rection which has lately attracted so much publick attention. "Since the Chronicle was closed on the 24th of January, intelligence of the issue of the trial of Mr. Smith has been received; the purport of which is contained in the following official document, published in Demerara. Adjutant General's Office, Head Quarters, Georgetown, 28th November, 1823. The Members composing the General Court Martial, which assembled at the Co lony-house on the 18th of October last, for the Trial of John Smith, of the London Missionary Society, and which continued by adjournment to the 24th of November, and whereof Lieutenant-Colonel Goodman is President, will return to their duty-the nature of the proceedings being such as to render it imperative on His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief, to transmit them for His Majesty's consideration and ultimate decision. J. R. BRANDT, Adjt. General, M. F." It remains to be seen what has been the decision of the court martial which tried Mr. Smith. That it is something pretty serious we can hardly doubt, from the circumstance of its being referred for confirmation, or reversal, to the mother country. Whether this is required in all important cases, or whether the Governor has used a discretion allowed him, with a view to favour the missionary, or to avoid the responsibility of confirming and executing the sentence himself, is unknown to us. But we are glad the reference has been made, whatever may have been the cause or motive which produced it. The missionary will, we think, be far more likely to obtain justice in England than in Demerara. Yet even in England, there is a powerful and active hostility to missionary undertakings; especially to those which are not conducted under the auspices of the established church. The whole region of Guiana, or Guyana-English, Dutch, French, Spanish and Portuguese--contains a slave population that is enormous and fearful. The entire population of this region is estimated at two hundred and fifty thousand, exclusive of Indians; and of this num ber the white inhabitants do not exceed twenty thousand; that is, there are more than twelve negroes to one white man. If these negroes were Christianized, the best security possible would be afforded to their masters. But their masters, with some few exceptions, are unwilling that their slaves should receive Christian instruction. Out of the British possessions, we have not heard that the thing is even thought of. It requires no spirit of prophecy to foresee a tremendous convulsion before long.-" Whom God will destroy he first infatuates." DOMESTICK. A Presbyterian Church at St. Augustine, in Florida. We invite the particular attention of our readers to the following interesting extract from the minutes of the Synod of South Carolina and Georgia, as given in the Southern Intelligencer. "Religious Claims of Florida.-The Rev. Mr. Lathrop having laid before this body rian Society of St. Augustine, it was unahis credentials, as agent of the Presbytenimously Resolved, That the Synod view with deep and affecting interest the moral and religious condition of Florida. They feel the powerful claims of this newly acquired territory to the sympathy and charities of the Christian publick; and consider present circumstances as forming a crisis which imperiously demands immediate regard the agency of Mr. Lathrop as most and energetic exertions. They therefore intimately connected with the welfare of Zion and the dearest interests of humanity; and as such do cordially and earnestly recommend it to the particular attento all the charitable, the pious, and the patriotick throughout the United States. tion of the churches under their care, and The Rev. Drs. Palmer and Brown, be ing appointed a committee to prepare a letter addressed to the religious commupresented one, of which the following is nity in recommendation of this object, the substance: "To all who love our Lord Jesus Christ, or feel an interest in the moral and civil welfare of our beloved country : your prayers and charities, we beg leave In presenting a new object to engage to urge a few facts and considerations suf ficient to convince every candid mind that it possesses a new and peculiar interest. We regard it as altogether unlike those calls for assistance which have hitherto The Rev. Mr. Lathrop, who is mentioned in the foregoing extract, is now employed in soliciting donations in this part of the country, for the erection of a place of worship at St. Augustine. We hope his solicitations will not be considered as on a footing with those which we know are often made, and sometimes we think improperly, been made for purposes apparently similar. It is not simply the building of a place of worship, or giving ascendency to any sect or denomination-it has all the importance of establishing our holy religion in that territory so lately wrested from the greatest of tyranny and the destructive delusions of superstition. It is a solemn fact that there is not in all that widely ex-for the building of churches, in tended territory one publick building dedicated to the worship of Almighty God, according to any one of the Protestant forms of our holy religion. Our friends who have emigrated thither have no place suited to hold