through the long vista of ages; and he is also able to bring about whatever he chooses. Hence he is not subject to any temptation from without to falsehood, and of course is less likely to employ it. All moral being act from motives; and God cannot, as we see, have any motive to falsehood.

When therefore we reflect on the never-violated agreement between God's declarations and the state of

For the Christian Spectator. On the qualities in Mr. Burke, which constituted him an Orator.

On the character of Mr. Burke's eloquence, it need only be observed, that a bold, vehement, copious, and figurative style, uniformly marks his performances. He grasped his subject with the hand of a master; held it in a light, where it was obscured only by splendour; and, in the language of Cumberland,

"With ceaseless volubility of tongue "Play'd round and round his subject, till at length

"Content to find you willing to admire, "tie ceas'd to urge, or win you, to assent." [Retrospection.]

The effects of his cloquence are too well known to need repetition. The qualities in Mr. Burke which gave him the power of producing these effects, are the objects of our present inquiry.

The brilliant achievements of this distinguished orator, result principal ly from a single trait in his original character. This was an invincible disposition to adhere to principles founded on facts; in other words, principles which have a foundation in human nature. Never was there more entire submission to true philosophy. This peculiar disposition,

which seems to have been a kind of natural endowment, together with a fancy brilliant and variegated, constituted in Mr. Burke what may be denominated genius.

But in connexion with his natural endowments, much too depended on the nature and application of his ac quisitions. In regard to the influence of Mr. Burke's peculiar acquisitions, we see illustrated in his particular case, a sentiment which Lord Bolingbroke considered of universal application; that "the man who in connexion with genius possesses experi ence and a knowledge of history, is an honour to his country, and a public blessing."

Both these qualities Mr. Burke pos sessed in an eminent degree; and they placed within his reach all the subjects which he treated, and in his power the minds of those whom he attempted to address. His knowl edge of the concerns of Europe, derived from history and observation, was exceeded by none. Of the whole system of the British government be was perfect master. He knew, for he had observed all the causes which could affect that complicated machine, whose extremities he could touch by his magic influence.

He did not, however, acquire his knowledge of human nature by sim

ply tracing the details of history. A more delightful field was opened before him.

"Burke, borne by genius on a lighter wing, "Skimm'd o'er the flow'ry plains of Greece and Rome,

"And, like the bee returning to its hive,
"Brought nothing home but sweets."
[Retrospection.]

All those works of ancient and modern times, in which principles of human action are developed, were familiar to him. He considered them as so many exhibitions of human character, from which, as experiments actually made, he derived knowledge of the heart of man. He knew that the writings of Homer and Sophocles, of Milton and Shakspeare, exhibit as many principles in the character of man, as the histories of Thucydides, of Tacitus, or of Hume exhibit. A perfect knowledge of these principles gave him immense influence over the minds of men.

But his success as an orator depended also on the manner of using his knowledge. Unlike the theoretical philosophers of his time, who delighted to distort nature, that they might destroy government, his mind was modelled to a happier frame. He regarded the history of nations as the natural history of man; nor did he regard government as an artificial frame, curiously fitted together by ingenious speculators, and designed to abridge the happiness of man. He considered it rather as it is, the natural or even necessary result of our condition, as imperfect yet rational creatures. The government under which he lived, he regarded as the natural growth of a soil genial to liberty, as a vine nurtured by the care of a kind Providence.

From this habit of observation on the characters of men and nations in their natural state, or as the world presents them, he derived that power which enabled him to sway the destinies of Europe. It was this which enabled him with prophetic skill to detect and resist the horrid consequences of the French revolution;

and this, with an imagination luxuriant as Eden, enabled him to charm and electrify the British empire.— Such was the manner in which Mr.

Burke employed his knowledge of human nature, derived from history, and from classic models of ancient and modern excellence.

This last species of learning afforded him also another important advantage. The style of Mr. Burke is highly figurative. No writer in moderu times has exceeded him in variety and splendour of diction; and no one has more nearly imitated nature in the design and delineation of his images. No doubt the richness and elegance of drapery with which he adorned his sentiments, were derived principally from works of taste and imagination. A more striking specimen of the utility of this species of reading can hardly be found, than is found in the writings of this distinguished orator. While from the master pieces of ancient and modern poetry he derived important principles of human action, he also derived that profusion of imagery which furnished them a costume both splendid and delightful. Here, then, is the secret of the eloquence of Burke; he had the world of human nature within his reach, and the imagery of the universe at his command.

But in what respects can the christian preacher derive benefit from a study of the character and writings of this eloquent man? In the three following particulars—the inductive philosophy; human nature; and classical learning.

1. Did Mr. Burke make principles founded on facts the basis of argument in his powerful harangues?— Such too should be the principles of argument with the christian preacher. They will preserve him on the one hand, from the errours of a mere theorist, and on the other from the miserable uncertainty of a sceptic, who doubts only because he is afraid to believe. Thus shielded, he is proof against the attacks of an opponent; and thus equipped, he can gain by

tribute of respect to the remains of Mrs. L.

I went to see Mrs. L. the morning after you left home. She was but just alive, but welcomed me with great cordiality, requesting the family to retire and insisting that all must go out not excepting Mary her only daughter. All having retired agreeably to her request, she pressed my hands with earnestness and in a very low voice asked whether I had not hard thoughts of her. I could not imagine why she spoke thus. She perceived my surprise and then observed" My hands have been tied. I could not give to the Bible Society, my husband was not willing. I do love Bible Societies, but I could not give. He is a good husband Mrs. H. good to me and good on many accounts, but he is not a charitable man. All people do not feel alike you know. I love charitable societies and charitable things, but I could not give-My husband was not willing. I wish he was. God have mercy on him. I was afraid you had hard thoughts of me. I greatly desired before I died to tell you how it was."* During this conversation she would not suffer me to speak lest the family should overhear me and thus find out the subject of her secrecy, for she wished not to hurt their feelings. I therefore expressed by pantomime as much satisfaction as I could in her past conduct.

She appeared thankful that she had this opportunity with me, and I am sure I was not sorry. She expressed great fears that it might injure my health to stay long with her and thanked me for coming. She was so very weak that I could not hold conversation with her, therefore after expressing to her my hope that we should meet in a better world I left her and returned home. Her strength failed fast. She seemed to have made an effort that hasten

Mrs. H. had previously been very active in forming female bible and other societies and had solicited assistance from Mrs. L. who with tears refused it without giving her reasons.

Vol. 2-No. VI. 38

ed her dissolution, she said but few words more and lived twenty three hours after. The bell is now tolling for the procession which is conveying her body to the tomb, but blessed be God there is abundant reason to believe that her spirit has fled to "A land of pure delight

Where saints immortal reign." I know that God accepts a willing mind and undoubtedly her reward now is as great as though she had given thousands of dollars. The situation however of those pious females who would cheerfully unite with substance to spread the word of life those who are contributing of their but are prevented by their husbands from indulging their charitable feelings, is peculiarly trying.

How is it possible that these husbands can deny their excellent companions so small but to them a precious privilege. When will they consider that to allow them a few

cents or even a few dollars from time

to time to drop into the Lord's treas ury will not on the whole make them less rich or less happy; since the Lord of the harvest can with infinite ease increase or diminish their wealth his own good pleasure. and their enjoyments according to

Your affectionate, M. H.