornadoes; thunder and storm; earthquakes, volcanoes, and inundations; are all ordered and directed by the God of providence. Yea, "a sparrow falleth not to the ground," nor a hair from our heads, without our heavenly Father." To believe this, is surely as comfortable as it is pious. tude, or integrity, of the divine nature, whereby he infinitely delights in his own purity, and in every thing agreeable to his will, and hath a perfect hatred and abhorrence of every thing contrary to it. God is as necessarily holy, as he is necessarily God:-"Who shall not fear before thee, O Lord; for thou only Nor must we forget the illustri- art holy." He hath put, as it were, ous display of the almighty power a peculiar honour on his own holiof God in the glorious work of man's ness, inasmuch as he singles it out redemption. It was manifested in as the attribute to swear by for the "laying the chief corner stone, in accomplishment of his promises and the union of the human nature with threatenings-"Once I have sworn the person of the eternal Son of God; in supporting Him under the inconceivable load of divine wrath, for our sins; and in spoiling principalities and powers, in that very nature which Satan had vanquished at first." Hence the Redeemer is called the "power," as well as "the wisdom of God." Hence he is denominated "the arm of the Lord," and "the man of his right hand." We now proceed to consider the Holiness of God. Holiness is sometimes used to denote the aggregate of the moral perfections of the Deity, and sometimes as indicating a distinct attribute. It is manifest ly used in the latter sense, in the answer before us; because the moral perfections of God are immediately and severally enumerated. "Taken in this limited sense, (says Dr. Witherspoon) it is extremely difficult to define or explain. Holiness is that character of God, to which veneration, or the most profound reverence in us, is the correspondent affection. It is also sometimes expressed by purity" "Holiness"-say Erskine and Fletcher, in what is called the In the use of the catechism here mentioned, which in some of the following lectures is pretty considerable, the author has sometimes taken the language of the by my holiness, that I will not lie unto David." Finite creatures, even of the highest order, are not able to behold the brightness of this attribute, in their Creator: For when the angels themselves view his infinite holiness, as manifested in Christ, they are represented as covering their faces with their wings. Every thing pertaining to God bears the impress of his holiness. He is said to be holy in all his works-his word is holy; his covenant, or promise is holy; his sabbath is holy; his people are holy; his ministring spirits are the holy angels; and the place where he specially dwells is the high and holy place. The greatest opposite of the holiness of God is sin; and the highest display of his holiness in the hatred of sin was, in hiding his face from his own beloved Son, as bearing our iniquity. The next divine attribute, in the |