sense rose, and remarked, that conversing on these subjects the inconveniences they suffered, would be more comfortable, as and concerning which they had tending more to make them conso often wearied heaven with tented with their situation; and their complaints, were not so that it would be more becoming great as they might have expect- the gratitude they owed to the ed; and were diminishing every Divine Being, if, instead of a fast, day, as the colony strengthened; they should appoint a thanksgivthat the earth began to reward ing. His advice was taken, and, their toil, and to furnish liberally from that day to this, they have, for their subsistence; that the in every year, observed circumseas and rivers were full of fish, stances of public felicity sufficient the air sweet, the climate healthy, to furnish cause for a thanksgivand above all, that they were in ing-day, which is therefore conthe full enjoyment of their civil stantly ordered and religiously and religious liberty; he there- observed. fore thought, that reflecting and [Franklin's Essays. Keligious Intelligence. From late German papers-translated for the New-York Daily Advertiser. THE direction of the Bible Society of Frankfort, on the Maine, have sent a letter to the Emperor Alexander, with the first Annual Report, to which the Emperor made the following reply, in his own writing: "To the Direction of the Bible Society of the free city of Frankfort, on the Maine "The letter from this Direction, accompanied by the account of the celebration of the first anniversary, was handed to me in due time. As the members of this respectable and salutary institution are desirous to commune with me concerning their exertions and the happy result in the sacred cause of humanity, I take pleasure in acknowledging my thankfulness, and to express the sentiment which animates me. "The diffusion of the book of the divine word among all the nations of the earth this new revelation of the invaluable grace of God the Saviour towards the human family-evidently aims at the completion of the sublime works of salvation. Happy he who is instrumental in it; for he gathers fruit unto eternal life, that he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. "I do not merely say, that I have found this subject worthy of my attention; I say more; by this, as my most sacred duty, I am penetrated, because on it essentially depends the temporal and eternal felicity of those whom Providence has confided to my care. The Most High, in the clearest man. ner, works in this thing. And not in Europe only, and in the whole extent of the Russian empire, is the name of Jesus Christ our Saviour and Master glorified, but it be gins to be glorified even in the remotest parts, and in all languages of the earth. "The Bible Society of the free city of Frankfort, on the Maine, has already distinguished itself by the ardour with which it contributes towards the dissemination of the word of eternal life. Its report is an undeniable proof of its zeal. "It is very pleasing to me to be able to declare my respect towards this Society in general, and particularly to the members of the Direction. "ALEXANDER." Moscow, 29th Nov. 1817. took place about two years since, in cousequence of the conduct of the pastors, who refused ordination to two or three young men in consequence of their real piety; upon which they took a room and assembled for public worship. In this they persisted, in spite of stones, and noises made at the doors The king of Prussia has founded a Uni- and windows, and their personal safety being endangered in going to and returning versity at Bonn, on the Rhine. On this occasion he declares: "Now that by the aid from the place. This rioting so increased of the Most High, peace and order is re- within the last few months, that they found stored in Europe, I have resumed that sub- it necessary to remove to a tip-top story in a ject, [the education of the rising generation] high house (for indeed all the houses in which is the ground-work of all true strength Geneva are immensely high.) We have to of a state, and highly important to the gene-go up four pair of stone stairs to two rooms, ral welfare of my people. And I have one leading into the other: the one has a earnestly resolved to bring the whole public bed in it down, the other a bed shut up. Ia concern and means of instruction and im- this place there is service every evening, conducted by one or other of these unorprovement in my countries, to as great a dained young men; and really it is the degree of perfection as is possible and commensurate to the grandeur of the object." most simple interesting service I have witAnd further, he requires that the suggested nessed for some time. They administer the measures, for the good government and use- sacrament every Sunday afternoon, as they fulness of the University, be immediately think it the apostolic plan, and their spirit is put into operation, and whatever may pro- so free from party or strife, that it seems mote "true piety, profound knowledge, like the early times of the Church. With and morals among the students." In the respect to the Church in which Calvin University provision is made for Evangeli- preached, (and afterward Beza and the holy men who succeeded him) it is awful to cal and Catholic Faculties. behold. The Socinian Bible has superseded Calvin's translation. Oslewald's translation (lately reprinted) is very imperfect. A gentleman is now printing, at his own expence, Martin's edition for distribution here, which I hope will do much good. It has pleased God to awaken from among the rainisters here a man of fine talents; last year they interdicted him all the pulpits in the canton, and now they have deprived hima of his place as regent of the college which Calvin founded, and which was the only remaining support of a wife and four children. The town rings with fine stories of him. Some say that he professes to have been converted by a voice from heaven; and that when his wife speaks to him, he replies, Do not interrupt me, for I am having a conversation with Jesus Christ. One story muck amuses me; they say he professes to raise GENEVA. Extract of a letter from a lady at Geneva to her friend in England.