ling on in his splendid carriage and four; while the poor cadets of the family, his own brothers, are portionless boys, and drudges in a grocery store. Our last accounts state that the French law of primogeniture has passed through the Chamber of Peers, losing that part of it, from which it derived its title. The proposed enactment offered two resolutions: Frst, that if no will was made, the eldest son should take a larger portion than the other children-Second, that if a will was made, the testator, who in France is permitted to dispose of only a part of his property, should be allowed to entail that part for two generations. The first part of the law was rejected-the second adopted. Chateaubriand in the same house, made a sensible speech in favour of an amendment of a law "against trading in black slaves." The law passed in 1818, had prohibited trading in black slaves. Taking advantage of the expression in the law, some of those monsters in human shape, who trade in human flesh-Frenchmen too-had actually fitted out vessels from French ports, and were employed in transporting white slaves---[even our Greek brothers who had been taken by the Turks,] into the slave markets in Europe, in Asia, and in Africa! We rejoice to state that Chateaubriand succeeded in the amendment; so that the French law now prohibits the trading in white and in black slaves. General La Fayette had been so much indisposed, that he had been for some time confined to his chamber. retired, the Grand Duke ordered those who had taken part in the insurrection of December, to step out of the ranks. On this 1200 men stepped out. He ordered them to be sent into the distant country of Georgia, to take their share in the battles daily fought there against the Caucases. It is stated that they accepted the proposition joyfully. Various and contradictory reports are made relative to the plan of a war against the Turks by the Russians. The Emperor appears to look with alarm on his armies—and he may wish them employed in Turkey. PORTUGAL.-Affairs continue in a very unsettled state since the death of the king. The princess, the daughter of the late king, was still acting as regent, supported by England and France. The queen had refused to see her daughter, since her elevation to the regency. She was constrained, however, to acknowledge the regency. Its acts are done in the name of Don Pedro! AUSTRIA.-The emperor's health has been precarious. Like the king of England, he is drawing near the close of his earthly career. Among the rumors afloat in the political circle, we find it stated, that the heir apparent to the imperial throne, has before-hand renounced the throne--and prefers a life of retirement. They even talk of his entering into holy orders---no doubt with a pious view of converting souls---and of ultimately reaching the honours of the pope's triple crown! Prince Hohenlohe, it seems, has gone to his last accounts; so there will be an end to modern miracles and modern fanaticism! SPAIN.-The Spanish Cabinet seems to be completely disconcerted by the unex- GREECE.It seems now to be ascertainpected news of the exclusion of the queened that the Duke of Wellington had a much of Portugal and her party from the regency. more important and benevolent purpose in It fears the English influence---and still view, than merely the making of a visit more the acceptance of the Portuguese of condolence and congratulation to the crown by the emperor of Brazil. The gene- Emperor Nicholas I. of Russia. It has been ral condition of Spain is wretched beyond stated from a quarter entitled to some creconception. "Commerce has fled from her dit, that he has succeeded in a very unexshores: the interior lies waste and unculti-pected manner, in his mission relative to the vated: the miserable inhabitants of which are found, many of them, dead in the fields." It is reported in the latest news from Europe, that a conspiracy had been formed by the Apostolical party to carry the king of Spain to Aranjuez; but that he had escaped. In addition to the pressure of evils burdening down this unhappy country, the war of the Algerines is carried on against it with violence. The French government is employing its influence to effect a reconciliation between these two powers. Greeks: that Russia, Austria, Prussia, and England, have at last determined to support the Greeks; and that they have notified the Turkish government of their intentions. May God grant that this be fully confirmed. It is impossible to conjecture the extent of the happy results which would arise out of this. It has been reported that the Turks attacked Missolonghi, on the 2d of March; and were repulsed by the brave Greeks, with a loss of several thousand men. Repeatedly was Ibrahim repulsed; but at last, it is RUSSIA.The funeral ceremonies of the said, collected 20,000 men, and invested the late emperor passed off without any distur-place closely on all sides. The brave Greeks bance. To prevent the possibility of a second gun-powder plot, on the week preceding the funeral ceremonies, a careful inspection was made of the subterranean apartments of the Cathedral, to discover if any powder had been deposited there. At a subsequent review of the troops by the