Not of doubters or deniers, as a display that would produce conviction with them (or in other words, that would convert them; for assuredly, if a man be convinced of the truth of anything, he is converted to the belief of it) "would be productive of a deleterious influence and a more deeply damning state!" Not of such, then, but of the believing pious souls." They are the individuals who require a spirit to come from "hades" to reassure their faith! 66 clusion, and we read with interest the affirmative article commencing at page 9. We were glad that that article was not accompanied with a negative one, as we think little could have been said on our side with effect till an article on the affirmative had appeared. Benjamin has supplied such a one, and one long enough all will admit. Now all that can be done on this side of the question is, we presume, to show cause why the coin of our friend should not pass current. We will at once proceed to an ex- What our friend more especially depreamination of the proofs he has brought forward cates, however, "is the denial which some in support of the "possibility, probability, minds proceed to give to anything new, or and actuality" of spiritual communications. apparently new, which conflicts with their Benjamin prefaces his article with an extract opinions and prejudices, and in regard to from a Mrs. Crowe, which, although we which they are wont to assume impossibility cannot say that it is inappropriate, appears or extreme improbability, and so foreclose to us to have a somewhat ominous air, as investigation of the subject or evidence of the subject with which he is engaged does, the fact." This is worthy of being deprein the view of some minds, bear a striking cated. What know we of the range of maresemblance to "auld wives' fables." Our terial agencies, not to speak of spiritual? friend makes a parade of his learning in Men have discovered a vast deal; but who Greek and Latin; and to see the manner in ever saw the boundary line of knowledge? which he handles those fine words might The wisest and most learned men acknowlead us to take him for one of England's far- ledge that all they can know is, after all, famed literati. Yet, upon honour we affirm but very little. When we commence to learn it, it is with hard study only we can arrive anything, be it what it may, we see before at his meaning when he attempts to speak us vast mountains of accumulated lore, in in plain English. What does he mean, for the shape of rules and regulations, maxims example, by the following, "We believe the and saws, which, when we have attained communications the question refers to are the point of survey, appear confused, inappermitted by Providence for the purpose of plicable, or, it may be, altogether false; but dispelling this latent scepticism as to the at length these huge masses of treasure, to reality of a spiritual world in a class of whose acquisition we longingly looked forminds who require some such striking evi- ward, vanish like the rays of the setting dence to reassure their faith. But this sun, and leave us groping in the dark. In evidence is not of such a demonstrative cha- the ascent, however, we have learned one racter as to force conviction upon all doubters thing, namely, how little it is that men or deniers, and this for cogent reasons in know. We do not, then, deny that spirits connexion with that order of spiritual thera- might take a fancy to visit their former peutics which is always observed by the homes of happiness, and see what their Divine Physician of souls in his dispensa- friends are doing. If they were at liberty, tions for their benefit; for as the quantum and had the power, it is extremely probable of light which is pleasant and necessary for that they would do so. But pray what do healthy natural vision might be productive modern spirits manifest their presence for? of pain, or total deprivation of sight, in cases Do they come to their friends-the mediums of abnormal or diseased states of the eye, so to enable them to draw into their hands a that manifestation and conviction of truth, little more filthy lucre? For my own part, which is grateful and beneficial to the be- I protest I have no departed friend so willing lieving and pious soul, might be productive and able thus to serve me! of a deleterious influence and a more deeply damning state to the confirmed infidel." According to Benjamin, spirit-rappings are to dispel the latent scepticism"-of whom? Spirits are not made up of flesh and bones-they are immaterial-pray how do they achieve the feat of playing "rap-a-tap" on tables or floors, or of elevating chairs or tables into empty space? Having the power to produce a rap, why don't they use a tongue instead, and speak forth audibly, and so prevent the mediums from blundering with regard to names, ages, &c.? Being immaterial and immortal, and knowing, as they must, that nothing material can touch or hurt them, why do they always slink away into a corner, or below a table, when about to give to the world their orations? Surely never missionary (unless from his Satanic majesty's court) took such a clandestine and shamefaced way of delivering his message. Benjamin says divine revelation is certainly in favour of the possibility of such facts, and he is not aware that any argument can be educed from it to show the improbability of their occurrence now. Does he mean to say there is anything in the Bible about departed human spirits coming rap out below tables the age of any lady or gentleman, or the name or age of any lady