immeasurable, incalculable nature and "Beloved Elder Brother.-Though in the "Formerly I was in the habit of concealing my sins, that they might not appear; but now I am convinced, that I cannot conceal my sins from the Lord, who sees and knows all things; and that I cannot atone for them, nor obtain atonement from my former objects of worship. And accordingly, I count myself to have lost all, under the elements of the world, and through the grace of the faith of Christ only, to have gained the spiritual graces and rewards, pertaining to eternity, which cannot be lost. Therefore, I have no ground for boasting, pride, passion, and self-exaltation. And without desiring the praise of men, or seeking my own will, I wish to do the will of God the Father. The members of the body, dead in trespasses and sins, displeasing to God, I desire to make instruments of righteousness, not following the will of the flesh. Worldly desire and heavenly desire being contrary, the one to the other, and the desire of visible things counteracting the desire of invisible things, I am as a dead man. How ever, he quickens the dead. He awakens those that sleep. He lifts up those that fall. He opens blind eyes. He perforates deaf ears. He lights a lamp in the great house of darkness. He relieves the wretched, he feeds the hungry. The words of such a benefactor, if we reject, we must die for ever, and come to everlasting destruction.-Which circumstance considering, and meditating also on sickness, old age, and death, incident to the present state of mutability, I kneel and prostrate myself, and pray before God, the Father of the Lord Jesus Christ, who has made atonement for our sins, that he may have mercy on me and pardon my sins, and make me holy, and give me a rcpenting, believing, and loving mind. "Formerly I trusted in my own merits, but now, through the preaching and instruction of teacher Yoodthan, I trust in the merit of the Lord Jesus Christ. The teacher, therefore, is the tree; we are the blossoms and fruit. He has laboured to partake of the fruit, and now the tree begins to bear. The bread of life he has given, and we eat. The water from the brook which flows from the top of Mount Calvary, for the cleansing of all filth, he has brought and made us bathe and drink. The bread of which we eat, will yet ferment and rise. The water which we drink and bathe in, is the water of an unfailing spring; and many will yet drink and bathe therein. Then all things will be regenerated and changed. Now we are strangers and pilgrims; and it is my desire, without adhering to the things of this world, but longing for my native abode, to consider and inquire, how long I must labour here; to whom I ought to show the light which I have obtained; when I ought to put it up, and when disclose it. "The inhabitants of the country of Burmah, being in the evil practice of forbid. den lust, erroneous worship, and false speech, deride the religion of Christ. However, that we may bear patiently derision, and persecution, and death, for the sake of the Lord Jesus Christ, pray for us. I do thus pray. For, elder brother, I have to bear the threatening of my own brother, and my brother-in-law, who say, 'We will beat, and bruise, and pound you; we will bring you into great difficulty; you associate with false people; you keep a false religion; and you speak false words.' However, their false religion is the religion of death. The doctrine of the cross is the religion of life, of love, of faith. I am a servant of faith. Formerly I was a servant of Satan. Now I am a servant of Christ. And a good servant cannot but follow his master. Moreover, the divine promises must be accomplished. "In this country of Burmah are many strayed sheep. Teacher Yoodthan pitying them has come to gather them together, and to feed them in love. Some will not listen, but run away. Some do listen and adhere to him; and that our numbers may increase, we meet together, and pray to the great Proprietor of the sheep. "Thus I, Moung Shwa-ba, a disciple of teacher Yoodthan, in Rangoon, write and send this letter to the great teacher Baldwin, who lives in Boston, America.” N. B. Translated from the Burman original, Sept. 23, 1823. A. JUDSON, jun. The Treasurer of the Trustees of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church acknowledges the receipt of the following sums for their Theological Seminary at Princeton, N.J. during the month of July last, viz. Of Rev. Dr. A. Alexander, from Rev. Samuel Houston, Highbridge Congre gation, Va. for the Contingent Fund Of Rev. John W. Scott, a quarter's rent for do. Amount received for the Contingent Fund Of John N. Simpson, Esq. the fourth instalment of Col. Neilson and J. Pool, Of Silas E. Weir, Esq. his liberal subscription for the Synod of Philadelphia $10 00 87 50 $97 50 40 00 267 00 - 2000 00 70.00 50 00 50 00 · Of Rev. Dr. William Neill, the subscription of Mr. Conrad Hanse, for do. - 100 00 Of Rev. Robert W. James, from James M'Faddin, $40; Robert J. Wilson, Burgess M'Lairy and Falland Rolong, each $10, for the Southern Professorship Of Divie Bethune, Esq. per Alexander Henry, Esq. his third instalment in full of his subscription for the Oriental and Biblical Literature Professorship Of Rev. Dr. J. J. Janeway, his third do, in full of his do. for do. Of William Vernon, Esq. in full of Mrs. Mary Whitaker's subscription for the ladies of Camden and Salem Scholarship Received payment of a draft forwarded last March by Rev. Dr. Samuel Miller, being an additional donation of $100 from Deacon John Ashley of West Springfield, Mass., and $1 from a pious widow, for the Students' Fund 40 00 - 101 00 Total $2815 50 View of Publick Affairs. EUROPE. WE consider the existing state of Europe as highly critical and portentous. For the present she is at peace, with the exception of the conflict between the Greeks and the Turks. But the posture of publick affairs, in this quarter of the globe, is such as to render it probable that great changes will ere long take place; and we fear they will be accompanied with sanguinary wars. We have lately been both instructed and impressed, by a very able