mon historian's views and remarks in relating the several events above mentioned. In the FIRST instance, we should have heard that superior policy and valour enabled a nation to conquer its less politic, or less courageous neighbour. The particular errors would probably, have been pointed out, which led to defeat and ruin; and had this minister, or that commander, planned or acted differently, the fortunes of the two nations would have been reversed. The reader would have been dismissed with a caution against some political or military error which he most likely would never be in a situation to commit. and no admonition would have been given him to desist from, and to discountenance those vices, and to improve those privileges, the practice and abuse of which had led the Supreme Disposer of all events to punish a nation with defeat and ruin, of which political and military errors were the natural and appointed causes : In the SECOND instance, that of the Assyrian empire, we should have read of the infancy, maturity, and aged imbecility of nations. The effects of wealth and luxury would probably have been pointed out, in relaxing the nerves, impairing the public spirit, and damping the military ardour of a people; but that abused power, that declining attention to religion and morals, that ingratitude to heaven for a rich profusion of blessings, that pride and luxury and fulness of bread, which have at length drawn down the wrath of heaven, and determined the great Arbiter of Nations to give them over to be a prey unto their enemies, would have been wholly left out of the account. In the LAST instance, we should have read, according to the different judgment, interest, or party of an historian, of a set of turbulent vassals, which had risen in rebellion against their masters, and succeeded in their enterprize; or of a subjugated and much injured people, who had at length successfully as serted their claim to the enjoyment of civil and social rights; but no remarks on the efficacy of prayer, or the prevalence of intercession; on the power, the goodness, or the retributive vengeance of that Almighty Being, who from above looks down with an equal eye on the children of men, who "hears the prayer of the destitute and afflicted," who "careth for the stranger, and them that are in captivity," who at his pleasure "abaseth the proud and exalteth the men of low degree."-Such is the different strain of sacred and profane history. It were easy to shew, that this forgetfulness of the divine administration of human affairs is intimately connected with a spirit haughtily, or carelessly profane, that it forms almost a direct contrast to that humble, serious, waiting, and observant frame of spirit which should characterize a being who is commanded to pass the time of his sojourning here in fear, "and in all his ways to acknowledge God," and to look to him for support and direction. But to those who are ever so little acquainted with the strain of the Scriptures, and with the genius of the religion they inculcate, it can scarcely be necessary to adduce any laboured proof of the criminality of the evil we have been condemning. However, for the information of those to whom their Bible is less familiar, it may not be amiss to suggest, that we are not left to form our own inferences as to its guilt, but that it is expressly alleged by the sacred writers as eminently constituting the character and criminality of the wicked, that they regard not the works of the Lord, and consider not the operations of his hand; therefore it is added, they shall go into captivity because they have no knowledge-again, it is charged on the wicked that they will not behold the majesty of the Lord, that when the Lord's hand is lifted up they will not see, that his judgments are far above out of their sight. Their punishment is subjoined, the fire of the Lord's enemies shall devour them. If we have been somewhat diffuse in treating of our present subject, we trust that its importance will plead Our excuse. We would only remark, that in applying these lessons of divine wisdom to the events which are passing around us, no less than in comparing and reasoning from the incidents recorded in history to our own cases and circumstances, we must be on our guard against drawing too exact parallels, or being either too con Be fident, or too literal and precise in our applications; for in order to entitle us safely to draw this exact parallel, we should first be sure that the cases were in all respects similar, and of this it is obvious, we never can be sure. sides, it often may happen that events similar in their outward face may be very different in their real characters. National misfortunes may either be fatherly chastisements, or judicial punishments; they may be intended to recall, to soften, and to reform, or to execute an irrevocable sentence, and seal the doom of men given over to ́avenging wrath and final ruin. But in either case our duty would be clear-it would be humiliation and penitence and prayer-it would be "to consider and try our ways, and turn again unto the Lord"—to forsake those sins which had probably assisted in bringing down the divine displeasure, and by humbling ourselves under the mighty hand of God, to avert if it might be his judgments and deprecate his wrath, or at least to obtain for our selves some mitigation of the general sentence. So in every other instance, whether of the