sions; and particularly by the hostility which has been organized in Europe, prompted and headed by the Pope of Rome, to the circulation of the Holy Scriptures. It is generally known that the Roman Catholick priests of Ireland, in obedience to the mandate of his anti-christian Holiness, have been using all their influence to prevent the distribution of Bibles (even in translations made by papists themselves) among the people who compose their charges, and who constitute a very large majority of the population of the whole island. It is also pretty generally known, that the Grand Seignor has recently prohibited the sale of Bibles throughout his extensive dominions: but it is probably not generally known that this, too, has been done at the instance of the Pope. Yet, from evidence now before us, such clearly appears to be the fact. Nor has this pernicious influence of the Pope terminated even here. We do not know that he is formally a member of the Holy Alliance-He was hardly thought of importance enough to be taken in as a party, when that alliance was formed. But that he has great influence with the potentates that compose it, from his known friendship to all their principles and measures, there is no reason to doubt. Nor shall we be at all surprised, if before another year shall elapse, that alliance shall openly employ their united energies to stop the general diffusion of the word of God throughout their dominions, and elsewhere as much as shall be in their power. That this is at present their cordial desire, there is, we think, good reason to believe. The very truth is, that if the sacred volume be given to the populace of any country in their mother tongue and without note or comment, they will soon learn that all oppression and tyranny is contrary to the whole scope and spirit of God's revealed will; and therefore will not long remain easy under the dominion of their masters and the denial of their natural rights. It is a conviction of this truth that renders the slave holders of Demerara-and alas! those also of many other places-so hostile as they notoriously are, to any instruction of their slaves in the doctrines of the gospel. The spirit of the gospel, and unmerited slavery, in all its forms and degrees, are as opposite as light and darkness. Since the publication of our last number, we have received from a valued correspondent in Europe-in what part of it, we think it improper now to say-the following communication; on which we place, for ourselves, the fullest reliance, and believe that our readers may safely do the same. Speaking of the circulation of the scriptures, he states-"In Russia, I lament to say, the good work is languishing, and apparently almost ready to expire. Henceforth no copies of the scriptures are to be distributed in that vast empire, not even amongst the Tartars and Mahomedans, but through the hands of the clergy of the Greek church: and the Persian translation, made at St. Petersburgh, is suppressed. The Pope, the Jesuits, and the powers of darkness, are most actively working, in ways almost inconceivable; even so far as to have moved the Turkish Divan, to issue a firman against the circulation of the scriptures. This was especially the act of his Holiness. But it is wonderful how these crooked measures are, in many instances, counteracted. Let us still rest confident, that "greater is He who is for us, than all they who are against us." The work is the Lord's, and we may "look to the everlasting hills from whence cometh our help." Papoff, the late valuable secretary of the Russian Bible Society, is under a criminal prosecution, for translating a book of Gossner's, in which the perpetual virginity of Mary is combated-as are two others. The Emperor Alexander, it is said, is really shackled by the noblesse and the clergy of the Greek church; who feel that the flood of light which has been let in by the circulation of the scriptures, may prejudice them. Prince Gallitzin has been obliged to resign, as minister of religion, and to give way to others.-Could not your periodicals do much good, by noticing what is going forward (particularly in Russia) frequently and powerfully, so as to excite publick attention ?" It is our purpose, according to the suggestion of our correspondent, to use our best efforts, to awaken the serious attention of the religious publick in the United States, to the confict which has begun, and which will probably be severe, between the friends and foes of Bible societies and of missionary enterprises. We have no doubt that in this we shall have the ready and cordial co-operation of all the conductors of religious miscellanies in our country, who favour the cause of evangelical truth and piety. Is it asked-what can be done, more than is now doing? We answer-more, much more zeal and activity, may be manifested in the cause of the Bible and of missions, by carrying into execution existing plans and measures, with greater vigour and efficiency-Let this then be done. But we do think that some new measures ought to be taken, by the friends of the Bible cause and of missionary efforts; measures calculated to