speech of a distinguished member in the French chamber of deputies, on the debate relative to lowering the rate of interest on the rents or annuities, in which the funded debt of that kingdom consists. He justly remarked, that the old balance of power in Europe had been completely destroyed by the French revolution; and that the existing arrangements, recently formed among the great powers, had grown out of the urgency of circumstances, and probably could last no longer than the continuance of a few lives. The death of the princes who now form the alliance, which has misnamed itself holy, or of one or two of them, or of the king of France only, will, it is not improbable, throw every thing into confusion. In these circumstances the unsettled state of Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece, and Southern America, greatly adds to the gloom of the prospect. Britain, we rejoice to find by the late communications to parliament and the speeches of the members, is unentangled, and fully determined to remain so, in regard to the measures of the Holy Alliance generally, and to America in particular. She has absolutely refused, once and again, although earnestly solicited, to be concerned in any consultations about the revolted colonies of Spain and Portugal, and is, we think, on the point of recognising the independence at least of some of them. To our apprehension, it seems as if Britain and the United States were to form the sheet anchor of the hope and happiness of the world. But perhaps we are indulging too much in speculation and conjecture. We would recollect that "The Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will." We confidently believe that the "glorious things spoken of Zion the city of our God,” are near to their accomplishment. That they will be ushered in with great convulsions and changes among the nations, some of the best interpreters of prophecy have long believed and declared. But how those convulsions and changes are to be produced, and how terminated, is known only to Him who will order them according to his sovereign pleasure. The issue, however, will be favours ble to the church of God, which is redeemed by the blood of his Son "out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation." "The Lord reigneth, let the people tremble."-"The Lord reigneth, let the earth rejoice." GREAT BRITAIN.-The most recent advices from London which we have seen, bear date the 22d of June. The British parliament was then in session, but was expected to adjourn in a few days. A variety of important business has occupied the attention of this parliament. The items in which we take the most interest, are those which relate to the recognition by Britain of the independence of the late colonies of Spain and Portugal in the southern part of our continent; and the case of the martyr Smith in the British colony of Demerara. On both these subjects petitions, numerously and most respectably subscribed, had been presented to parliament. Sir J. Mackintosh presented those which related to America; and in a most able and lucid speech, urged that the independence of the revolted colonies should be immediately recognised. This was resisted by the Secretary for foreign affairs, Mr. Canning. The minister, however, assured parliament that the British court was at present perfectly free from any pledge to any power whatever in relation to this subject, and might recognise the independence of those colonies whenever it might be deemed expedient to do so. His plea was, that as much as was expedient had been done already, in sending commissioners and commercial agents to secure a participation in the trade of these countries; and he intimated, that when a recognition of their independence should take place, it would not extend to the whole at once-but first to those, in regard to which it was most manifest that they could never be again subjected to the parent state. But we think that the minister, even if disposed to much delay, will be so pressed by the all powerful mercantile influence of Britain, that he must consent at least to begin his plan of recognition, at the next meeting of parliament, if not before. No doubt remains that Great Britain has announced to the other European powers, that she will never consent that Spain and Portugal shall receive any foreign assistance, in compelling the submission of their rebellious colonies. Mr. Brougham brought forward a resolution, in consequence of the petitions to that effect, to reverse and disannul the whole of the proceedings of the court martial in Demerara, by which the missionary, the Rev. John Smith, was condemned to death. We have read in the London Morning Herald of the 12th of June, the debate which immediately preceded the vote on this subject the preceding night, and we know not that we ever read one that for us had more interest. The evidence of Mr. Smith's innocence was so clear, and the eloquence employed against the murderous sentence of the court martial so powerful, that Mr. Canning perceived that all his influence and address would probably be insufficient to obtain in the House of Commons a direct negative vote, on the resolution of Mr. Brougham. This adroit minister, therefore, in a very ingenious speech, moved the previous question,-the effect of which is to resolve to take no vote on the main question. This he was able to carry; but it was by so small a majority, that the minority cheered as if they had obtained a complete victory. They, in argument, did so, in the opinion probably of three-fourths of the nation; and this was, we suppose, about as much as the Missionary Society expected, in presenting their memorial to parliament on the subject.-The Society has received a larger accession of auxiliaries and funds in the year past, in consequence of the persecution and death of Mr. Smith, than in several preceding years. Thus has the martyred missionary, by a premature death, served the cause to which he had devoted himself, more, probably, than he could have done by the longest life of missionary labour. His widow, too, is much more amply provided for than she would otherwise have been. We intimated in our last number, that the British government might probably protect their agents in Demerara. They have done so-Mr. Canning is very popular, and, as far as we can judge, deservedly so. He has a most difficult part to act, and it is impossible for him, even when disposed to go right, to take all the measures promptly, to which in the issue he may be looking forward.