Frith had been appointed to the second division of royalists as much depressed, at the prospects they the army in the field. have of a war between the United States and Spain Later advices say that one body of the Pinda-—of which, however, we see no immediate probarees was surprized and totally defeated, with im- bility, unless the late hostile proceedings of the mense slaughter. Spanish authorities in the Floridas and in Mexico bordering on Louisiana, may tend to it.

AFRICA.

Gen. Roul, who left the United States some time ago to assist the patriots at Buenos Ayres, has returned, after the most outrageous treatment from the supreme director. On his return from Chili, he was privately seized and condemned to leave the provinces without examination or trial, like those gentlemen whose arrival we lately noticed. His pay was even retained. We fear that things are not going on as we would wish them. General R. in his statement, however, gives us hopes of the people; who, he says, love liberty, and will persevere in defence of their rights.

Paru. Our hopes are again revived that Peru is about to be wrested from Ferdinand. The patriot army consists of 3000 men, and has lately gained some considerable advantages over the royal forces.

Sound Doctrine.

FROM THE N. Y. MERCANTILE ADVERTISER.

Extract of a letter from a distinguished revolutionary patriot, to his friend in this state, written in May last.

The Spanish commandant at Pensacola has refused a passage to the transparts with provisions for the U.S. troops stationed on the Conawa, &c. without the payment of an enormous duty-and is said actually to have seized some of their rations. It is intimated that general Gaines will negociate a pas-will settle down with as much navigation and com"I hope, with you, that the policy of our country sage for these vessels.

SOUTH AMERICA, &c.

inerce only as our exchanges will require, and that the disadvantage will be seen of our undertaking to carry on that of other nations. This, indeed, may bring gain to a few individuals, and enable them to

call off from our farms more laborers, to be con

Good news. The troops that had just arrived from old Spain, (about which there was so much talk and preparation, and so much difficulty to get off) amounting only to 2000 men, landed and formed a junction with other royal troops near the Oronoko-verted into laquies and grooms for them; but it will where the patriot general Piar drew them into an ambuscade and killed 800 on the field, and took as many of them prisoners-Only 250 of the whole united force had reached Guayana. May thus forever perish the hopes of Ferdinand, the ungrateful, of chaining South America!

Bolivar and Piar are on the best understanding, and co-operate handsomely; and every thing seems to go on very well. A little more perseverance, and liberty triumphs.

bring nothing to our country but wars, debt and dilapidation. This has been the course of England, and her examples have fearful influence on us. In copying her, we do not seem to consider, that like premises induce like consequences. The bank mania is one of the most threatening of these imitations; it which has already set the government at defiance, is raising up a monied aristocracy in our country, and, although forced at length to yield a little on this first essay of their strength, their principles are unyielded and unyielding. These have taken deep root in the hearts of that class from which our legislatures are drawn, and the sop to Cerberus, Com. Taylor is said to have informed Petion, that, from fable, has become history. Their principles unless he comes to some arrangement respecting lay hold of the good, their pelf of the bad; and thus the vessels he has seized, he will capture all Hay to its portals, are sophisticated or suborned from those whom the constitution had placed as guards

Lord Cochrane who goes out to South America, is to be accompanied by Sir Robert Wilson. Success

to them!

tian vessels he meets with until he gets property to the value of two millions of dollars. The Haytian their duties. That paper money has some advanchief has a frigate of 40 guns, a ship of 22, 1 brig tages is admitted; but that its abuses also are inof 18, and 1 of 16, all completely equipped and evitable, and, by breaking up the measure of value, manned, but he seems unwilling to send them out denied. Shall we ever be able to put a constitutional makes a lottery of all private property, cannot be to drive away Taylor's light vessels.

veto on it?"

Church Affairs.

Pernambuco. We have an account that this place is blockaded by a Portuguese force of 2 ships of 32 guns and a brig of 18, manned by volunteers-the appearance of which had thrown the patriots into The very respectable gentleman who forwarded confusion. They had embargoed all the Portuguese to the editor certain pamphlets regarding a dispute vessels,and it was expected that this measure would between a highly-titled ecclesiastic and several of be extended to those of other nations. It is also the congregations of christians under his charge, is said that the people of Bahia remained firm in their informed that we read them with much interest and allegiance to the king, the governor having given the no little astonishment. It seems so repugnant to soldiers double pay and rations. common sense, that those who, by voluntary subIn opposition to the preceding, another account scriptions, raise money to erect places of worship says, that the whole coast was in a state of revolu- and support clergymen to officiate in them, should tion; which would doubtless end in the total exclu- not have the right of electing their pastors and of gion of the Portuguese monarchy. fixing their compensation, that we hardly supposed a thing of the sort could have happened in the