promote a friendly intercourse among all the religious denominations concerned, without violating any of the forms or peculiarities of the several parties; measures, in a word, which shall present to the anti-christian host, the host of all the faithful living in our country, as arrayed against them-arrayed in a firm united phalanx; determined, under the "captain of their salvation," to oppose, by a combined effort, all his enemies, however numerous or powerful; determined, with gospel arms and a gospel spirit, to "contend earnestly for the truth once delivered to the saints," and never to abate the struggle, till "all the kingdoms of the world shall become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ." When the enemies of God and his holy word unite, let not their friends and advocates be divided, or act without con cert. Finally-Every Christian can pray. Let him pray that God may turn the counsels of his enemies into foolishness; and turn their hearts, as the rivers of water are turned," from hating and opposing his cause, to love and promote it. Let earnest prayer be made, both in private and in publick, that the Lord may "arise and plead his own cause." It must, at last, be the prevalence of "fervent and effectual prayer," that will stop the progress of error, delusion, and every wicked work, and render the cause and truth of God triumphant over all opposition, and through out the habitable earth. SANDWICH ISLANDS. The Rev. Mr. Ellis, a British missionary, who went from the Otaheitan to the Sandwich islands, and was there employed for some time, in concert with the American missionaries, arrived about two weeks since, with his family, at New Bedford, in the ship Russell. We have understood that this voyage has been taken for the recovery of the health of Mrs. Ellis, which was in such a declining state as to render a departure from Oahu indispensable to the preservation of her life. We have seen it stated in one of the publick prints, that Mr. E. was to proceed immediately for Boston-we suppose to meet the prudential committee of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. We have some hope of seeing him in Philadelphia, before he leaves our country. By the vessel in which he came, two letters from Betsy Stockton have been received, from which we give the subjoined extracts. The dates of these letters are a few days more recent than any which we have seen published. But they contain little in regard to the general state of the missions-the writer being apprized that Mr. Ellis would, on that subject, com municate the best and fullest information. Lahaina, Maui, Sept. 15, 1824. Rev. and dear Sir-By the Tamahamaha I received your kind letter, and found it truly refreshing. At the time I received it, I was at Oahu with Mr. and Mrs. Stewart. We went there in April, and did not return until August. What I shall say to you respecting my journal I know not. Perhaps I am guilty of neglect and perhaps not. During the first six months after we came here, I was pretty much engaged with the domestick cares of our family; and had but little time to write and but little matter to write about. I however wrote when I could, although I knew but little personally of the general state of the mission; and was fully aware that Mr. Stewart would send you constant and full accounts of it, which would be much more interesting than any thing I could say. With this in view, I have disobeyed one of your parting commands; but let me entreat you not to attribute it to ingratitude, or to the want of any proper feelings. In your last letter you tell me "to keep up my spirits." I wish it was in my power to say that I have always done so; but here I fear I must plead guilty. My spirits often sink very low; and that this is cri minal I do not pretend to deny. I knew that the work in which I was to be engaged was great and glorious, and that it demanded all my faculties of body and mind in its performance. Still I am of the opinion that Christians at home, surrounded by all the ordinances of the gospel, and by their Christian friends at all times accessible to them, cannot judge what are the heaviest trials a missionary is called to bear. I have found them to consist, not in the relinquishment of those outward comforts which I once enjoyed, so much as in the want of spiritual food and Christian converse. This want I often feel very keenly. When in my native land, my Christian privileges constituted much of my happiness; and now, the privilege of mourning their loss will surely not be denied me. But though sorrowful, yet I rejoice. The missionary's sorrows and the missionary's joys are mine.