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it, it is not a negative course-it may produce good-we think it may produce evil."

GREAT BRITAIN.

In Great Britain and Ireland the spirit of disaffection to the Government appears to be on the increase. It is supposed that a plan for an insurrection in Scotland and in the manfacturing districts of England had been organized. According to some accounts, no less than 60,000 persons in Scotland had abandoned labour and determined to resist the constituted authorities. In the neighbourhood of Glasgow and Paisley, the rising was so general and the disturbances so great, that business was generally suspended, and many persons had removed. In the skirinishes between the military and the disaffected, several had been killed, and some had been apprehended. The arrests both in Scotland and England have indeed been numerous, and it is supposed that a special commission will be issued for the trial of those who have been engaged in treasonable prac

tices.

In Ireland also, discontent and violence excite the fears and endanger the lives of the loyal. Some idea of the state of society in that country, may be obtained by a perusal of the following extract. "The Mayo Constitution of Monday says that the mail guard and passengers who arrived last night, (Sunday,) state, that eight or nine dead bodies (police men we great ly fear from the description,) were ly ing on the road yesterday, as the coach passed by, near Abustragh, in the county of Galway. It is to be apprehended that these unfortunate men were surprised and murdered by the Rebels.A great crowd was seen a short distance from them. The coach passed hastily on, and we have no particulars of an affair so eminently calculated to produce the most anxious concern." The officers of the government are extremely active, but what may be the destiny of this ancient monarchy, is known only to him who ruleth among the nations. The immense distance between the higher and lower orders, the oppressive weight of taxes, and the numerous sinecures show that unless government introduces at least a moderate reform, its operations can only continue at the expense of the sighs and groans of miserable men.' At the

same time it cannot be doubted that many who are engaged in these insurrections, are abandoned men, who would be disaffected under any form of government.

FRANCE.

In France a Censorship of the Press has been established. The vote on this act, in the Chamber of Deputies was 209 to 136,-a vote which shows that this body is not desirous of a change in the existing government. The French prints have spoken with uncommon freedom of the measures of the government, and it is supposed that the effect of the law will be beneficial. A law has also been passed, authorizing the arrest of persons charged with treason on a warrant signed by three of the ministers, and the confinement of the accused three months before they are brought to trial.' The news of the changes in Spain, appears to have produced a lively sensation in this country.

SPAIN.

Few revolutions have been attended with less evil than that which has recently taken place in Spain. On the 10th of March however, when the people of Cadiz were assembled to witness the proclamation of the Constitution, the soldiers opened upon them a deadly fire, and during the following night and day many persons were massacred, and houses pillaged. The whole number of persons killed was 414, and about 600 were wounded. Many soldiers also fell victims to the indignation of the inhabitants. Order has at length been restored and the constitution proclaimed. In Gallicia there have been some disturbances, but in every part of the kingdom order has been established, and the troops marched to their respective provinces.

Spain at length sees those who directed her councils and led her armies in the late war, and who have been disgraced, banished, or imprisoned, once more in places of power and trust. The inhabitants of Majorca, Minorca and Havana, have adopted the constitution, and the Provisional Junta of Spain has sent commissioners to the provinces of South-America requesting them to unite under a constitutional monarchy. The Cortes is expected to assemble in July. A decree has been issued confiscating the property of the Inquisition.

SUMMARY.

Extract of a letter from Samuel Hodges, jr. American Consul at the Cape de Verds, dated, St. Jago, March 23.

Died at Rio Pungus, Capt. Thomas Baker, master of the slave schr. Carnoma, belonging to himself and James Spencer, of Baltimore.

Captured by his Britanic Majesty's brig of war Thistle, Capt. Hogan, brig Rambler, Churchill, of Bristol, and schr. Taylor, (late Lawrence) of do.; also, another schr. an American, name unknown, with full cargoes of slaves, ordered for Sierra Leone.-Evening Post.

Congress has authorized a loan of three millions; and it is supposed an additional loan will be needed.

Henry Clay, Speaker of the House of Representatives of the United States, has announced his intention to return to the pursuits of private life. At the close of the last session, he received an unanimous vote of thanks for his services.

The ship Elizabeth, which sailed from New-York for Africa, with the people of colour, arrived at Sierra Leone, and has sailed for Sherbro.

A law, passed at the last session of Congress, which prohibits after July 1st, 1820, any Foreign armed vessel from entering any harbour of the United States, except those of Portland, Boston, New-London, New-York, Philadelphia, Smithville in North-Carolina, Charleston and Mobile, unless such Foreign ship shall be forced in by distress, by the dangers of the sea, or pursuit of an enemy.-New-York Advertiser.

The armed vessels of the U. S. now building, or which are hereafter to be built, are to be named, by a resolution of Congress, in the following manner :Those of the first class are to be named after the States of the Union, the names to

be determined by lot, under the direction ships of the second class are to be named of the Board of Navy Commissioners; after the rivers; and those of the third class after the principal cities and towns; the names to be assigned by the Secretary of the Navy, under the direction of the Presi dent. No two vessels will bear the same

name.

