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and judgment-hall, occupy the centre of the settlement; while respectable, wellplastered houses for the chiefs and people extend perhaps for a mile each way, producing a pleasing effect.

From the centre of the settlement has been carried out a substantial stone pier, extending 390 feet into the bay, with a landing place for boats, &c. at the end, 48 feet square.

The premises of the missionaries are neatly formed, and well stocked. From their gardens we have frequently eaten carrots, cabbages, french beans, parsley, mint, &c. besides various native vegetable productions.

The natives also have a great number of well-fenced enclosures for sugar-cane and maias, but especially for tobacco. Our missionary brethren have appropriate places for the natives, in which to manufacture their tobacco-to boil their sugar -to make salt-to manufacture smith's work, and for making chairs, bedsteads, and sofas; all which they may be said to do well: and of the extent to which they

have carried the manufacture of sofas, with neatly turned legs, you may judge by the following fact. At a feast of the baptized persons, which was held while we were there, on a large PATU (or stone platform) formed in the sea, intended to be the foundation of the king's house, we counted two hundred and fifty sofas, large and well made after the English model. TAMATOA, the present king, who is a very respectable intelligent person, and regarded by our brethren as sincerely attached to the truth, has more than once or twice remarked, that when he reflects how often he has allowed his people to offer sacrifice to himself, and to worship him as a god, he is covered with shame, and can scarcely believe that God can pardon him; only, he adds, as he was then ignorant of Jehovah and Jesus Christ, he hopes that God has forgiven him for the sake of his dear Son; and that, by his Holy Spirit, the word will so grow in his heart, that he shall not return any more to sin.

Our meetings for public worship have been extremely gratifying, both by the great numbers who have attended, the quiet, orderly, and attentive manner of their behaviour, and by the edifying truths which were faithfully and affectionately set before them. It was with much satisfaction we witnessed the baptism of 150 persons on one day, making up the number of baptized about 1,600, leaving a remainder of persons in the island, unbaptized, about 200. With the church, which consists of about 150 members, we had twice the pleasure of communicating at the Lord's table, and we could not but wish that many of our

Christian brethren in England could have partaken of our happiness.

Thus happily is this island evangelized. It was formerly not only the source of all political authority to the surrounding islands, but the chief seat of idolatry. Human sacrifices were brought hither from all the neighbouring islands, and offered to Ono, the god of war, at Opoa, a place which the Deputation visited with no common interest. Here the now Christian and amiable prince, Tamatoa, was once actually prayed to as a deity, who united in himself all the civil and ecclesiastical power, so that the alteration which has taken place is almost miraculous. "Not a vestige of idolatry (say the Deputation) now remains; we search for it, but find it not." This triumph of the cross must be regarded as one of the most signal ever achieved since the world began. Glory to God in the highest. It is truly marvellous in our eyes.

Remarkable Means of the Introduction of the Gospel into Raiatea.

The circumstances leading to the introduction of the gospel in Raiatea are very remarkable. In the year 1816, a ship got upon the reef at Eimeo, and was in danger of being wrecked. Pomare, who happened then to be at that island, together with Mr. Wilson the missionary, went on board to assist in getting her off, in which they succeeded. A violent storm came on as soon as the ship got clear of the reef, which drove her down to Raiatea, where Pomare and Mr. Wilson, unable to quit the island, were obliged to wait for some time. Mr. Wilson wisely embraced the opportunity of preaching the gospel to the natives, while Pomare employed all his influence to induce the natives to abandon their idols and embrace the truth. Success attended their united efforts, and the king, with his chiefs and people, avowed themselves Christians.

For a time, however, they knew little more of the gospel than its name; but they desisted immediately from offering human sacrifices, from idolatrous worship and infanticide; they also built places for Christian worship; yet they continued in the indulgence of every evil desire, until, in the year 1818, the gracious providence of God directed Mr. Threlkeld and Mr. Williams to visit and settle among them, and God has crowned their labours with wonderful success.

