of success.

Both these administrations had the In a struggle with France, England has, in the merit of supporting good and evil fortune. The first place, this advantage, that she is always aided Convention re-conquered the frontiers, and carried in her continental wars by allies who are devotedly the principles of the Revolution where they were at her service. Upon these allies it habitually sustained by a considerable party. The Directory devolves to sustain the first shock; while the encountered one of the most disastrous campaigns hardy sons of Britain, undergoing in the meantime of the war-the campaign of 1799. It lost ten bat- the least possible annoyance, retain the right to tles in Italy. It lost Italy itself. But it main- appear at the winding up of the drama, (like the tained itself with honor in Switzerland, on the god in Horace) as the choice corps de reserve. Rhine, and in Holland, where it was important it Another advantage she possesses, is, that for many should maintain itself. It beat Russia and Eng-years she has scarcely engaged in war on the conland, and one would think that this single circum-tinent, save with France. She thus possesses the stance should have inspired the Imperial govern- leisure time to concentrate her talents and direct ment with some gratitude. One of the reasons her studies to one sole object and to one sole point; advanced for the revolution of the 18th Brumaire, to employ herself in making the most of her own was, that France was lost when General Bona- capabilities and her enemy's weakness. France parte quitted Egypt. It is one of the falsehoods, has often had the honor of fighting, unaided, against which opened, with eclat, the great era of false- the world, and against all the world at one and the hoods. same time. Unfortunately in such a crisis, the The Empire invented for itself the propaganda of victory which is gained in one part, becomes in family-the worst of all propagandas,-and when another the harbinger of defeat; and in the war of we read the official documents of the times, we Spain, this may be most especially seen; where, really feel a sentiment of pity for the sad and la- as the Marquis of Chambray has remarked, the mentable fate of the sovereigns of the new creation. ease with which many of the French generals The King of Spain and the Indies was treated by gained pitched battles against the Spaniards, inthe generals of the grande armèe with an incredi- spired them with an overweening and imprudent ble indifference. He was obliged to endure affronts confidence when opposed to the English. Besides, that the most obscure plebeian would not have sub- England not being under the necessity of sending mitted to, at the price of the world's empire. So large armies to the continent, can take every poslikewise, the Imperial policy seemed to take it upon sible care to bring into the field, none but the very itself to exasperate the nations by its system of best of her forces, paid at a high rate and nourpillage and requisitions; to menace established ished and supported at a great expense. These governments, and reduce its allies to the most de- soldiers, tempered by a most admirable discipline, plorable condition. We may judge of this policy become complete machines which a skilful hand by the extreme consequences of its principles,-for can move at will; and it is the very triumph of it pushed every thing to an extreme. It created discipline, to reduce a mass of brave determined the department "des Bouches de l'Elbe," and the men to the condition of a mere machine. If Engdepartment "du Tibre." Rome was the chief land were compelled in a few months to arm and place of the prefecture. It was indispensable that every country should be prepared to change in five days its laws, its customs, and its language.

organize five or six hundred thousand men, it is possible that she would rely less upon the determi nation and dogged endurance of her soldiery.

What is most extraordinary in this entire upsetThere are remarkable contrasts in the temperating of common-sense ideas, is, that England alone ment and military habits of the two nations, which was found a dangerous enemy to France; danger- General Foy has described with great power of ous from the indomitable energy of her aristocracy, originality; but he has sometimes overcharged the from the murderous and coldly calculated tactics of picture. Doubtless an English general-and this is her generals; but above all, dangerous, because said without the slightest intention of ridiculing the she, of all his enemies, inspired Napoleon with the ideas of a great people-is in some respects an honest least dread. In other words, the Empire fell, more merchant to whom is consigned a rich and rare merfrom having neglected the most common of pre-chandise, which he must watch over with a most scrucautions, that of watching your enemy, than from pulous care, for he is held responsible for both damage its violation of all the great principles of honesty and loss; and he is, beforehand, well assured, that and of logic. Of all the governments, that which he will be called to strict account for all that he has Napoleon held in the greatest contempt, was the wasted. In other words, that he will be proseEnglish. The generals that he least apprehended cuted before a court-martial if he have not proved were the English generals, and as he never fought a skilful mandatory. But he is something else; he the English in person but twice in his life, the first is the representative of the haughtiest and most time at Toulon, the second at Waterloo, he never powerful aristocracy in the world. He knows that attached but a secondary importance to the wars success will place him high in a country, where of Spain and Portugal. titles and honors have preserved all their prestige.

