six and seven hundred young men in a course of education for the ministry. The Presbyterian Education Society, a co-ordinate institution, has now four hundred and seventy-one students in seventy-one seminaries of learning. During the year past one hundred and sixty-two have been received, and twenty-five have been licensed to preach the Gospel. No worthy applicant has ever been refused the benefactions of the Society, and both boards have pledged themselves never to refuse one. They are already educating men in nearly every section of the United States, and are labouring to excite the zeal of their patrons to extend their operations, until it can no longer with truth be said, -"the harvest is plenteous but the labourers are few." In view of the indispensable necessity of an increase of well qualified ministers, in order to carry forward all the great enterprises of benevolence and execute the command of the risen Saviour, "Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature," the Assembly would earnestly commend the Education Cause to the prayers and liberality of the Churches. The American Sunday School Union is going forward in its noble work. During the last three years it has secured the establishment of four thousand two hundred and forty-five schools in the valley of the Mississippi, embracing probably more than two hundred thousand scholars. The number of books put in circulation in that part of our country by this enterprise, is estimated to exceed half a million. The Society however consider what has been done as only a good beginning of the work that ought to be done, and proposes to carry forward a systematic course of effort to advance this cause in that part of the land. It has also undertaken the establishment of a Sabbath School in every neighbourhood in the Southern States where it is practicable, within the period of five years. Special efforts are making to enlist the churches in its aid, and the plan of their proposed operations is published in their report, which we recommend to the notice of those who love the cause of the religious education of the rising genera tion. The Seamen's Friend Society has been steadily pursuing its good work. Three chaplains have been commissioned to foreign stations. Several chapels and houses of worship have been erected and procured, in places where they were much needed. More than heretofore has been done in our great sea-ports, in providing boarding houses suitable for seamen. The Temperance cause has rapidly advanced among them. Something has already been done and more is doing, to abolish in the United States navy the long establish Ch. Adv.-VOL. XI. ed custom of giving rations of liquor, and some very interesting openings are now known to exist in foreign ports, for the introduction of chaplains and the promotion of the cause in various ways. The American Colonization Society has been favoured during the past year with unprecedented success. The colony at Liberia is in a prosperous condition. Additional purchases of territory have been made. Agriculture, commerce, education, and morals, are all on the advance. Six vessels within the year have sailed for Liberia, freighted with seven hundred and ninety emigrants, of whom two hundred and forty-seven were manumitted slaves. The Society has opened a wide door for the introduction of civilization and Christianity to injured and oppressed Africa. It is furnishing a free and peaceful retreat for our coloured population, and promises incalculable good, both to that and our own country. There is nothing which more decidedly marks the progress of correct sentiment among us, and throughout the land, than the success which has attended the efforts to promote the temperance reformation. From the Report of the American Temperance Society and other publications, the following conclusions seem to be warranted, that there are now in this and other countries more than six thousand Temperance Societies, embracing more than a million of members. More than two thousand men have ceased to make ardent spirit; more than six thousand have ceased to sell it; more than seven hundred vessels have ceased to carry it; and more than five thousand drunkards ceased to use intoxicating drink. More than fifty thousand are now sober, who, had there been no change in public sentiment on this subject, would have been drunkards, and more than three hundred thousand children are in a good measure delivered from that parental influence and example, which tend to make them drunkards. The churches in Boston now have in them no member connected with the traffic in ardent spirit; twenty in New York, and eight others have in them but one in each, and more than a thousand in other parts of the country are entirely free from the venders of this poison. The Ecclesiastical Bodies of New England, whose correspondence we enjoy and would affectionately cherish, represent their churches as being upon the whole in a prosperous state. They still lament, as we do, the prevalence of intemperance and Sabbath breaking, and state that they have been less favoured during the last year than in several years previous with revivals of religion. They are not, however, without grounds for joy and thanks N giving. The churches are walking in the peace and order of the gospel. The cause of benevolence is steadily, and that of temperance rapidly advancing. In the county of Plymouth, where the pilgrim fathers landed, not a single license has been granted for the sale of ardent spirits. We learn from the Report of the Reformed Dutch Church, made by the last General Synod, that it embraces two hundred and ten churches, one hundred and eighty of which are supplied with settled pastors. The year preceding the last, was a year of remarkable increase. Four thousand were added to the churches on profession of their faith, making a total of twenty-one thousand communicants in the entire body. The various benevolent institutions of the age are receiving special attention. Arrangements have been made by the Synod for conducting Foreign Missions, and it is understood they will probably devote their efforts to the field explored by the Rev. Mr. Abeel, a missionary from that church. In conclusion, this review of the state of religion within our bounds is adapted to humble us on account of our sins and the judgments we suffer because of them -to excite the most fervent gratitude to the author of all our mercies, and engage us more diligently to seek his blessing in the upbuilding of his kingdom. While we One consideration is specially fitted to quicken our zeal and activity. Death has been fulfilling his commission. Not only have thousands of the guilty and unprepared been cut down and hastened to their final doom, but several of the watchmen upon the walls of Zion have fallen, and the labours of many of the active disciples of Christ have terminated. pause to shed the tear of affection and regret over their memory and their loss, these solemn dispensations admonish us that what we do must be done