By a late arrival from Canton, we are able to communicate some information from Dr. MORRISON,

relative to the missionary concerns of which, since the death of the lamented Doctor MILNE, the superintendance has devolved chiefly on himself. The following letter was communicated to us by an obliging friend, who has also put into our hands two pamphlets, which accompanied this letter, and of which we shall endeavour to give some account in our next number.

Canton, China, Oct. 21, 1823. My dear Sir-With this I send you some account of the Anglo-Chinese College, and our mission at Malacca. During six months last summer I was in the Straits, and was well satisfied with the Malacca establishment, founded and reared by our late fellow servant, Dr. Milne; whom it pleased God to remove hence in the midst of usefulness-But good is the will of the Lord.

Having for seventeen years past spent all my time in writing, I begin to feel symptoms of disease, arising from sedentary habits, and I have therefore proposed to visit England, via Cape of Good Hope. I intend, with Divine permission, to embark for England in the Waterloo, captain Alsager, in December next. And in December, 1824, I purpose to leave Eng. land for China again, via Bengal and Straits of Malacca. I hope my own spirit will be refreshed; and I may be useful to the Ultra-Ganges missions, by interesting our Christian friends in their behalf. May the Lord in mercy lead me and guide me, and own me as his servant, notwithstanding all my sins and follies.

Farewell! May grace and peace be with you. Yours, sincerely,

R. MORRISON.

SANDWICH ISLANDS.

It will afford pleasure to the friends of missions, and relieve some anxiety, to be informed that the missionary reinforcement for these islands, which departed from this country in Nov. 1822, has reached the place of its destination in safety. The Boston Recorder, to which the publick is often indebted for the most recent intelligence on the subject of missions, contains a letter from one of the missionaries, who went out in the Thames, dated at Oahu, Aug. 29, 1823. We also

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The information received from EUROPE during the last month, relative to political concerns, is not of a decisive character, and consequently not of great interest. We shall therefore chronicle it in the most summary manner, and with very little comment.-SPAIN continues, and seems likely long to continue, in a most wretched and unsettled state. A government, as to its various departments, is not yet even organized. Another proclamation of amnesty is talked of but who will trust it? Something called a decree has actually been published; the objects of which appear to be, to make known the giorious deliverance which the French have effected for Ferdinand, and to abolish in the Spanish colonies the order of things established by the late constitution-FRANCE, it appears, has, for some time past, been as silently as possible, but yet very actively, fitting out a squadron at Brest, supposed to be destined to attack the Island of Hayti, or the rebellious provinces of Spain in South America, -Probably both objects are in view. The British ambassador, it is said, has demanded explanations in regard to this armament, and has received assurances of the most pacifick intentions. These assurances, however, appear not to be believed in Britain; yet we are not informed of any measures taken there to counteract the suspected designs of the French, who are believed to have employed spies both in St. Domingo and in Mexico.-SWEDEN is reported to be threatened by the Holy Alliance with the deposition of her king, the ci-devant Bernadotte, because he is not a legitimate monarch.-RUSSIA is represented as bent on enforcing her prohibition of any vessels coming within the region of her claims, on the north-west coast of our country; and to have stationed a frigate and two sloops of war on certain points of that coast, to drive away American intruders. What if commodore Stuart or commodore Hull should go there? Would they consent to be driven away by a frigate and two sloops? The GREEKS are still successful. Corinth has fallen into their hands, the siege of Missolonghi is raised, Patras is besieged, the Turkish fleet has returned to Constantinople in a very bad state, the Greeks have commenced the blockade of all the ports on the coast of Asia Minor, and have already taken some vessels with valuable cargoes.

From SOUTHERN AMERICA We have heard nothing of importance, since our last statement.

UNITED STATES. Our national legislature has been chiefly occupied, for some time past, with discussions on a new tariff, calculated to favour and promote domestick manufactures. This is a subject on which the opinions of our fellow citizens are much divided; but into which we are neither called nor disposed to enter.