In the execution of his plans, he is not checked by an immense majority, which could not be moved,-considerations to which a French general must so deeply planted in the soil that the most violent yield, sometimes right and sometimes wrong. The natural consequence is, that the character and aptitude of the soldier in the two armies differ essentially, and the point of honor differs no less. A French general will not conceive himself compelled to retreat, until after making an earnest effort. An English general gives himself much less trouble, and he is almost always right. If he disembark his command in a country which turns out to be unfavorable, he will not hesitate forthwith to reembark them, without having even seen the foe. And he is well convinced of two things; that so far from being dishonored at home, more than one general has been well approved of for bringing back his army untouched. And that at all times to have economized the strength and health of his men; to have imposed upon them only moderate marches; to have disposed them on the field of battle with every essential regard to their comfort, will assuredly meet with favor. What renders an English army so formidable is this union of mercantile spirit with the most superb heroism; this prudence, this unheard of attention to minutiæ in their "direction," and the most indomitable resolution in the hour of trial. Such an army will frequently retreat. You are tempted to believe them flying, and you become presumptuous. You Finally, on a theatre like Spain and Portugal, suspect their courage, and rush on the horns of the so favorable for defensive warfare, England had bull. This is the history of more than one en- for a devoted ally, the whole mass of a population counter between the two armies. An English warlike, hardy, sober and untiring; who, despite general may say to his soldiers what King Archi- their defeats, in open battle, made terrible havoc damus said to his Lacedemonians. Although in the French armies,-destroyed the morale of the soldier, and finally inspired him with invincible repugnance to the war.

concussion could not uproot it. The treachery of party, the injustice of the spirit of contradiction, rendered it no less service than the temperate use of political liberty. When, throughout the whole continent, there existed not a tribune nor a press that was free, passion, intellect, popular sentiment were in full activity in England. No one could be knave or dupe for more than a day-neither government, party, nor individual. Every thing was discussed, sifted, dragged to light with unsparing roughness. Yet this discordant concert invariably resolved itself into magnificent harmony. The Duke of Wellington sometimes complained that the imprudence of the English papers, risked the compromising of his military operations. But this alleged indiscretion did not balk his success.

66

While, on the continent, they magnify victory and conceal defeat, in England success the most clearly established, always finds sour, ill-disposed censors. And yet it does not appear that the injustice of party spirit, in any degree, diminished the confidence of the general, or the bravery of the soldier. There were more sarcasms hurled at the Duke of Wellington in open parliament, than they would have elsewhere dared to utter against a beaten general.

"we may be strong, there is not the less occa"sion for marching with prudence and precaution. "Both general and soldiers should be impressed "with the belief that at each moment they are "about to be placed in danger. Oftentimes, the “weakest, from a sense of fear, fight with advan"tage against a superior army, which, from having "despised them, finds itself unprepared. In an "enemy's country, you should ever bear in mind to fight with courage, but nevertheless to be ready "to fight with a sense of fear. It is thus that "you will advance on the foe with the greatest “valor and sustain the combat with the least dan-sis in argument, an admirable power of delineation, "ger."

Such are the general ideas which should precede an examination into a work, which relates the prodigious struggle between France and England. As to the book itself, it would not be sufficient praise to say, it is superior to all that has been published on the same subject. It is, in short, a masterpiece of narrative, style and criticism. It combines merit of the most opposite species; the most minute and exact spirit of investigation, with broad and elevated views; an infinite ingenuity of analy

the most sincere devotion to the glory of his own But the great strength of England is in her insti- country, a noble impartiality, a chivalrous appretutions. That government sustained itself through ciation of her foes. There are passages, such as twenty-two years of war, and a war against both the storming of Badajos and the battle of Albuera, the Republic and the Empire, notwithstanding all which may sustain a parallel with the most splenthe embarrassments, the encumbrances, the "im-did pages of the historians of antiquity. pedimenta" of political liberty. In the midst of We shall have hereafter to justify these encothe clamor of Parliament and the Press, amid the miums, and with the reader's permission, will endisasters of its commerce and the critical condi- deavor to trace a biography of Lord Wellington, tion of its manufactures, in spite of mobs, meet- and likewise enter into some political and military ings, petitions for electoral reform, and broken win- | details on the events of those six years.

dows, without the thought for a moment of yield

JULES MAUREL

ing either at home or abroad, it felt itself upborne by

To the Editor of the Southern Literary Messenger.

father or the mother?

2d. What is the best education for females what branches ought they to be taught and induced to cultivate?