-It appears that the Lord Chancellor is most obstinately opposed to the recognition of the independence of South America. The king and queen of the Sandwich islands are attracting crowds to the theatre, and receiving other attentions which we fear will do them no good. We wish they were well back at Owyhee, attending to missionary sermons, rather than listening to the London players, and receiving courtly visits and sumptuous dinners. FRANCE. The news of the most interest which we have heard from France within the last month, relates to the unsuccessful attempt of the French ministry to reduce the interest on the national debt; and the dismission of M. Chateaubriand, one of the ministry, for not advocating that measure in the legislative chamber in which he was expected to give it his support. The substance of the affair seems to be this.-The French ministry found that they could obtain loans from the enormous capitalists in different parts of Europe to any amount, at a lower interest than that which the nation was paying on its public debt. They wished, therefore, to reduce the interest on this debt; and they had calculated on a ready compliance with their wishes, on the part of the legislative chambers. In this, however, it appears that they reckoned without their host. The chambers refused to sanction the ministerial measure, and Chateaubriand remained silent during the discussion. For this he was very unceremoniously dismissed from the ministry-His place, at the last accounts, had not been officially filled; his rival, M. de Villeile, performing his duties ad interm. This affair, appears to have made considerable noise; and it certainly shows that the legislative chambers have yet some will of their own. It will, however, probably produce no change of any duration in the state of publick affairs in France. The able speaker to whom we have heretofore alluded, opposed the reduction of the interest on the publick rents, on the ground that it would, in fact, eventually subject France to a foreign influence, an influence of the bankers and brokers and capitalists of Europe, which he represented as already tending fast to deprive princes and nations of their independence, and to subject all their measures and operations to the wills and wishes of a combination of money lenders, a mercenary race, who are governed by nothing but a regard to gain. He maintained that France ought to rely on her own resources, if she regarded either her dignity or her real interest; and that from her own subjects she could not borrow at a lower interest than was then allowed. These opinions appear to have prevailed in the French legislature; and we mention them because we think they deserve much attention in our own country.-A proposition is before the French chambers, to indemnify those whose property was confiscated during the late revolution. SPAIN and PORTUGAL.-In both these kingdoms all is yet confusion, and turmoil, and uncertainty; and all, in our apprehension, proceeding from one and the same cause. It appears that in both kingdoms there are three parties-the constitutionalists, the royalists, and the ultra-royalists. The constitutionalists are in fact republicans in sentiment, but yet willing that their chief magistrate should be called a king: the royalists wish for a monarchy resembling that of France, but somewhat more absolute : the ultra-royalists are zealous that the state should be as it was half a century sincewhen the king, with his ministers and the inquisition, ruled and disposed of every thing at their pleasure. It is believed that this latter party is countenanced and aided by the Russian minister. It was this party, headed by the queen and her son Miguel, that produced the late insurrection in Portugal, which drove the old king and all his ministers and friends, on board a British ship of war for protection. The party failed of their object; and the queen, who has long since quarrelled with her husband and lived separately from him, as well as her hopeful son Miguel, have gone to travel— that is, they are gone into a kind of voluntary exile.-Nothing but their royalty has saved them from an ignominious death. The temporary order which exists in Portugal, was restored by the interference of the foreign ministers. Among these the Russian ambassador did not, so far as we can find, make his appearance. His wishes were probably counteracted and defeated; and it will not be wonderful if the parties to the Holy Alliance soon quarrel among themselves, in regard to this very business. It would seem that the Emperor of Russia is aiming at the restoration of a more despotick rule in Europe generally, than his royal associates are willing to attempt-Not that the latter wish for less power than the former; but they know that their subjects will not bear it, while Alexander knows that his Russians will.-The King of Spain is kept on his throne by the armies of France. Both Spain and Portugal are still madly bent on endeavouring to subdue their American colonies. We have thought it better to give the above view of the state of things in these kingdoms, than to detail passing occurrences, which are only a few of the occasional effects of the great producing cause which we have thus briefly explained. GREECE and TURKEY.-We had hoped that the liberty of Greece was no longer problematical. We still confide that it will ultimately triumph. But the last advices lead us to anticipate a more desperate and bloody conflict with the Turks, in the present campaign, than in any preceding one. It is said that no less than five Turkish armies are marching upon Greece, by different routes. By sea, likewise, a powerful attack is to be made. The son of the Pacha of Egypt is said to be at the head of a large force from that country. But the magnanimous Greeks are awake to their situation, and all their concerns are better organized than at any former period. The God of armies has hitherto, in a remarkable manner, appeared in their favour and against their enemies. We hope that he will still be found on their side, and then no weapon or device that is formed against them can prosper.