how much more creditable does this conduct appear, I may venture to say, even in the eye of his own profession, than if he had come off with the heroism of running his antagonist through the body, or fallen' himself a victim to this imaginary test of valour!

In the second instance, Captain Black- and most advantageously displayed. And ader prevented the repetition of a similar tragedy, at the fearful risk of committing a trespass against the omnipotent laws of military honour. He was threatened with the odious and appalling imputation of a coward, because he refused to expose his life to the fury of a madman, or become himself a deliberate murderer. This refusal was not made from any want of courage, or on any ground of fear, which the most pusillanimous are always the most reluctant to acknowledge; but from his conviction, that no law of honour, though enforced by all the penalties of infamy and disgrace among men, and sanctioned by the patronage and example of the highest military authorities, could possibly impart to any human being a right to shed the blood of his fellow-creature. He would have been content to relinquish his friends and his commission, sooner than be in any way a willing accomplice in an affair so repugnant to his conscience and his feelings, so utterly in violation of every principle he had been accustomed to renerate as sacred. To purchase the esteem of the world on these terms, would be to incur an indelible disgrace, to establish an idle reputation on the ruins of his own peace and innocence. Having expressed his contrition for the undesigned offence, and tendered overtures of reconciliation, he may be considered as having done enough to acquit himself-not perhaps according to the refined maximus of his profession, but certainly in the judgment of every candid and sober mind.

As to the charge of cowardice, he might perhaps have repelled it by an appeal to his former recontre-to the many dangers he had already faced-and the unimpeachable honour of his military reputation. In the general tenor of his character for meekness, forbearance, and aversion to stir up strife, he had a moral armour that might have blunted the shafts of calumny, and made the false or petty accusations of his adversary recoil upon his own head. He might have rebutted the charge with the truly noble reply of his celebrated countryman and companion in arms, "I fear sinning, though you know I do not fear fighting." But he went a step farther. He retrieved his honour without violating his principles. He made his sword cancel the imputation of cowardice-not by plunging it, without provocation, into the bosom of his friend-not by depriving the service, it may be, of a brave officer-or involving perhaps, in sorrow and disgrace, a widow and orphan family; but by signalizing his courage against the enemies of his country-by venturing fearlessly, and of his own accord, on a desperate expedition. Here he displayed his bravery where alone it could be most honourably

It has been matter of just and frequent astonishment, how this detestable practice of duelling should not only be tolerated as an indispensable evil, but meet with advocates and defenders, who would retain it either from motives of virtue,-as if this barbarous and Gothic custom were of a more polishing and civilizing influence than the spirit of Christianity; or of necessity,— as if no other principle on earth were powerful enough to maintain order and propriety among men. The laws of murder and assassination they have exaited into a study, and a science which must be cultivated as an accomplishment by every pretender to genteel education; which forms the cabalistic charm of admittance into the company of honourable men or the circle of polite society. A few such instances, bowever, as the one recorded above, would go far to alter the prevailing taste, and direct the current of public opinion against these absurd and erroneous maxims. We know well what unbounded efficacy the patronage and example of official or leading characters exert over matters of fashion or amusement. Places of public resort sink rapidly into discredit and decay, the moment they cease to frequent them. Manners or opinions that may have held long and undisputed sway over the human mind, whenever they cease to be honoured by their countenance and support, are proscribed the circles of politeness, and abandoned as the relics of a vulgar and antiquated age. In: short, even pleasures and dissipations that have all the advantages of secrecy, and may plead the desires of nature, no sooner lose the magic attraction of fashionable names, than the general taste instantly declares against them. Examples of this kind, therefore, would operate as a salutary antidote against the epidemic contagion of single combat, and furnish a more successful weapon than all the argument and raillery that has been employed against it, for attacking and putting down a custom, which is contrary to the principles of reason and justice-repugnant to the feelings of humanity.—and condemned by the laws of God and man.

April 19. Here I have good accommodation, a quiet cottage in the midst of a wicked army, where I can retire and hold communion and fellowship with God. My neighbours here envy me this poor cottage, but they are not permitted to wrong me. Who shall harm you if you be followers.

of that which is good? I bless God for my peace and quietness; here I have just as much business as diverts me, not so much as to be troublesome.-P. 379.

May 6. This day is one of the greatest Ebenezers of my life. In the morning the French made a sally from the town upon that post where our regiment was. It was a little before break of day. They came on silently, expecting to surprise us; but by the goodness of Providence we were ready. Our sentinels gave us warning, and we put ourselves in a posture, and received them so warmly, that they immediately res tired in confusion without firing a shot. It is observable, that it was so ordered, that this second sally of theirs should happen to be only upon us, who were brought in to relieve that regiment upon whom the enemy fell at the first sortie, and used so ill. Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to thy name be the praise and glory. It was thou who madest our enemies faintly to turn their backs without attacking us,for if they had attacked us briskly, we have no reason to believe, as to our own behaviour, courage, or conduct, but that there would have been as bad an account of us, as of those who were there before us. For, indeed, I did see among several of our soldiers manifest signs of fear and confusion; but the goodness of God hides our failings; and not only so, but makes those actions, which our own hearts know to be mixed with great weakness, to turn to our honour and reputation. I have often observed this since I have been a soldier, and now it holds good as to me and the regiment, that our actions, though in themselves not worth a button-no better than other peoples-yea not so goodoftentimes more weakness and defects; yet God is sometimes pleased so to distinguish