their religious assemblies; and, labouring under the multiplied embarrassments incident to the settlement of a new country, they are not able to build. However anxious, therefore, they may be to enjoy the privileges of the gospel, how ever willing to contribute all in their power to support them, they must, unless assisted by contributions from abroad, remain destitute of a place of worship, and consequently of those institutions and ordinances which are found indispensable to the preservation of our national rights and civil privileges, and from which we derive our choicest blessings and our immortal hopes. The territory of Florida, capable from its local and internal advantages of becoming vastly important, as an integral part of the United States, no enlightened patriot or philanthropist will deny that the immediate establishment of good moral and religious institutions is to decide the question, whether it shall be a defective and contagious, or a sound and salutary member of the body politick. And as St. Augustine, being the centre of business, is destined for years to exert a leading influence on the surrounding country-to communicate, in fact, moral feeling and character to the settlements rising up in those late provinces of darkness and superstition -the object now presented to the religious community seems to involve the question whether that territory, by becoming attached to our nation so rapidly rising in glory and spreading in extent, shall undergo a change from ignorance and superstition to enlightened principles and vir tuous habits, or to absolute irreligion and unrestrained immorality. Viewing the agency of the Rev. Mr. Lathrop as connected with questions of such infinite moment, we cannot but earnestly recommend it to all who are interested in the moral or religious welfare of our fellow citizens, and the peace and prosperity of our beloved country. Signed by order of the Synod." places where the Presbyterian church has been long established. Mr. Lathrop's enterprise is of a totally different character. It is to plant the gospel in its purity in a new region. To this every friend of evangelical truth should be willing to contribute, and we hope that many will do it liberally and cheerfully. LADIES' PHILADELPHIA AUXILIARY SO- A society thus denominated, was formed in this city on the 11th ult. The meeting for the purpose was held in the session room of the First Presbyterian Church, and was opened with prayer by the Rev. Dr. Green-A number of the clergy attended. Mr. Simon, a converted Jew lately come to this country, addressed the meeting at considerable length. When the gentlemen retired, the ladies organized themselves into a society. We understand that their prospects of raising funds, to aid the parent society in New York, are encouraging. The gentlemen's society of Philadelphia, formed for the same purpose, is to hold its annual meeting on Tuesday, the 13th inst. in the session room of the First Presbyterian Church; when the annual report will be read, and the officers for the ensuing year be chosen. Mr. Simons and Mr. Jadownicky, we are informed, are pledged to address the audience. To those who are waiting and praying that "the reign of Christ may come," it cannot but be gratifying to see the interest which is excited in various parts of our country, in favour of the "out casts of Israel." We know that they are yet to be gathered into the fold of "the good Shepherd;" and what we witness enlivens the hope that "the time is at hand." What Christian but must wish to have an agency in promoting this good work? which reached us a few days since. We hope it will receive a special attention from the friends of the Theological Seminary. Since the note has been in our hands, we have made inquiry of the treasurer for ourselves, and find that the statement it contains is entirely correct. FOR THE CHRISTIAN, ADVOCATE. Mr. Editor-In perusing the last number of your Miscellany,-which I acknow FEMALE BIBLE SOCIETY OF PHILADEL- ledge I read with increasing interest and PHIA. The annual meeting of this society was held on Wednesday, the 24th ult., in the session room of the First Presbyterian Church of this city. A number of the clergy, with some other gentlemen, attended by invitation. The meeting was opened by the Right Reverend Bishop White, with a short address, followed with prayer. The report was read by the Rev. Mr. Bedell; who also addressed the meeting in an impressive speech, calculated to encourage and animate the efforts of the members of the society. A concluding prayer was then offered by the Rev. Dr. Green.