In Danvers, (Mass.) a Pear Tree, which was planted by Gov. Endicott, in 1628, is in a flourishing condition.

An American merchant, of Prince o Wales' Island, who has resided there 16 years, and acquired considerable property, has, at the expense of $4000, liberated 16 persons from prison.

The Theatre in New-York, was consum ed by fire on the 25th inst.

The bridge over the Genessee river at Carthage, and which cost $16,000, has fallen.

Eighty ladies of Vendee, a province distinguished for its loyalty, have signed an address of condolence to the Dutchess de Berri.

Ali Pacha has conquered Palestine, and a body of his troops have entered Jerusa lem.

A revolution has taken place in Buenos Ayres. Don Manuel de Sarraten, bas been chosen Governor of the Province.

The King of England has created Walter Scott a Baronet.

A new daily Journal has appeared at Madrid.

The American Minister at the Court of Madrid congratulated the King upon his acceptance of the Constitution of the Cortes. The other Ambassadors, however, wait for instructions from their respective

courts.

Accounts from the Sandwich Islands, state that the son of Tamaahmah bad as cended the throne, and that every thing was quiet.

Answers to Correspondents.

Two communications from P.; EMMA; A SUBSCRIBER; have been received. The communication of S. L. L., was received, although we inadvertently omitted to notice it.-It is under consideration.

The Memoir of Dr. Sparhawk will be inserted in the next number.

We take this opportunity to state for the information of those who have, from time to time, sent us newspapers desiring an exchange, that we are not, like the Editors of newspapers exempted from postage upon papers taken in exchange. The expense of postage added to the difference of price between many newspapers and the Spectator, renders an exchange too unequal, and we are therefore obliged to decline it.

THE

CHRISTIAN SPECTATOR.

No. VI.]

JUNE, 1820.

Heligious Communications.

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DR. JONATHAN H. SPARHAWK, was born at Walpole, New-Hampshire, Feb. 12, 1781. His father, Thomas Sparhawk, was a very respectable citizen of the town of Walpole, and for several years, we believe, discharged the duties of Clerk in the County Court. The subject of the present memoir was his sixth child. Little is known of the early life of Dr. Sparhawk, except that he sustained the character of a sensible and modest youth. When he was about 16 years of age, he entered Dartmouth College, with the design of pursuing a regular course of classical studies, without particular reference to either of the learned professions. Toward the close of the second year, however, he was induced to change his purpose, and at the following Commencement, took a dismission from the institution, and entered upon the study of Physic, under the instruction of Dr. Nathan Smith, who at that time filled the of fice of professor of medicine in that institution.

Dr. Sparhawk was naturally fond of study, and while a member of college distinguished himself in his class, for his proficiency in classical literature; and if he had continued his collegiate course, he would probably have received as high a mark of distinction as any of his fellow students.

His professional studies soon engrossed all his attention. He applied himself with great assiduity, and Vol. 2-No. VI.

36

[VOL. H.

his proficiency was equal to his application. In the year 1800, he went to Cambridge and attended a regular course of lectures, in the medical department in that university, under professors Warren, Dexter and Waterhouse. He returned to Dartmouth and pursued his studies under Dr. Smith and took his first degree in August, 1802, and was considered one of the most respectable of the class who received the medical honors of the institution at that time. He received his second degree in 1812. At this period Dr. Sparhawk, according to his own account, possessed a considerable share of ambition. It was an ambition however, controlled by moral principle and aiming at the best objects, on which the affections of men can be placed in this life. He was young, ardent, and highly esteemed for his talents and virtues; and probably hoped to realize those scenes, which fancy commonly portrays to the eye of the youthful adventurer, who goes forth under the most favourable circumstances. Through his friends he applied for a commission in the army of the United States, and received the appointment of Surgeon's mate, in September, 1802. He immediately repaired to Fort Wayne, and continued with the troops stationed there about two years. During this time, Dr. Sparhawk had an opportunity to improve himself in surgery, and also in the general knowledge of his profession. But to a mind susceptible as his was of the finest feelings, and capable of relishing in a very high degree, the pleasures of refined society,

the camp presented but few charms. He was however, conscientious in his devotedness to the business he had undertaken. He did not content himself with receiving the public money, without rendering an adequate return. He left the army toward the close of 1804, and settled in Hartford, in the State of Connecticut. Here, surrounded with men of literature and refinement, Dr. Sparhawk enjoyed every thing which the world has to bestow. His talents were such, as to command the respect of men eminent in the same profession. Though there were several men of great merit in that place, whose talents and experience had secured to them the confidence and patronage of their fellowcitizens, Dr. S. obtained a considerable share of the practice. His modest and unassuming demeanour,gained the affections of his elder brethren, and they were ever happy to meet him on those occasions where counsel was necessary. Dr. Sparhawk was beloved and respected by all who knew him. To an open, frank and ingenuous disposition, he added a gentle and engaging behaviour, which secured the affections of those with whom he was in habits of familiar intercourse. Firm and decided in his own sentiments, he never made an enemy by sharply contending against the sentiments of others, though he might deem them erroneous. If he was ever assailed by the violent and overbearing, he possessed such a meek and retiring spirit, that he would sooner give way, and allow his opponent to exult in his fancied success, than risk his own peace and serenity of mind in the encoun

ter.

