cloth, food, and shawls, from these splendid outcasts, the reception of which they firmly disown in company. This restriction of gifts, though in strict harmony with the Hindoo institutions, is very inconvenient; and we feel certain, that it is not so much the yellow paper of the Shastras, as the prejudices of society, which gives it validity, and keeps the learned pundits from rushing to the princely mansions of the rich goldsmiths and peer-alees. The sin of receiving gifts from the five parties of respectable shoodras, is equally as heinous as that of accepting them from the others; but the former is sanctioned by the voice of the country; the latter is not. The Shastras, moreover, have permitted the acceptance of gifts, in cases where they are necessary to save the recipient or his family from starvation; and as the offender is the judge of the necessity, the exception has taken precedence of the rule. Whatever defilement these gifts may bring on the brahmin, is easily washed off; a few plunges in the sacred stream, a meal or two to the brahmins, will place the transgressor in the same degree of purity as before he touched them. It is amusing to observe how readily the institutions of Hindooism are violated, whenever they militate against the private interests of its guardians. But the Hindoos in Calcutta are not as yet sufficiently prepared for so flagrant a disregard of the distinction of ranks, as the acceptance of gifts from a goldsmith. The five parties of illustrious shoodras would instantly resent such a step, and punish severely all those who accepted invitations from their more wealthy neighbors. This restriction, however, cannot last. In the lapse of time this great land-mark of Hindoo polity will be gradually effaced. On that golden harvest of gifts, the pundits keep a steady and longing look; and nothing now prevents their reaping in those forbidden fields, but the restraint of public opinion: but as the temptation is constantly increasing, and the prize is daily becoming more attractive, while the obstacles are constantly becoming weaker, the barrier will finally be overleaped. Prussia. EXTENSIVE DISSEMINATION OF THE SCRIPTURES. WHEN, at p. 248 of the last volume, the suppression of the Russian Bible Society by imperial mandate, was announced, no benevolent reader could fail of being pained by a movement so inauspicious to the interests of northern Europe. The pain thus occasioned, must have been alleviated, however, in some degree, by the statement of facts at p. 191 of the present volume; since it is manifest from that statement, that the influence of the Bible Society is still in operation, and is not likely soon to perish, and that hope may justly be entertained, with regard to the progress of light among the forty millions of the Russian people. This hope will be in no small degree More than a year since, it was ordained by the king of Prussia, that in all the protestant churches of the kingdom, a collection should be made annually for the Prussian Bible Society. He has also ordained, that in all the protestant schools where the Bible is not used, it should be introduced: that where it has been supplanted by detached portions of Scripture, it shall be restored entire, viz. for the younger scholars who can read with fluency, the whole New Testament; and "for those who are near the instruction for confirmation, or who already have a New Testament, or who are in a higher class," the whole Bible: that "in all seminaries for the education of schoolmasters, instructions shall be given to qualify them to make a judicious use of the Bible in teaching children, with a faculty of ready application, as the rudiment, not only of an outward, but an inward acquaintance with it." By a decree still more recent, all his majesty's subjects are required, under penalties, to send their children to school at a certain age. Hence it follows, that unless the laws are broken, not a protestant child in the Prussian dominions will hereafter grow up in ignorance of the Scriptures! These facts will account, in some measure, for the firmness of the Catholics in Silesia, who refused to give up their Bibles, when demanded by the prince bishop of Breslaw. They knew well that they had the approbation of their sovereign; and that if driven to extremities by the bishop, they could embrace Protestantism, and find in him a protector. This they threatened to do, should their Bibles be taken away. The population of Prussia, in 1817, was 10,330,000. We will call it the same at present; though without doubt, it has increased: and we will suppose the number of children included in the ordinance of the king, to be one tenth of the whole; which is undoubtedly a low estimate. The number of Bibles and Testaments then, which will be immediately required in the schools, is 1,033,000. Of these, we will suppose that one half can be furnished by the families to which the children respectively belong. There will then remain to be provided from other sources, 516,500; almost as many as have been printed by the American Bible Society since its foundation. Now if we make the large estimate, that half this number will be furnished by booksellers, there will remain to be supplied by the stitutions, before the royal decree can be Prussian Bible Society and other similar infully enforced, 258,250; or nearly four times the number issued by the American Bible or Society during the past year. Hence it is probable, that a new spring will be given to the operations of the Prussian Bible Society; and that we shall continue to hear, more and more, of the triumphs of truth in that interesting country. Hence, too, the necessity of calling for collections in all the Protestant churches of the kingdom. And what effect will this