Emperor and the Grand Duke Michael, after the Emperor had now prepared for death! Their venerable bishop administered the communion to his Christian bands. They offered with solemnity, their last public prayer. They pronounced the funeral service; and then went, like devoted martyrs, to their posts! The storming commenced on the part of the Turks, with very many and heavy guns. The garrison, it is also reported, was redu-, ced to a few. The walls of the city were battered down into a heap of ruins. The Turks entered with sword in hand. The remnant of the Greeks fought like heroes in the last extremity. Streams of human blood ran in torrents. Missolonghi fell! A general massacre of men, women, and children followed. In this awful extremity the Greek governor applied his brand to the train, and blew up the garrison with 2000 Turks---and himself and his little devoted band! We have given this report, because we fear that there is too much truth in it. Yet we look with anxiety for tidings to confirm the second report by the way of Boston, that Missolonghi has not fallen; that her brave sons have hitherto repelled every assault of the bloody Turks; that there is a stronger excitement than ever through Europe, in behalf of the Greeks; and Greece, we con fidently believe, will yet be free. Subscriptions in favour of the Greeks, have lately been opened at the Hague and other towns in the Low Countries; also in Russia, particularly in Odessa. By a vessel which arrived since writing the above, the pleasing intelligence has been received, that Missolonghi has not fallen. A breach had been made in the wall, and the Pacha was in the act of entering it, sword in hand, at the head of his desperate bands, when he received a wound and he fell. It was deemed mortal-but he was taken away alive. The brave Greeks seized the moment of the Turk's confusion, sallied out and gained a victory, and much ammunition and rich booty, ASIA.---The Burmese war is at an end. The Burmese sued for peace, after sir Archibald Campbell had marched 120 miles in advance of Prome. The terms are-they cede to the British the provinces of Zea, Merque, Tavay, and Arracan; Ava is to receive a resident; and Rangoon a consul. Moreover, the Burmese pay ten millions sterling equal to forty-four millions and four hundred thousand dollars! We fear that this war, and this issue of it, will excite feelings among the Burmese, unfavourable to the Missionaries---at least for the present---and, we fear, for a considerable length of time. : The have been very favourable on the whole. But we regret exceedingly to state, that the sickness and mortality has been so great and alarming at the British Colony in Sierra Leone, that it has been seriously questioned in parliament, whether the government ought to maintain it any longer. It is not supposed, however, that it will be abandoned without a longer and more complete trial. And we earnestly pray that Almighty God may not shut up this door of hope opened to the afflicted Africans on their own shores! UNITED STATES.- -The Congress has adjourned, after having despatched a great deal of important business in the last few days. The judiciary bill has failed. bill relative to bankrutcy has been postponed; and also the bill making provision for the remaining officers and privates of the revolutionary army. It is to be regretted that there has not been ample provision made for these brave and meritorious men. The pittance they receive is a very small part of the debt which the Republic owes them; and surely no man ever yet grudged them that pittance. The house eventually acceded to the amendment of the senate, appropriating $29,513 for cancelling the claims of the late President Munroe, instead of $15,533, as before voted by the former body. The whole number of acts passed during the session, is 89. A large proportion of which were passed during the last week of the session. More than one hundred bills which had past either the senate or house, were lost, for want of time to act upon them. In the debates in Congress, some have let themselves down in much intemperate and indecent language. No friend of the republic would ever wish to check free debate, or prevent the bold and fullest investigation of every measure of the executive: but then all this should be done with perfect dignity---and the decorum due to themselves and to the government. And in no case should one department trench on the honour, far less the rights of the other department. rejoice that the difficulties with Georgia and the Creeks, have been amicably adjusted. The Creeks receive a very large sum of money; and they resign nearly all their lands within the limits of Georgia.