or gentleman's friend? to But why? They say he suffered in man's stead: why, then, is it so very strange to think that he was three days and three nights in hell itself, when that was the place to which man was doomed? But does the word "hades" never mean the grave itself? All the passages quoted by our friend we have explored in vain for proof of the existence of the place called "hades." We find some strange passages, which we cannot comprehend; but he who chooses to build his house on such a sandy foundation should not be very much surprised if the first tempest sweeps it away. Our friend thinks it important to his theory that the existence of this place, "hades," should be proved-so do we. He says it can be done, both from scripture and reason. We have tried scripture to no purpose, and must beg our friends to do the same for themselves. have seen that these results attach to the soul or spirit as the real essential man; hence he is not fit to be inmediately translated to that state of perfect society we understand by heaven. On the other hand Let us take a brief glance at his reasoning. "We know," says he, "that no man attains to so perfect a nature as to be wholly Methinks departed spirits might be better free from errors imbibed, or evil habits conemployed. We have to tell our friend, how-tracted, during his natural life; and we ever, that we can produce an argument from scripture against the probability of human spirits coming from the other world to visit us. Christ, in his parable of the rich man, represents him as saying, Permit me to go and inform my brothers of the awful horrors of this place, that they come not into the like condemnation with myself. What reply did he receive? It were to no purpose; if they believe not Moses and the prophets, neither would they believe though one rose from the dead; so he was not permitted. That was the very purpose for which, according to "Benjamin," these spirits come; yet, though it was to save his own brethren, he was not allowed. Moreover, as parables are pictures of what might be, and as the rich man was represented as in the place of final woe, while his brothers were on earth, that entirely shuts out our friend's doctrine of "hades." "Benjamin" says that the word "hades" sometimes does, but several times does not, signify the final abode of the wicked; and to prove that, he quotes an instance of its use in the apostles' creed, "He (Christ) descended into hell," &c. He says it is admitted on all hands that the place of final retribution is not meant here; and another writer says, " Perish the very idea" of his going thither. (mark this,) no man while living in the world is so wholly divested of good, derived from the knowledge of truth and natural affection, as to be fit for immediate consignment to hell." The first may do for one who requires a purgatory to purge away his iniquity ere he be translated to bliss, but it will scarcely do for us. What saith the Master when calling the wanderers home? "Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom," &c.: "For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat; I was athirst, and ye gave me drink; I was a stranger, and ye took me in; naked, and ye clothed me." What mention of purgatory or "hades" is here made? or, indeed, in any of the teachings of Christ or his apostles? Why are they silent upon a place of so much importance as this? Further, what are we to make of the following doctrine? None when they depart this life are bad enough for hell! But to make up this deficiency there is, according to our friend, a place prepared for the express purpose of educating men in corruption and vesture of decay," gazing with unclouded vision behind the scene. Reader, have you? We have seen, then, that the authority of vice, and so preparing them for "those doleful shades where peace and rest can never dwell"! Who told him this? It must be the veritable message of some of those kindly" Benjamin" is the opinion of a profound communicative spirits of whom he speaks! Next we have a would-be-philosophic dissertation, endeavouring to prove that man is a denizen of two worlds at the same time. He says, "We are daily in the company of good and bad spirits, and receive a good or bad influence from them as we choose, without our knowing it." If we received the influence in ignorance, as "Benjamin" has said, we should be the mere machines which he says we are not. As, according to the constitution of our nature, we cannot possibly receive this motive-power without being aware of it, and as we never were aware of it, we must infer that to us it never came. And, further, we never had the pleasure of a conversation with any of those persons whose privilege it is to be out of "this muddy woman; that his scriptural proofs for the place called "hades" are exceedingly doubtful, and his reasoning thitherward altogether erroneous, while proofs against that hypothesis can be adduced from scripture; that his philosophy with regard to our daily visit to "hades" contradicts every-day experience; and that, to finish the whole, the communications of the spirits, according to himself, are probably untruths. Our judgment is not foreclosed against the examination of this subject: we want light upon it. However, if the most potent arguments in its favour have been brought forward by our friend "Benjamin," we may rest assured our slumbers will not be disturbed by these invisible rappers. W. G. D. Bistory. WAS NAPOLEON BONAPARTE WORTHY OF THE ADMIRATION OF THE FRENCH PEOPLE? NEGATIVE ARTICLE.