strong ground in favor of the Bible, produce on Russia? The emperor has suspended the operations of the Russian Bible Society; but we are not aware that he has forbidden the introduction of Bibles from abroad. At any rate, here will be an example before his eyes, and the eyes of his people, of a nation on their very borders, where a policy is pursued in relation to the Bible, directly in opposition to his own. They will see its happy effects, as they have formerly seen among themselves, and do still in some measure; and they will be encouraged to adopt all lawful means to induce a change in the will of their sovereign. There is another channel of influence, which, in conclusion, it may be proper to mention. Among the annual subscribers to the Prussian Bible Society, together with six other members of the royal family, is the heir apparent, Prince Frederick of the Netherlands, and his consort the Princess Louisa, who, besides her regular subscriptions, has made a liberal donation in aid of its funds. May it not be hoped that through the influence of these distinguished individuals, the example of Prussia will be felt in the Netherlands? Bibles in the hands of children, naturally find their way into the dwellings of their parents. Consequently, should the present laws continue in force, it may be expected that a knowledge of the Bible will ere long become more generally diffused among the Protestant population of Prussia, than in any other country. And in respect to the Catholics, there is reason to hope, that such instances as have occurred at Silesia, will become comparatively common. The animating influence of the foregoing article will be increased by the following extracts from an address, lately delivered by the Rev. Pastor Diodati, before the Bible Society of Geneva, in Switzerland, and translated from documents received at the Missionary Rooms. The speaker has evidently surveyed the religious situation of Continental Europe with the eyes of a Christian philosopher, and believes the minds of men to be, in a measure, prepared to receive and candidly examine the e Bible, with the hope of obtaining relief from that state of uncertainty and restlessness in respect to religious belief, in which they have been so long immersed. After describing the great success, which has attended the Bible Society, the reverend pastor attributes this success to the eminent adaptedness of such an institution to meet the wants of the age. God, who is no less to be adored when he disposes the minds of men, and arranges cir. cumstances, and makes use of events to accomplish his plans of mercy to the human race, than when he does it by miraculous agency, has prepared the human mind, and assigned the time when the circulation of the Bible should have the glorious commencement which we have witnessed. This society would in all probability have perished so soon as projected, if the previous tendency of the age had not been in its favor. Men may put in operation a plan designed to affect the world, but their arms are too feeble to put the world in a state to be affected by it. If the spirit of the age does not favor them, their influence is beaten back from every quarter, and without producing great and extensive results, is limited to a narrow circle, until it ceases with the life of those who united to exert it. Before the time when Luther and Calvin appeared, men as eminent as they for piety and genius, had oftentimes proclaimed the same principles which these great reformers proclaimed: but their influence fell unnoticed; the age was not prepared for them; and their names are scarcely found on the page of history, But it was not so with their celebrated successors. Why was it not? Because the time had come, and their generation listened to them. But let us look at the times in which we live, and see if facts corroborate these general principles The most prominent characteristic of the age in which we live, is the return to serious thought. The public mind seems directed to grave subjects. The interests of society and humanity occupy all thinking minds. The reign of frivolity which, fifty years ago, seemed to have usurped the whole province of thought,-that reign which took for its support an arrogant and profane philosophy, has passed away, or is daily on the wane. A hap. py reaction has restored the human mind to something more worthy of its immortal nature. Men have discovered that frivolity harmonized no more with their true interests than with their moral dignity. From serious to religious thought is only one step; and this step is too natural to allow us to suppose that mankind will long hesitate to take it. An excitement respecting religion is manifested so spontaneously throughout Europe that it appears as if inspired by an unseen power. It now shakes the civilized world. Society is so surrounded with it, so filled in every part, that it seems impossible to appear ignorant of it. And do not think, gentlemen, that I speak only of that external movement which is presented to our eyes by obvious facts, which is seen in the multitude of Christian societies, institutions, sects, and different associations, of which the interests of religion are the object, and which have often been considered the cause of the religious revival which characterizes our age, whilst they are only one of its numerous consequences. A vague uneasiness has insinuated itself into all classes of society, and has disclosed a secret need which was felt of some operative religion; and this feeling of need has since shown itself more decidedly in a multitude of forms. Materialism and sensuality, by which men have endeavored to wither and debase the soul, have ended in only making them feel more painfully the vanity of all which