-The expenditures of the United States for the benefit of the Indians in the year 1824, amounted to $424,978, in 1825, to $671, 470. The bill reported in the house of representatives during the late session, appropriated for those objects sums amounting to $1,247,716, a part of which, however, probably have not become laws. It is a time of general health throughout the Union. But complaints reach us from almost all quarters, respecting the unusual heat and distressing drought. A copious rain has, however, just fallen on the parched earth; and nature begins to smile around AFRICA. We have still very interesting | news from South Africa. The progress of religious knowledge, and civilized habits, is marked by strength and vigor. Some vessels occasionally succeed in carrying off slaves from the western coast; but the activity and success of the gallant American and British cruizers in capturing them, and in guarding the coast, excites the admiration and gratitude of every friend of humanity. During the last twelve months, 3600 slaves have been captured and liberated on the coast of Africa, by the squadron under the command of Com. Bullen. The accounts lately received from our colony at Liberiaus. We The Synod Sermon of the REV. MR. THOMAS DEWITT, of Hopewell. (Continued from p. 114.) BRIEF DISCOURSES. No. V. "Speaking the truth in love."-Eph. iv. 15. each other no more as brethren, but as aliens. In the heat of controversy, selfishness has irritated the passions, and prejudice has cast a mist over the mind; and that love in which alone the truth can be truly received and obeyed; and by which alone Christians clearly see, affectionately embrace, and firmly strengthen each other, is declining and becoming like "the smoking flax." If at first this love had possessed controlling influence, misunderstandings would have been obvia been subdued; and in the result, conciliation and union in the common understanding and love of the truth, would have been produced. By these remarks, far from undervaluing or discountenancing, we would urge and How often are brethren in the common faith, separated through lack of the spirit of love. There is a pride of opinion, and a fondness for speculation natural to us; which, when indulged, impede the exercise of, and damp the fervour of love; and which indispose, and unfit the mind for candid and affectionate ac-ted, pride and bitterness would have quisition. In this state a person becomes intent, not only upon the establishment of his own particular views of truth; but also upon his special mode of discussing and enforcing it. Now it is not so much the love of the truth, as the force of pre-recommend a steadfast adherence to, judice, the pride of opinion, and the and firm defence of the truth as deridesire of victory which sway the ved from the Scriptures, and set forth mind. Often the "mint, anise, and in our excellent standards. But let cummin," are commended, and pro- this adherence and defence ever be minently urged; while the weigh-in love." Let us heartily take up tier matters of the law are almost the benediction". kept out of sight. Often a misconception arises as to each others first, and leading principles; unjust inferences and conclusions are laid to each others charge, until they view Vol. I.-18. grace, mercy, and peace, be upon them who love the Lord Jesus in sincerity, and who walk according to this rule ;" and we should co-operate in every effort to promote the common cause of the run Redeemer. Thus shall the faithful | By this means the "unction" which disciples and devoted followers of Je- is common to true Christians, and sus become united in a harmonious" abideth," is diffused. How earnest and strong phalanx, to go forth and and constant should ministers be in meet the embattled hosts of the the employment of this means; for world and Satan, and gain victories; the "precious ointment must not in blood and carnage, but spirit-down Aaron's beard, and go down to ual conquests in the wider diffusion, the skirts of his garments." Our and larger measure of the blessings studies should be places of prayer; of salvation, even righteousness and we should there dwell fast by the peace. Then indeed shall the mercy-seat. Luther used to say, Church of Christ appear, "fair as that he desired to study his sermons the moon, clear as the sun, and ter- on his knees-so let us. At the same rible as an army with banners." time the intercourse of prayer beTime fails us to consider the tween fellow Christians, and between means by which we may most suc- Ministers and Churches, is most recessfully cherish, and cultivate this viving and delightful. Who has not spirit of love. We would only refer remarked in the Epistles of Paul, to one, as a prominent and most im- the frequency with which he asks the portant means, habitual, private, per- prayers of the Churches he addresssonal prayer. The apostles when es, and with which he refers to his they forsook the service of tables, own affectionate remembrance of gave themselves continually to pray- them in his thanksgivings and super while in the ministry of the word.plications. This was the bond of Oh! of what importance is this in union in holy love, and before God our office and work. It has been re- the source of prosperity. Where the marked, that our very familiarity truth is spoken by the ministry in with public devotional exercises pre-love, received and obeyed by the sents the danger of our discharging Church in love, how happy is the rethem in the mere routine of official employment, while the service becomes a lifeless one. Unless the spirit of devotion becomes deeply lodged by its cultivation in private, we may be led to mistake the desire and effort to lead the devotions of others, the excitement of