-I. shall inspire with confidence the timid, restless, wayward multitude. Under the influence of these feelings, and placed in these peculiar circumstances, we cannot wonder that the masses often make an injudicious choice. Bold strokes of policy, dashing military exploits, a touch of the chivalrous, a fervid oratory, impart no ordinary prestige to the subject of them, and have a powerful effect upon the public mind. THERE are certain conditions of society | felt, and a rallying point is wanted which in which feeling or impulse usurp the place of reason; and to such a state of excitement is the popular mind wrought, that conclusions the most unnatural and injurious are accepted without examination. The great masses of a community are likewise incapable of carrying on a course of abstract reasoning, or of fully estimating the ultimate character of a proposed line of general action as required by, and applicable to, the nation as a body politic. We accordingly often find that a voluntary slavery is submitted to; the dicta of the few receive implicit obedience from the many; and so long as the former possess present enjoyment and security, then all is considered right. But when the reaction takes place, and this fancied security vanishes,-when the horizon is darkened by portentous clouds, and the near approach of danger is an imperative call to decisive action, we find men's hearts failing them for fear, universal panic is These remarks are peculiarly applicable to the French as a nation, and to their conduct in the great revolution of 1798. We must presume on our readers' acquaintance with the general facts, as space will not admit of our entering into particulars. The dreadful period following the extinction of the Girondists-the installation of the reign of terror-the numerous proscriptions, followed by immediate and merciless executions-the close and disgusting familiarity with death in its most revolting forms-the frequent changes in the government, consequent on the strife of parties-the absence of the conservative element-the brutalized feelings and vicious appetites which had opportunities for free exercise-the depression of trade, the fear of an invasion, and the growing distrust of the self-styled "Directory"-induced such a state of feeling in society, that it anxiously looked around for a deliverance from the threatened anarchy. Just at this time was rising the star of one destined to attain to the highest position in his country, and to become the dictator of Europe. He was then thirty years of age; but many brilliant victories had been gained by him in Italy and in Egypt. Already he was the idol of his soldiers, and long had the workings of ambition been felt in his heart. The Directory was daily becoming more enfeebled, for public opinion had deserted it; the country was falling a prey to internal dissensions; Great Britain and the other European powers threatened from without;-"Now or never!" ambition whispered; and a deep, responsive echo was awakened in his soul. At once his course of action was determined on. Eluding the vigilance of the English fleet, he landed at Fréjus in October, 1799; and, to the astonishment of all parties, made a sudden appearance in the capital. By a master-stroke of policy he overthrew the Directory who made but a feeble resistance, summarily ejected, and locked the door upon the members of the legislative council, after the Cromwellian fashion, and secured his own nomination, with citizens Cambacères and Lebrun, as consuls, but with all the power in his own hands, and "thus a new and more lasting military government was violently established upon the ruins of the monarchy and every successive party to the revolution; and the dreadful convulsions France had suffered for ten years produced no better fruit than a usurpation." This sudden and complete change was welcomed by nearly all parties in France. Republicans, Royalists, and Moderates, vied with each other in celebrating the event; the various currents of popular feeling were suddenly turned into one mighty channel, along which the dictator was borne in triumph. For his election to office as consul for ten years, 3,911,567 votes were recorded, and only 1,562 against it. The victory was completed in 1802, by his being decreed consul for life. Thus we perceive a man at a single bound, placing himself over some thirty millions of people, who, by a strange infatuation, intrusted their lives and liberties into his hands, with a fatalistic confidence, inexplicable but by the fact already referred to that in the then existing strife of parties, a rest was eagerly sought, and at any price. We have entered then fully into what, to some, may appear extraneous, or at best introductory, matter, in order to show the reason which led to Napoleon being so much admired by the French. And now the question arises, "Is the Character of Napoleon worthy of the admiration bestowed on it?" In considering the elements of Napoleon's character, previously to forming an opinion on the question before us, some difficulties and useless discussion will be avoided by making sundry general admissions. We at once, then, acknowledge, that for peculiar capabilities he stands alone: the rapidity of his movements, the eagle-glance with which he scanned the surface of a country, taking in at one mighty coup d'œil the natural advantages and disadvantages formed by its roads, rivers, forests, &c., the readiness with which he turned to account the one, and avoided the other, and his general foresight, sufficiently attest this. He was