It appears that there are not less than five or six candidates for the presidency of the United States, after the office shall have been vacated by Mr. Monroe; and that each candidate has zealous partisans, actively engaged to promote his election. This state of things is supposed and represented by some to be peculiarly inauspicious to our country. We are entirely of a different opinion, although we readily admit that if the country were unanimous, or nearly so, in favour of one eminently qualified man, our political state, in regard to this interesting concern, would apparently be more fortunate than it is. But if there must be a discordance of opinion, as there always has been and probably always will be, since the time of Washington, we are decidedly of the mind, that it is better to have as many candidates as are now presented to the publick choice, than to have but two or three; especially if all the candidates, as seems to be admitted in the present instance, are tried and competent men. Our great danger in the election of a president is from party violence and intrigue. Now it is evident to us, that both violence and intrigue are likely to be better kept in check, or at least to be far less mischievous, when there are six candidates, than when there are but two. It is the power of a party which renders it dangerous; and of course the more the power is divided, the more the danger is diminished. Small parties also, for an obvious reason, are always less violent, in using the power they possess, than large ones. In like manner, intrigue is rendered more difficult, when it must be carried on against five parties, than when it is directed against one. The truth is, and we witness it already, that a guarded conduct, and a degree of for. bearance and courtesy, are rendered indispensable, when parties have each a number of competitors. In such circumstances, the party which is forward and overbearing, is almost sure to be defeated, by the combination against it of several of its rivals; and it not unfrequently happens in these conflicts, that the election eventually falls to him who has made the least noise-because he has provoked the least hostility. Nor should we be surprised if such should be the issue of the present competition. As to the event so much deprecated by some, that the choice of a president may be ultimately thrown on the House of Representatives, it causes no apprehension in us; as we believe the very same principles would operate there, which we have shown do and must operate, on the country at large.

We have fully determined that no party politicks shall ever find their way into our work; and we think we are in little danger of violating our resolution, as, if we know ourselves, we cordially dislike every thing of the kind, from whatever quarter it may come. At the same time, we believe it is proper for a Christian Advocate to suggest, in a general way, whatever he thinks may be advantageous to his fellow citizens; and that it is his special duty to plead the cause of religion against every thing hostile to it, however it may be clothed with authority or dignified by station. Nor in discharging this duty shall we experience any disappointment if the enemies of religion, or those who, if not avowed enemies, are still willing to subordinate it to party politicks, shall charge us with what influences themselves, but which we have professed to renounce. Such a charge is one of their well known artifices to muz. zle the friends of truth and piety.

