crown of Portugal; the former will revert to their ancient master, when peace is restored. In the seizure of these islands it does not appear that any considerable loss was sustained on either side. The mighty powers have entered into a new species of warfare, a warfare against commerce. It is the object of the sovereign of France, that neither English men nor English goods should be landed on the Continent. He has issued his decrees, and they have received the assent of other powers, so that, ex. cepting in Sweden, nothing can be conveyed from this country but by smug glers into Europe. With the good-will of the Continent, we should be excluded entirely from its shores; we should be left to ourselves, and prevented from interfering in future in continental disputes. Great Britain has thought it necessary to adopt measures of retaliation, and every thing must be brought into our island, before it can find its way into the Continent. What pains do mankind take to make their lives mutually uncomfortable! How graciously has the great Creator disposed the gifts of nature, that all should stand in need of each other! And commerce connects us by a bond of mutual profit and advantage! Instead of thus injuring each other, if the prayers of pious Christians in both countries were directed to the Supreme, that he would turn the hearts of both French and English, how happy would it be for all countries; and it would soon be known, that the prosperity of each country was connected with that of the other, and that the ferocity and skill in combat by which each endeavours to excel the other, are contemptible qualities, compared with those by which they might add to each other's happi Bess and that of mankind. What is the reason that peace does not take place, the Christian asks? Russia has offered its mediation: Austria has offered its mediation: both have been refused. What then is now the bone of contention? Surely a plain answer ought to be given to this question. Many have been the debates in parliament upon this subject, but still this plain question has not met with a decisive answer. The horrors of war are however to be prolonged, and the first consequence of importance seems to be the fall of Sweden. By the latest ac counts Russia has declared war against that country, and it is not likely that Denmark will be long behind her in a similar declaration. Sweden is our ally: but the country is so situated, that Great Britain cannot assist it. The Ru sians are prepared to enter Swedish Finland, and the Danes will probably enter by the east of Norway. The king of Sweden has sufficiently harassed his subjects by his impotent attempts against the French in Germany; and with the loss of his German dominions, he has to regret that the utmost satis faction does not prevail at home. A sad alternative is offered to him, either to give up our alliance or to fight for his crown. The issue of this contest will probably be known before the summer; and when Europe has undergone a complete change, in which Great Britain will not be permitted to interfere, a new system will take place in the maritime code of the world, which it probably will not be in the power of Great Britain to prevent. May the new system be productive of more happiness than the last, and teach men to consider better their Christian duties. If Sweden is in such danger, the fate of Portugal seems to be completely determined as to its former governors, though it is not yet known in what manner that country is in future to be governed. The French are in complete possession of that country: and the inhabitants seem to have made little or no resistance. In fact, to what purpose were they or what inducements had they, to resist. The country had been .under a de potism, civil and religious. The inquisition, though with interior powers, still bore a considerable sway. A patriarch, bishops, priests, monks, and nuns had the greater part of the country in their possession; and the human mind was kept in chains, under the horrid bondage of priestcraft and superstition. Wherever the troops of Buonaparte go, whatever may be the outrages they commit, they still carry with them religious toleration. A wretched reflection it is, indeed, that Christians should be thus taught toleration. Yet Portugal will be indebted to this external force, to make it sensible of the horrible crimes, it has been guilty of for some hundred years, in forcing upon its subjects the dogmas of the church of Rome. The Christian will see a dawn of hope 1 through the cloud, spread over that unhappy country. Whatever may be its destiny as to its civil governors, religious liberty will be restored: and this is of more consequence to a country, than the best civil constitution, that the wisdom of man can devise. The rest of Europe may be said to be under the dominion or influence of the great warrior of France. His troops are in Spain, but what changes have taken place, or are likely to take place in consequence, is not known. The dissatisfaction of many Spaniards to its civil government may be easily imagined by those who are conversant with the annals of Spanish history: but the great evil which has undone this country is its subjection to the inquisition and the church. The mummery of popery must be overthrown in this kingdom, as it has already been in France: and this great revolution will be hailed as a happy deliverance, by many pious men in that kingdom, who have groaned under the intolerable yake. In France and Holland public attention is carried more to commercial decrees, and the attempt to ruin England, by depriving us of all intercourse with the Continent. In what manner this intercourse is prevented in France, and what effect it has upon the inhabitants, we have no means of knowing: but it is certain that a vast commerce may be carried on upon the Continent, though Great Britain should have the complete control over the Atlantic. France, Russia, and Austria seem to be uniting more strongly in their newly-formed connexion; and the new governments in Germany are sufficient y employed in settling their new arrangements. America is in a situation which makes it open to great changes. In the north, apprehensions are entertained for the safety of the British colonies in case of a rupture between this country and the United States. The United States have come to a strong measure in consequence of the injury done to its