they proposed to man to amuse his life and interest his heart. Great calamities have made them seek a refuge lief: they were in a state of uncertainty and inquietude: they desired and called for something positive and fixed. In this state of general feeling, Bible Societies were formed and began to exert their influence. They held forth the Bible and said, Here is the Book for every Christian: read, and you will find that it allays all the anxieties which disturb you. Men read it; and it revealed to them the doctrine of life, of salvation, of immortality. which they had in vain looked for on earth. Man has at length feit that he cannot be satis fied without God and he is now seeking after Him. Moreover, when religious opinions have been exhibited, with what eagerness have they been seized upon; with what rapidity have they circulated; how universally have they been the subject of conversation; to what animated discussions have they given rise; how have they occupied all thinking minds; and at length, how have they become a social interest! Philosoph- The human mind, also, has taken in our ic independence itself is found, as it were, sur- times a more independent and decided course, rounded with this influence, and seems car- perhaps than any of which history affords us ried away by this general movement of minds. an example. It has thrown off all shackles, Far from using the liberty of reason, often and repulses obstinately whatever would atrash, to shake religious belief, as did their pre-tempt to enslave it. A spirit of investigation decessors, the most celebrated philosophers of is every where abroad which puts all social inour day, labor to purify it, strengthen it, and stitutions to the test of examination; and no make it prevail. They proclaim it in their where does this disposition manifest itself writings, and do not disdain laboriously to more strongly, than in the province of thought, employ all their genius and all their learning of opinion and belief. Now, each one wishes for the purpose of insuring the triumph of re- to judge for himself: authority has ceased to ligious principles. It is not uncommon to hear rule, she only acts as an adviser: the most the most distinguished orators profess them ardent and exclusive partisans of authority find openly and support them with all the force and themselves so surrounded by this universal splendor of their eloquence at the national disposition, that they are compelled to yield tribunal and in political assemblies; and we see to the irresistible influence by which they are statesmen, and generals, and merchants,-the pressed. Now, when they wish to defend their noble and the learned, unite heartily in the opinion and apply it to religious belief, they holy cause of religion, take their part in asso- are seen to descend to the arena of thought, ciations designed to spread the Gospel, giving and are forced to establish by argument the into them the aid of their reputation, their wealth fluence of authority. So true it is that to unand their counsel. dertake now to impose belief on men, is to condemn our efforts to utter ill success it is a work which the general character of the age and its progress, forbid. At the beginning of the present century, irreligious influence seconded by political circumstances, like a contaminated atmosphere, tainted more or less the whole world. In extricating themselves from this pernicious influ ence, the great mass of society rather desired a religion than really possessed one. Those even who thought they had escaped the shipwreck of religious principles, taking refuge in the forms of worship, for the most part held only an empty and delusive shadow instead of the reality. But they soon awaked and became aensible of their delusion; they were surprised to find that they had no definite religious be Let us now anew place the Bible Society in contact with this universal disposition of the human mind, and let us observe the only method of persuasion which it adopts. It comes forward presenting the Holy Book, and says to all, Examine. It submits the great controversy between Christianity and infidelity to be decided freely at the tribunal of public opinion. Its mission is inoffensive, all benevolent and pacific, without intrigue, without force, without splendor. Domestic Intelligence. NARRATIVE OF THE STATE OF RELIGION THE General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church commenced their Session in Philadelphia, on Thursday, May 13th. The sermon at the opening of the Session was preached by the Rev. Dr. M'Auley of New-York city. The Rev. Dr. Herron of Pittsburgh, was chosen Moderator. The Session was closed on Wednesday, May 30th. The Narrative of the state of religion in the Presbyterian Church, was compiled from documents laid before the Assembly. It brings to view, and laments, the many evils which exist to an alarming extent-Sabbath-breaking, intemperance, profaneness, gambling, and lot- || | teries, which in many States are encouraged by legislative patronage; also the want of evangelical zeal which prevails in many places among the professed disciples of the Lord Jesus. Respecting the want of religious teachers within their limits, it is remarked In surveying the destitute settlements which Gospel, the remote northern parts of the State are without the regular ministrations of the of New-York, the States of Ohio, Indiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Missouri, Georgia, and Kentucky, present themselves in mournful array before us. For although in all these, there are some regular, faithful ministers of Christ, there is an immense territory lying waste, without laborers to cultivate it. Now and then, a travelling missionary scatters the seed of the kingdom. But