animal feeling, and the influence of sympa-crease of the body unto the edifying thy; all of which may minister to of itself." The simile is very forcible. self for that genuine devotion; which, It is derived from the human body, as the fruit of the spirit, is at once which is complete in the variety of its humbling, quickening, and purifying. parts and members in their harmony, It is in private that the heart leads to mutual dependence, and co-operation; the observance of duty. There no all together, subserving the health mortal eye observes us, while the eye and perfection of the whole system of our Father in Heaven, who seeth-such is the Christian Church. in secret, beholds us. There alone And now, brethren, let us be exwe can hold communion with our horted and urged to 66 'speak the own hearts in diligent self-inquiry, truth in love," more clearly, earnestand order our own case before the ly, diligently, perseveringly, and unimercy seat. The diligent and cordi- tedly. Let our hearts be closely ceal observance of private prayer, fur-mented in love; and let our hands be nishes the best index to, and surest strongly combined in one work. Let test of the life of religion in the soul. us be eminently men of prayer, in sult. The sequel of our text informs us "that we may grow up to him who is the Head in all things, even Christ, from whom the whole body fitly joined together, and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh in common sweet communion, and fel- | ties and dangers have existed, (and lowship at the throne; and thus bear when has the Church of Christ wanted each other's burdens, and help each them, for its spiritual prosperity seems other's joy. Assembled as the high-to forbid an exemption from them?) est judicatory of our Church, to con- mercies and deliverances have acsult her peace, and promote her pros-companied and followed. It pleases perity; let each one of us say, "for our brethren and companions's sake, we will seek her good." While we rejoice in the prosperity of the cause of Christ in any portion of his Church; and while we seek to help the spread of the Gospel through the earth, at the same time a peculiar trust devolves upon us, and a special work is committed to us, to cultivate that portion of the vineyard which is allotted us. Solemn vows are on us. the Lord to display his mercy by raising up instruments for distinguished usefulness. Thus has he visited our portion of his Church. In former years, under the pious and faithful labours of Frelinghuysen in New-Jersey, remarkable, and till then unexampled influences of Divine Grace were poured forth at the time of the general refreshment under the instrumentality of Whitefield, Tennent, and others. Seeds of piety were then sown, which to this day are not eradicated in those parts of our Church. After wards a new tone was given to evangelical religion, particularly by the Ministries of Laidlie, and Westerlo. Passing by others, whose memories are still blessed, at last one* arose, who has but recently deeply lodged piety, he resorted to Holland to obtain his preparatory education for the ministry, with the prayerful impression that it would please the Lord in some way to render him instrumental in the restoration of peace and harmony to an afflicted Church then in trouble and dissention. He returned qualified and commissioned for the ministry, with the Olive branch in his hand. It was accepted: peace and union were the result. Since then how wide is the sphere of usefulness which he filled, how abundant the fruits thereof which he produced. These fruits are found, and felt here in the most of us. The Church with which we stand connected, is derived from that fair portion of the Protestant Church in Holland; which, after the shackles of Popish superstition, and Spanish despotism were burst asunder, soon rose to eminence, and continued long to be "not the least among the cities of Judah." After their deliverance" slept in Jesus." Prompted by from Spanish tyranny wrought under God by patience and valour, the seven little provinces of Holland united into a confederacy with the motto “Een dragt maakt magt," "union creates strength." Their subsequent history, their agricultural and commercial prosperity, bore witness to the virtue of this principle, and to their industry and enterprise; at the same time literature, and religion jointly flourished. The Church of Holland, respected abroad, became the hiding place of many of the excellent of the earth in the times of their peril. Churches were formed among the emigrants from Holland, at a very early period of the first setHis monument is in our tlement of this country; a branch hearts. He is gone! he has left us in of the parent vine was translated to the fulness of his years, in the ripethis land. When we look back, we ness of his piety, and in the multican recount His faithfulness and mer-tude of his honours. The light which cy. His protection and blessing have not been withheld. If at times the bush has appeared to be on fire, yet it was not consumed, for the angel of the covenant was in it. If difficul shone through a long life, descended the horizon in full orb unclouded.Here in this place his character has * Dr. Livingston. |