them with such circumstances of reputa

tion, and to place them in such a light, as gives them a peculiar lustre in the eyes of

the world. I am sure this should make us humble and thankful. I acknowledge for my own part, if the Lord, by his grace, did not very powerfully supply and furnish me with courage and fortitude, I would behave very ill. I would have neither heart nor hand. I am not ashamed to own that I have no fund of my own, neither courage, nor wisdom, nor conduct, but what I get from God. I find him in straits a present aid; he gives most liberally and abundantly as occasions require. Therefore I shall rejoice in my own emptiness, and weakness, and fear, because it leads me to an infinite inexhaustible fountain and magazine of all sorts of spiritual supplies. I shall be distrustful of myself; but in God I will boast all the day long. He MAR. 1825,

makes true my motto to me every day, Deus fortitudo mea,-Pp. 383, 884.

June 9. I was the first upon command of the field officers of the besieging army yesterday, when the attack was ordered but our regiment being to go next day into the trenches, the custom is, that that regiment gives no men or officers on command the night before. In this way it missed me, and the next officer on command was taken.

Whoso is wise will consider these things, and see the loving kindness of the Lord. I have occasions every day of observing this. I would have blessed God also if he had sent me, for I trust he would have borne my charges, and carried me through to the praise of his grace. The Lord is merciful to our regiment, for we have not had a man either killed or wounded in the trenches these twenty-four hours.-Pp. 392,

393.

Precis de l'Histoire de la Reformation, suivies de Notices historiques et biographiques sur les Principaux Reformateurs. Par S. Humbert.18mo. Paris, 1824. London, Treuttel & Co.

THOSE of our readers who are in the habit of perusing French works, will find this a very conve nient manual of the History of the Reformation; whether for occasional reference or to read from time to time, in order to impress upon the memory the principal

facts of that blessed and ever memorable epoch, to which we owe the revival of the pure doctrines of the Gospel. The Precis, or Summary of the History of the Reformation is comprised in 139 pages; and the remainder of the of the Reformation in France, and volume contains a special history short but interesting historic notices of Luther, Calvip, Huss, Zuingle, Knox, and other eminently pious and distinguished Reformers. We have, however, noticed some inaccuracies; as, for instance, the author has fallen into the common error of attributing the execution of Servetus to Calvin's influence, which modern researches have shown to be directly contrary to that great man's exertions.

THE PROTESTANT.-No. 111.

THE last three weeks have been productive of many new events, which are likely to affect the great question of the success of the Popish cause. The Government has thought it necessary to call the attention of the Legislature, by the opening speech of his Majesty, to the dangers arising from the continued existence of the Catholic Association. This step was followed up by the introduction of a bill into Parliament, intended to suppress that Society. A protracted debate took place on the motion "for leave to bring in the bill;" and after four days discussion, the question was carried in the affirmative by 278 votes against 123.

Immediately on learning the intentions of Administration, the leaders of the Association left Dublin for this country; and a motion was made on the 18th of February to permit counsel to be heard at the bar of the House of Commons, against the proposed measure. The house divided-Ayes, 89; Noes, 222.

The necessity of taking these steps for the suppression of this dangerous body, is so obvious and undeniable, that it can scarcely be necessary for us to say a word in defence of the measure. If any doubt could be entertained on the subject, it must be removed by one expression which is stated to have fallen from Mr. Brougham's lips, while defending their cause on the 18th of February.

"If," said Mr. B. "the measure now in progress should pass-if it should receive the royal assent-if it should be found to accord with the unanimous voice of the country-even under all those circumstances, in order to render it a safe measure, you must have the assent and co-operation of the Catholic Association itself. You will find this to be absolutely essential."

A body which is already represented by its own friends as being, effectively, a fourth branch of the Legislature, is plainly intolerable, and not to be endured. And if such be really its power while yet in its infancy, nothing less could be expected of its maturity than a usurpation of the whole authority of the Government. To crush it while yet in the bud, is the only safe course with such an evil.

One benefit which we anticipate from the course the Administration are now taking, is this-that by a continued and perverse evasion of the enactments of the new bill, the Catholics will irritate and thwart their best friends and advocates in the cabinet, and will shew what might reasonably be expected from them, if greater means of annoyance were placed within their reach.

Meantime, the Petition of the Association for the removal of restrictions was presented by Sir F. Burdett on the 23d of February; and a motion founded on it is to be brought forward on the 2d of March. There appears very little reason to apprehend that any proposition of this kind can meet with success in the present state of public feeling.— Mr. Canning himself has declared his conviction, that it "would be impossible to carry Catholic Emancipation in the present state of things." Meanwhile, the spirit which has constantly distinguished the Association still pervades its proceedings. Especial and honorable mention was made at a late meeting of a priest of the name of O'Shaugnessy, who had reduced, in a short space of time, a school of the Hibernian Society from 300 scholars to 12.

INTELLIGENCE.

CHURCH MISSIONARY SGCIETY.