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bination of all the talents of the country may now be essential to its protection, we cannot help considering the loss of Mr. Pitt at this awful period of our affairs to be an alarming aggravation of our national dangers and calamities. It has occurred at a time, when his acknowledged abilities, firmness and patriotism seemed to be more than ever requisite to the safety and welfare of his country. And we would not omit the opportunity of pressing upon our readers in general, and, did there exist any hope that this hasty sketch would meet their eyes, upon his successors in particular, the various affecting lessons, which the death of this eminent statesman, considered with all its circumstances, is calculated to afford, but which are too obvious to require a distinct specification.

We should have rejoiced had it been in our power to say more respecting the character of Mr. Pitt, in those points which we deem infinite. ly the most essential. There are, however, some other points, to which it would be unpardonable in us not to advert, and which entitle this great man to the grateful recollection of his country.

The history of Mr. Pitt's administration forms a distinct and most important chapter in the history of the world. Let it never be forgotten, that to him, as the instrument in the hand of divine Providence, we are indebted for the preservation of our social happiness; of that invaluable constitution, which our gallant forefathers bequeathed to us, as the noblest monument of genius, freedom, and humanity; and of those religious institutions, which serve as way marks to a still nobler inheritance. This he effected in the face of whatever could shake the stoutest heart. Through those tremendous storms, which the French revolution had raised, and which might have appall. ed the most courageous mind, his su perior genius safely piloted the vessel of the state. If he had not possessed a mind sufficiently capacious to appreciate the extent of our danger, and sufficiently vigorous to withstand the desolating progress of revolutionary principles, the fabric of our policy must have crumbled into ruins, beneath the blows that were both open

ly and secretly levelled against it, by men of bold, enthusiastic, and ferocious spirits. Great Britain has lost in William Pitt the ablest champion of her constitution.

It becomes us also to remember the firm and unshaken resistance, made by this great statesman, to the secret machinations, and infuriated violence of the French anarchists; the courage with which he braved their rage, even when we were abandoned by our allies, the splendid eloquence with which he denounced their crimes, and animated his country to persevere in the awful struggle; services, which justly entitle him to the gratitude of the civilized world.

The first ten years of Mr. Pitt's administration was a period of peace; and also of prosperity, unexampled in the annals of this or any other country. By his wise and enlightened policy, under Providence, was Great Britain raised from the dust, from that state of imbecility, degradation, and dejection, to a state of power and opulence, far beyond any hope, which could have been previously framed. It was then she acquired that strength and consistency, and developed those resources, which have since enabled her to occupy the first place among the nations of the earth. The succeeding period of his administration was distinguished by scenes of turbulence and public disorder. The superiority, however, of his genius was still manifest. Internal factions were dismayed and silenced by him, while the foreign enemy was kept in alarm for his own safety. It was not merely that he electrified admiring senates, or withered, as with the force of lightning, the nerves of his opponents: his countrymen at large looked to him as an oracle; and felt their hopes revive as he spoke. They resigned themselves to his direction, and rushed on with confidence, in the path which he pointed out to them. At his call, even when out of office, we have seen half a million of freemen rush to arms, and array themselves in defence of their country. The force of eloquence never wrought greater prodigies among any people. Indeed, of the fascinations of Mr. Pitt's eloquence, it is impossible for any one who has not heard him to

form an adequate conception. Its effect, on some occasions, more resembled that of the electric fluid than any thing else with which it can be compared; while, on all occasions, it flowed from him with a clearness, copiousness, strength, and majesty, which left every rival orator at an immense distance.

A letter to a Friend, occasioned by the death of this great statesman, closes with the following striking and useful observations.

