Republican ledger, and Portsmouth price current — Portsmouth, N.H., 1802-09-14 00:00:00, page 2

The Christian system being thus opposed
to all the hypocricy and intrigue of dcfign
ing men, to a phalanx of Church and State,
to all those who found it their interest to de
ceive the multitude, (to whom our Saviour
preached) can we wonder that they combi
ned in ^federal afficiation to destroy the ef
ficacy of his doctrines, depreciate his repu
tation, and represent him and his followers
as " turning the world upside down" ? Can
we suppose that any cordiality could ever
exist between Him, who told the People
(whom they had before held in fubjeaion
and dread) that they were deceivers and
• apoßates ? No, for it came to pass immedi
ately after he had finifhed all theft Jayings,
that the Chief Priests and Scribes allembled
in the palace of the High Priefl, and consul
ted how they might take him by fabtlety, and
and kill him ; they said, not on the fealt-day
left there be an uproar among '' People."
In all this divine story, there seems to be
two parties, the People in favor, and the
Chief Priefs, &c. in opposition ; till at
length by the basest practices of bribery and
persecution, (as in the instance of throwing
out the man cured of his blindness) they ex
cited the fears of the populace, crying out
that Religion was in danger, that his fol
lowers, were not C<efar' s friends, and that he
was a pestilent fellow. By such inflamma
tory declarations, they so far persuaded the
People to consent to his crucifixion, as even
to demand the rcleafe of Barabbas, rather
than our Saviour.---The " reign of terror"
it that time, mud have been of the most
vindidive nature ; for those who had exper
ienced the efficacy of his miracles, were in
general afraid to f,eak in his vindication.
Nicodemus (though a ruler) dare not make
his visits but in the most secret hours of the
night ; Joseph was cautious how far he ac
knowledged Him openly, and not till after
the highest manifeftations of his divinity, did
he dareto beg the body, to be placed in his
fcpnlchre.
Under this preffitre of Clerical and Civil
interest, we cannot be furprized that the
multitude at length became the revilers of
Him and his Apostles. The Clergy of that
day, no doubt, preached sermons to influ
ence the public mind ; the multitude were
told, that he meant to subvert all Religion ;
that he was a despiser of ordinances ; that he
abused the whole body of the Clergy ; and
that all property, all the churches, and eve
ry vestige of piety and morality would be
annihilated. Qn all public occasions, it is
probable, the " lawyer who tempted him,"
would be declaiming that the courts of just
ice would be abolilhed, and that he had de-
Iris opposition, by denouncing them as hy
pocrites, and deceivers. The Sadduces
next came forward, which fay, there is no
refurreaion ; thus combining Church and
State, as it related to taxes toC^fat and the
final retribution of mankind. The money
changers, it is probable, were greatly distur
bed in consequence of being whipped out of
the temple ; they therefore allied themfelVes
with the Sadduces, in order to form a federal
conneaion with this powerful " sea." 1 he
Pharisees Teemed greatly alarmed, when
they found he had put the Sadduces to silence
and they gathered together and deputized a
Lawyer, to a/k him a question for the pur
pose of tempting him.
After he had confounded this Ift tempter,
(from the Bar) no man was able to answer
him a word, neither durst any man from
that day forth ask him any more questions.
As Toon, therefore, as our Saviour had de
feated the 'Scribes, Pharisees, Sadduces,
Chief Priests, Satan and the Lawyer, he be
gan to speak to the People and his Disciples.
He appears, at this period of his ministra
tion, convinced of the opposition which he
was to encounter, and therefore began his
million by warning them of the deceptive
arts of those who had long deceived them,
under, the mafic of hypocricy. Matthew,
in his 23d chapter, (which I recommend to
my readers to peruse) begins his narrative
in a meft triumphant manner : after descri
bing the compleat vi&ory of our Saviour o
ver his antagonists, he goes on, " Then
spake he to the multitude (which ihewsthat
hedid not confider " the People" as " wolves,"
or themselves as their " worst enemies") fay
ing, the Scribes and Pharisees set in Mofes'
feat, but do not ye after their works ; for
they ja, and do not ; they bind heavy burdens
and lay them on men's shoulders, but they
themselves will not move them with one of their
fingers ; they love the uppermost rooms at
feafts, and the chief feats in the finagogue,
and greetings in the market-place, and to be
called of men,Rabbi, Rabbi." After describ
ing these persons in their proper characters, he
goes on for 39 verses, calling them hypo
crites, devourers of widows' houses, chil
dren of hell, blind guides, extortioners,
whited fepulchres, serpents, generation of
vipers, persecutors of wife men, and finally
closes with this tremenduous denunciation
on whose head be all the righteous blood,
filed on the earth, from the blood of Abel
unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachi
as, whom they flew between the temple and
the altar.