having none to suc ceed him, the fruit of his toil is blasted for want of efficient cultivation. Of this we have painful evidence in the fact, that within the limits of a single Presbytery in the synod of Indiana, five churches have become extinct during the last year, from this cause. The present destitute condition of those extensive western regions, and the rapidly increasing population, which far surpasses the increase of ministers, furnish pressing motives to exertion and prayer on the part of the churches, that the laborers may be multiplied, and that these thousands of our fellow sinners may not be left to perish for want of the bread and the water of life. They are our brethren, and they cry to us for help. Let us not be deaf to their entreaties, lest "their cries enter into the ears of the Lord of Sabbaoth," and he come and smite us with a curse. breathes its hallowed influence over every institution which has for its object the glory of God, and the salvation of men. The Assembly would look forward to the day when the voice of prayer shall be heard from every dwelling, and when our concert for prayer, shall be crowded with the sons and daughters of the Almighty, invoking the effusions of the Holy Ghost on all the inhabitants of our guilty world. The cause of Seamen continues to receive a liberal and increasing patronage in our great commercial cities. In Charleston, Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York, the friends of piety continue to labor with unabated zeal, for the salvation of this long neglected portion of our race. The American Seamen's Friend Society, is noticed as an important engine in contributing to their spiritual welfare. They ask, and the Assembly would ask for them the prayers of all the churches. In enumerating the blessings of the past year, the Assembly would notice with thankfulness the growing spirit of pious and benevolent enterprise. Bible, Tract, Missionary, and Education Societies are multiplying in almost every section of our church, and increasing in efficiency and usefulness. The American Home Missionary Society has been conducting its operations during the past year with augmented success. The Pennsylvania Home Missionary Society has also been laboring in the same good cause. Christians seem to be rising to the fulfilment of their master's command, and engaging with an active zeal in the work of preaching the Gospel to every creature. A noble liberality in furnishing means for the support and extension of benevolent institutions prevails. The cause of Christ is drawing contributions from every department in society. And it is matter of grat-Synod of Albany, the Presbyteries of Colum ulation that professional men of high character and standing, are becoming more decidedly the patrons of these efficient charities. Bible Classes are to be found throughout a large portion of our churches, and have been greatly blessed as a means of instruction and conversion. As nurseries of truth and piety, they deserve to be tenderly cherished and faithfully sustained. The system of Sabbath School instruction is extending its healing influence over our land, and from many of our churches is receiving a liberal patronage. The American Sunday School Union, concentrated in the city of Philadelphia, is in successful progress, and promises to be a rich and lasting blessing to our country, and to the Church of God. To recommend it to the prayers, and the vigorous co-operation of all our churches, it need only be stated, that in their last annual report, the managers inform their patrons, that from correct sources, they are able to number upwards of fourteen hundred souls, including teachers and pupils, who have been hopefully converted by the instrumentality of schools in their connexion, since the last year. Men of rank and influence are lending a helping hand to this benevolent enterprise. Let this work of pious charity proceed-heaven shall recompense its deeds of mercy. The past year has been emphatically a year of revivals. To enumerate all the towns and congregations on which God has poured out his Holy Spirit, would swell our report beyond its assigned limits. Suffice it to say, that upwards of twenty Presbyteries have participated, in a greater or less degree, in the refreshing showers with which God has been watering his church. Within the bounds of the Synod of Gennessee, we may mention the Presbyteries of Rochester and Buffalo. the Synod of Geneva, the Presbyteries of Bath, Geneva, Onondaga and Cayuga. In Onondaga, from 400 to 500 have been added to the church, and in Cayuga, about 900. In the In bia, Champlain, Londonderry, Troy, Ogdens burg and Oneida. The last two have been most signally visited. In Oneida, 1,300 are reported to have joined the church, and in the Presbyteries of Oneida and Ogdensburgh, some thousands are enumerated as the hopeful subjects of converting grace. In the Synod of New York, refreshing influences have descended on portions of the Presbyteries of Long Island, North River, Hudson, and the first Presbytery of New York; in the Synod of New Jersey, on the Presbyteries of New Brunswick and Elizabethtown; in the Synod of Philadelphia, on a few of the churches within the Presbyteries of Philadelphia, Carlisle and Baltimore. In the city of Baltimore, a good work is now in progress in the first and second churches. In the Synod of Kentucky, the Presbytery of Transylvania has been signally blessed. In the midst of other trophies of converting grace, they have to record the hopeful conversion of the teacher, and several of the pupils in the Institution for the Deaf and Dumb, within their limits. In the Synod of South Carolina and Georgia, the Presbyteries of Orange, Fayetteville, Georgia, Union and Hopewell, have been more