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ligious, are commencing or flourishing around us and what is the main spring of all these operations? the answer is: "It is the Bible Society, that has brought us together; before, we did not know each other; individually we could not have devised such schemes, or if we had, we could not execute them. But in the Bible Society is a bond of union and stimulus to exertion."

His Excellency Count Schimmelman, at the Anniversary meeting in Copenhagen. "We must not suffer ourselves to be arrested in our endeavours, by a doubt recently renewed, well intended as it may be, whether it be really desirable to put all classes of people into the possession of all the books of the Holy scriptures, without exception? We cannot, we dare not, add one jot or tittle to these books, nor take one away. As they have descended to us miraculously preserved by the hand of Providence, and rescued from the wreck of time in which nations and generations have perished, so they must remain for the benefit of all, without exception. We are not permitted to make a distinction between enlightened and unenlightened, to whom access to the Holy Scriptures, more or less may be allowed

Who will presume, in a Protestant church, to prescribe limits to the reading of the Scriptures? Where will he place them? How will he maintain them?

Are the doctrines and precepts of the Holy Scriptures taught exclusively in the schools of the learned, and in the assemblies of the wise? Or are they proclaimed with an impressive, powerful voice, and supported by wonderful effects upon the people at large? And how could we dare to deprive any one individual of that, which, as a divine legacy, has been delivered to the whole human race?

Let us, therefore, continue to give the Bible indiscriminately to all. The heavenly comfort there deposited, will surely not be valued and felt more in palaces than beneath thatched roofs, and in cottages."

The Right Rev. Dr. Boisen, Bishop of Laland, Denm ark.-" Although separated by sea and land, yet the word of God unites all mankind in sacred fellowship, so as to become one great family. A more delightful union cannot be conceived. What the sun in the firmament is to the natural world, the word of God is to those who in the midst of the conflicts and afflictions of this transitory state, seek their final portion in the heavenly mansions of perfect peace. In the Lord's name I therefore offer you all the right hand of fellowship with a heart full of affection and gratitude. In Heaven we shall see each other face to face, and shall then reap, in the full enjoyment of love, what we have sown here below."

Report of the Paris Society. We have now rapidly passed over the inhabited surface of our Globe.-From Iceland to the Cape of Good Hope, from the Peninsula of India to the Western Coast of Africa, from the United States of America, to the Pacific, there are few points accessible to European Commerce, which Bible Societies have not embraced in the cosmopolitanism of the Gospel. Hard indeed must

be his heart, and blind his spirit, who can 1ook on such a spectacle without emotion."

ALEXANDER.

The rumour which has been extensively circulated in this country, that the Emperor Alexander had shown himself unfriendly to the missionaries in his dominions, forbidding them to baptize converts, except in the Greek Church, &c. appears from the following letter recently published in the N Y. Daily Advertiser, to be unfounded. The letter is from an English gentleman in Russia to a gentleman in New York, dated at St. Petersburg, Aug. 31, 0. S. 1823.

"The accounts you transmit relative to the prosperity of the American Bible Society, have cheered and refreshed our hearts.

"The good work here continues to proceed with unabated vigour and celerity. One most important measure has been proposed and adopted-the printing of the New Testament in the vernacular Russ by itself alone, unaccompanied by the ancient Slavonic as its safeguard and standard. When it is taken into consideration that the Slavonic version has been the only translation in use in the Russian church for apwards of nine centuries, that its age has necessarily procured for it no common degree of veneration, and that, being strictly ecclesiastical, it is regarded as peculiarly sacred, the introduction of a new version by which it is virtually superseded, cannot but be viewed as a most auspicious token of the progress of opinions in this empire in a high degree favourable to the amelioration of the state of its inhabitants. The first edition is just about to leave the press, and another consisting of the same number of copies (10,000) will be begun immediately. A separate edition of 5,000 is also going on at Moscow; so that by the end of the year, there will be out 25,000 copies of the New Testament in the common language of the country. The translation of the books of the Old Testament is also in progress; and it is hoped some of them will soon be put to the press. As it is done from the original Hebrew, it will of course differ considerably from the Slavonic, which is a daughter of the LXX, and its publication, which is resolved, will be a greater proof stil! of the liberality of the higher orders of the clergy.

