66 own interest forbids us to admit the practice. But, when God says, "Thou shalt not kill," it is commanded upon a different principle. He means to assert his property in his creatures; and that we have no right to take away their lives. Our obedience also derives its rectitude, more from his authority, than from the dictates of reason or selfishness. "Reason itself," as Swift says, "is true and just; but the reason of every particular man, is weak and wavering, perpetually swayed and turned by his interests, his passions, and his vices." In answer, therefore, to your inquiry, I am constrained to say, that reason alone is not a sufficient rule of practice." Had it been sufficient, the Holy One would not have given us a written revelation of his will. Yet reason has its appropriate place, and necessary use. The Bible may be compared to a bundle of ideas, collected from the stores of infinite knowledge, and committed to man by the hand of God. His accompanying spirit enlightens the mind to perceive them, and guides the discursive faculty, reason, in its progressive demonstrations. From all that I have said, the following contrast may be drawn. He who follows the dictates of unaided reason, is trammelled by a limited exercise of his mental faculties, and beset by weak conclusions, and innumerable contradictions. He who is guided by the word and Spirit of God, acting upon an enlightenreason, enjoys a harmonious increase of knowledge, and expansion of intellect; his conclusions are never contradicted; but every new one serves to confirm all the ed verend name; such as the encour- ral course and discipline in the fear of no sorrow with it." Again, "I know Abraham, that he will command his children, and his household after him; and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and past. In a word, he has returned to the path whence he had strayed, and is treading the way that leads to Heaven. There, when no longer burthened with sin, one eternal blaze of light will guide him from scene to scene, ever new and ever delightful. Such was the instruction of my valua-judgment, that the Lord may bring ble preceptor. My mind was adapted to receive it, having been struggling in the same way, yet without ability, to make the subject clear to my own apprehension. Itook leave of him with much regret, and pursued my lonely way in silent contemplation. I am, very respectfully, yours, ON PUNCTUALITY. upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him." Again, as another good man said to his people, " Choose you this day whom ye will serve ; But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."§ Now, both of these were punctual and precise men in the performance of every duty.They kept their "conscience void of offence," both "towards God, and towards men." Moreover, these were men well stricken in years. Abram was ninety and nine years old, and Joshua about one hundred and ten; and yet they kept the moral government of their families in their 2. Let those parents, masters, governors of families, and also our magistrates, study to be punctual and systematic in the performance of their respective duties; such, for instance, as the enjoining of the sanctification of the Lord's day; such as checking * Deut. xxxii. 4. † Prov. x. 22. Gen. the profaning of God's holy and re- xviii. 19. § Jos. xxiv. 13. that truly illustrious man General Washington, that when he fixed an hour to make any communication to Congress, he always entered the house while the hour was striking. own hands. Perhaps many of their, It is stated by the cotemporaries of children and domestics might now have been their own masters in secular concerns. But, as these venerable patriarchs knew that very much depended in after life, on the religious training and steadfast government of How very important then for the their households; this they kept stea- prosperity of the commonwealth; dily in their own hands till the day of for the welfare of the Church; for their death. And this same authori- the peace of society; for the comty hath God conferred on all parents fort of families and individuals, is a and governors of families, as long as strict adherence to the inestimable they have capacity-and while life principle of punctuality? It is, moreshall last. And wo be to such heads over, the way to become rich and of families as do not exercise it! useful, and honourable, in this and wo be to such children and ser- world. "The hand of the diligent vants as refuse submission to it! rich"-" The hand of the "Pour out thy fury" saith the messen- diligent shall bear rule; but the ger of inspiration-" pour out thy slothful shall be under tribute." fury upon the heathen that know" Be thou diligent to know the state thee not, and upon the families that of thy flocks, and look well to thy call not on thy name." Jer. x. 25. herds." Seest thou a man diligent," Now, this prayer was put up by the or punctual "in his business? he prophet Jeremiah, and will most cer- shall stand before kings; he shall tainly be answered in the visitation not stand before mean men.”* that will fall on the heads of all those who wilfully reject the knowledge of the Most High; and on the families that call not upon his name." maketh And the voice of divine wisdom hath further said, "I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Riches and 3. But, as punctuality in the dis- honour are with me; yea, durable charge of duty, has a most salutary riches and righteousness. My fruit effect according to reason and expe- is better than gold, yea, than fine rience, let us hear what the Scrip- gold; and my revenue than choice tures say concerning this matter: silver. I lead in the way of rightAnd, O! that all men in public au-eousness in the midst of the paths of thority, would listen and attend to the judgment, that I may cause those divine voice of Wisdom in this high-that love me to inherit substance, and ly important concern. The Scrip- I will fill their treasures." Prov. viii. tures say, "When the righteous are 17-21. Who then would not in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked bear rule, the people mourn."