-There are seven Female Auxiliary Societies in the city and environs of Philadelphia, from each of which a report was read, after that of the parent institution. It appeared that six hundred and eighty-seven Bibles and New Testaments have been distributed by this institution, in the year past and that the amount of receipts by the treasurer has been one thousand and eighty-four dollars and ninety-eight cents. It is surely the high and just praise of the Christian women of our day, that every measure and effort to extend the knowledge and influence of revealed truth, receives from them some of its best and most efficient aid. pleasure,-I was struck with an item in the acknowledgment by the treasurer of the General Assembly, of sums received for the use of the Theological Seminary at Princeton, during the month of February last. The item is in the following words -"Of Messrs. S. & J. Nevins & Co., on loan at 5 per cent. per annum, $2000." This is acknowledged as a receipt into the treasury for the benefit of the Seminary and accordingly I have observed already, that a southern paper,-somehow or other receiving the impression which such an item is calculated to convey to a cursory reader-has announced, in sweeping terms, that the sums received for the use of the Seminary for that month amount to $2810 69. Now, I am so well acquainted with the intelligence, integrity, and correctness of the excellent treasurer who has made this statement, that I feel no disposition to question either his accuracy or wisdom in spectfully to ask--is not making the pubmaking it; yet I am constrained most relication in this form, however correct in principle, calculated to mislead the publick? The fact is, as every attentive readof $2000 having been received into the er will perceive, that instead of the sum treasury, for disbursement, this sum strictly speaking, has been borrowed, for present use, because the contingent fund was exhausted, and, of course, that the trea and has it to pay hereafter. sury has become a debtor to this amount, Some people, Mr. Editor, have got it into their heads that the Seminary is grow ing rapidly rich;-that its treasury is receiving liberal contributions, to the amount of two or three thousand dollars every month; and, of course, that it is in a fair way to be very soon overflowing. When the notorious fact, to those who are ac quainted with its "concerns, is, that its whole permanent fund does not yield enough to support a single Professor, while there are three to be supported; that the contingent fund is absolutely empty; and that the directors have been, and still are reduced to extreme difficulty Immediately before the monthly statement of the treasurer of the trustees of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian church, we think in providing for the current expenses of proper to insert the following note the institution. A. B. EUROPE.—A mass of intelligence from Europe has reached us in the course of the last month; and yet there is nothing of a decisive character, in regard to changes that have occurred, or measures of importance that have been adopted, among the great powers that order at their pleasure the political concerns of that quarter of the world. The most recent advices, however, tend to confirm the opinion which we have heretofore expressed, that the parties to the Holy Alliance are determined, as far as possible, to put down the spirit of freedom throughout the world.-That they will endeavour to subdue and restore to the domination of their mother countries, the revolted colonies of Spain and Portugal, in South America; and that, if circumstances favour, they will deal hardly with the United States, for being the parent and nurse of principles which have long disquieted them sorely, and which, unless exterminated, they fear will never leave them in the peaceful and unapprehensive exercise of their despotic sway. SPAIN. It appears that in various parts of Spain, particularly in Gallicia and in the neighbourhood of Cadiz, new symptoms of insurrection had lately been manifested; and that numerous and powerful bands of robbers infest the mountainous parts of the country, and make incursions and depredations on the adjacent regions. The Marquis De Casa Yrujo, well known in this country, and late prime minister of Spain, died at Madrid in the beginning of February. The king of Spain has signed a decree, granting liberty to all nations of free trade with those parts of South America which he claims as his possessions-they paying equally such duties as he may see necessary to impose. The design of this measure is obvious-It is to take away the motive which he knows operates most powerfully on all commercial states, to make them desire the independence of South America. It is as if Ferdinand said-"I know you want a free trade with this country, from which you have so long been entirely excluded. Come, you shall have it—And granting you this, which is all you care for, I hope you will permit me and my allies to subdue these rebellious regions to my legitimate authority." It is stated, and there is no reason to doubt the truth of the statement, that this measure has been taken at the particular request and instigation of France; and with France and the other European continental powers, it will probably have its intended effect. It is moreover suggested, but we do not yet credit the suggestion, that this measure will satisfy Britain; and that her ministers have a secret understanding with the Holy Alliance on this subject, and are willing to leave all the resistance which may be made to the measure, to this country-in hope that it will retard our advances in commerce and power, if not destroy altogether our republican institutions. Time alone can develope the truth in regard to this subject. Extreme suspicion ought not to be indulged Britain certainly has acted in the affairs of Greece, Naples, Spain