events which are passing around us, or those of distant times; whether of such as respect ourselves, or as are of more general concern; whether we meet with them in the page of history, or the volume of life; it should be our care to draw those lessons of wisdom and prudence, to confirm and cherish those feelings and impressions, which, reasoning from the instruction and information set before us in the Bible, the several events and transactions appear intended to inculcate, strengthen, or revive. This at least is the duty of a CHRISTIAN OBSERVER, and as it is a duty so much neglected, we conceive that we shall not be ill employed in endeavouring to assist our readers in the discharge of it. It is therefore our intention periodically to allot a distinct part of our work to the review of past events, and to suggest the reflections and point out the sensations which it appears to us the retrospect ought to excite in the pious mind. If our remarks shall not be such as to lay claim to the character of deep research, of acuteness, novelty, or ingenuity, we Christ. Observ. No. 1. trust they will have the superior merit of being drawn from Christian sources; and that, like the rest of the moral coin which shall be put into circulation from the mint of the CHRISTIAN OBSERVER, it will be of intrinsic and sterling value, and not of those base materials which, even in our professedly Christian community, often obtain a sort of tacit conventional currency, and pass from hand to hand without distrust or objection. Having thus explained our ideas of. the objects and utility of this division of our work, we shall now proceed to take a summary review of the principal transactions of the last year. It is scarcely too much to affirm, that in the whole British annals there have been few years productive of events equally signal, and in which the public happiness is so materially involved. The political sky had long been turbulent and stormy, but, in the commencement of the last year, the clouds had gathered around us from all quarters, and had thickened into an almost unprecedented blackness. Not only was there no apparent prospect of the termination of our long war with France, but the contest assumed an aspect far more serious and alarming than it had ever before worn. If, at the head of a confederacy of several of the principal European Powers, we had been able merely to maintain an equal combat, but not to subdue the single strength of France, how much more had we not to apprehend, when, after the subjugation of Italy and Swisserland, when after Austria had been forced to retire exhausted from the contest, and treat for peace in the posture rather of a suppliant than an equal, we beheld Russia, Sweden, Denmark, Holland, Spain, in short, nearly all the powers of Europe enlisting under the banners, and placing themselves under the guidance of France, while the blow meditated against us was still more formidable, because it was directly aimed at the sinews of our naval strength, that bulwark to which, under Providence, we owe not merely our greatness and prosperity, but our safety and almost our very existence as a nation. This I state of things was rendered the more distressing, because it took place when it had pleased God for two successive years to visit us with scarcity, which, in its consequences, was likely to abridge and exhaust our commercial and financial resources and powers, to sour the minds and damp the spirits of our people, at a time when all the zeal, confidence, and attachment to its government, which animate the loyalty of the most happy and united nation, seemed to be wanted, in order to our bearing the burdens and making the efforts which a struggle so severe and complicated would necessarily require. Still the distress of our affairs had not risen to its full height. When a country is threatened at once from without and from within; that a strong efficient and united government should preside at the helm, seems absolutely indispensable to its weathering the storm; yet when we were in the very crisis of our fate, circumstances happened which led to the resignation of the chief members of an administration, to the tried wisdom, integrity, and energy of whom, however opinions might vary as to particular measures, it may be truly affirmed a great majority of the country looked up with confidence. It pleased God also to threaten us with another dispensation peculiarly afflicting to the sensibility of subjects eminently loyal and affectionate, and at such a conjuncture the more disquieting from its probable aspect on the state of parties, and its other political effects. Such were our gloomy prospects early in the last year. And had any one been called on to anticipate our situation at the present moment, in what dark colours would it have been painted by the least desponding hand. Yet but a few months have elapsed, and ow different is the face of public affairs. At the very outset of our contest with the northern nations, our arms were blessed with a great naval victory. By the death of the Emperor of Russia the formidable confederacy, known by the name of the armed neutrality, lost its warmest and most powerful asserter. Our beloved sovereign recovered his health, and an administration was formed, at the head of which were placed several characters well known to the country from their judicious and faithful conduct in other official situations of great trust; men