* "Righteousness exalteth a nation; but sin is a reproach to any people." Now, to have all these things done with decency and in good order, is it not obvious to every man, that very much depends, not only on proper arrangements as to fitness of time for the accomplishment of these things; but also on the punctual performance of every necessary duty, by those who are intrusted with the public concerns? Prov. xxix. 2. † Chap. xiv. 34. choose to be punctual and diligent in A LOVER OF PUNCTUALITY. 1 TO THE EDITOR. SIR, I do hope that you will let us hear again, and soon, from Hans * Prov. x. 4. ch. xii. 24, ch. xxvii. 23. ch. xxü. 29. pro I do hope, Mr. Editor, that you will continue to us something of the more solid in A Macolumns. your gazine is very different from a newspaper. Light and fugitive pieces may be perfectly allowable, and even necessary in a daily, or weekly paper. But in a Magazine we look for found and critical pieces; such as may be expected from learned and talented men. Without such ballast your pages may become so light that the wind may carry it off as the veriest vanity. Now, I do hope you will not drop the discussion of 1 John, v. 7.-If men want novels-profane or holy novels-let them look for them elsewhere. But your readers who have a taste for investigation and criticism-especially our clergy and our students are surely entitled to be indulged with six or seven pages of Criticism out of 32 pages. If we bear as good neighbours, with the light matter which suits their taste; they should really, in courtesy, bear with a few pages of Criticism designed for us. I ask you in the name of the studious to go on A constant reader, CRITO. -go on. I must reply in general, to several epistles of this kind from my worthy correspondents, that my aim is to oblige every reader as far as it is practicable, But it is hard work to please the palate of each guest. Benschooten shall be forthcoming. Indeed he was sent but returned by the printer for want of room; and for the Criticism department I must say that if six or eight pages out of 32 be not allowed us, our miscellany will become more light and airy than I can submit to allow it. And this seems to be the sentiment of the gentlemen contributors. We shall contrive to give more variety. The following letter from the late venerable Dr. Livingston is replete with piety and good sense. It was adressed to a young convert. EDITOR. New-Brunswick, Jan. 5, 1811. MY DEAR SIR,-In your very acceptable letter, you lately expressed many valuable sentiments for which I sincerely thank you. The first exercises of a young believer may be want of experience; but they are attended with limited views, and a usually enriched with sanctified affections, and exhibit a precious evidence of the power of grace. Be assured my friend, that the Lord who has bestowed the first fruits, and has already begun to show you mercy, will not forsake his own work in your soul. He will show you greater things. He will subdue your iniquities, deliver you from every evil work, and preserve you to his heavenly kingsafe as it respects their final redempdom. The saints on earth are as They tion as the saints in Heaven. are interested in the same love, they are kept by the same power. Here, it is through faith unto a salvation not done its work, and the promised salyet fully revealed; there, faith has vation is fully bestowed. I wish you were near to me, that I could see you often. It would gratify me to encourage, instruct, and comfort you. But your divine Shepherd has provided green and good pasture for you. Attend the ordinances: associate with pious companions: be much in prayer, and often read the Scriptures watch against temptations shun the appearance of evil : look unto Jesus: derive from his ful ness. The fountain is open; be thankful; be humble; be zealous ; plead for wisdom; become established in the truth, and seek at the throne for direction in all the paths of duty. Live by faith, and learn what it is to be accepted in the Beloved. Please to present our kind loves to your parents, and to Mrs. Wand believe me, with much affection and tenderness, to be your sincere friend and servant, J. H. LIVINGSTON. A DISCUSSION Of the question, What is the best plan of meliorating the condition of the Jews? By the late DR. LIVINGSTON. (Continued from p. 129. Two assertions have been made, and both employed as arguments in favour of a Colony for the Jews. retired situation. They are an active industrious people; and seek the bustling scenes of business; their habits are formed upon these principles. It would be terrible to them tered habitation, however comfortable to be placed in a lonely sequesin other respects, such habitation should it be a dreary wilderness, a might be; how much more terrible solitary desert! Beside, whenever It is said the Jews are a people who "must dwell alone," and consequently always wish to live wholly to themselves. And to this is ad-grace prevails in their hearts, they desire to be in the company of the will then, from more exalted motives, Lord's people. They would not con ded, that they ought to be kept separate from the Gentiles; that the august predictions concerning their fusent to be excluded from their comure destiny may be more perspicu-munion; nor willingly be separated from them. ous and evident to the whole world. The answer to each of these positions is readily found. With respect As to their remaining a distinct to the first, it is true, the Jews are a people, which constitutes the second people, who, agreeably to the pro- objection, the present experiment phecy concerning them "shall dwell will make no perceptible difficulty.— alone." And this prediction has The primitive Apostolic Church was been strictly and literally verified.