vated by luxury, may become slaves; but a well-informed, an educated, a reading and thinking people, never can It was not till Greece had gradually sunk into a state of second barbarism, that she bowed to a foreign yoke; nor was the Roman empire ravaged by gothic invaders, till learning and taste and social refinement had yielded to the grossest sensuality and intellectual darkness. To the general diffusion of knowledge throughout the British empire are chiefly to be attributed her preponderating influence abroad, and her coustitutional liberties at home. She rules and conquers by her arts still more than by her arms. True patriotism will therefore dictate the wish which is said to have been expressed by our late venerable sovereign, that "the means of acquiring knowledge might be possessed by every subject of his empire.' This would contribute more to our national security and prosperity, than all the treasures which commerce may accumulate, or all the conquests which British valour can obtain. It is among the gratifying signs of modern times, not only that knowledge is widely diffused, but that it is for the most part applied to useful purposes. Speculation has given place to practice, and theory to evidence and demonstration. Learning is consecrated, at least more. generally than in former periods, to its most hallowed and noblest end. There were, in past ages, men of capacious powers of mind, and almost boundless stores of erudition but how many of these were content to expend life in literary labours that yielded no profit either to themselves or others, and even in spreading abroad the contagion of vice and infidelity! But, thanks be to God! far different is now the aspect of the literary worldinfinitely more important are now the occupations of our most celebrated linguists. We have lately seen a Martyn and a Buchanan exhausting their latest strength, and delightfully occupying the last moments of their valuable lives, in preparing new versions of the sacred scriptures. We still see the venerable Carey and his learned coadjutors expediting with unwearied assiduity the numerous. translations of the inspired volume, in which they are engaged, In another direction, we behold the inde fatigable Morrison and his fellow-labourers, unfolding the rich treasures of divine revelation to the countless millions of the Chinese empire. Nor these alone, but men of learning throughout the world, seem to be on the alert, engaged in prosecuting, with their utmost vigour, this great design. Thus is it once more seen, that the Magi from remote regions come to pour forth their treasures at the feet of Jesus, and conspire to crown him LORD of ALL. HISTORICAL QUESTIONS. ESSAY PERIOD VII. 1. Who succeeded queen Elizabeth, and when? On what was his title founded? What was the state of parties at his accession? What circumstances attended his progress to London? Who were his first ministers of state? What was the design and issue of the Hampton-court conference? What disputes arose between the king and parliament ? What were the principal circumstances of the gunpowder conspiracy? How was it detected, and what was its issue? What treaties were concluded at this period? What reflections are suggested by the accession of James I.? 2. What measure did James propose, with reference to Scotland? How was that measure received by the English and Scotish parliaments? By what expedients did James supply his treasury? To whom was the princess Elizabeth married, and what What circumstances occasioned the fall of the earl of 3. Who was the king's next favourite, and how introduced? How did James repair his exhausted finances? What circumstances led to the death of sir Walter Raleigh? What romantic expedition was undertaken by the prince of What was the result of that journey? ESSAY To whom was the prince married, and on what conditions? 4. What was the state of religion in England at James's accession? In what religious principles had the king been educated? Who conducted the Hampton-court conference, and how What conduct did the king adopt towards the puritans and What memorable event, took place with reference to the What religious controversies took place on the continent? 5. What was tlie state of philosophy at James's accession? Who were the principal bistorians of that age? Who were the principal poets, and what was their literary 6. Who succeeded James I. and when? What was the state of England at his accession? What first rendered him unpopular with his subjects? What new and offensive taxes were imposed? By what distinguished patriots were they resisted? What was the conduct of the clergy at this period? What occasioned the French war, and how did it succeed? What were the circumstances of Buckingham's death? 7. How did the king act after the death of his favourite? What occasioned the first breach between the king and parliament? When, and on what terms was peace concluded with France! What reflections are suggested by the commencement of ESSAY 8. What was the comparative state of the English and Scotish armies? What measures of conciliation were adopted? What was the consequence of the meeting of the general assembly? What circumstances occasioned the sudden dissolution of the parliament? How was this rash act resented by the public? What temporary measure was adopted to replenish the treasury? What conduct did the king pursue towards the Scotish invaders? What were the first measures of the long parliament ? What charges were alleged against the earl of Strafford ? What calamitous event took place in Ireland? What occasioned an open rupture between the king and parliament? 9. When did the civil war commence in England? Who were the principal commanders on either side? On what account are two of those battles memorable? What engagements distinguished the second campaign? What was the self-denying ordinance, and what its effect? What resolution did the king form after the battle of Naseby? 10. What terms did the Scotish and parliamentary commissioners propose to the king? How did the army obtain possession of the king's person? What circumstances attended the king's flight from Hamp- What efforts were made by the royalists in his favour? What circumstances attended his trial? What efforts were made to prevent his execution, and by whom? When and under what circumstances did that event take place? What was the general character of this prince ? 11. What was the state of religious parties in England at the accession of Charles I.? |