"You will likely have been favoured on your side the Atlantic, with the same news relative to missions in Russia, that have been in circulation in England. It is all misconception. The Moravians were indeed refused certain extension of privileges; but the Scotch Missionaries have recently baptized two converts in public, by the express sanction of the Emperor declaring that their privileges authorized them to receive into their communion all who were brought by their instrumentali ty to the knowledge of Christ. One of the converts is a young Persian, of acute intellect, whom we one day hope to see engaged in the work of a Missionary."

DECLINE OF MAHOMMEDANISM.

The following important communication, says the London Baptist Magazine for October, may be depended upon as authentic; it is from the pen of a gentleman whose rank and character render his testimony indubitable.

"You ask me if the Mahommedan reli

gion is on the decline. I answer; in Persia they can scarcely be called Mahommedans they are Deists, if any thing, and are ready to receive the Christian faith. A few such men as Mr. Martyn would soon effect a change. You cannot conceive the eagerness with which they ask for the translation of the New Testament. I have distributed several hundreds, and could have done so with twice the number if they had been sent me. At Mecca, the resort is so much fallen off, that not one in a hundred (perhaps if I were to say two hundred, I might be nearer) now goes, for those that did. Indeed the revenues in consequence of this have so much decreased, that in lieu of overflowing treasuries, the Ottoman Government is obliged to make large remittances for the payment of its officers and troops. Those pilgrims who now resort thither, make no offerings or presents; they are satisfied with going. Indeed, from my own observation, after a residence of near twenty-four years amongst the Arabs and Persians, I can safely say that Islamism is fast falling to decay."

Episcopal Church at Cambridge. [From the Report to the General Convention.]

The church at Cambridge, founded in the year 1761, but deserted and almost destroyed during the revolution, has languished ever since, having been chiefly supplied by lay readers, who were resident graduates at Harvard University. It is

now in so ruinous a state, that it was thought necessary to suspend public worship in it in December last; since which time it has not been opened. The Episcopal students at the University have amounted, for a series of years, to one seventh of the whole number; and this year there are forty-five, most of whom are from the middle and southern states. The students are not allowed to come to Boston, to attend divine service; and the Episcopalians, their own church being closed, are required to attend constantly at the College chapel. It is due, however, to the President of the College to state, that he has expressed a desire to have the church repaired; and provided with a suitable minister, as a means of providing for the accommodation of those students who profess to be Episcopalians. If the influence of impressions made on the minds of these young men during the interesting period of collegiate life is properly considered, the state of this church will produce a feeling of anxious solicitute in the bo som of every parent in our communion, who wishes to have his children enjoy the advantages which that distinguished and richly endowed University offers. The church at Cambridge is therefore to be considered as a chapel for Episcopal students, and as such, a subject of general in terest.

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The Treasurer of the American Education Society acknowledges the receipt of $1682 21 in the same month.

The Treasurer of the American Tract Society acknowledges the receipt of $252 53 in the same month.

The Treasurer of the Foreign and Domestic Missionary Society of the Synod of South Carolina and Georgia, acknowledges the receipt of $331 36 for the month of November and December.

The American Society for colonizing free people of colour, acknowledge the receipt, from various sources, of $1104. 100 of which is from the Hon. Bushrod Washington-325 from the Vermont Auxiliary Society-and 550 from the Peters. burg (Virginia) Auxiliary Society.

Ordinationg and Installations.

Nov. 15.-Ordained, at Sunbury, Georgia, the Rev. James Shannon, as an Evangelist. Sermon by the Rev. J. H. Ripley.

Nov. 20.-The Rev. Clarkson Dunn was admitted to the Holy Order of Priests, by the Rt. Rev. Bp. Croes. Sermon by the Bishop.

Dec. 4.-Ordained, at Hollis, Me. the Rev. Mr. William P. Kendrick, as an evangelist. Sermon by the Rev. Dr. Church of Pelham.

Dec. 5.-The Rev. William Jarvis was admitted to the Holy Order of Priests, by the Rt. Rev. Bp. Brownell, in the Church at East Haddam. Sermon by the Bishop.

Dec. 5.-Ordained at Providence R. I. in the first Baptist Meeting House, the Rev. Solomon Peck. Sermon by the Rev. Mr. Ludlow.

Dec. 10.-At Vershire, Vt. Rev. Thomas Simpson over the Congregational Church and Society in that place.