-principally formed of Jews. Many In a national capacity they have dwelt thousands of them believed, and thus alone above 3000 years. To were the first fruits of the Gospel. this they were appointed in the promi- When it afterwards "pleased God to ses to the patriarchs. The separa-grant also to the Gentiles repentance ting system was organized at Mount unto life." What was the conseSinai. A dividing wall was there quence? What course did the happy raised; and that people were ef- subjects of grace pursue? Did they fectually precluded from ever mixing strengthen the line of separation? with other nations. To this day the Did they withdraw from fraterwall remains undemolished. By their nal communion? Directly the reintermediate matrimonial connexions, verse: they all immediately amalgatheir pertinacious attachment to the mated, and Jews and Gentiles formcustoms of their Fathers, and im-ed one and the same Church. It plicit submission to rabbinical traditions, they have continued, and still remain in all their dispersions and intercourse with strangers, a distinct and separate people-"they are not reckoned among the nations!" But the assertion is not true as it respects domestic life. The Jews are fond of society, and averse, above all others on earth, to solitude. They prefer a throng, and delight to mix with a multitude. They choose cities and populous towns in all the nations where they dwell, for their residence; thren; and whatever might have and are most happy when pressing been their previous distinctions, they through a crowd. Few instances become one family--and have equal, are found of any Jew who lives in a free, and full communion. This is must be so: "there is neither Jew nor Greek, circumcision or uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bond or free; but Christ is all and in all.”. Penitent sinners of every nation and description upon believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, are all equally united to him; and of course all united, blended, and consolidated in one Church. They altogether constitute one body, of which the Divine Redeemer is the glorious head, and they are living members. They are bre be formed of the contemplated Colony; or a conviction excited that in this way the Jews will be benefited. As far, however, as the object has been disclosed by the conversation of those who profess to understand the plan, it appears, That to form what they call a Colony, the directors a the doctrine of the Apostles; this was the practice of the primitive Church; and we find the Apostle Peter reprehended (Gal. 2.) for a small deviation from this principle, and drawing a faint line of distinction between believing Jews and believing Gentiles. But after all, the objection has no force; for, notwithstanding contemplate the purchase of a tract the union and amalgamation in the first of 20,000 acres of unimproved or age of the Christian Church; and, wild lands far distant from the city of notwithstanding any thing which New-York: That a set of pioneers, the present movement and con- consisting of men who understand version of the Jews, has produced, or the use of the axe and plough, and probably will, in the first instance, are capable of attacking a forest, produce; no essential influence upon will be sent forward in the first intheir national or separate charac-stance, to render the inhospitable reter, or their aggregate number, gion in some measure habitable: That will be effected. It is impossible, in to this dismal tract the forlorn Jews consequence of their distant disper-must repair and struggle with all the sion, to form a correct estimate of their privations and fearful circumstances numbers; but it is computed that which are always inseparable from beside the myriads of the tribes who settlement upon uncultivated remain as yet unknown, there are of grounds: That the unhappy emithe tribe of Judah, and part of Benja- grants must engage first as apprentimin and Levi, from whom the present ces to some overseers; and afterJews are descended, above nine mil-wards labour in a work to which they lions. These will afford a national are not accustomed, upon a small name and character; these will pro-spot of ground, which perhaps they duce a mass sufficient to exemplify may call their own, and labour hard the truth of prophecy respecting that or starve-and yet it is strangely supwonderful people. There is there- posed and suggested that even fore no necessity of keeping them here, under every forbidding aspect, separate, and excluding from our soci- even in such a dreary desert, the ety the few converts who come to us. Jews will be happy and comfortable. It has been the subject of univer-They will here be instructed in the sal regret, and the public has loudly Christian religion, and teach their complained, that the Directors have children; and, what surpasses expeconly promulgated in general terms, tation, they will soon be able to form their intention of forming a Colony a sort of seminary for the education for the Jews; without explaining the of their brightest youth, who will constituent parts of such Colony, or here be prepared for becoming Misdeclaring the manner in which it is sionaries; and from this wonderful Coto commence, or will probably be lony, as the centre of Christian Jews, conducted. All the addresses in go forth and convert the house of Iswriting, or from the pulpit, consist in rael throughout the world. This is no merely exhibiting what relates to the caricature. It must amount to thisunhappy situation of the Jews, and or the term Colony, with its train of their discouragement in Europe.-inseparable consequences is a word This history has been so often repeat- without a meaning. That it is someed, that it has become familiar, and thing like this, is evident from the rethe ear is satiated. But nothing dis-port of the committee of ways and tinct or satisfactory has been commu- means, dated March 25, 1823, in nicated, by which a correct idea can which it is stated, that the "novelty |