-The missionary's grave, and perhaps the missionary's heaven, will also be mine. Mr. Ellis has always been kind to me, and I regret his loss very much. But it is the Lord's doing, and we will be still. I hope he will visit Philadelphia, that you may have an opportunity of seeing him. You will, I think, find in him both the Christian and the gentleman. Mr. Stewart intends giving him letters to you. I have been looking over my journal and find but little that is fit to send you, and that little I shail probably not be able to send at this time; as I expect to embark for Oahu to-morrow, or the day after, with Mr. Richards, who is going to take one of Mr Ellis's children home, that has been living with us. My business there is to render Mrs. Ellis what assistance I can, previous to her embarkation; and then to return to Lalaina as soon as possible. The vessel in which we expect to sail has not yet arrived; and if in my power I will yet collect my scattered papers and send them to you. But if not by the present, by the next opportunity, which I'expect will be soon. Please to give my love to all the family. I am looking anxiously for Commodore Hull; and expect to feast on the letters that he will bring me. The health of our family is but so, 80. Mr. Stewart has not been well since we returned from Oahu. The most of the time he does not enjoy good health. Little Charles grows finely, and is a pleasant boy. Mr. Bishop and Mr. Goodrich have each buried a child on these heathen shores. I wish to finish a letter if possible to Mr. J, before the ship sails. Please to excuse all my blunders, and consider me still your humble servant, BETSY STOCKTON. The following is the letter referred to above. Lahaina, Maui, Sept. 16, 1824. Dear Sir, I should think myself highly criminal, if I did not embrace the first op portunity to tender you my warmest gratitude for your kindness. I know you want no fine speeches nor apologies. You are fully aware that, however widely separated from you, still the home and friends of my youth hold their place in my heart, and that time and distance only tend to endear them the more to me. The reflection that if I am faithful, we shall soon meet where sin and sorrow are known no more, is a support to me under every trial. I do not say that this reflection has its due influence at all times on my mind; for I am often dejected in this land of darkness. If I walk abroad, there is little but sin and misery presented to my view; or if I look within, there is a still more appalling sight: and when I * We have not yet received these papers, nor any communication from Mr. Stewart. miss the alanui polole,* I have not so many friends to direct me right as I once had. You wish to hear of shells, lizards, and stones, &c. &c.; and I regret that it is not in my power to send you more of them. I have seen many things which I should have liked to send you, but have been unable to purchase them. Not long since a boy brought one of his former gods to sell, which was about a yard and a half long, carved with much ingenuity, and painted black. The value of the article he wanted was about thirty cents, which I was unable to give, as Mr. Stewart was not at home at the time. All that I have collected I sent some time since by a Nantucket whaleman-the third mate of which was a coloured man, who promised to present them to you himself if nothing prevented; and if prevented, to see them safely shipped for Philadelphia. Perhaps the most curious thing among them is some lava, taken from the volcano on Hawaii. In many respects it is said to exceed any in the known world. be seen. A very able work will soon appear, written by Mr. Ellis, who was one of the deputation sent lately to explore these islands; in which a description of the volcano, accompanied with a drawing, will At the same time you will probably have the Hawaiian Convert, or the Life of Keopuolani, the late queen, who was our best and most lamented friend. She was perhaps the first true convert to the Christian faith, and at the same time the greatest chief on these islands-the mother of the present king, prince, and princess. But to the point-Handsome shells are not very abundant here. Coral we have in great quantities, and some of the specimens are very beautiful-I hope to let you see them before long. Lizards we have by the thousand, and of almost every colour-some with long tails, and some with short ones. They often fall on our table, and run over our beds. The natives are in general afraid of them, for during the tabu system, they were wor shipped as gods. I am one of their avowed enemies, and murder them whenever I can. Snakes and toads we have none; lice and fleas of a superior quality and quantity; cockroaches and ants without number-and all these belong to our household. While I was at Oahu, I visited the Salt Lake, which is about a mile and a half in circumference, and nearly surrounded with fresh water. The orifice from which the salt water issues is not more than an inch in diameter. As we approached it, it had the appearance of a lake frozen over, and then covered with snow. The salt crystallizes at the bottom. I went in some distance, and broke off some specimens, with the stone on which it had crys tallized, to send you. Mr. E. is of the opinion they cannot be sent; but I think I shall try by the first good opportunity. Give my love to cousin Flora, and thank her for the information she gave me. Tell her to write and let me know how all my relations are, and how many of them have turned their feet into the narrow path of life and peace. I have now a fine school of the Makeainana, or lower class of peo* We cannot translate these words-ple, the first I believe that has ever been They seem to denote an unerring guide. established. 