commerce upon the seas by both French and English. In South America the Spanish colonies are held by a very feeble tie to their mother country. What the Brazilians have done with the emigrants from Portugal is not yet known, and the south of the La Plata is likely to form, very soon, an independent state. Thus every thing is in a state of change, and they who cannot adapt themselves to new changes, and wish every thing to remain in the position most agreeable to their preconceived fancies, are little calculated to live in a world, from its very nature liable to continual change, The Christian, knowing this to be the real state of the world, will accommodate his mind to the orders of that Being who, out of seeming evil, is ever educing real good. At home, the attention of Englishmen is naturally carried to the proceedings of parliament. From them they expect to learn a full account of public affairs; the object of the war; the causes why peace cannot be obtained; the justifica tion of the melancholy affair at Copenhagen; and the details of a variety of objects connected with civil and military affairs. The melancholy affair at Copenhagen employed several days, debates in both houses. By some it was justified on the ground of necessity and political expediency: by others it was reprobated as a most atrocious act; contrary to the law of nations; subver sive of all morality; calculated to excite the disgust of all Europe; and degrading our character for ever. What shall the Christian say of this melancholy proceeding; of brethren in amity burning down the town of their brethren? Fona such scenes the Christian turns aside with horror, and in tears he can only say: "There is a God who judges the judges of the earth." In both houses, this unhappy measure was justified by a very great majority. The papers relative to the mediations on the parts of Russia and Austria brought on various debates upon the propriety of their being rejected; and much light was thrown on the superiority of the French over the Russians, by the speeches of Lord Hutchinson. What ever may be the opinion of mere politicians, the Christian cannot but lament, that overtures of mediation should have been rejected, without the strongest reason to justify such a measure. evident that the Emperor of Russia, having done his utmost in the contest, was completely justified in abandoning the war and there is no reason to believe that he was not sincere in his wish to produce a peace between France and Great Britain. It is Two events of a domestic nature created no small interest in the country, Francis Austin Spencer. The one was noticed by Sir Francis Burdett, who moved for papers relative to this subject, and who will bring the matter to a termination. It appears that immense sums have accrued to the crown, in consequence of immense seizures from nations not at war with us: and from them very large grants have been made to several branches of the royal family. Sir F. Burdett moved for information on this subject, as to the sams which have thus accrued to the crown, and the application of them. The former part of his application was granted, the latter denied. It is evident from the nature of man, independent of those compliments which flattery offers to the shrine of royalty, that it is dangerous in any country to leave a temptation to any person in it, to commit an act of Hostility for his own private advantage, before war has been declared with any country and the inquiry set on foot by Sir F. Burdett, will be productive of Eational advantage. The other subject has been occasionally before the house, and it is high time that it should be set at rest. This was set on foot by a petition from several gentlemen, lately on the grand jury for the county of Middlesex, to the house of commons, to take into consideration the manifold abuses in the house of correction in Cold-bath Fields, which has been so often stigmatised by the name of the Bastile. The allegations in this petition are of a very serious nature, and claim the utmost attention froni a legislature which has any regard to the liberty of the subject. The prime fault seems to be in making this place, at the same time, a house of correction for convicted delinquents, and a place of confinement for persons who are suspected, but may be innocent. To subject an innocent person to that treatment which is supposed to be a proper punishment for a delinquent, is highly unjust, immoral, and unchristian. OBITUARY. Sept. 25, 1807, at his father's (the Rev. A. Austin's) house at Clerkenwell, FRANCIS SPENCER AUSTIN, after a short illness of three weeks, aged 28. The conduct of Divine Providence is to us frequently inscrutable: it was so with regard to the subject of this obituary. Misfortune in early life, and almost at the commencement of his entering into business, drove him from London into the country. Whether it was owing to inadvertency, and want of necessary caution in a person of his youth, or entirely through the villany of others it is now needless to inquire. After being in the country some time, he visited Melbourn, where it was his happiness, as well as that of several of his friends, to take the resolution to abide. His mind was at this time chiefly turned to the perusal of poetical, dramatic, and the lighter and more amusing literary publications. The productions for the stage appeared to engage his principal attention for some time, till his mind became more assimilated to tliose of the friends around him. His taste for theatricals then began to abate, and his VOL. III. love for more serious works to increase. Theology now interested his mind; and being possessed of an ardent thirst for knowledge, he applied himself sedulously to the acquisition of it. Possessed of no youthful prepossessions in favour of any particular system of religion, or only in a trifling degree, his mind was open to conviction, let truth come from where it would. He soon saw reason to be dissatisfied with the grounds upon which orthodoxy was built, and after much patient and free inquiry embraced Unitarianism. It was about this time, and after much reflection, that he absented himself from attending upon public worship which was, and still is, exclusively Trinitarian in Melbourn. Always a lover of nature, and happy in viewing the creatures of God enjoying their existence,. he witnessed their pleasure with complacency, and felt his own heart