The Mexican patriots are much elevated and the

United States; and we feel very certain that there "The ancient and honorable artillery company" must be a degradation in the character of some of of Boston has presented a costly and elegant sword our citizens, if they submit to such severe disfran-to gov. Brooks, of Massachusetts. This company is the oldest military association in the new world; and has been kept up with life and spirit from its first establishment. They have just celebrated their 179th anniversary!

chisement.

But, as in this respect the people have, or may have if they please, an entire controul over their own church affairs, it is not necessary for us to say any thing on the matter, which is only a private, or particular, concern, to be regulated by the discretion of those interested in it; though we regret and cannot help reproving an attempt to apply the monarchical principles of Europe to any part of the people of the United States.

CHRONICLE.

A ship with 400,000 in specie on board, bound for India, lately suffered much by the explosion of her magazine, by which one man was killed. But by prompt assistance from the Independence 74, the specie was saved and the wreck secured so that the vessel may be repaired at a comparatively small expence. In generous principles, our naval officers have no superiors.

The Venezuelan chief, sir Gregor Mc Gregor, is at present at Charleston, S. C. It is intimated that he soon expects to rejoin the patriots.

The president of the United States, after visiting fort Mifflin, &c. reached Philadelphia on the evening of the 5th inst. escorted by three troops of The Hudson-Projects are mentioned by narrowhorse and a great concourse of citizens-in the pre-ing the channel of the Hudson at certain places, to sence of whom he reviewed gen. Caldwalder's bri- deepen it so that sea vessels may go up to Albany. gade. While in Philadelphia he visited the venera- Success is sanguinely calculated upon. ble Thos. Mc Kean, also Thos. M. Willing and the widow of the late Robert Morris.

On Friday the 6th inst. the members of the Penn sylvania state society of the Cincinnati, paid their respects to the president of the United States, and presented the following address:

Lieut. Heath, of the U. S. navy, has been killed in a duel with a midshipman, at Hoboken, near NewYork. The editor of the REGISTER Well knew the deceased-a more amiable young man or more promising officer, did not belong to the navy; and he is uselessly cut off, in the very budding of life!

A "hard mouthed" fellow.-A criminal who lately made his escape from the Georgia penitentiary is said to have possessed" an extraordinary faculty of releasing himself almost at pleasure from chainsand tears to pieces with his teeth the strongest padlocks with apparent ease."

To James Monroe, president of the United States. SIB-Embracing the occasion which your attention, as chief magistrate, to the military defences of the United States, has afforded, it is with peculiar pleasure that the members of the Pennsylvania society of the Cincinnati, a portion of the surviving few who were your associates in arms during the Ship News. The newspapers published in the war of the revolution, approach to renew their per- numerous villages that have sprung up on the Newsonal intercourse, and to assure you of their cordial York coast of Lake Ontario, since the war, have a support to the firm and impartial administration of portion allotted to ship news as regularly as those government, which, by combining in its measures on the sea board. The chief places of trade, at domestic tranquility with the respect of foreign nations, they confidently anticipate, will promote the best interests of the United States, ensure to our citizens the advantages of social harmony and individual happiness.

That you may participate those blessings and enjoy the grateful esteem of a happy people, is the sincere wish of your faithful friends, and respectful fellow-citizens.

Signed by order, and by the unanimous vote of the society.

HOR. BINNEY, Secretary. Philadelphia, June 6, 1817.

D. LENOX, President,

present, are Sacketts Harbor, Ogdensburg, Troupsville, Gennessee River, and Buffaloe-the most of which were covered with woods 5 or 10 years ago.

New Church. The corner stone of a new church has just been laid in Baltimore. On a brass plate deposited in the stone is written

"There is one GOD, and one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus." 1 Tim. ii. 5.

THE MAMMOTH. We have a detailed account of some newly discovered bones of the mammoth, in the presence of several distinguished gentlemen, in Orange county, New-York. The frequent discovery of such relicts, at a day so distant from that in which these monstrous animals must have lived, gives us certain proof that they were once very numerous in our country. What changes in its nature and climate must have happened since then!

