immutable nature, such as geometry and arithmetic, is termed in contradistinction, demonstrative. They do not, indeed, neglect to inform us that they mean to distinguish by the word probable the kind and not the degree of evidence; and that it includes not only every subordinate degree of moral evidence, but also the highest. Nevertheless, it follows inevitably that a word so constantly used in common discourse to denote doubt and uncertainty, will convey in some degree the same meaning even in its technical use. The very selection of such an adjective implies dubiety; for the English language is by no means so barren as not to afford a better one. In consequence of this blunder, the impression has been made very generally that moral reasonings and evidences are more doubtful than any other; that mathematical reasoning is much more conclusive, and the evidence of sense incomparably more so. Hence it was that Clarke wrote his celebrated mathematical "Demonstration of the Being and Attributes of God," supposing that he was bringing to the aid of religion a higher species of evidence.

Such an attempt, however, was no less unnecessary than abortive. It was unnecessary, because the proof of his propositions by other evidence was equal to any demonstration. It was abortive, because that species of evidence was wholly inapplicable. One might as well attempt to prove by mathematical reasoning that Jesus of Nazareth is the Son of God and the propitiation for our sins. Yet one might as rationally doubt any one of Euclid's demonstrations as the truth of these propositions. Indeed it is not likely that such a mode of proof would ever have been thought of, but for these distinctions and divisions of the schools, and which have been for the most part so technical and artificial that they have tended as much to create error and confusion as they have aided the memory of the student. Classification or arrangement is nevertheless necessary and useful when it is sufficiently simple and natural; and we shall accordingly, in the further prosecu tion of the subject, find it advantageous to consider our ideas, impressions, or convictions as derived from three sources;-1st. The external senses. 3d.* Internal consciousness. And 3d. Oral or written testimony. The object in view is to ascertain whether or not it be true that the evidence of oral or written testimony is less conclusive than that of sense or consciousness; and, if it be so, in what respects and under what circumstances,

One or two things, however, I wish in the first place to notice. It has been usual to consider memory as a distinct source of evidence. It appears to me incorrect so to regard it, at least in the acceptation in which the five senses or consciousness are sources of evidence. No ideas can be communicated to us through the memory, as they are through the senses or consciousness. It may be to us an evidence

that we once came to certain conclusions in the exercise of our senses or in our reasonings. It can be no evidence for the trnth or correctness of these conclusions. Whether it have recorded merely the conelusions themselves, or have noted down the original evidence by which we arrived at such conclusions, in neither case has it supplied us with any thing which might be properly regarded as evidence of their truth. As well might we suppose that the recording of the deed gave a valid title to a certain piece of property, and that by making out a deed and having it recorded we could convey an estate in which we had neither interest nor right. Our memory stands in pretty much the same relation to our conclusions as written testimony does to the facts which it records. Written testimony is memory copied, transcribed, or transferred to paper. In this respect indeed there is no real difference between written testimony and that which is oral. Oral testimony is, in like manner, but memory, or the ideas registered by memory expressed in words spoken. Neither our own memories, nor the writings or oral testimony of others can be to us original evidence. It is their province to state and detail original evidences, or record the conclusions derived therefrom. By original evidence I mean sensible evidence; for it is obvious that our senses and consciousness exercised upon their appropriate objects alone furnish us with direct and immediate proof of their existence and qualities. I make this remark that the subject may be fairly presented. Let it be noted, however, here, as we may show more fully hereafter, that original evidences are not invalidated by being recorded, reported, or remembered. We have just stated that nothing is thereby added to their credibility, but it is just as certain that nothing is thereby detracted from it. Circumstances may affect the correctness of the record, report, or remembrance; but this is a different question. So far as this record, report, or remembrance is correct, it has not rendered the original evidences less credible by transmitting them.

I would observe also that I have no wish to be understood as placing oral or written testimony above the senses or consciousness as a means of acquiring a knowledge of truth. When I say that sensible evidence is not superior, I do not say that it is inferior. No evidence can be in the nature of things superior to that of sense or consciousness. Memory can but record this evidence: oral and written testimony can but detail and present it. But I would say that memory and oral and writ ten testimony may be fully equal in credibility to the senses or to consciousness. They must be of necessity equal so far as they furnish a correct report, and we will show that circumstances affect the correctness of impressions made through the senses, as well as that of those received from oral and written testimony. R. R.

THE CIRCULATION OF THE HARBINGER. THE circulation of the Harbinger is, indeed, quite respectable, and has always been so; but it is not by any means what it might have been, or what it could be made, were either its Editor or its friends to be as zealous and as industrious in this point as in some others; and as I myself, as a matter of course, think we ought to be. I have never been importunate on this ground, and I do not think have used more than half the means ordinarily used, and which I might have used, and now believe I ought to have used in behalf of this object.