Can these questions be too maturely considered, and publicly discussed? Since they embrace the whole scope of the happiness and influence of wo MAN-the half of the human race-the wife, the mother, and the companion of man. I hope that some of your best correspondents will give us the benefit of their reflections, in the columns of the Messenger.

ALPHA.

into close connection with human energies. Un

I submit the following problems to the conside-der the Christian dispensation, man is not a new He structure erected on impracticable ruins. ration of any of your correspondents, who have should rather be compared to an ancient temple studied the philosophy, as well as the statistics, of restored from its dilapidated state, and beautified eminent men and women. The first will furnish anew by its original architect. The sublime and the principles; the other the facts, of the question: beneficent religion of Jesus Christ, has renovated 1st. To whose superintendence are they most much of the old world from its debased and exindebted for their education and character-the hausted condition, and has become the guiding light and the glory of modern history. Before its superior effulgence, the Aristotelian and the Platonist bow down in reverence, and every thinker feels that its teachings take deep hold of the elements of the human mind. Under its influence, the exterior condition of our race becomes enlarged, quickened and improved; inspired by its power, the intellectual nature of man distinguishes itself by increased energy, brilliancy, and grandeur. With a magnetic influence, divine truth draws intellect unto itself; and, by the contact, kindles in mind, the most intense and sublime aspirations. Perhaps the best instance and illustration of this fact, is found in the prose writings of John Milton. Said he, "As to other points, what God may have determined for me, I know not; but this I know, that if he ever instilled an intense love of moral beauty into the breast of any man, he has instilled it into mine. Ceres, in the fable, pursued not her daughter with a greater keenness of inquiry, than I, day and night, the idea of perfection. Hence, whenever I find a man despising the false estimates of the vulgar, and daring to aspire in sentiment, language, and conduct, to what the highest wisdom, through every age, has taught us as most excellent, to him I unite myself by a sort of necessary attachment; and if I am so influenced by nature or destiny, that by no exertion or labor of my own, I may exalt myself to this summit of worth and honor, yet no powers of heaven or earth will hinder me from looking with reverence and affection upon those, who have thoroughly attained this glory, or appeared engaged in the successful pursuit of it."

[The subject is an important and a useful one; and we hope some one of our correspondents will find time and inclination to give it that reflection which its importance deserves, and then let us have the benefit of his reflections.] Ed. Mess.

CHRISTIANITY AND PATRIOTISM. The love of conquest was the strongest passion in ancient times, and, through succeeding ages, this has been most highly celebrated by orator and bard. Let us be just to the past; and, at the same time, let us profit by its defects.

The patriotism of antiquity was deficient in a very essential particular,—it merged the nobility of general benevolence, into an ignoble devotion to local and contracted interests. To secure the triumph of a clan, or the martial glory of a single nation, malignant oppressors conspired against the liberties of mankind. The redeeming element which was wanting in ancient patriotism, has since been vouchsafed to the world, in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The theme which we present for present consideration, is

The Patriotic Element of Christianity. Our main proposition assumes, that, considered only in a temporal point of view, this element is superior to any principle known previous to its introduction. It will be our endeavor to substantiate this position, by proving, that Christianity furnishes the best culture to the human mind, the safest preservative to social institutions, and the surest guarantee of national perpetuity.

I. That Christianity furnishes the best culture to the human mind, is seen:

First, in the fact that it excites the profoundest aspirations. Religion is the activity of God brought

This extract contains the genius of Christianity, and exemplifies its legitimate tendency on noble souls. Who can fathom, with the sounding line of sympathy, the depth of such feelings? and who can adequately measure the glorious results they produced?

Secondly, the religion of Christ supplies the best nutriment to mind, the most wholesome in kind, and the greatest in amount. Its ennobling element is more comprehensive and more potent than the compendious harmony of cold ethics. It is a power that reaches and renovates cultivated intellect and uncultivated nature; it is something that the simple can understand, and the frigid can feel: it wakes the might that slumbers in a peasant's arm; it nerves the patriot,

«To plant the tree of Life, to plant fair Freedom's tree!"