"What if the voice of Mr Pitt could now reach a British cabinet? What if it could now command the attention of a British senate? What are the suggestions which, with his present views, be it more or less that his views are corrected and enlarged; what are the suggestions, which, with his present views, he would now be earnest to enforce upon public men? "With solicitude inexpressibly greater than he ever felt on any subject oftemporary concern, he would entreat statesmen and politicians habitually to bear in mind not only that they have a country to protect, and a king to serve, but that they have also a Master in heaven. "Discharge your duty," he would exclaim, "to your country and to your king in singleness of heart, as unto Christ; not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men. Be not ashamed of your God and your Redeemer. Hold forth the word of life before the eyes of all men, as the spring of action, as your supreme and universal law. Hold it forth by measures conformable to its dictates: hold it forth by the stedfast avowal of the principles which it teaches, of the motives which it enjoins. By the rules which it delivers, by the spirit which it inculcates, try all your proceedings. Urge not the difficulties of your situ. ation as a plea for sin. To you, to every man, belongs the assurance, My grace is sufficient for thee. Expel iniquity from your system. Will you say that the machine of government cannot pursue its course, unless the path be smoothed by corruption? Will you say that the interests of your country cannot be upheld, unless a distant quarter of the globe be desolated to support them? Will you say that

the security of the free Briton will be endangered, unless the man-stealer, against whom God has denounced his curse, receive from you licence and protection? Will you say, that if rapine and murder will at any rate be continued, you are warranted in becoming the despoilers and the murderers yourselves? Is this to be a terror to evil doers? Is this to cleanse yourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spir it? Is this to perfect holiness in the fearof God? Is this to abstain from all appearance of evil? Is this to have the answer of a good conscience towards God? Is it not practically to aver to the Most High-The laws, O God, which Thou hast promulgated for the administration of Thine own world, are inadequate to their purpose. That which Thou commandest, we discov-` er to be in many instances detriment. al. That which Thou prohibitest, we perceive to be in many cases necessary. Forgive, approve, reward us, for introducing, as occasion requires, the needful alterations and exceptions. Do you start at the thoughts of such language? Speak it not by your deeds. Obey the precepts of your God; and leave consequences in his hands. Distrust not his truth. Dare to confide in his omnipotence. Believe that it is righteousness which exalteth a nation: that sin is a reproach to any people that nations shall be punished for their iniquities. In unfeigned humility; in constant prayer ; in watchfulnesss against transgression; not slothful in business, but fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; hope for the divine blessing on your counsels and exertions through that adorable Mediator, by whom all blessings are dispensed to man. Look to the day of account before his tribunal. Think that betimes, which you will think at last. Judge all things now by the standard by which you are to be judged. If you may not save your country, forfeit not the salvation of your soul." Ch. Ob.

Memoir of Mrs. Hannah Hodge, who died in Philadelphia, Dec. 17th, 1805, in the 85th year of her age. (From the Assembly's Magazine.)

Or the subject of this memoir it may be said without exaggeration, that, for more than half a century, she had deserved the appellation of

a" mother in Israel." The circumstances of her early life were, likewise, closely interwoven with the most remarkable occurrences which attended the great revival of religion in Philadelphia, in common with many other places, through the instrumentality of the Rev. George Whitefield. For these reasons it is believed, that a biographical sketch, somewhat more ample than usual, of this truly excellent and remarkable woman, may not be devoid either of instruction or entertainment to the readers of the mag

azine.

Mrs. Hannah Hodge was born in Philadelphia, in January, 1721. Her father's name was John Harkum; he was by descent an Englishman, and by occupation a tobacconist, Her mother, whose maiden name was Doe, or Doz, was a descendant of a French protestant, who fled his country on account of his religion, in consequence of the revocation of the edict of Nantz by Lewis the 14th, A. D. 1685. This family of Doz, with other French Protestants, were principally instrumental in erecting the first Presbyterian church in the city of Philadelphia. As sociating with a few English and Irish, whose sentiments they found substantially the same with their own, they built a small wooden house for public worship, where the first Presbyterian church now stands. Of this church the Rev. Jedidiah Andrews, a Congregational minister from New-England, was called to be the first pastor. His unyielding attachment to certain measures, which he judged to be impor tant in organizing the congregation and settling its government and worship, dismembered it of several persons who had been most active in its formation, and who from that time joined the Episcopal church. Among these was the maternal grandfather of Mrs. Hodge. Her own father and mother, however, remained in connexion with the congregation of Mr. Andrews, and under his ministry she was born, and lived to the age of about eighteen years. From her childhood she was disposed to a degree of serious thoughtfulness, and was a constant attendant on public worship. But it was her settled opinion, in after life, that she was totally unacquainted with vital piety, while she remained under

the pastoral care of Mr. Andrews. By him, notwithstanding, she was presuaded to join in the communion of his church, of which she was a member for two or three years.