I have felt that my power to do good in all the places that I have ever visited, has been, without an exception, so far as remembered, usually in the ratio of my readers. Where there are few or no readers, little or nothing can be done The people are all asleep, or filled with prejudice, or wholly indifferent on the subject of reform. It requires, in such places, a series of efforts, and a considerable time, to make any impression. The press has, in this reformation, pioneered the way. Before there was an evangelist in the field at all, the press had broken up the fallow ground, and prepared the soil over a large surface, on which the labors of our first evangelists told so well, and made so favorable an impression.

My southern tour last winter cured me effectually of that false modesty which had very much prevented me from soliciting readers to our periodicals. I saw at once the necessity not only of lighting a candle, but of putting it on a stand. I am fully convinced that it is necessary to be diligent in getting readers, as it is to be in writing in behalf of the Bible and Bible truth. I have therefore resolved to attempt a more extensive reading of the Christian Baptist and of this work. Brother Burnet has been at much pains and expense in stereotyping that work, for which he has not been fully remunerated, and the work is now in metal, standing comparatively still. It is indeed stereotyped! And tens of thousands might be supplied with it at a very reasonable price, if proper means were employed to get it introduced. And have not the whole brotherhood repeatedly expressed a conviction that this work has been most acceptable and puissant in breaking up the wayadapted, indeed, better than any other to the actual conditions of society under sectarianism-because of the many essays from so many pens in that work, and adapted to an incipient state of things? And have we not much new ground yet to cultivate?

As to the Harbinger, new and extra pains shall be taken to adapt it to the present state of things-as respects babes in Christ, young men and fathers in Israel. We will therefore request every sincere friend of reformation as plead on our pages-every constant and interested reader, to get one or more subscribers for the work, and forward them for the year 1840.

We commence a new decade of years. May the forties greatly transcend the thirties and the twenties in the good deeds and rapid progress of reformation! It was in 1820 we had the first public debate on the principles of reform, and we have yet the memoranda of ten preceding years of effort in the cause. We desire to commence the forties with a new impetus: for the prophecies lead us to expect greater events in the forties than have transpired not only since the 19th century began, but for centuries before. We ask all agents, and friends, and readers to give us more sea-to get more readers, and we shall endeavor to make their efforts not vain in the Lord. A. C.

THE NAME.

WHEN Our Scribes and Elders shall have written six months on 'he name by which they will be called, I will only ask the liberty of simply reporting progress, and asking leave to sit again: by which I only mean to say, that if I am convinced of any error in my reasons offered, I will report it faithfully. In the absence of which, I wish it to be understood that my conclusions yet remain as they are now expressed. A. C.

It is my painful duty to record at one time the loss of three truly estimable and beloved citizens of the kingdom of the Messiah, all personally known to myself. The first of these, that of Elder Chauncey Forward, of Somerset, Pa., was merely noted before, as our sheet was going to press. I expected then a biographical sketch of this truly excellent and useful man; or, at least, a fuller communication on the subject of his demise, What may have appeared elsewhere I know not, as I have been absent for some time; but the following brief, but comprehensive tribute to his memory, is all that I have seen in print. It is from a political paper, published in Somerset, Pa., and in the following words:

"Died, in this borough, on Wednesday morning last, the 9th November, of inflammation of the stomach, the Hon. Chauncey Forward, aged about 46 years.The death of Mr. Forward is a public loss. No man was more highly and universally esteemed in the circle of his acquaintance. He has filled several important public trusts, to the entire satisfaction of his constituents He represented this district several years in the House of Representatives, and in the Senate of this State, and five years in the Congress of the United States. He also performed the duties of Prothouotary, Register, Recorder, acd Clerk of the several Courts of this county for several years, with an ability aud accuracy that elicited universal praise. As an Attorney at Law, he stood at the head of one of the most able bars In the interior of Pennsylvania. In short, as an officer, a citizen, a gentleman, a husband, a father, and a friend, he had no superior in this part of the state. And what is best of all. he was a faithful and devoted Christian. Peace to his ashes!"

The above is as unexaggerated and as unvarnished an obituary notice as I recollect to have read for a long time. But if there can be any thing better said of a man than that be was "a faithful and devoted Christian," I would say something better still-He was an intelligent, able, and successful preacher of the gospel of Christ as delivered to us in the scriptures of truth, He resigned his seat in Congress because he thought he could honor his Saviour better by staying at hope, than by sitting in deliberation upon the temporalities of the nation; and at the sacrifice of both time and money, labored much in the work of the Lord. But, perhaps, there is nothing better that can be said of any man than that he was "a faithful Christian:" for a faithful Christian will use all his talents for the Lord in the best possible way. We have lost a good and great man; but our loss is temporal-his gain is eternal. A. C.