We have made the foregoing remarks as introductory to a few suggestions which we feel constrained to submit at this time, to those who have a real regard to religionno matter to what sect or denomination they belong-in relation to the approaching choice of a chief magistrate for our country. The example and influence of the head of a nation on its moral and religious state and character, is unquestionably great; and in an elective government, where every freeman may vote, and where every vote is of equal avail, it seems too evident for denial, that every Christian who gives a vote, incurs a degree of responsibility to his God, his country, and his conscience, for using his portion of power to put into the most influential station in the land, one who is either friendly or hostile to the best, the eternal interests, of himself and his fellow men. Has this been duly considered by Christians in the United States? Have they not too often been the dupes of mere politicians-men of the world, who care for none of these things? Have they not frequently formed such an attachment to a political party, as to follow that party in all its measures, and to vote for party men, whatever were their moral and religious character? Has not this been witnessed-perhaps equally witnessed-in each of the great parties which once divided our country, and which some endeavour still to maintain? It has long been our opinion, that there has been a very grievous fault in the Christian community of our country, in this very thing. Its baneful influence we know has been very extensive. It has arrayed the professed friends of the Redeemer against each other, and often filled their minds with bitter hostility. It has thus dishonoured religion, prevented union for important religious purposes, and tended to confirm infidelity in its contempt of all religion. It has also made Christians the mere tools of those who had nothing in view but party and personal ascendency. How long is this to continue? Is not the present a proper time to put an end to it altogether? Christianity is either the most important reality on earth, or the vilest deception. Christians believe it to be a reality; and therefore are solemnly bound to do nothing to injure it, however solicited to do so, or whatever may be the sacrifice which their refusal may require. Let them, then, at this time, bethink themselves, act as Christians, and act in concert. Let them lend themselves to no party violence, or party intrigue whatever. Let them be concerned in no inflammatory measures. Let them be accessary to no slander or misrepresentation. But let them "be wise as serpents," as well as "harmless as doves." Of men well qualified to rule over them-for assuredly we ought not to vote for a man merely because he is pious-but among men well qualified in point of knowledge and talents, let them resolve to vote for that man, who they believe will use his influence most favourably to the cause of genuine piety and sound morals. Let them coolly and determinately reserve their suffrages, unembarrassed by any pledge, till they are satisfied whom they ought to vote for, on the principle here laid down. It seems to be admitted on all hands, that every candidate for the presidency of the United States, at the approaching election, is well qualified for that high station, so far as talents and capacity for state affairs, constitute a qualification. Here then is a fair opportunity for the Christian community to apply the principle recommended; and we earnestly wish they may apply it faithfully. We declare unequivocally, that our own mind is not yet made up for the object of our choice; so that if we were now called on to vote, we know not for which of the candidates our vote would be given. But we are making diligent, and we hope candid and impartial inquiries; that we may at last act with perfect clearness. We counsel others to do the same. It is high time, in our judg ment, that the religious influence of this community should be more felt than it lately has been-Not the influence of any one sect or denomination, more than another; but an influence which all who have any serious regard to religion must and do wish, should become more effective and be more regarded. At the same time, it must not be forgotten that, as republicans, we are bound to submit promptly and cordially to a majority of our fellow citizens; and that as Christians, we are bound to obey cheerfully those that may be set over us in authority, to pray earnestly and constantly for them, and to show on every occasion, that we are disposed to "lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty."

C

THE

CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE.

APRIL, 1824.

Keligious Commuuications.

LECTURES ON THE SHORTER CATECHISM OF THE WESTMINSTER ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES-ADDRESSED

TO YOUTH,

LECTURE VI,

(Concluded from page 102.) The answer before us begins with stating that "God is a spirit." There have been some who have denied that we can form any distinct and rational idea of a spirit; and some young persons, I know, have been sadly perplexed and bewildered, from not understanding how to conduct their thoughts and inquiries in regard to this subject. I will therefore endeavour very briefly to explain it; making use of the general reasoning of Mr. Locke, without adopting his method or using his language.

You will observe and remember then, that we form our idea of spirit, in the very same manner in which we form our idea of matter. We know nothing of either, but by their properties or attributes; and by these we know as much of spirit as we do of matter. To illustrate this I take a stone; and my senses inform me that it is hard, and extended, and coloured. But hardness, extension, and colour, are not matter, but merely, as the terms import, the properties or attributes of matter. Neither can you show me, nor tell me, what the matter of the stone is, separately from its properties or attributes-further than that there must be something, a substratum, philosophers call it, to which all these belong. Of matter VOL. II.-Ch. Adv.

then it is plain you know nothing besides its attributes, except that it exists. Now you may perceive at once, that you know exactly as much as this of spirit-and we admit that you can know no more. You are every whit as certain that you think, choose, and refuse, as you are that the stone is hard, extended, and coloured. Thinking, choosing, and refusing are not, indeed, spirit itself, but the acts or attributes of spirit. We grant too, that we cannot tell what spirit is, separately from these acts or attributes-further than that there must be something, an immaterial substance, it is often called, to which all these belong. But of this immaterial substance we affirm that we are not more ignorant, than of the material substance called matter. Our ignorance, and our knowledge of both, are exactly similar and equal. We can define neither matter nor spirit, except by their several attributes; and by these we can define and conceive of both equally well. If any body will tell me what matter is, exclusively of its being hard, extended and coloured, I will tell him what spirit is, exclusively of its thinking, choosing and refusing. If he cannot do the former, he ought not to require me to do the latter; and if he believes in the existence of matter, when it is known only by its attributes, he ought to believe in spirit which is known precisely in the same way. Yes, my young friends, we have as much knowledge of mind as we have of

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