The cut worm. Mr. John Erwin, of Newport, Del. has clearly ascertained that the cut worm is transformed into a fly-in which state it propagates its

FELLOW CITIZENS-In attending to the naval and military defence of the United States, nothing can be more gratifying to me, than to meet the surviving members of my associates in arms, who distin-species. guished themselves in our revolutionary contest. I can never forget the dangers of that great epoch, nor be indifferent to the merit of those who partook in them.

To promote tranquility at home, and respect abroad by a firm and impartial administration, are among the highest duties of the chief magistrate of the United States. To acquit myself in the discharge of these duties, with advantage to my fellow-citizens, will be the undeviating object of my zealous exertions. Their approbation will be the highest recompense which 1 can receive. Philadelphia, June 6, 1816.

JAMES MONROE..

Hessian Fly. A letter from a gentleman at Clarksburg, Va. to the editor of the Register, says that the fly has not extended its ravages to that quarter of the country, and that the crops of wheat never looked better. He adds, as yet we have no locusts.

The season in the western parts of New York has been very cold and unsettled, The fruits are despaired of. A snow that would have been six inches deep, if it had not wasted after its fall, fell at Canandiagua on the 27th of last month. The corn has been severely injured by the cut worm, but the wheat had a very fine appearance.

The crops in North Carolina are reported as pro. mising a most abundant harvest. On the whole,

though some parts of our country has suffered lish embassy and the Chinese, in September last, much, we incline to the belief of a probability of On this subject the emperor issued the following the greatest harvest of bread stuffs ever gathered edict: in the United States.

IMPERIAL DECREE.

(6th September, 1816,) of Kia-Kiang, addressed to the Viceroy King, and the Feymen Jung of Canton, and received the 5th of the 8th moon 25th September.)

Important present. Arrived at Baltimore, on Tues-Dated the 15th day of the 7th moon of the 21st year day last, in the brig Margaretta, captain Gardner, from London, six beautiful young cows and one bull, of the Devonshire breed, together with some improved implements of husbandry, for Mr. Patterson and Mr. Caton, of this place, the whole being The English ambassadors, upon their arrival this a present from the celebrated Mr. Coke, member of time at Tiensing, have not observed the laws of parliament for Norfolk, the richest and most parti- politeness, in return for the invitation of the emcular farmer in England, who gives the following peror. Reaching Tung-echow, (four leagues from description of these cattle: court) they gave assurances of readiness to per

"I venture to give it as my opinion that we have form the prostrations and genuflexions required no cattle to be compared to them in the united by the laws of good manners (of the country.)— kingdom, for purity of blood, for aptitude to feed, Arrived at the imperial country-house (half a league for hardiness, as well as for the richness of their from court,) and when WE were upon the point milk, and for work when required, as I have repeat- of repairing to the hall (to receive the embassy,) edly found by a variety of experiments upon my the first as well as the second ambassador, under own farms and elsewhere. pretence of ill-health, would not appear. We, in "That they may answer in America as well as consequence, passed a decree, that they should de they are now universally acknowledged to do in part. Reflecting, however, that although the said England, I most cordially hope, and my wishes will ambassadors were blameable in not adhering to then be gratified." the laws of politeness, their sovereign, who, from

Ad valorem duties. The utility and necessity of an immense distance, and over various seas, had the regulation lately directed by the secretary of sent to offer us presents, and to present with rethe treasury, "that a portion of all goods imported, spect, his letters, indicating a wish to show us due subject to ad valorem duties, shall be examined to as consideration and obedience, had not deserved certain the quantity and quality thereof," has been contempt, such being also against our maxim, of already tested. In one invoice that underwent this encouragement to our inferiors; in consequence, scrutiny last week, we understand there were twen- from among the presents of the said king, we chose ty-six packages found of a fraudulent character, the most trifling and insignificant (which are) four being invoiced and entered as chocolate, confected charts, two portraits and ninety-five engravings; citron, gentian root, gum lac, orange peel, &c.—and in order to gratify him, have accepted them. They were found to contain, besides these articles, We, in return, give as a reward, to the said king, upwards of seventy small boxes secreted therein, a Yu, Yu, † a string of rare stones, two large purses, containing sewing silks, ribbons, silk stockings, silk and four small ones; and we ordered the ambassa velvets, Prussian blue, boots, shoes, &c. to the amount dors to receive these gifts, and to return to their of five thousand dollars! We trust that a strict and country (we having so enacted) in observance of vigilant attention to this regulation, by a competent the maxim (of Confucius,) "give much-receive officer, will be uniformly practised, that the revenue little."

may be secured, the honest importer protected, and do- When the ambassadors received the said gifts, mestic manufactures have a fair chance in their strug-they became exceeding glad, and evinced their gle for their existence. We believe that there is every repentance. They have already quitted Tung-echow.. disposition on the part of our revenue officers to Upon their arrival at Canton, you Kiang and Jung, pursue the same vigilant system which denuncia-will invite them to a dinner, in compliance with good tions will not be able to check, nor interested clamor manners, and will say to them as follows: weaken. Nat. Advocate.