He was exemplary in the employment of his time. When he was not occupied in the active duties of his profession, he was engaged in study. He was rarely to be found in any of those places where men even of sober habits, sometimes collect to pass an hour in trifling conversation. In this respect he was certainly an example worthy of imitation by all his breth

ren. Physicians, eminent for their talents and acquirements are, we believe, commonly more frugal of their time than those of inferiour abilities. Men of this character, perceive such a boundless field for improvement before them; and are so anxious to become acquainted with all the mysteries which pertain to the human body, that they seize on every leisure moment to push their researches.

Dr. Sparhawk continued in Hartford respected by all who knew him, and greatly beloved by his particular friends, until the beginning of 1818when by the death of Dr. Sheldon of Springfield, Massachusetts, a favourable opening was made for another physician in that place. Dr. S. judged that the prospect of usefulness in his profession, and of support for his family was greater in Springfield than in Hartford; and though the idea of leaving friends so dear to him, occasioned unpleasant sensations, he thought duty required him to exchange situations.

On his removal to Springfield, Dr. Sparhawk was immediately introduced to the extensive practice, which Dr. Sheldon had enjoyed. He very soon endeared himself to an extensive circle of friends, who formed a very high opinion of his talents, and who admired the amiable and benevolent disposition which he ever manifested.

During the time he resided in that town, it is presumed that he had no enemy. He was uncommonly attentive to his patients. He seemed to feel all that they felt ;-" to weep with those who wept; and to rejoice with those that rejoiced."

His mind evidently sustained an unusual pressure, when he was called to scenes of deep distress. There was but one sentiment, respecting the gentleness and gracefulness of his manners. He must have possessed a mind of no ordinary mould, to have always secured the affections of so large a class, in the society where he resided. What was said of the young Hebrew prophet, might, with propri

ety be said of Dr. S.-" a man greatly beloved."

Many will be anxious to know something about Dr. Sparhawk's religious character; whether, on this lovely stock, the scion of grace, was engrafted, and produced the "fruits of righteousness and true holiness;" or whether it continued in its natural state, until cut down by the hand of death. There are those, who would not hesitate to have pronounced Dr. S. a proper candidate for the unfading laurels of the heavenly world, on account of the moral virtues he possessed. They would not imagine, that so amiable a disposition, needed the renewing influences of the Holy Spirit; but he thought otherwise. He learned to distinguish between the moral virtues, and the fruits of the Spirit. It is not known at what time he supposed himself to have passed from death unto life; the change in his feelings was very gradual. He never experienced such distressing convictions of sin, as some experience, nor did he know any thing of those rapturous emotions, which some have felt, when the light of God's holy presence, has broke in upon the darkness, in which their souls have been shrouded: and "the Spirit has witnessed with their spirits that they were born of God."His religious affections were remarkably equable. His piety was calm and steady and from the period that he gave himself up to God, in the Lord Jesus Christ, until his death, he gradually increased in holy love; and in all the fruits of righteousness. His religious opinions were decidedly evangelical. He entertained a deep sense of his own depravity; and a lively sense of the love of Christ, "in giving himself a ransom for many." To his christian friends, with whom he was particularly intimate, he was free to disclose the state of his soul though his diffidence prevented him from taking a part in those social meetings for prayer and conversation, which he was peculiarly fond of attending. He united with

the first church in Hartford in March, 1818, and on removing with his family, to Springfield, had his relation transferred to the first church in that town.

He was very punctual in his attendance on public worship; and seemed deeply to regret being called away on the Sabbath, to such a distance, as to prevent his enjoying the privileges of the sanctuary. He would often express a wish, when thus called, that persons would send for him at an earlier hour, or delay sending until públic worship was over, unless in urgent cases. When his patients required his attention on the Sabbath, he would always, if possible, visit them at such times, as not to interfere with his attendance on public worship. How different his habit in this respect, from that of many respectable and worthy physicians, who seem to feel themselves justified, by the nature of their profession, in their disobedience to the divine command to sanctify the sabbath; and will sometimes urge, in vindication of their conduct, the declaration of our Lord; "I will have mercy and not sacrifice." We know that the sick must be attended on the Lord's day, and that the aid of a physician is often necessary. We would not intimate, that they ought to neglect their patients, even to enjoy the privileges of the house of God. But physicians of ardent piety, commonly so arrange their business, as to have the Sabbath for the duties of public and social worship; and we have heard physicians of this character remark; that such an arrangement is by no means difficult in seasons of ordinary health. If our respectable physicians were aware of the unhappy influence of their example upon the public morals, they would pay more regard to the Sabbath; and would manifest by their general observance of its duties, that their occasional visits on that day, are the result of necessity and not of choice.

Dr. Sparhawk possessed a constitution naturally feeble. He could

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