When Mr. Whitefield first visited America, she was deeply aflected by his preaching, on which she assidu ously attended. She has often told her friends, that after the first sermon which she heard him preach, she was ready to say with the woman of Sama-, ria, "Come see a man who told me The all things that ever I did." preacher, she said, had so exactly de. scribed all the secret workings of her heart, her views, her wishes, her thoughts, her imaginations, and her exercises, that she really believed he was either more than mortal, or else that he was supernaturally assisted to know her heart. So ignorant was she then, of what she well understood afterwards, that all corrupted human hearts are much alike; and that he who can paint one, justly and in lively colours, may present a picture which many will recognize as their own.

The effects produced in Philadel phia, at this time, by the preaching of Mr. Whitefield, were truly astonishing. Numbers of almost all religious denominations, and many who had no connexion with any denomination, were brought to inquire with the ut most earnestness, what they should do. to be saved. Such was the engaged. ness of multitudes to listen to spiritu al instruction, that there was public worship, regularly, twice a day, for the space of a year, and on the Lord's day it was celebrated generally thrice, and frequently four times. An aged man, deeply interested in the scenes which then were witnessed, and who is still living, has informed the writer, that the city (not then probably a third as large as it now is) contained twen ty-six societies for social prayer and religious conference; and probably there were others not known to him. So great was the zeal and enthusiasm to hear Mr. Whitefield preach, that many from the city followed him on foot to Chester, to Abingdon, to Neshaminy, and some even to New-Brunswick, in New-Jersey, the distance of sixty miles. She, the narrative of whose early life has led to the notice of these circumstances, gave the writer

a particular account of an excursion of twenty miles, which she made to Neshaminy on foot, to attend a religious meeting there. But so far was she from applauding herself for it, that she condemned both herself and others, as chargeable with imprudence and extravagance. She said, that in these excursions, the youth of both sexes were often exposed to danger and temptation, and that the best apology which could be made for them was, that they were both young and ignorant, and that they had wanted either the opportunity or the inclination to hear faithful preaching, till their attention had been engaged by Mr. Whitefield. She used, indeed, often to remark, that the general ignorance of real piety and experimental religion was, at that time, truly surprising. After the first impressions made by Mr. Whitefield, four or five godly women in the city, were the principal counsellors to whom awakened and inquiring sinners used to resort, or could resort, for advice and direction. Even the public preaching of ministers of the gospel, some who were no doubt practically acquainted with religion, was not, it would seem, always the most seasonable and judicious. Mr. Rowland, a truly pious and eloquent man, being invited to preach in the Baptist church, proclaimed the terrors of the divine law with such energy, to those whose souls were already sinking under them, that not a few fainted away. On this occasion, how. ever, his error was publicly corrected by the Rev. Gilbert Temment, who, standing at the foot of the pulpit, and seeing the effect produced on the assembly, interrupted and arrested the preacher by this address: "Brother Rowland, is there no balm in Gilead, is there no physician there?" Rowland, on this, changed immediate. ly the tenor of his address, and sought to direct to the Saviour, those who were overwhelmed with a sense of their guilt. But, before this had taken place, the subject of the present memoir had been carried out of the church, in a swoon, which lasted for a considerable time.

Mr.