The foregoing observations are drawn
from faffs in the Bible, which cannot be
controverted ; they are mentioned to shew
the effeds of a combination of men, when
united in opposition to any measures how
ever beneficial to the general interest of
mankind ; especially if they have a tenden
cy to weaken their influence, countera&
their designs, or lessen their pecuniary emol
uments. By creating a constant irritation
in the public mind, they will prejudice the
well disposed, and oftentimes the well in
formed, citizens, against their best friends.
They will persuade many, that those who
are attempting to relieve the burdens of
mankind, are " turning the world upside
down ;" or, in other words, that keeping
the People upright, in defence of their na
tional rights, is upsetting them. They will
by a continual clamour, excite fufpeions
against men whose moral charader can in
no instance be impeached, and whose poli
tical sentiments are in unison with the fun
damental principles of the Constitution.
If these events took place under the mild
ministration of the Christian system; if it
was poffiblc to rouferhe vengeance of the
people against the dodrines which inculca
ted peace on earth and good will towards
men ; can we be surprised, under a similar
combination, they should now be under a
temporary delusion, to mistake their politi
cal, as they then did their religious, bles
sings ? If it was then in the power of a
Junto of interested men, to persuade the
people, that to do justice, love mercy, and
walk humbly with God, were tenets de
ftruaive of the harmony of Society, and
that the preachers of such rational maxims
were " turning the world upside down";
we can easily perceive that the fame prac
tices on their credulity, might persuade them
that lessening the public taxes, repealing a
stamp a&, removing useless offices, abridg
ing a supernumerary body of judges, and
dircharging the public debt, were equally as
deftruaive to the happiness of the commu
nity, and that the men who attempted to do
these things were also, like Paul and Silas,
" turning the world upside down"--a Judge
Bassett, like Demetrius of old, might, with
equal fuccefs,cry out, "the Craft is in danger!"
I would here observe, that so far from
wishing to depreciate the charaaer of the
Clergy as a body, by the foregoing observa
tions, they are meant to place them in that
refpeaable situation to which their profeffion
entitles them. The bißory of the Christian
Religion justly appreciates the sincere preach
ers of the gospel ; the apostles, and all true
believers, were ever estimated as the " salt of
the earth." But oyr Saviour's dununcia
tions were solely confined to certain men who
stiled themselves the '' Chief Priests ;" who
assumed a controul over Church and State ;
who were busy-bodies ; who were blending
the politics of Czfar with the prophecies of
Isaiah, Jeremiah, &c. men who claimed
precedence in all processions, and who
minded earthly, more than spiritual things.
The Clergy are a valuable body in society,
and no man who regards the welfare of his
country, would with to fee them one grade
below their just eftiination. But those who
aim at their rank of Chief Priests, and who
calumniate in Sermons, Orations, &c. men
much better than themselves, must at this
age, expert to fall into disrepute, unless they
take more heed to their ways and manners.
Neither is there any intention to refled
on the Lawyers as a body, by mentioning one
of the order as a Tempter ; for if the Jewifo
fanhedrim could get but one, (and no doubt
he was well fee'd) it is rather' a compliment
on the profeffion ; and we candidly hope,
they could not procure even one at the present
day ; the known piety of the Order, in these
days, would secure them from having this
charge brought against them.
OLD-SOUTH.
flounced the whole fanhednm of judges as
hypocrites and devourers of widows' houses.
When He and his Apostles preached up
peace tin earth and good will towards men,
the fylophants of the Clerical party con
founded every appeal to common sense, by
crying out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.
Such was their influence in exciting the
public odium, that even Paul and Silas were
mob'd ih Theffalrnica, as men " turning
the world utyde down." The enemies of the
Aooftles had so far bewildered the People,
that the charge of overturning Religion, was
blended with the political heresy, that they
did " contrary to the decrees of Ceefar." All
the beneficent adions of the Apoflies Were
stiled " turning the world upside down"-—
all their exhortations were " modern philo
sophy," or in other words deflroying those
" fleady habits" long imbibed under the
discipline of pretended Orthodox eftablilh
ments. To raise an opposition to men thus
circumfianced, was not a difficult business
to be accomplished by their adversaries ; a
combination of such charafters, all p<&C
sing an extensive personal influence, assisted
with the ele&rical watch-word, that the
Church was in danger, was an onset too
powerful to be withstood by such weak mi( 4
fionaries, (without purse or lerip) as Paul
and Silas.
The following obj Croatian, conclude a lengthy and
interefling publication, entitled, " The Hilloty
of the Lit Session of Congress," publifted in thit
National Intelligencer.