-November 4, 1818. This is a situation endeared to me by the kindness of dear Christian friends, the persecuted and oppressed state of the Lord's chosen ones, and by the uncommon beauty of the country. I was much interested for Geneva before I saw it, by accounts I received from a friend in the north of France; but I had no expectation equal to what I find it. If I were to describe to you the situation of the pious few who compose the Dissenters here, you would smile at the primitive state of things. Their separation the dead, and that a friend came to him and asked him if it were true that he had brought a man to life? he replied, No, it was only a child. wise, shall mix or prepare, or have in his or her possession, any poison, or any noxious or destructive substance or thing, with an intent to administer to any person, (whether the said person be white or black, or a per I often think that if the Christians in Eng-son of colour) or wilfully and maliciously land were but to witness the utter destitution of such a man as this, they would rise up with the same zeal as they did for the persecuted Protestants in France. MARTINIQUE. Whoever has had opportunity to know the horrible mischiefs arising to the poor negroes in the West Indies, from the practices of Obeah, or (pretended) witchcraft, will rejoice to learn that the government in Martinique are taking legal measures to suppress it. We have been told by persons who resided among the slaves, that the apprehension of being under this supposed inAuence has proved the death of the stoutest men among them. In the Missionary Mu seum is one of the rattles, formed of a hollowed fruit, with a long handle, employed by the Obeah men in their malicious and cruel practices. We wish well to the plans of the magistracy, but are persuaded that the influence of the Gospel will prove the most effectual means of suppressing this evil. [From Barbadoes Papers.] By a recent act of the House of Assembly, shall administer to, or cause to be administered to such person, any poison, or any noxious or destructive substance or thing whatsoever, although death may not ensue, upon the testimony thereof, every such slave, together with his or her counsellors, aiders, and abettors, (being slaves) knowing of, and being privy to, such evil intentions and offences, shall, upon conviction thereof, suffer death, transportation, or such other punishment as the court shall think proper.' FRANCE. An account of the Clementines (who take their name from a priest of the name of Clement, their first leader.) There is a considerable sect of religious persons in France, scattered in small bodies throughout the country, but who are most numerous in the neighbourhood of the Pyrennees, distinguished by a partial separation from the Church of Rome. They have always refused to acknowledge those priests which took the oaths to the new Government, (that of the Revolution) and even disown the Pope on that account. They retain the mass, confession, &c. having a few priests of their own sentiments among them; but they express a strong dislike to many of the Popish ceremonies, which they account a solemn mockery. They are far less super an endeavour has been made towards more effectually suppressing the practice of stitious, and more serious and devout, than Obeah. Our readers are aware, that by the bulk of the Catholics. They are strenuthis name is designated a kind of necroman tic power, which is mostly exercised by the ous in their opposition to the general body, negroes for the attainment of the worst pur- and will not enter the Churches: they par poses. By the above act, however, it is de creed, that " any slave who shall wilfully, ticularly dislike the ringing of bells on the maliciously, and unlawfully pretend to any death, or funeral of any person. They inmagical and supernatural charm or power, cline to the doctrines of free grace, and seem in order to promote the purposes of insurrection or rebellion of the slaves within this to adopt the sentiments of St. Augustine. island, or to injure and affect the life or They reject the use of images in worship, health of any other slave; or who wilfully and laugh at the pompous religious profesand maliciously shall use or carry on the wicked and unlawful practice of Obeah, sions. Many of them use the French lanshall, upon conviction thereof, suffer death guage instead of the Latin in their prayers. or transportation, as the court shall think They are said to be generally moral in their proper. "Also, that if any slave, wilfully and ma-conduct, and strict in their observance of liciously, in the practice of Obeah, or other- the Lord's Day. What may be the effect VOL. II....No. 12. 36 of such a secession we cannot say, but we inhabitants, and proprietors of slaves, Auhope it may be productive of great advan-gust 17, 1818, to take place December 25. tage. Paris.