and Portugal, in a manner which may well make us jealous, that her ministers at least have no very cordial feelings toward any changes in favour of freedom. Yet as the popular sentiment in Britain is in favour of free institutions, and as she has already sent her agents to establish commercial relations with the revolted subjects of Spain in America, and may probably secure more commercial advantages by treating with them than with the mother country, we are, on the whole, disposed to think that she will join with our country, in a system of procedure, the language of which, in reply to the decree of Ferdinand, will be—“Thank your majesty-But we have already what you are so kind as to offer us; and which, if we had it not, we verily think your majesty could not give us." It ought to be mentioned, however, that the last advices represent Spain, at the instance of Britain, as about to recognise the independence of South America.-This we do not believe. PORTUGAL.-It seems that in Portugal there is no abatement, in the royal party, of the expectation of yet reducing the Brazils to their former colonial state. The editor of a Lisbon Gazette seems to be mad angry against all constitutional governmentsHe says "We are convinced of the necessity of extirpating the evil, not only in Europe but on the other side of the Atlantick, where this Hydra now furiously discharges its mortal venom." Portugal cannot do much herself, but it is probable that in such language as the foregoing, she is the mouth-piece of Russia, Austria and France. FRANCE.-Accounts received in England of the date of Feb. 14th, stated, that at that time the king of France was so dangerously ill, that it was believed he could not live a month. Since that, however, he has been represented as doing business with his ministers. He is old, corpulent, gouty and feeble. His life probably will not be greatly prolonged. His death, should it happen soon, is not, we think, likely to produce any convulsion. It was supposed some time since, that the legitimate succession to the throne would be opposed by the liberals. But the Spanish expedition seems to have settled that point; and for the present to have terminated all liberal plans and projects. It appears that the French papers, which are under court influence, hold high and angry language on that part of President Monroe's last message to congress which protests against the right of European powers to meddle with the concenrs of the American continent. Our president, we are persuaded, is neither disappointed nor terrified by this. The French papers, also, attack the speech of Mr. Canning in the British parliament, in which he maintained that the allies of Spain had no right to assist her in the subjugation of her colonies. The Frenchman insists that as the English minister showed no reluctance that the allies should invade old Spain, he is inconsistent in opposing their invasion of new Spain.-This is a knot which Mr. Canning must untie, or cut, for himself. A convention has been signed, regulating the occupation of Spain by the French troops, and a treaty recognising a debt of thirty-four millions of francs to France.-The approaching elections of deputies in France is likely to be almost wholly in favour of the high royalists.-Notice has been officially given to "military men, electors in the department of Finisterre," that if they vote contrary to the wishes of the king, they will do it at the expense of their military rank, honours, and em ployment. Such is the right of suffrage in France!! It appears that a considerable fleet with some troops on board, has been fitted out at Brest-destined, say the French-to Martinique and Guadaloupe. It seems that it produced great alarm in Hayti; but the last information is that a negotiation, likely to be successful, was carrying on with France, by the Haytian government, for a declaration of the independence of the island. ROME.-The Pope has been dangerously ill, but the last accounts represent him as convalescent. Cardinal Gonzalvo, a cardinal of great distinction and influence, has lately died. The countess of Albany also, the widow of the last pretender to the British throne, has recently expired at Rome. Marvellous success is announced of the Popish missionaries in China-Even the Mandarins are represented as becoming their proselytes. AUSTRIA.--All that we have to report in regard to Austria, is, that her government had agreed to repay to England two million five hundred thousand pounds, in satisfaction of the debt due by that government, called the Austrian loan. This debt, as charged by Britain, was seventeen millions; and some of the radicals in England have had the insolence to insist, that the Emperor of Austria ought to be advertised among other bankrupts. With reference to this, Lord Holland was a little hard on the ministry, in commenting in the house of lords on the address, in reply to the king's speech. THE GREEKS.-On the affairs of the Greeks we shall not at this time enlarge. They seem to be as prosperous as their warmest friends could wish. The recent information which we deem of the most importance is, that two or three printing presses are about to be established at Missalonghi; by which the people of Greece will be enlight |