—*><s«$ —
From the National Intelligencer.
Sir,
I HAVE now before me a file of papers
publilhed in New-England in the year 1798,
when what is called the Federal tone was
loud and imperative. Although the wit is
not so coarse, nor the aflertions so bold, as
those of the then favorite of the day, Peter
Porcupine, yet every column contains sar
casms or Republicanism, and encomiums on
a monarchical high church government ; and
this paper like Porcupine's was supported
by all the federal interest in every state in the
union. As a specimen of the sentiments of
the then majority, I copy one paragraph from
hundreds, as it applies, in a very flrong man
ner, to the conduct of those men who are
now become the minority in Congress.
The editor speaking of the circumflances
which happened in England, of Fox, Grey,
Sheridan, &c. resigning their feats in Par
liament, exprefles himfelf in the following
words : " These grumblers" fays he "go
thither as ancient Cato did, merely to come
out again. What is called the opposition
in any government, means nothing more than
a junto of poor, disappointed men, who wish
for gratification and riches. Patriots who
love gold as their hearts. Anxiety for the
welfare of the people is the stale pretext ;
inordinate desire for power and rank, is al
ways the secret Jlimulus of canting patriotism.
John Hamden did not value twenty (hillings
to a tax-gatherer ; but it imported his am
bition to engage in a controversy with the
king his mafler. One ray of anger from a
Stuart, would illumine the obfeurity of John
Hamden."
• Without flopping to prove, that onejohn
Hamden was more valuable to the world
than the whole race of the Stuarts, it is
asked, what do the present minority think of
their language in 1798, and of their condud
in 1802, now when neither their number
nor .^ reputability is half so formidable
as the opposition to the then administrations
In the eyes of these men, it was a high
crime to oppose an expensively kingly-inclin
ed system, but it is no fin to throw every
poflible obstacle, in the way of a truly econ
omical, republican government. "He that
runs may read." ^ in the Giner.
The change, recently effected in the or
gans of the public will, had excited an un
usual interest among the people. From the
new rulers, much was expelled on the one
fide, and much apprehended on the other.
In the opinion of some the millenium had
arrived, while the imaginations of others
were awfully alarmed with the forebodings
of fccnes of anarchy and injustice. Both
these descriptions of men have been difap
poirited. The golden age has not returned,
neither is the land deluged with blood. The
ordinary concerns of life proceed in their
usual channels ; and it is found that there is
a stability in the national sentiment that re
mains unmoved by the inflammatory passions
of a few difordeted minds. In other coun
tries and different periods of society, govern
ments have moulded nations at pleasure, but
here public men and public measures may
change, while the nation remains the fame.
In this inflexibility of national will, the in
telligent mind will discern the impregnable
basis of liberty, and derive from it the firm
ed convictions of its duration.
1 he leading motive, to w hk:h the interest
ing measures of the lalt session of Congress
are to be traced, merits diftind, however
rapid, notice;
The conviction that the general govern,
ment, beinq federal in its character, should
ih the r nation of its power, be confined
to federal objects, d'aated a fißem of rigid
economy in the pub c expenditure, and of
limited taxation, it w^s wifely conceived,
that the general welfare depended equally
upon the vigor of rate and federal fovercign
ty ; and it was known that this end could
only be insured, by leaving to the states cer
tain sources of revenue untouched. Hence
the repeal of the Internal Taxes, and the
lopping off all ulclefs ramifications from
office.
1 he fame motive, mingled with others, re
commended the restoration of the old Judi
ciary system, which had been formed, under
federal auspices, before the rage of party,
and without reference to political effeds ;
and the general fatisfaftion it had given was
a pledge of its being acceptable.
The fame motive imparted much strength
to the conviction bf the necessity of redeem
ing, at the earliest day, without opprefling
the people, the whole of the national debt.
Accordingly about two thirds of the annual
revenue U as appropriated to its difeharge.
These are the three great measures which
will illufttae this epoch of A~r\nn affairs.
Others of fccondary <^-- 'u will be re
membered for the " Y .ary good produced ;
but the former w °. not for ages be forg >ttcn.
The benefits they confer will pervade all
ranks, and the principles they tß^bL'h wi"
be the guides of a republican government
wherever it exists.
Should the opinion herein del.vend on this
important question, 6nal> [retail, no doubt
can be entertained out that the legislative
uody win, with alacrity and gud Aaith, pals
Celt laws as may cure ti e dikentiruance cf
the cetins, ard enable tkun t< relume their
tfral ^nd conftitutiouai iur&iors.