-Among the extraordinary events of modern times, the formation of a Bible SPAIN Society in Paris is one of the most remarka- Has consented to abolish her slave trade on rigour. The newspapers inform us, that on ST. PETERSBURGH. The society has named a president. M. le Marquis de Jaucourt, peer of France, A letter has been received from Mr. and Member of the Calvinistic Consistory. Swan, dated 12th Oct. 1818, from which we Four Vice Presidents, at the head of whom learn that his ministry on Lord's Day evenis placed M. le Comte, Boissy d'Anglais, ings is well attended, as are also the monthly peer of France, and Member of the Calvin- prayer meetings for the spread of the Gosistic Consistory. A treasurer, four secreta-pel. We are glad to find that our country. ries, three censors, and twelve assessors. men in Russia take so much interest in the Subscriptions have been entered into, and cause of Missions. among the first and principal subscribers, are M. le duc et Madame la Duchesse de Broglie, (daughter of Madame de Stael) M. le Baron de Stael, et M. la Duchesse de Courlande. It appears that the Court of Cassation has formally decided that the magistrates have no right to oblige the (Protestant) citizens to adorn the fronts of their houses with tapestry, in honour of the procession of the host, &c. CEYLON. A proclamation, dated August 17, 1818, has been issued, declaring, that from and after the 26th of December, 1818, being the anniversary of the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, all children born of slaves on this island shall be for ever free, subject only to such conditions as shall appear necessary for their maintenance, &c. till of suitable age to support themselves. ST. HELENA. Mr. Swan has begun the study of the Russ, under an able teacher; this language appears to be necessary, as the only medium through which the Mongolian and other languages can be acquired. Mr. Swan will continue at St. Petersburgh until the next summer, when it is hoped that he will be joined by another missionary from England, and then proceed to the place of his destination. INDIA. By letters from India, it appears that the schools are increasing in number; and that the School-book Society is active in preparing elementary books for their use. Second Annual Report of the Directors It is with lively sentiments of thankful- A similar resolution was passed by the ciety the progress of a work, to which they have increased testimony that the Father of says Mr. Baldwin, "February, 1818, our Mercies imparts his favour. Although it little assemblies began to exhibit unequihas not been their privilege to assume a vocal tokens of the Divine presence. The place with those more enlarged plans and professors of religion who attended them, important exertions, which characterize and were refreshed; became more animated in adorn the age, yet they have been permitted their Christian course, and more interested to see their own humble sphere still extend- for the salvation of souls. Some few were ing, and gradually growing brighter. brought to a painful sense of their departure At their last report, the Society were in- from God; and, to use their own language, formed of the efforts of the Board to extend were a second time converted from the the Gospel to the unevangelized portions of error of their ways. Nearly at the same our city-to a destitute section of Pennsyl- time, several persons who had lived in utter vania-to the Western District of our own thoughtlessness of God and eternity, were State-and to the extended desolations of awakened to a sense of their awful depravity the State of Georgia. The most of these and of the everlasting destruction to which stations they have been enabled to maintain it exposed them. The work gradually inwith uninterrupted constancy through the creased till within a few days; since which year. time it has apparently come to a stand. As many as twelve persons afford satisfactory evidence of their having truly embraced the Lord Jesus Christ; and several others are under religious impressions. Attendance on the means of grace is still increasing; Christians appear to be on the alert; and we cannot but hope that this people may yet witness such a work of Divine grace as shall force even the enemies of religion to exclaim, What hath God wrought!" In a communication of May 5, Mr. Baldwin says, "Thus far the Lord has helped us. It is manifest to those who contrast the present moral condition of this neighbourhood with its character six months ago, that God has performed a work here which calls for the devout and grateful acknow Shortly after the Rev. Samuel C. Aiken had commenced his labours within that portion of our city known by the name of Corlaer's Hook, he was unexpectedly invited to the pastoral charge of the congregation in Utica, and his relation to this Society by mutual consent, dissolved. This station, however, appeared to the Board to be of such importance, that they directed the Rev. Elihu W. Baldwin, who had been labouring as the Missionary of the Society in the vicinity of the Union Mission Church in Banker-street, to succeed Mr. Aiken in that part of the city. Through the Divine blessing upon the indefatigable exertions of this Missionary, the Board consider what has taken place at Corlaer's Hook, as presenting some of the most interesting events of the year. One year ago, and that sec-ledgments of his people. Its effects are by tion of this favoured city was a moral wilderness. Mr. Baldwin commenced his labours here November 11, 1817, where he has habitually maintained three services on the Lord's Day, established several lectures and prayer meetings during the week, and generally devoted one half of every day to family visitations. It would be ungrateful not to mention that the Great Head of the Church has given Mr. Baldwin some early fruit of his exertions among this destitute people. "Soon after my removal hither," tion of the city will, within a short period, 36 * no means confined to those individuals who are, in the most important sense its subjects. A religious influence is becoming gradually more apparent and extensive among those who are not truly pious. Christians of other denominations are excited to greater and more successful activity. The neighbourhood is acquiring a character which is inducing respectable and pious families to make it their place of residence; so that the hope is already indulged that this sec |