It is heaven's own inspiration, and may be felt by the The doctrine that the redeemed soul, in its etercaptive in the dungeon and the monarch on his throne. nal flight towards the throne of Infinite perfection, Religion should not be confounded with fanati- will be nourished and ennobled by continual unfoldcal subtleties and the jargon of monks. Properly ings of the religion of Christ, is countenanced, if considered, it is the central light of truth, around not confirmed, by the fact, that, during eighteen which all healthful knowledge is gathered, quick-centuries, Christianity has kept constantly in adened, and illuminated. The highest achievement vance of the most rapid flights of thought. Since of pagan religion, was the cold beauty of Grecian its introduction, science has made great progress; art. The deeper and purer element of Christianity civilization has rushed up to a high point; but expanded the thoughts of men, appropriated to it- Christianity has not shrunk as intellect has opened. self "the large utterance of the early gods," and Waving its burning torch in advance of men's fasublimated its tones into an eloquence which shook culties, it has unfolded sublimer prospects in prothe mighty cathedrals its colossal aspirings had portion as they have ascended. It is this religion erected. Its native superiority over preceding in- that supplies enduring strength and consolation,— telligence, made the Christian fathers rivals to that creates the only effectual spring of persevering those ancients who were the fountains of their and victorious virtue,-belief in which, pours the learning and literary zeal. By imbibing the prin- light of immortality through graves open at our feet, ciples of the Christian religion, those mental giants and in heaven, crowns the soul with immortal life. discovered the free part of the soul; the symmetry II. The second step in this discussion is, to of their nature was completed, and the splendors show that Christianity contains within itself, a paof divine excellence were thrown around them, like a robe. True religion acts upon the mind as Nature, in forming a rose; developing the whole system of the plant while it breathes life and beauty on every leaf.

Nations and individuals are alike in this particular; that with them, mental and moral degradation are co-extensive and co-equal. While under the dominion of vice, the intellect is enthralled, and becomes free only as it turns to God. Each effort to procure moral freedom is a leap upward in intelligence. Christianity speaks in accents of resurrection-power, to dormant thought, and man becomes a new creature" in proportion as his soul becomes vivified and imbued with the spirit of religion.

triotic element which furnishes the safest preservative to social institutions. If the preceding position, which we have endeavored to sustain, be true, viz: that Christianity secures to individual minds, the safest and best aggrandizement, then, the position we now take, is in fact, not only implied, but proved. But let us look into this subject a little farther.

First; Christianity is most conservative in its influence on society, because it requires and creates a healthy literature. One of the sorest curses that ever afflicted mankind, has arisen from the fact, that the prevailing literature of nations has generally been the product of minds, which have not lived, acted, and written, under the influence of Chrysostom, contemplating this subject, said a rational and sublime faith. But a sanctified litewith truth, "As when the orb of day arises in un-rature is the exponent of Omnipotence, guided by clouded glory, the wild beasts of the desert are infinite love, in direct exercise over finite underdispersed, and seek the shelter of their dens; so, when prayer, refulgent as a sunbeam, arises from our hearts, and sits enthroned upon our lips, the whole intellect is illumined, and each unreasonable and each unholy passion flees away."

standings. It is thrilling to contemplate what a few devoted intellects have achieved for the good of our race. The almost invisible seed, planted on the banks of Jordan, though trampled by enemies and scathed by the fires of persecution, has Thirdly: Christianity directs the aspiring mind grown to maturity, sending out its protecting boughs to the noblest ends. The first principle inculcated over the sea and round the globe. Christianity by Christianity is that, in its founder, our nature had every thing to contend with,-learning, prehas been intimately united with the divine, and judice, priestcraft, and the civil arm; and the that it is, by that union, already enthroned in hea- strongest antagonist, it would seep, that it had to ven. The soul, actuated by sentiments kindred to oppose, was the combination of sophistical philosothis, will pant for a higher sphere, and a holier phy with the mythologic follies of ancient literary rest. As the peasant, living in an obscure glen of corruption. But, through the agency of divine the Alps, attempted to trace to its source the rivu- truth, she gradually undermined Grecian skeptilet which fertilized his garden; and, as he ascended cism; conquered the martial strength of Rome; and, to a wider view, became enamored and astonished in less than three centuries, glided triumphantly to at the discovery of expanded plains, kingdoms, and the throne of the Caesars. When hordes of barbaboundless oceans, so the religion of Christ inspires rians had consummated the greatest national deits subject with the most ennobling wishes, and in-struction, Christianity accompanied them back to variably guides him to the noblest ends. To those their northern fastnesses; and, by the superiority who wish to feel the luxury of rising, faith in the of her mild influence, extirpated their bloody rites, gospel is an immense blessing. and transformed them into the progenitors of the