whom the nation had been accustomed to respect in public, and esteem in private life. While the violence of faction, so far from being increased by the apparent weakness of the governing powers, gradually subsided, till at length the voice of opposition seemed almost to have been softened into acquiescence. We had soon after the satisfaction of hearing that in the distant land of Egypt, our brave soldiers opposed to those hardy veterans of France, who for so many years had carried terror throughout Europe, had asserted the old superiority of British valour, and after overcoming the Invincibles, as they were presumptuously styled, and worsting them in various hard fought contests, had finally expelled from Egypt the French forces, though greatly superior in number to themselves. Let our thanks be paid, not formally and hypocritically, but from the soul, to the God of armies who has steeled the hearts of our countrymen with valour, and nerved their arms with strength and by enabling them thus to manifest their superiority over the boasted prowess of their enemy, has encouraged them to meet, if it should be again needful, the force of France in arms without dismay, and by rendering war less hopeful to our enemy, has made the continuance of peace more probable. At length, after a negotiation not purchased, as in the case of other countries which had treated with France, by any mean compliances or concessions extorted from us by the exigencies of our situation, the new administration were rendered the joyful instruments of restoring peace, on terms which, both by parliament and the kingdom at large, have been almost unanimously declared consistent with our national interests, character, and security. It is a blessing of scarcely less value, that a most abundant supply of all the various fruits of the earth has been vouchsafed for the sustentation of our people. Thus the whole prospect became as prosperous and consoling as it had before been alarming and gloom And surely our readers will anticipate the first effusions of a Christian Observ. er, on reviewing a period which is marked with such a signal concurrence of mercies, which, when our affairs were at the very lowest, had suddenly changed our fears into thankfulness, and turned our sorrow into joy. We must be impatient to pour forth the tribute of our gratitude to that gracious Being who has so long multiplied his blessing on the inhabitants of this comparatively happy island, and who has recently showered down his favours on us so profusely. The grateful and pious mind will delight in meditating on the goodness of the Lord, and in speaking good of his name. But, secondly, We are led also by the sudden and happy change in the situation of this country, to reflect on the almighty power of the Supreme Being, who can at any moment bring light out of darkness; and if at any time our country should be again visited with similar difficulties and dangers, humbling ourselves under his mighty hand, and putting our trust in his mercy, we should assume a holy fortitude, superior to all the chances and changes of this varying life. Our part in such circumstances is, to do the duty of the present hour without despondency; remembering that all human events are under the direction of a being infinitely wise, powerful, and merciful. We may lawfully supplicate him to deliver our country from impending evils, and as the Providence of God effects its purposes by human instrumentality, we should, with spirit and activity use the means of providing for the public safe. ty, which our appointed rulers prescribe to us, relying on the Almighty for their success. We should put ourselves in a posture suited to conciliating his favours, and receiving his blessings; a posture of penitence and prayer. We little know how much we may have been indebted for our recent deliverances to that humiliation by which, we are assured in Scripture, the impending wrath of Heaven has often been averted; and to that effectual prayer of the righteous man, which availeth much. Thirdly, The events of the past year teach a lesson of moderation and sobriety in our judgments and feelings on human affairs and character. Alas! how often do Christians forget that their affections are to be set on things above, not on things on the earth; that they are to consider themselves as strangers and pilgrims here below. If they were duly and habitually impressed with these calming considerations, how little would they be disposed to that violence and eagerness with which we too often see them interest themselves in political contests. Here we behold a party hotly accusing their governors of wantonly and wickedly plunging their country into needless sufferings and dangers, to gratify their own mad ambition. With anger in their eye, and the language of proud defiance in their mouths, they pour out their accusations. Instead of joining cordially to sustain the spirits, and animate the efforts of their countrymen, they rather employ themselves in damping their ardour, and almost thwarting the necessary measures of defence, whilst they foretel the ruin which must inevitably and speedily ensue, or which, perhaps, they may affirm has even already overtaken us. On the other hand, we see another party, with almost equal violence, returning rage for rage; contending that all has been wise, and spirited, and able in the conduct of public affairs, conceived with prudence and