Your good fortune has been but small: you arNaval-The U. S. brig Enterprize, it is said, is rived at the gates of the imperial house, and were fitting out to take a survey of our coast, and will unable to lift your eyes to heaven (the emperor.) be manned entirely by midshipmen, under the com- The great emperor reflected that your king sighed mand of lieut. Kearney. By this method the num-after happiness (China !!!) and acted with sincerity; ber of midshipmen at present unemployed will have he therefore accepted some presents, and gifted an opportunity of rendering themselves familiar your king with various precious articles. You must with the duties of seamen, and qualify themselves return thanks to the emperor, for his benefits, and for actual service at any moment when required. return with speed to your country, that your king The Deaf-The following very interesting article may feel a respectful gratitude for these acts of is taken from the Christian Observer, [of London] kindness. Take care to embark the rest of the of September, 1816:-Messrs. Wright and son, sur-presents with safety, that they may not be lost or geon aurists of Bristol, have succeeded in restoring destroyed."

the faculty of hearing to several persons born totally After this lecture, should the ambassadors supdeaf and dumb. The persons having now acquired plicate you to receive the remainder of the presents, the possession of distinguishing sounds, are daily answer-"In one word, a decree has passed; we improving in the power of conversing. These gen-dare not, therefore, present troublesome petitions:" tlemen intend to receive a limited number of per-and with this decision you will rid yourselves of the sons of respectability laboring under these infirmi-embassy. Respect this. ties, into an establishment in the neighborhood of that healthy situation, Clifton.

Chinese state paper.

*Previous to coming to table, the guest makes a profound inclination, or actual prostration, accord. ing to the rank of the host.

Insignia of honor (a long carved stone) presented The London Traveller, of March 11, contains a on days of fete, to high mandarins and foreign aur particular account of the fracas between the Eng-bassadors

Mr. Hay's speech on Usury.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE ENQUIRER.

my

Sir-I send you enclosed a rough sketch of temarks, made last winter, in the house of dele gates, in support of the bill commonly called the usury bill. Your publication of this sketch, will be a performance of the promise contained in my last address to the freeholders of Henrico.

I do not recollect that the bill was printed in the Enquirer; but whether printed or not, it may not be improper to state the substance of its principal provisions:

All the existing laws for the prevention of usury were repealed. Loans at any rate of interest were authorised, provided the contract was reduced to writing, subscribed by the party to be charged therewith, and attested by two witnesses, who should subscribe their names under the words, "having first read

this contract."

Where there was no express stipulation on the subject, interest was to be fixed as the rate of per centum per annum-at which rate, interest was to be allowed when assessed in the form of da

mages.

The bill directed, that the settlement of the ac counts of executors, administrators, guardians, trustees, and committees of lunatics should be made on the principles heretofore established.

All contracts made by virtue of the law were declared to be subject to the control of courts of equity; on the same principles on which relief against other contracts is afforded.

A penalty was denounced against those who received, or stipulated to receive, higher interest than was expressed in the contract.

These, I believe, were the principal provisions -I speak from memory only, having actually worn out the copy of the bill, which you were so good

as to send me.

Yours, respectfully,

Ashfield, May 6, 1817.

GEO. HAY.

Mr. HAY'S SPEECH-In the committee of the whole, the bill to repeal the several laws of the state Virginia, for the prevention of usury.

Sir, several years ago, I read, and very recent. ly I have again perused, a little volume on the subject now before us. It is written with great perspicuity and force, and undertakes to prove and does prove, that all the laws that have ever been made, or can be made, for the suppression of what is called usury, are not only useless but injurious. This little volume, written by Bentham, has never been answered, and I am entirely persuaded never can be refuted..