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 March last, viz. Of the Second Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia, the annual collection for the Contingent Fund Of Solomon Allen, Esq. his second payment on account of his subscription for the Philadelphia Synod's Professorship Of Rev. Reuben Post, his third instalment in full of his subscription for the $57 13 1000 00 50 00 Of Rev. Alexander Campbell, a member of the Senior Class of 1824, per Rev. Of Rev. Samuel Lawrence, per Alexander Henry, Esq. on account of his sub- 18 50 15.00 50 00 Diew of Publick Affairs. EUROPE. GREAT BRITAIN.-The British parliament was opened on the 3d of February. It is stated that the King's health did not permit him to open it in person; and that therefore the royal speech was delivered by the lords commissioners appointed for the purpose. His majesty congratulates parliament on the unparalleled prosperity of the nation; states that Ireland participates in this prosperity-denounces the Catholick associations, and recommends a continued attention to the whole state of Ireland; mentions the Burmese war with regret, but anticipates a successful termination; tells his faithful Commons that some augmentation of the military establishment is necessary, but that it can be made without any increase of the publick burdens, and even with a reduction of them; announces the existence and probable continuance of peaceful dispositions among all the European powers, and that his friendly interference to reconcile Russia and the Ottoman Porte, has been successful; informs them that papers will be laid before them relative to arrangements for improving commercial intercourse with Denmark and Hanover, to a treaty with Sweden for the suppression of the slave trade, to difficulties which have arisen about the slave trade in negotiating with the United States, and to commercial treaties with the late Spanish colonies in America. The speech then concludes with his majesty's congratulations on the improvement in agriculture, the benefit resulting from the late removal of commercial restrictions, and with recommending the still farther removal of such restrictions. A warm debate took place in parliament, on that part of the King's speech which denounces the Catholick associations of Ireland-Measures however will be taken to suppress them. We were gratified to find that Mr. Canning, in a speech delivered by him in regard to the consequences in Europe of recognizing the independence of the South American States, confirms our opinion, expressed in our last number, that there will be much growling, but no fighting. Britain certainly enjoys at this time an unusual tide of worldly prosperity, and is even incumbered by her superfluity of wealth as a nation; while yet the number of her poor is great, and even increasing. FRANCE. No news of much general interest have been received from France, during the past month. Some discussions have been had, relative to the indemnifica tion of the emigrants. The measure gratifies many, and irritates others. The King has lately sent a considerable donation to the President of the Protestant Consistory of Paris, for the relief of poor Protestants. La Fayette is vituperated by the ministerial journals of Paris, as ardently as he is caressed in the United States-By both he is honoured. The independence of Hayti is not yet proclaimed. SPAIN and PORTUGAL.-As far as we know, the state of these kingdoms, if kingdoms they can be reckoned, remains much the same as it has been for some time past. We believe that Portugal is trying to get a price from Don Pedro, the emperor of the Brazils, for a declaration of the independence of his empire; and it is probable that something will be obtained. Willing or not willing, Spain and Portugal must give up all their American colonies. THE POPE, the HOLY ALLIANCE, and the OTTOMAN PORTE-are all combined, as may be seen in our article of religious intelligence, to stop the circulation of the Holy Scriptures. We cannot deny that the parties seem to be entirely worthy each of the other; but combine as they may, they will ultimately find that they contend with a fearful disparity, when they set themselves to oppose Him whose word will have "a free course, run and be glorified." We have heard little new in the month past in relation to these anti-christian powers, beyond what we have stated. The death of the old king of Naples has been announced. GREECE. The affairs of the Greeks remain prosperous. It appears that their unhappy civil dissentions, which for a time wore a threatening aspect, have been hap pily terminated; and that they are likely now to establish free institutions, without opposition or discord. The Turkish garrison at Patras was, at the last accounts, apparently on the point of capitulating. ASIA. We have nothing new to report from this quarter of the world, except the success of the British arms, in their war with the Burmese. Several bloody conflicts have |