My acquaintance with our departed sister Monroe, of New York, fully sustains the following notice of her death by Elder Barker, a part of which only we can find room for:"Died, in the city of New York, on Monday evening, the 18th of November, 1839, in the full hope of immortality and eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ, Catharine, wifeof Daniel Monroe, aged 52 years. The deceased was immersed about 32 years ago by Elder A chibald Maclay, and continued a member of the Mulberry street church for about 25 years During tflis quarter of a century (the writer has frequently been informed) sister Monroe was always punctual in her attendance on worship, and took a warm interest in the cause of Zion, especially that branch of it over which Elder Maclay was Pastor, and filled the several social relatiens in life with a degree of punctuality seldom surpassed. In March, 1833, sister Monroe, with her husband, left the Mulberry street church, and united with the church in Laurens street, and continued a member of the same up to the day of her death, a period of nearly 7 years. During that time she was never known to be absent at the regular meetings of the brethren, except in case of sickness or some other necessary detention. Sister Monroe, in all her moral, social, and religious engagements, was most pnnctual, and possessed in an eminent degree the confidence of all her associates both in and out of the church."

From a private note from Wheeling, Va., we learn that at 3 o'clock on the morning of the 19th ult., after a few days' severe illness, borne with the most exemplary composure, fell asleep in the confident expectation of a blessed resurreciion, sister Treudly, wife of brother Frederick Treudly, of Wheeling. From the day that she vowed submission to the Lord by an immersion into his death, she endeavored to walk in all newness of life, to the utmost of her ability, always exercising a conscience without offence to God and man. She expressed all assurance that her divine Saviour would present her before the throne of her Father's glory with exceeding joy; and therefore most triumphantly overcame the fear of death and of the grave.

"How sweet to die, with Jesus nigh,
The Rock of our Salvation."

SINGULAR COINCIDENCE.

Departed this life, the last week in November, 1839, in Nelson county, Ky.

leaving some hundreds of descendants, How many days and nights of watchfulness, of pain, and affliction have these venerable old mothers endured. They were wives of the men of the American revolution. Some of them experienced the dangers of the Indian tomahawk and scalping-knife in the first settlement of Kentucky. They were the links that bound the present to the past generation. For nearly half a century the professors of religion, they have gone to their heavenly rest, and their works do follow them. Kentucky paper.

The Hygeia Female Atheneum, near Cincinnati.

HAVING purchased the farm which the iate O. M. Spencer, Esq., selected for his family residence, situated on the new Hamilton turnpike, eight miles northwost of Cincinnati in the midst of the garden of the county, and about 400 feet above the Ohio, I propose to opeu there a Female Institution, on the first Monday in February, 1840.

My buildings, as it regards size, construction, and beanty and healthfulness of site, are admirably adapted to such a purpose. Few changes will be necessary. The position is remarkably favorable for an institution of learning, Several lines of daily coaches pass within one hundred and twenty yards of the house, and reach the city in less than an hour. The contiguity to the city furnishes the finest opportunity to secure the best instructers in the ornamental branches of education in the Union. The pleasant village, Mount Healthy, also called Mount Pleasant, is about a mile and a half off, in full view. An extended lawu will afford ample scope for exercise. It is intended, while all proper regard shall be had to the accomplishments of the age, that the school shall be supremely devoted to a substantial education, and to the formation of a sound moral character. The preparation of our pupils for usefulness is our object; but this object we deem impracticable without the moral principles of Christianity. Therefore, the Bible is one of our principal schoolbooks. The library will consist of about five hundred volumes.

The first session will be one of five mouths, from the first Monday in February till the last Friday in June TERMS-One hundred dollars in advance, or two hundred dollars per annum. This sum includes all expences of board, washing, and tuition of a full English and scientific course. The elements of the ancient languages, French, drawing, and the various kinds of instrumental music, &c. will be charged the usual prices. Day scholars, (i e. net boarders,) $25 per session, or $50 psr annum. Boys onder 12 years of age will be received at the same rates. Address D. S. BURNET, Mount Healthy, Hamilton county, Ohio,

August 1, 1839.

Brother Burnet's character, intellectual, literary, and moral, is so well and so favorably known, not only to our brethren, but very generally throughout the community of our widely extended readers, as to need no commendation. I am only sorry that one so eminently qualified to be useful on a large scale as an Evangelist, either in Europe or America, should be confined to the labors of either a public or a private Academy. A. C.

OUR NEW LITERARY AND MORAL INSTITUTION. Our sketch of a new Literary and Moral Institution has been universally approbated in all corners of the land, and calls for its development are multiplying on our hand. I shall therefore in our next number enter upon its details. Institutions for forming human character, for moulding nature according to a divine model, are demanded by the spirit of the age-by the wants of the church-by the anticipations of a new era, which are every where impressing themselves upon the attention and upon the affections of the reading and thinking community. Our views, as soon as possible, shall be submitted to the consideration of our readers. A. C.

Various communications have been deferred-one on Scepticism-one on Church Edification Various interesting Queries have been received. For which we shall make room as soon as possible.