Dec. 10.-The Rev. Royal A. Avery was ordained Pastor of the congregational Church and Society in Cambridge Vt.

Dec. 14.-The Rt. Rev. Bp. White admitted the Rev. Moses P. Bennett and Rev.

T. Ives to the Holy Order of Priests, and Mr. John H. Hopkins to the order of Deacons. Sermon by the Rev. Dr. Beasly.

Dec. 17.-Ordained, at New-Bedford, over the First Congregational Church and Society, the Rev. Orville Dewey. Sermon by the Rev. Mr. Tuckerman of Chel

sea.

Dec. 18.-The Rev. John Ingersoll was ordained as Pastor of the Congregational Church in Pittsford, Vt. Sermon by the Rev. Mr. Hopkins of New-Haven. Vt.

Dec. 21.-At Salisbury, Md. the Rev. Noah Davis was ordained as an Evangelist. Sermon by the Rev. L. Fletcher.

Dec. 24.-The Rev. Isaac Chase was ordained Pastor over the South Baptist Church in New-Bedford. Sermon by the Rev. Peter Ludlow of Providence.

Dec. 28.-The Rev. George H. Marcher was ordained at Darlington Court House, as an Evangelist. Sermon by the Rev. B. Hill.

Jan. 3.-The Rev. Daniel B. Johnson was ordained as an Evangelist, at Charleston, S. C. by the Charleston Union Presbytery. Sermon by the Rev. Dr. Leland.

Diew of Public Affairs.

UNITED STATES.

Among the most interesting subjects which have occupied the attention of the present Congress, are the resolutions submitted by Mr. Webster and Mr. Clay; the one respecting the appointment of an agent or commissioner to Greece; the other concerning the anticipated interposition of the Allied Powers, in behalf of Spain, to reduce to their former subjection the republics of South America.

The resolution by Mr. Webster, was called up on the 19th, and, after being read, was supported by him in an eloquent speech which occupied the day. Mr. W. deprecated the responsibility of any effort to change the policy of our government. The policy of this government he said, is peace. But that policy, while it is pacific, should at the same time be liberal; he spoke now, in relation to those great questions, which are at this hour agitating Europe and the world-questions which are conce. ned wherever a nation attempts to obtain its freedom-the question, in a word, between regulated and unregulated power. Wherever it is disputed, whether. anation shall or shall not possess a constitution, our side of that question ought

to be known and declared; we are bound to bring, in aid of its decision, that moral force which must ever reside in the opinion of a free and intelligent nation.

"The age is a peculiar one; it has a marked and striking character, and the position and circumstances of our country are no less so. There has occurred no age that may be compared with the pres ent, whether in the interest excited by, what now is, or the prospects it holds out as to what shall be. The atti tude of the United States, meanwhile, is solemn and impressive. Ours is now the great Republic of the earth. As a free government-as the freest government, its growth and strength compel it, willing or unwilling, to stand forth to the contempla. tion of the world. We cannot obscure ourselves if we would; a part we must take, honorable or dishonorable, in all that is done in the civilized world.

Now,

it will not be denied, that within these last ten years, there has been agitated in that worid, a question of vast moment-a question pregnant with consequences favorable or unfavorable to the prevalence, nay, to the very existence, of civil liberty."

Mr. W. exposed the principles and conduct of the Holy Alliance, and showed that we are as legitimate objects for the operation of those principles as any who attempt to establish free governments on the other side of the Atlantic.

"The doctrines advanced, (and which are promptly supported by a great force,) go to prostrate the liberties of the entire civilized world, whether existing under an absolute, a monarchial, or a republican form of government. They are doctrines which have been conceived with great sagacity, they are pursued with unbroken perseverance, and they bring to their support a million and a half of bayonets." "But, apart from the soundness of the policy, on general principles, there is a ground of duty on this matter. What do we not, as a people, owe to the principle of lawful resistance; to the principle that society shall govern itself? These principles have raised us to a state of pros perity in which our course is rapid and irresistible. We are borne on as by a mighty current, and if we would stop long enough to take an observation, that we may measure our national course, ere we can effect it, we find we have already moved a vast distance from the point at which it was commenced. This course we cannot check; it is the course of things, and it will go on. Shall we not, thus situated, give to others, who are struggling for these very principles, the cheering aid of our example and opinion?"