It has not been ascertained how long her mind remained subject to legal terror, without any measure of the comfortable hope of the gospel. Her

exercises, however, are well known to have been of a very violent and distressing kind. At one time she was brought near to the borders of despair, insomuch that she even refused to listen to the counsel of Mr. Tennent, or even to suffer him to pray with her, under an apprehension that it would but aggravate her future condemuation. In this state of mind she was visited by the Rev. Dr. Finley, who prudently waved a direct discussion of her case, but gradually and insensibly drew her attention to the all-sufficiency of the Saviour: "And who knows," said he "but there may be mercy and pardon there for you?" He then left her. But the words “who knows but there may be mercy for you," melted her soul. seemed to chime in her ears after he was gone. She fell upon her knees, and poured out her heart before God in secret; and she was enabled so to trust her soul into the Saviour's hands as to derive some hope of the divine acceptance, and a measure of consolation, from that time. She experienced, however, a number of fluctuations, before she gained any thing like an established peace of mind.

They

It was at this period, that she, with a number of others, endured persecu tion for conscience' sake, and were even excluded from their parents' houses, for considering and treating the salvation of their souls as the one thing needful. The subject of this narrative, during the time of her banishment from her home, supported herself by her needle. She had a sister who was similarly circumstanced with herself. They rented a room, and lived comfortably and reputably on the fruits of their own industry, and before their father's death, they had the happiness of seeing him fully reconciled to them, and of hearing him express his regret for the severity with which he had treated them.

In 1743 a church was formed by Mr. Gilbert Tennent, out of those who were denominated the followers and converts of Mr. Whitefield. No less than 140 individuals were received at first, after a strict examination, as members of this newly constituted church. The admission of a large number more was delayed, only be cause their exercises and spiritual

state had not yet attained such maturity as to afford satisfaction to themselves, or to the officers of the church. But among those received on the first examination was the eminent Christian, whose story is here recorded, and who was to be, for more than sixty

years, one of the brightest ornaments and most useful members of the church with which she now became connected. [To be continued.]

Died in London, on the 13th Sept. The Right Hon. Charles Fox, Esq.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Memoirs of President Davies, in continuation, were received too late for this number.

J. C. will perceive that we have promptly complied with his request. Our pages are open to candid and useful discussions.

THEOPHILUS has very happily exhibited the perfection of Christ's example; and proved from that example the divinity of the gospel. This respected Correspondent is requested to add another number, presenting the proof of Christ's true divinity, which may be fairly deduced from the perfection of his moral character. This is a topic of argument to which several excellent writers have referred, but which none have exhausted.

T. on Infidelity, is in type for the next number.

The acknowledgements to SALVIAN, made in several former numbers of the Panoplist, render our present apology difficult. It must be perceived by intelligent readers, who have noticed past intimations to Salvian, and our delaying to publish his communication, that the expediency of its publication was not obvious. The Editors, after deliberately weighing the subject, have to request their ingenious and esteemed correspondent to excuse them, if they now express their full persuasion that the interest of the Panoplist forbids the admission of metaphysical discussion. Aware of entering on this ground, the Editors, with some hesitancy, admitted the 5th letter of CONSTANS, entire, and subjoined a note to guard against improper inferences. The well written performance of Salvian would probably call from Constans a laboured and minute reply; and there doubtless would be a wish on both sides to extend the controversy to an unprofitable length. Our readers expect to find in the Panoplist, the great principles of evangelical truth stated and defended in the plainest and most intelligible manner; and were metaphysical communications introduced, they would justly charge us with a departure from our professed original design. The public, we hope, will do us the justice to believe, that this resolution is adopted, not because we wish to discountenance the most free and thorough discussion; but because we apprehend, that the introduction of this controversy would not tend to the accomplishment of our prime objects, which are the elucidation and defence of the peculiar doctrines of the gospel, and the consequent advancement of Christian piety and morality.

Our correspondent, who handed us the communication concerning Bowdoin College, is informed that it did not contain the Address of the President, and is therefore omitted.

We received two reviews from different hands, of Dr. Nott's Sermon. Though we have adopted neither entire, we hope both will be satisfied. LEIGHTON is received. We thank him for his seasonable communication. We have added a half-sheet to this number, and omitted several reviews, to give room for interesting intelligence.

The addition to our list of more than sixty new subscribers, during the last month, animates us to pursue our arduous labours, with increased alac rity and zeal.

The profits arising from the sales of the first volume of the Panoplist, and the uses to which they have been appropriated, will be announced in the next er succeeding number of this work.

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