ThjiJy. In the interim, I hold it my
Jerri n duty to claim the office thus apper^
airing u me, and publicly to PROTEST
against the z™ r s all persons and authorities,
'n arc dtfgnu^d I y the laws of the Bth of
Match and 29th of April, 1802, who ma^
in anywise interfere with or prevent, or tcrd
to prevent, in ibe rifloration and full exercise
of my office, as ore of the judges cf the cir
'cuit court if the United States of the third
circuit.
Fourthly. In circumflances so peculiar, &
in a case of such magnitude, I conceive it an
obvious right to give publicity to the forego
ing opinion and reasons."
Latest top We ^aiw
.—<< 4M 4<;^^Q,^|, —
Washington, Sept, 1.
ON Monday morning the New York hauled off
from the uhart and dropped down the eastern
Branch. This day the is to proceed hence to join
the Mediterranean fqnadron. She will touch at
Hampton road to take m her beet and pork.
Ihe John Adams, it is expected will be equip
ed in the ferae tnie, viz. two h e< ks.
Captain Barron, we are inlormed, has been in-
Pruned by the Secretary of the Navy to salute
Mount Vernon in sassing.
Nek-York, Sept. 3.
Martinique was not delivered up on the sth nit.
The Perf tct had arrived but no troops ; none o§
the Iflunds h-d as jet beep delivered up to th=
Bench.
Extra# da tetter dated June 30th, I^2,front a
reffr.aable banking hwje injiaris, to his friend
in this city. %
" The bills of Exchange drawn by General Le
clerc it appears have been fold in America at a
large difeouut. 1 Lefe bills will be paid—at lead,
l am allured of f e payment of all those I hold
—Profit of this news if you can purchase.
" 1 he settlement of claims on the government
are at present in a train^-and I think the Ameri
cans will have no cause of complaint. It is pro
bable that the Government will inferibe all tlieir
old claims on the Great Book, that is to fay, fund
them—this will be always a Landfome thing, as
from the a3ual price of flock—This mode of pay
ment will produce 57 to 60 per cent.— \Cmi.Adv.
[Our Commercial friends ouvht to receive this
news with caution —it may p f ffibly be untrue.]
Hudson, Aug. 31. 1
We are informed that the Dillrift Court of the
United States for this State, opened their session at
New York on the 27th ult. but having notufinefs
before them, adjourned to the next term. With
fa&s like this before them many pretend that Qe
late additional crops of Judges in the federal
courts was necessary and indifpenfible.
Judge $AsskTT, of betaware, one hf the
Judges difearded by the repeal of the Judici-,
ary L^w of 1801, has publiihed his PRO
TEST against that measure. In this inllru
ment he fays, that no difference of opinion
exiits on the fubjea between him and his
associates in office, but that which relates
merely to the point of time for exprefling
their sentiments. He has chosen, it feeros,
to divulge his irotest through the medium
of the press, at the present tine. He fatty
he has done what he deemed a sacred duty
in support of the corftitutior, and adds, " I
have done it now, because my life may not
be spared till to-morrow." It may be, that
this is the true reason. But when we recol
k& that Mr. Bayard is the son-in-law of
Judge Bassett, we are inclined to believe, that
the period of the Congressional elec-lion was
chosen for the publication of this elaborate
protest, in the hope that it might influence
the ekaers to vote for Mr. B.
The foiltving are extracts from this cele
brated work :
"After these observations, it retrains only'
that I fhouiJ conchide with a diftina exhi- 1
bilion of my opinions refoluticns & motives.
And firft, "or the renfons aligned, I
maintain, as my uelibcr^. solemn, and ju
dicial opinion, that the ads of March and
April, 1802,designing and opttatirg substan
tially to abolilh the alee and forties of the
judges under the law of the irh of February,
1801, are lo far unconstitutional, and for
that reason veil.
Secondly. Nev^rthelefs, these a&s of
Match and April, • B<2, create many impedi
ments which oppole the execution of our
offices.
And further, that the judges of these courts
reflectively, do if right still "hold their
iffices" as at fi d.
The difcontiitiarce of our compensations,
the dtiltuaion if cur Lffions,as to time and
place, the privation of officers, ^nd other
evident embarrallirents occasioned by the ~
operation of these afis, on fubjeas of mere
leg flative organization, must create a lof
penfion of the cxeicife of our p<wers of
office, until Congress thall by law, povide
the means neceflary to their execution.—-
We shall lefptdivtly fland acquitted, under
such circumfiances, if no attc n pt is marie to
hold cur Courts, which might le pr^h &ive
of diferder, unseemly cot Aid and error.
An order has been published at Wafbin,ton, for
nine Lieutenant# of the Navy and forty.five Mid-
Ihipmeu, who are named, to repair immediately
to that city.