can

"But it may be asked, what we do? This thunder is at a distance -the wide Atlantic rolls between-we are safe would you have us go to war? would you have us send armies into Europe? No: I would not. But this reasoning mistakes the age. Formerly, indeed, there was no making an impression on a nation but by bayonets and subsidies, by fleets and armies. But the age has undergone a change: there is a force in public opinion, which, in the long run, will outweigh all the physical force that can

be brought to oppose it. Until public opinion is subdued, the greatest enemy of tyranny is not yet dead. What is the soul -the informing spirit of our own institutions of our entire system of government? Public opinion. While this acts with intensity, and moves in the right direction, the country must ever be safe-let us di rect the force, the vast moral force of this engine, to the aid of others. Public opin

ion is the great enemy of the Holy Álliance. It may be said, that public opinion did not succeed in Spain. Public opinion was never thoroughly changed there; but does any man suppose that Spain is not at this day nearer, not merely in point of time, but intellectually and politically nearer to freedom, than she was last Spring? True indeed, the Bourbon power did make an almost unresisted march from the Pyrenees to Cadiz-but is Europe satisfied? Public opinion is not conciliated nor destroyed-like Milton's angels, it is vital in every part-and this followed back the Conqueror as he returned, and held Europe in indignant silence. Let us then speak; let us speak well of what has done well for us. We shall have the thinking world all with us—and be it remembered, it was a thinking community that achieved our revolution before a battle had been fought."

The following resolution has unanimously passed the House of Representatives:

"That the MARQUIS DE LA FAYETTE having expressed his intention to visit this country, the President be requested to communicate to him the assurances of grateful and affectionate attachment still cherished towards him by the government and people of the United States.

"And be it further resolved, That, as á mark of national respect, the President cause to be held in readiness a ship of the line, and invite the Marquis to take passage therein, whenever his disposition to visit this country be signified."

Answers to Correspondents.

Communications with the following signatures have been received :-TRINITARIUS; YODH; H. W. E.; R; and OLD HUNDRED.

We thank T. G. S. for the Sermon he sent us, but think ourselves orbidden by its title page, to comply with the request which accompanied it.

Errata-Page 32, col. 2, 1. 1, for geologists read genealogists.-P. 96, c. 1, 1. £8, for Antediluviun read Antediluvian.

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Influence of Missions upon Science cessary as it is to intellectual culti

and Literature.

[Concluded from p. 62.]

Let us now, in the second place, consider our subject in relation to pagan countries. What is the connection between missions and the interests of literature, in the countries where they are established?

Upon the uncivilized countries they bestow a written language. It is almost unnecessary to say that this must precede all important advances in science and learning. Some of the acquisitions of genius in our generation may indeed be transmitted to the next by individual memory. Poetical effusions especially, may be preserved. Even these, however, must soon be lost unless secured by writing. The verses of Homer were for some generations committed and rehearsed with enthusiasm by his countrymen, but they were fast slipping from their memory as early as the time of Pisistratus. Had he not collected and published them, the Greeks would have lost perhaps, one of their greatest excitements to the heroic deeds of Marathon and Salamis, the Romans would have been without a model for the only Anished poem of their Augustan age, and the world would have been deprived of the rich fountain from which scholars have ever delighted to replenish the urns of genius and taste. But a written language, neVOL. VI.-No. 3. 15

vation, is an attainment to which a nation, in the natural progress of civilization, left to its own unassisted improvements, advances by very slow degrees. When first visited by missionaries, the countries of which we now speak, had in fact made no progress towards it, or had been long stationary, notwithstanding all

the intercourse between them and the civilized world; a fact somewhat perplexing, we should suppose, to the philosophers who have so much to say about the perfectibility of man, about his natural, and certain, and universal, progress towards the highest

attainments of intellect. Take a sin

gle illustration. Most of the native tribes in our country, are even now, as far removed from civilization, as when the ferocious Philip was sending terror and death through the settlements of the pilgrims. Now, upon such nations, missions almost at once bestow a written language, and this must exert an important influence upon their mental improvements To missions indeed, the whole of their intellectual existence must be ascribed. When we think of the philosophy and eloquence of Greece, we remember, or ought to remember, the Phenician traveller who gave to her an alphabet. Much more will the future African and Owhyhean, when they contemplate the social institutions and the arts of their country, remember the missionary, who taught their fathers to read and to write. Suppose even that Otaheite,

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