Sir, in the 52d No. of the Edinburgh Review, this book is mentioned in terms of approbation, and the writer in the language of respect. But, sir, the reviewers, who contstitute the highest literary tribunal now known, or perhaps ever known to the world-the reviewers, as much distinguished for their profound speculations in political ecomy, as for their knowledge of literature and the sciences, not content with this notice of Bentham and his book, have gone on to express their opinion upon the merits of the very system, which it is the object of my argument to expose, and of the bill before you to destroy. In speaking of the distresses of Great Britian since the peace, they do not hesitate to ascribe a portion of them to the operation of the laws against usury. They speak of the laws themselves in the strongest terms of reprobation. They derounce them as absurd and barbarous-laws, which "no man of sound under"standing can now be found hardy enough to sup. port." In the same strong tone of disapprobation and contempt they express a hope that the British parliament will " distinguish this age by "eradicating one of the most pernicious errors, which the darkness of the early ages, and the blind deference to authority of more civilized "times, has ever planted in society."

Have I not said enough, Mr. Chairman, to rescue myself from the imputation of temerity?-from the sarcasm, as irregular as unprovoked, thrown out in debate a few days ago, upon another topic, intimating that this was the age of discoveries, and that the member from Henrico had made the "notable discovery" that the laws against usury were impolitic-"No," (will be the answer,) "you have on not said enough. This Mr. Bentham, and these of reviewers are people of whom we know nothing. They may be men of mere theory and speculation men without that practical knowledge of human affairs, which alone can entitle the opinions to respect."

MR. CHAIRMAN-I admit, without hesitation, that the object of the bill before you, is the subversion of a system, which has existed (under different modifications) for more than three thousand years.— How far this may be true as to Bentham, I know This acknowledgement, I am aware, leaves me ex-not; that it is not true as to the reviewers, I have posed to the imputation of temerity, for having good reason to believe. Several of them are men, brought that bill before the house. This imputa-who have held high stations in the government of tion would indeed be merited if the opinion, which Great Britain; while others actually engaged in par gave rise to it, had been but recently adopted, or liament are as much distinguished for their practical was confined to myself alone. Sir, this opinion, knowledge as for their great literary attainments. imbibed while I was merely a student, has been But let this pass. I will occupy your time for a confirmed by the observation and experience of moment longer on this point, by introducing one succeeding years. But my conviction on this sub-more witness to complete my apology. ject, however strong, would not have induced me Turgot was unquestionably a practical man.to trespass on the time of this assembly, if it had Distinguished in France more by his virtues and not been participated by others. Yes, sir, what-abilities than by birth or connections, he was called ever gentlemen may think, or whatever surprise by Louis 16th to the office of comptroller general they may choose to manifest, it is a fact, that the of the finances, of that great and opulent empire. doctrine for which I contend has been supported His administration, it is true, was not of long conby writers occupying high and distinguished sta- tinuance. He could not resist the influence and tions in the literary and political world. I will lay the cabals of those who rioted on the oppression before you, sir, the opinions of a few-not as au- of the people; but he carried with him into his rethority, for in political science there is no authori-tirement the affection and confidence of all the ty-but as an excuse, an apology to the committee, wise and the virtuous; and dying, left a character, for introducing a subject, whose supposed novelty which the pen of Condorcet has employed itself to has already attracted so much notice. preserve and perpetuate.

The opinions of this statesman, on the question tracts for interest concede, that where the capital before us, are expressed in the strongest terms:- is alienated, a rent or interest may be reserved. (2) "I will dare to speak out." Will you pause for a Between a temporary and permanent loan, there moment, Mr. Chairman, to observe the expression, is no difference in principle. Interest may be redare to speak out? Sir, that word, "dare," is quired with as much propriety in the first case as worthy of notice. Turgot felt that he was treading in the last; nor is there a single exception allowed on ground consecrated by the prejudices of more by the scholiasts to the general prohibition, which than a thousand years, and it required an effort of does not shew the absurdity of the prohibition ithis moral courage to speak the truth to the ears self (3)

of a prejudiced and deluded people. Sir, I feel Now, sir, mark the difference. If it be morally the force of that word. I know, I see, what pre-lawful to take interest for the loan of money, it is judice is, and I feel that he, who questions an opi morally lawful to take any interest fairly agreed nion which has passed from generation to genera- on. This inference is justified by a proposition tion without examination, does dure, when he as-universally true, that all contracts between perserts his own, even in this free and enlightened coun-sons competent to contract are binding, unless try. there be fraud or mistake. Sir, the inference is

"I will dare to speak out," says Turgot. "The irresistible; and contracts for interest must be ad"laws recognized in our tribunals, on the subject mitted to stand on the same ground with all other "of the interest of money, are pernicious. Our bargains. If it be alleged, that they form an ex"legislation is suited to the strict prejudices con- ception to the general rule, the burthen of the cerning usury, introduced in ages of ignorance, proof lies on the exceptor. It is his business to "by theologians, who understood the sense of the Scrip-shew, that although all contracts fairly made are "ture no more than the principles of natural law.(1) morally binding, a stipulation to pay interest, no "The rigorous observation of these laws would matter what, 1airly made, is not in like manner obli"be the destruction of all commerce; and they gatory.