executed with ability; but that it is to the pernicious effects of the mischievous labours of the factious, that all our difficulties and dangers are to be ascribed. On one side or on the other, are these the followers of the meek and holy Jesus! the subjects of the Prince of Peace! who, with almost his parting breath declared, by this shall all men know ye are my disciples, if ye have love one towards another. On neither side is there a disposition to be humble, peaceable, and contented-on neither side does there appear that persuasion which ought habitually to be borne in mind by Christians, that the schemes of men will often be alloyed with error, and their execution frustrated or weakened by infirmity; that the errors of our rulers, and the miscarriage of their measures, may probably be the visitation of Providence on the sins of the nation; and that by our repentance and amendment, by our prayers and intercession, we should far more effectually serve the public cause than by the utmost vehemence in political contentions on both sides there is a tendency profanely to exhalt human wisdom and strength, to trust implicitly to the talents of the political leader to whom we are attached, and to forget the solemn condemnation pronounced against those who put their trust in man, and glory in man, instead of glorying and placing their confidence in the Almighty and surely we have had a lesson in the events of the last year, to correct this prevailing error.On the one hand, we have seen that our affairs have gone on no less prosperously under our present rulers, than when they were under the immediate direction of the great individual, whose extraordinary talents and political virtues justly demand the esteem of his country; but to whom too many were disposed to look up with almost idolatrous veneration-and on the other, we have found that their successors, professing the same political principles and views, which were described as constituting a ruinous system, that was hurrying us on to speedy and irremediable destruction, have, on the contrary, been enabled to bring our public affairs to their present favourable state. Let Christians espouse that party in political life whose mea sures appear to them best adapted to produce public happiness; but let them be moderate in their political attachments, and shew that they remember that interests so perishable, and concerns comparatively so unimportant, deserve not greatly to engage the care, or ever to absorb the affection of a being born to immortality. Let them remember too that their citizenship is in heaven, and love their fellow-citizens of the heavenly world, with "a pure heart, fervently;" considering their being united with any, by the bonds of Christian fellowship, as constituting an union, an obligation to love and friendly sympathy, which are not to be dissolved by differences as to the characters of public men, or the issue of public measures; let them bear in mind particularly, that moral diseases are to every country far more injurious than political, and be more earnest to correct the vices of their fellow-creatures, than to rectify their political opinions. But again, 4thly, let not our late difficulties and sufferings have been endured by us in vain. We should remem ber that the same Almighty Power which has now graciously extricated us out of them, can again plunge us into them, and add to the weight of their pressure. Let us beware, therefore, lest by our vices, our luxury, our im. piety, we draw down the anger and provoke the judgments of heaven. Let us bear in mind how it is, that the favour of God towards a nation is to be conciliated; nor let any one think that the exertions of a single individual are as nothing in the national account "Ten Righteous would have saved a city once, And we have many Righteous." No one knows how far his humiliation, his prayers, the success of his pious endeavours on his acquaintance, connections, or dependants, and their combined efforts, may avail for the continuance of our national blessings; nor that at the last great day, when the ways of God shall be made manifest, and the connection of causes and effects, now involved in darkness, shall be explained, the prayers and tears of some pious though obscure Christian shall not be found to have been the real instrument in prolonging that public prosperity, and maintaining that national security, which the politicians of the day had boastingly ascribed to the superior ability and wisdom of their favourite statesman. Let the meanest and weakest Christian, therefore, labour in his contracted sphere for the promotion of true piety, and pray for the happiness of his native land. Let him pray that our public counsellors may be blest with wis dom, and that "all things may be so ordered and settled by their endeavours, on the best and surest foundation, that peace and happiness, truth and justice, religion and piety, may be established among us for all generations." Fifthly, Since it has pleased God to dispose the hearts of the rulers of both countries to peace, and to give effect to their labours, let us beware, lest individually, we appear to retain the hostile mind after it has been nationally put away.-Let us banish from our minds all sensations of ill-will towards the French, and feel towards them as those who have made peace in the spirit of peace, and who possess the disposition and temper of peace-makers. But as |