possessed, too, of indomitable perseverance; his plans were thoughtfully and elaborately laid, and their execution never abandoned without a desperate struggle with opposing circumstances. His industry also was great, for the amount and variety of labour which he daily performed were astonishing. His personal habits were extremely simple, and his bodily wants easily appeased; he cared more for the commissariat of his soldiers, than for the supply of his own table. But here we must pause. We would make all the allowances which justice and charity demand; but we are compelled to ask, Was all this prompted by pure motives? To revert to his mental capacities; we have sometimes heard men speak of his great intellect; but it cannot be compared to that of Milton, or Shakspere, or Bacon. We consider, from a careful study of his biography, and contemporaneous history, that Napoleon's ruling motive was ambition. He aimed at nothing short of absolutism; and the means to which he resorted were, fre Europe, with the exception of Sweden: and now he determined on simultaneously striking an effectual blow against that country, and Portugal, his only opponent in the south of Europe. In Sweden he was held in check; but in Portugal, such was the terror of his name, that on the approach of Marshal Junot, the royal family abandoned Lisbon, without the shadow of resistance, and embarked in a British fleet for the Brazils, accompanied by a few of the principal nobility. The spirit of the nation's independence was crushed; the entire country surrendered without a struggle; and measures were resolved upon to allot the kingdom among the neighbouring potentates. But affairs of a weightier nature demanded attention: the spirit of independence was gaining ground in Spain; and the people, tired of the regency of Don Manuel Godoy, nominated to the throne Ferdinand VII., the son of the imbecile Charles IV. This, however, did not suit Napoleon's purpose; and having cajoled both father and son, he invested his brother Joseph, then king of Naples, with the sovereignty of Spain and India. quently, base in the extreme. All estab-tageous to Napoleon. So far he may be said lished usages were unceremoniously trampled to have made himself master of Northern under foot; all the barriers, which for ages had been considered sacred, were overleaped or broken down; and his lawless and imperious spirit kept pace with his growing power. When, by a decree of the tribunate and senate, he was elected emperor, and the title made hereditary in his family, he gave the most extravagant manifestations of delight, followed by a tormenting jealousy lest his title should fail to receive universal acknowledgment. There was now nothing between him and the realization of his preconceived plans of conquest; the senate was but a puppet in his hands, which he could use as he willed; his word was above discussion, and his power absolute. He now set himself to accomplish the darling project of his life-the subjugation of Europe; and, by a series of movements and victories unparalleled, he crushed the power of Austria; compelled Prussia to enter into an offensive and defensive treaty with him; effected the dismemberment of the old Germanic empire, which had existed for a thousand years, and erected on its ruins the Rhenish confederacy, of which he was nominated protector; and when Prussia freed herself from the galling yoke, and entered into a coalition with England, Russia, and Sweden, he penetrated into Germany at the head of 195,000 men, at once attacked and routed the flower of the Prussian army, under Prince Hohenlohe, killing and wounding 20,000, and taking prisoners 40,000, with 300 pieces of cannon. The subjugation was soon completed by his marshals; and, in the midst of the universal stupor caused by this sudden and murderous attack, he entered Berlin in triumph, and promulgated the famous decree, or "continental system," as it was termed, "by which the British Islands were declared in a state of blockade; all articles of British manufacture were interdicted; and all vessels touching at England, or any English colony, excluded from every harbour under the control of France." This was followed by a series of operations directed against Russia, which led to the decisive battle of Friedland, June 14, 1807, which, for a time, paralyzed the power of that state, and compelled her to conclude the peace of Tilsit on terms highly advan The people now rose en masse to vindicate their rights, and the protracted struggle ensued, in which the patriotic Spaniards were aided by the British, and known in history as the "Peninsular War." To the vast power of France fairly in motion against them, the Spanish patriots could oppose no adequate resistance, and were consequently broken on all sides, their English allies, under Sir John Moore, being forced to retreat to Corunna, where, after an obstinately contested battle, they succeeded in embarking, although not before their brave commander fell. Napoleon himself arrived at Madrid, and was preparing to complete the pacification of the provinces, when news reached him of another coalition in Germany. He at once led his veteran regiments, by forced marches, to the scene of their former victories; and so rapid were his movements, that he was enabled to attack and defeat, seriatim, the armies collected by the Emperor Francis, numbering 530,000 men, but not without tremendous losses on his own part. Still his end was secured: Austria sought an armistice, which led to the peace of Vienna, and by which she relinquished a |