"are not rigorously observed. They interdict every But it has been suggested, (not here,) that the "stipulation for interest without an alienation of the price of money has been regulated by law from "capital; they forbid as unlawful all interest be- motives of policy only. I should have been glad "yond the rate fixed by the ordinances of the to learn what those motives were. I have never "prince; and it is a thing notorious, that there is

"not on the face of the whole earth a place of (2) This distinction, after long discussion, was "trade, where the greatest part of the business settled by a papal decree. It was established, or "does not depend on money borrowed without an sanctioned by Pope Martin 5, and confirmed several "alienation of capital, and where interest is not re- years afterwards by Calixtus 3d.-Theone de l'in"gulated by agreement." teret. printed at Paris 1780, p. 130. These Popes

I will not, Mr. Chairman, occupy more of your both lived in the 15th century. time in preliminary remarks. I say, I have proved, (3) Saint Thomas, (Thomas Acquinas,) who was that the bill before you constitutes a subject of called the angelic doctor, and wrote against infair and legitimate discussion. If further proof terest, (in the 13th century) was yet of opinion, were necessary, it is at hand. Mr. Locke, whose that interest might be taken on money lent to one, name alone reminds us of all that is great in in- who wanted it only for parade-"ad ostentionem!" tellect, or pure in morals, has long ago demonstra. The plain people of this country, who are no Saints, ted, that the market rate of interest cannot be re-differ from St. Thomas, and think it wrong even to gulated by law. give money which they know is to be squandered.

Waving all benefit from the opinions here quo--Theone, 176. ted, except that of justifying the proposed inquiry, Another Saint (St. Beuve) who lived in the 17th I proceed at once to the several propositions, up century, tho' he agreed with St. Thomas, was yet on the truth of which depends, I conceive, the po- inclined to think that money might be borrowed licy of the measure now under consideration. 1 on interest, for a purpose of "signal utility," or by am well aware, that the discussion will be tedious, a merchant in a case of "real necessity." He would but the importance and the novelty, legislative not advise such a thing to be done, but he could novelty, of the subject induces me to hope, that not condemn it.-Ibid. This man was expelled the committee will favor me with their attention. from the Sorbonne. It is not improbable that his The first proposition is, that by the law of na- scepticism on this subject, may have contributed to ture-that is, by the principles of reason, justice, produce that event.

morality, independent of municipal law, interest Another exception admitted by St. Thomas, almay be required, as a compensation for the loan lowed interest "ratione damni." If the money lent of money. In this point, all ethical writers now was not paid at the appointed time, interest might agree. It would be a waste of time to refer to be claimed by way of damages!! It may be very them. In this point, all legislators now agree. In safely affirmed, that Locke, Stewart, Smith, Quesnal every part of Europe, Turkey perhaps excepted, and Turgot imbibed no portion of their political some interest may be taken. In every state in the science from that class of writers commonly called union, interest, higher or lower, is allowed. In the schoolmen or scholiasts. Of these people, this state, interest was originally settled at 5, and enough is said in three lines by Enfield: "The art was then increased to 6 per cent. It may therefore of reasoning was employed not in the free invesbe assumed as a position unquestionably true, that tigation of truth, but merely in supporting the it is not immoral to exact interest for the loan of doctrines of the Romish church, &c." Enfield money. Even the most strenuous opponents of con-Hist. of Philo. 2. 360. Mosheim is equally pointed and severe. There is no temerity in saying

(1)According to Mosheim (abr. 2. 70) the clergy, that from the time of Charlemagne until the era even of the 16th cent. knew nothing of the scrip- of the reformation, these Platonic and Aristotelian tures. The most famous university in Europe could theologians had not advanced real science one sinnot furnish a single man, who could discuss a ques-gle step. There is a good account of them in tion of religion on a scripture foundation. Mallet's life of Bacon,