or less favored. The two last have had the greatest additions to their communion, and the Lord is still carrying on his glorious work in the midst of them. For all that the Lord has thus been doing, and is continuing to do for his Zion, the As As associated with these religious and benevolent institutions, and contributing their spiritual effect, is the Monthly Concert of Prayer, which appears to be extensively observed.sembly would rejoice and give thanks to his Other meetings for prayer and conference are multiplying, and giving expansion to the labors of Christian benevolence. Indeed the spirit of prayer is the very spirit of Christian effort, and holy name. And it is their fervent prayer, that while God is working for the advancement of his glory, and the salvation of souls, those who are called to co-operate with him, may be richly endued with the spirit of wisdom, of grace, and of a sound mind, that the work may not be marred by human imperfection, but that the building of God may rise with symmetry and grandeur towards its summit in the heavens. Upon several of our colleges, the Spirit has been poured out. Centre College, in Kentucky, Athens in Georgia, and Dickinson, in Pennsylvania, have all participated more or less in the spiritual bounty of heaven's converting grace. After noticing the state of religion in other portions of the church in this country, as presented by delegates from different ecclesiastical bodies, it is added In closing this narrative, the Assembly would remark, that their present session has been to them, one of peculiar and solemn interest. They have had the wonderful doings of God spread before their eyes, and while they have been excited to mourning, for the remaining desolations of Zion, their hearts have been made to rejoice in the triumphs of redeeming grace. Called upon by the signal movements of Jehovah's providence and love towards them, and the churches under their care, the General Assembly appropriated an entire day during their sessions, to the solemn duties of thanksgiving, humiliation and prayer. As the representatives of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, they endeavored to bring the whole interests of that church before the throne of grace, and in the name of their ascended Saviour, to plead for additional tokens of his mercy on her behalf. It was a day of mingled sorrow and joy to their hearts. It was a day which they would wish to record, as the commencement of a new era in the history of their ecclesiastical proceedings, and which, from the evident indications of the presence of the Holy Ghost, they humbly trust will shed a benign influence over the character and transactions of that body for years to come. Brethren, pray for us, and for yourselves, and for the whole church of God. It is a day of hope in relation to the souls of men. The hour of the world's redemption draweth near, when nations shall be born at once, and when the whole earth shall be full of the glory of the Saviour. May the good Lord hasten forward the long expected hour, and let our united cry be, "Even so come Lord Jesus, come quickly. Amen." ANNIVERSARIES IN BOSTON. AMERICAN EDUCATION SOCIETY. Eleventh Anniversary. THE eleventh annual meeting was held May 28th, in the Hanover church. The union of the Presbyterian Education Society with this Society, of which mention was made at pp. 193, 194 of the last number, was consummated. In consequence of this event, a considerable number of new members were elected, and the Board of Directors was en larged from nine to thirteen: the new Directors chosen were John Tappan, Esq. of Boston, Hon. John Cotton Smith of Sharon, Conn.; and Arthur Tappan, Esq. and Rev. Gardiner Spring, D.D. of New York city. Hon. Samuel Hubbard, of Boston, was elected President, in the room of Hon. William Phillips, deceased. The place where the an. nual meetings are to be holden hereafter, is left to the discretion of the Directors. The meeting for business was held at 4 o'clock in the afternoon. At half past 7 in the evening, the Society convened to hear the Report of the Directors, which was read by the Secretary, the Rev. Elias Cornelius. This was followed by addresses from Jeremiah Evarts, Esq. of Boston, Rev. E. Hooker, of Fairfield, Conn. Rev. Mr. Patton, of NewYork city, Professor Newman, of Bowdoin College, Mc., Rev. Mr. Hamilton, of Newark, N. J., and Rev. Lyman Beecher, D. D. of Boston. Collection $70. MASSACHUSETTS MISSIONARY SOCIETY. Twenty-eighth Anniversary. HELD on the 29th of May. The annual Report was read by the Rev. Brown Emerson, of Salem, and evinced that the blessing of God had crowned the efforts of the Society the past year. The statements of the Treasurer show. ed, however, that the receipts had fallen considerably short, of the expenditures, while the latter had been less, than the calls and claims of destitute places and churches loudly demanded. It was voted to be expedient, in view of the Society, that the "Domestic Missionary Society of Massachusetts," be united with the "Massachusetts Missionary Society," under the charter of the latter; and that the united Society when formed, should become connected with the "American Home Missionary Society." A committee was appointed to take the requisite measures for consummating the union, to report at an adjourned meeting, to be held subsequently to the annual meeting of the "Domestic Missionary Society," in June.-The Rev. Calvin Hitchcock preached the annual sermon before the Society, in the Old South church, from Eph. v, 18. MASSACHUSETTS SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING CHRISTIAN KNOWLEDGE. THE annual sermon before this Society was preached in Park-street church, by the Rev. Samuel Green, of Boston, in the morning of May 30th. |