mightiest and most cultivated nations on the earth. The only safe deposit for liberty is in the hearts She suppressed gladiatorial conflicts; silenced ly- of the intelligent and the good. This is proved by ing oracles; extinguished the fires of unhallowed the universal voice of history. The power of a sacrifices; rescued the victims from idolatry; and, favoring climate, the force of genius, and the enhaving hurled from their pedestals the statues of ergy of martial zeal, forced up, from the dull modeified heroes, elevated Christ as the hope of the notony of despotism, into temporary existence, the world; while she transformed splendid temples, republics of antiquity. Those commonwealths, from asylums of crime and ungodly superstition, however, were utterly insignificant compared with into houses of spiritual and devout adoration. such a nation as this. Before the great fountain This wonderful reformation was accomplished, not of health and light radiated on the nations from so much by the transient influence of impassioned declamation, as by profound arguments, and the perennial eloquence of a sanctified literature.

Again: Christianity develops its preserving influence in its sanctions everywhere given to wholesome laws. The truly pious of every age have been the farthest removed from fanaticism and treason. The existence of hypocrites to disgrace, and of recreants to malign religion, does not, in the least, invalidate this assertion. True coin is best estimated in its relation to counterfeit. The death of Judas, with its circumstances of horror, will ever remain as strong a confirmation of the truth and value of Christianity, as the life and glory of Paul.

the moral heavens, it was impossible for a republican government long to subsist. Daylight not more uniformly follows the sun, than civil liberty follows in the track of Christianity; while Despotism invariably marks its absence or perversion, Christianity creates the best founders of States.

Take, for example, the period of the settlement of this country. From the era of the decline of the Roman Empire, the debasement of the human mind continued to increase down through many gloomy ages: The Feudal System, with its myriads of petty despots, and the Papal Hierarchy, with its monstrous usurpations, consummated the dreadful descent to universal ignorance, anarchy and crime. The rapid succession of four wonder The law of religion acts on an infinitely higher ful events;-the invention of printing, and the maprinciple than can possibly be attained by the le- riner's compass, the discovery of America, and gislation of man. Human law addresses mainly the Protestant reformation,-gradually dispelled our fears, with a weak finite power; while the the darkness, and prepared the way for that greatenactments of God inflame the conscience, and re-est act of all, the planting of liberty on these Wesstrain the rebellious with considerations which tern shores. This was not the result of accident, bear an infinite force. Hence, while others are nor the work of blind caprice. The germs of luxuriating in the bounties of providence, the Chris- great principles, gradually matured amid convultian patriot will be most solicitous to perpetuate sions that often shook the very foundations of sothe blessings enjoyed. An incident in classical ciety, and nourished with the purest old Saxon history, illustrates this point: Epaminondas being blood, were, for wise purposes, by the infatuated asked why he remained solitary and pensive in the councils of Europe, transplanted to the wilderness time of national mirth and feasting, replied, "While Empire of the West. Trained by the most hardy my countrymen are so peaceably feasting, I am think-discipline, and nourished by hopes which the gosing of the best means to preserve that peace to them." pel alone can impart, the Puritan fathers of NewMoreover, Christianity furnishes the best pre- England and the French Protestants of the South, servative to social institutions, by most efficiently were sent out by Providence on their mighty enprotecting the inalienable rights of men. It does terprise. The sparks which they kindled, have this by recognizing and enforcing the fundamental already enlightened a goodly portion of this conti principles of all righteous government. The reli- nent. The flame spreads; and who can doubt, that gion of Jesus Christ, wherever it is received and ultimately, from this whole hemisphere, light will universally obeyed, throws the panoply of divine go up to heaven, and throw its effulgence beyond protection around the rights of every subject. the Atlantic and Pacific waves, until every heart This system of religion courts light, and requires shall bound with hope, every arm be nerved to ef its dissemination. It sanctions the prudence, and fort, every continent rise disenthralled, every island proclaims the wisdom inscribed in the farewell ad- add a note to liberty's song, and the whole round vice of Washington to his countrymen. "Pro-earth be free! If great men were ever inspired mote, as an object of primary importance, institu- by goodness, and guided by a strong regard for tions for the general diffusion of knowledge. In human welfare, then were our forefathers thus acproportion as the structure of a government gives tuated in laying the foundations of this great Reforce to public opinion, it is essential that public opinion should be enlightened."

III. Our last general proposition is, that Christianity furnishes the best guarantee to national perpetuity.

public. They based their hope of the perpetuity of the institutions which they constructed, on two fundamental principles: One was, that a free rep resentative government must be founded on public opinion. The other, required that this public