-It appears that the funds raised for their benefit in this country, have been received by their agents in London. ASIA. It appears that in certain parts of India, a scarcity of the necessaries of life-in some places amounting to famine, and in others approaching it-is now experienced. We have not, however, during the last month, received much additional information to that heretofore communicated. We have been sorry to observe, by some late articles in the newspapers, that a war is threatened between the British government in India and the Burman empire. Should it unhappily be commenced, we fear that the missionaries will be expelled from that empire, if not put to an immediate death. We had hoped that there was a cheering prospect that the gospel, with all its attendant blessings, was likely to commence its triumphs in that widely extended region.—Missionary efforts in almost every part of India are prosecuted with success; and the establishments under the Scotch Missionary Society, in the north-west part of Asia, appear to be particularly prosperous, although their influence is not at present very extensive. Among the missionaries in every part of this vast continent, efforts are making to prepare native teachers for missionary labourers. Schools are in a prosperous state, and colleges are founded or founding, for the education of missionaries, as well as of men in secular life who choose to avail themselves of the advantages for improvement which these institutions afford, and which is much needed for the good order of civil society, as well as to facilitate the propagation of the gospel.-By the persevering diligence of Dr. Morrison and Dr. Milne, the whole of the sacred volume is now printed in the Chinese language: and notwithstanding the hostility of the Emperor of China to its circulation among his subjects, he cannot prevent it; and we anticipate the time as not far distant, when it will be read throughout that immense and populous empire, and under the sanctifying influence of the Holy Spirit by whom it was indited, turn multitudes "from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God." AFRICA. The unwelcome intelligence of the defeat and death of Sir James M'Carthy, in a battle with the Ashantees, on the western coast of Africa, is confirmed. Preparations, however, were making, with the hope of success, to resist the progress of that powerful and sanguinary tribe of savages. Yet there is no doubt that their success will retard the benevolent operations of British philanthropists and Christians, to meliorate the condition of the wretched Africans; and as little doubt exists, that the slave dealers have fomented the quarrel of the Ashantees with the British, and inflamed their vindictive passions, and perhaps directed and assisted their operations. The issue probably will be the subjection of the tribe to military vengeance in the first instance, and then to the authority of a British governor.-We cannot contemplate the wretched condition of this vast continent, and recollect the divine assurance, that "Ethiopia shall stretch forth her hands unto God," and that all the ends of the earth shall see his salvation, without hoping that the missions already established in the south and west, and the colonization of our own black population at Monserrado, are destined, (though the means appear small and feeble at present,) to spread civilization and Christianity, and that rapidly, through this wide region of moral darkness and desolation. AMERICA. MEXICO. We mentioned in our last number that ITURBIDE, the ci-devant emperor of Mexico, had sailed from England, on his return to that country. The Spanish minister has demanded an explanation of this occurrence, and an explicit assurance has been given that the British government have no concern with him or his measures. Iturbide himself has addressed a kind of political love letter to the Mexicans, assuring them of his devoted attachment to them and their interests, offering them his services, professing his willingness to lay down his life for their sake, and assuring them that as soon as he shall see them safe and happy he will retire to private life. The present Mexican government, however, not only reject all his soothing overtures, but denounce the severest vengeance on him and his adherents, if they attempt to set foot on the Mexican territory. We have not heard of his arrival, and cannot pretend to conjecture how this whole affair will terminate. We have long regarded Mexico as being more like Old Spain, than any other portion of her former territory in America. We fear the Mexicans must yet pass through much trouble, before a free government can be established among them. But that they will ultimately possess this blessing, we think that there is little reason to doubt. COLOMBIA. The independence of this republick is, we perceive, considered as established even in Britain, and it will, we think, be the first recognised by that power as an independent state. Having expelled from her own territory all her enemies, Colombia is affording aid to her less fortunate neighbours. The liberator Bolivar has been, for some time, in Peru, with a considerable force; and we observe that a reinforcement of ten thousand men from Caraccas, is stated in the publick papers to be on its way to join him-across the Isthmus to Panama, and thence, by water transportation, to Lima. THE BRAZILS.-"DON PEDRO, Constitutional emperor and perpetual defender of the empire of the Brazils,"--for such is the title which he takes,-has published a proclamation "to all the subjects of the empire;" in which he announces to them that "an expedition against the Brazils is to sail soon from the port of the capital of Portugal.” |