improved thereby. In summer time, and on the return of a Lord's day, he would' frequently call on me to take a walk with him in the fields. Often has he repeated the lines of his favourite poct, Francis Spencer Austin, Southey, when observing others re- humanity. But that his virtues far, pairing to their respective places of pub- Go thou and seek the house of prayer! The swelling organ's peal swept grove. It were needless to enter into a detail of his many social virtues, if it were intended that those who knew him were only to peruse these lines: but the life of every virtuous man is the property of the public, and every amiable trait in his character it is their duty to imitate. Though possessed of a very intelligent mind, and well stored with general knowledge, his manners were perfectly unassuming, and free from pride; his accomplishments were many, but he never ostentatiously displayed them; he rather sought to conceal than make a pompous shew of his acquisitions; and in all his demeanour, modesty, diffidence, meekness, and equanimity were his general characteristics. In conversation he was so cial, affable, and free, stating his own opinions with moderation and mildness, and when opposing others, destitute of asperity, and altogether candid in his remarks. No person that was intimately acquainted with him, and knew the goodness of his heart, felt any other than sentiments of respect when reflecting on his conduct. After the enumeration of so many virtues of a social nature, I might abstain from saying any thing about those of a moral kind. In him, however, the sympathies and tender sensibilities of a feeling mind were very predon.inant. Embracing in his arms the whole human race, as children of one God and Father, he banished from his mind the petty interests and narrow prejudices that actuate others; and wherever he saw the face of man, or read the history of other countries, he viewed them all as brethren, and part of one great whole, the ultimate issue of which was happiness. From malignity, envy, and ill-will he was happily exempt, and no instance can be brought that indicated a disposition governed by malevolence. That he had failings and infirmities who can deny, for frailty, omission,and guilt are inseparable from very far, outweighed its opposites, who can deny that possesses any knowledge of his life, or has impartially examined his conduct? Having in early life been much in the company of the fair sex, he had acquired such a politeness of manner, and agreeableness of address, as always to make him their favourite. It was this, in conjunction with his many other excellent qualities, that led to his marriage with Miss A. Dunnicliffe, of Melbourn. In her he found an intelligent, serious, and affectionate partner of life. But, alas! how transient in duration is the dearest and happiest connections. Three years had scarcely completed their rounds before every tie which unites kindred souls together was severed asunder. For several years he had been afflicted very severely with the gravel, and such inroads had it made in his constitution, that three or four years ago an eminent surgeon said that one of his kidnies was nearly gone. During the frequent relapses which occurred, his patience was truly exemplary and edifying.— About a year and a half before his death he removed to Kegworth with his family, where he resided little more than twelve months, owing to his business not answering their expectations. It was now that he formed the resolution of visiting London. Here he entered upon a school, the management of which he had not long undertaken before his last illness seized him. He had been to visit a friend in the country for a day or two; and whether the journey, through unusual exercise, brought on his disease, or whether he laboured under ic before he set off, I have no documents to ascertain. He returned home very ill, and every succeeding day added fresh symptoms of alarm. Hopeless of his recovery, information was immediately forwarded to Mrs. Austin, at Melbourn (who, with two small children, had been left with her friends) of his truly dangerous situation. She has tened with all possible speed to London, and arrived the day before his death. On that day he was delirious, and fears were entertained that his senses would not return; but in the morning the enjoyment of them was granted. At night he requested his father to pray by him, observing that he soon might probably be incapable of Transactions of the Parisian Sanhedrim, attending to him. At the conclusion of have thus, though imperfectly, endea- Nov. 18, aged 47, The REV. NÁTHANIEL GILBERT, vicar of Bledlow, Bucks. To that living he was presented by Mr. Whitbread, on his return from Sierra Leone, where he had been for some time, chaplain of the settlement. He was a native of Antigua, but was educated in England. Early losing his parents, who appear to have been religious persons, he was tempted to youthful excesses. Afterwards becoming serious, and determined for the church, he began his theological studies under the direction of the Rev. Mr. Fletcher, Vicar of Madeley, so well known as the intimate friend of John Wesley, and the author of the Checks to Antinomianism. The following truly honourable character has been given of Mr. G. "Both by precept and example, he proved himself a faithful pastor over the flock committed to his charge, as well as a learned, eloquent, diligent, and successful minister of that gospel, which was his own support through various trials which he had to conflict with in life; and happily, in his experience, afforded a source of unfailing consolation under the last struggles of dissolving nature. Nov. 19, at Paris, in his 76th year, M. L'ABBE LE CHEVALIER, forT. H- -S. merly Royal Censor, and author of se veral classical works. INTELLIGENCE. THE JEWS. 1806. This day was appointed through inadvertence by the minister of the interior. When he called to mind that it was the Jewish sabbath, he sent word to the Deputies" that if they thought themselves bound to abstain from every kind of labour on such a day, they were at liberty to adjourn their first meeting." They however considered meeting on that day, in obedience to the appointment of government, to be no infraction of their law, but in truth a religious act. This first determination of their's was a pledge of their future liberality. At this meeting were elected a presi |