quickly. Impressed with the fact, that our work is great and the period of labour short and uncertain, the Assembly in closing their narrative, would say to every minister and member of the churches, "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave whither thou goest." By order of the General Assembly, EZRA STILES ELY, Stated Clerk. Philadelphia, May 27, 1833. AN IMPORTANT PROPOSITION. We earnestly recommend the following proposition to the serious consideration--and we will add the cordial adoption of our readers. We have once been engaged in doing what is here recommended, and have seen its good effects. The proposition of the American Sunday School Union for the employment of the 4th of July next, cannot but be regarded with interest by all good people. It is so simple and yet so benevolent. The idea is, that an invitation shall on that day be extended to every family in our country, to send all suitable subjects of religious instruction to some convenient Sunday School. It is so important, and yet so easy of accomplishment, that no one can be disposed to throw it off, or find fault with it. It is to be hoped that ministers, or one or two spirited friends of the cause, will take it up as early as possible (say to-morrow, or next Sabbath, or early next week at farthest). It only wants a willing spirit; there is strength enough on the side of Sunday Schools to do ten-fold more on that or any other day than this plan will require. The following extract from the Annual Report contains the proposition of the Board to the Society: "So far only as our own country is concerned, there has never been a general, simultaneous effort to ascertain to what extent suitable subjects of Sunday School instruction can be collected. It is high time such an effort was made; and as some particular day must be assigned for the purpose, in order that it may be simultaneous, and as there seem to be no interests with which such an arrangement can interfere, the FOURTH DAY OF JULY NEXT is proposed. To show the reciprocal appropriateness of this day and this object, would be to show how closely the knowledge which we propose to furnish in Sunday Schools is allied to the preservation of the liberty and the intelligent exercise of the rights of an American citizen; and how utterly impossible it is, in the very constitution of things, to preserve either, if ignorance and vice prevail. If the proposition is well received, we shall hope that on THURSDAY, THE FOURTH DAY OF JULY NEXT, every neighbourhood in our land, where there is physical strength enough on the side of Sunday Schools to do it, will be thoroughly explored; and may the providence and grace of God so favour the measure, that the sun of that day shall not go down upon a single dwelling in the United States, in which the voice of a kind, judicious, Christian friend has not been heard, inviting every suitable subject of Sunday School instruction to repair to the place where it may be had freely, as the gift of God, without money and without price. The open air, a dwelling house, barn, distillery, work-shop, factory, mill, sailloft, brick-yard, office, have all been improved, and either will still suffice, for a place of instruction. And as for teachers, if our whole population between the ages of five and fifteen were to be in their seats on the first Sabbath in July next, we should have but about two pupils to each professor of evangelical religion. Hence it is obvious that a sufficient supply of teachers for classes of the ordinary size, may be had without trespassing upon the repose of three-fourths of the disciples of the Redeemer. And we should find many faithful and devoted teachers who are not professors, whose services would still further reduce the amount of labour. And, at all events, we shall throw upon the church of Christ in the nineteenth century-emphatically the age of revivals-the responsibility of determining whether the opportunity to train up a whole generation in the fear and service, and for the glory of God, shall be improved or lost." The following are the resolutions of the Society. Resolved, That the proposed general simultaneous effort on the 4th day of July next, to visit and invite all suitable subjects of Sunday-school instruction to attend at some appointed place on the succeeding Sunday, (July 7th,) be commended to the ministers of the gospel, and the superintendents, teachers, and other officers, and friends of Sunday-schools, and Sunday-school societies of every denomination, for prompt and complete execution. Resolved,--That the evangelical churches of this country are solemnly bound to furnish the means of suitable religious instruction to all persons, children and adults, who need and are willing to receive it, and that such provisions should be made in sufficient season to meet the result of the effort proposed to be made on the 4th day of July next." EXTRACTS FROM THE MISSIONARY CHRONICLE OF THE WESTERN FO- The Presbytery of New York, during its sessions in that city on the 16th and 17th ult., adopted the following resolutions, viz. Resolved, That this Presbytery, having heard with satisfaction the statement of the Secretary and General Agent of the Western Foreign Missionary Society, ap prove of the principles of its organization, and recommend said society to the patronage of the churches under our care. Resolved, That three ministers and three elders be appointed a Committee of Correspondence with the Executive Committee of the Western Foreign Missionary Society. The following persons were appointed that Committee-Rev. Messrs. W. W. Phillips, D.D, R. M'Cartee, D. D., and J. M. Krebbs, ministers; Moses Allen, Mr. Otis, and Mr. Nexen, elders. We also add with grateful satisfaction, that the provision made by the congregation of the 1st Presbyterian Church in that city, under the pastoral care of the Rev. Mr. Phillips, has so far exceeded the sum allowed for the support of a single missionary, as to give reason to hope that this single congregation may soon set the example of maintaining two labourers in the foreign field. Surely there are not a few large and able congregations in our church, to which such examples will not speak in vain. From other Presbyteries we have been led to anticipate similar proceedings. ORDINATION OF MR. REED. On Wednesday, the 1st inst., Mr. William Reed, one of the missionaries about to sail for Calcutta, was ordained to the work of the Gospel Ministry, at the Kishacoquillas Church, Mifflin county, Pa., by the Presbytery of Huntingdon. The Rev. Mr. Hutchinson, of Mifflin township, preached an appropriate sermon on 2d Cor. v. 20; "Now then we are," &c.-the Rev. John Linn, of Bellefonte, Centre county, delivered an able and impressive charge to the Missionary; and the exercises of the occasion were concluded with an address to the people by the Corresponding Secretary. The day was pleasant, and the presence of a large and an attentive assembly, evinced the growing interest of the people in this part of the church in the cause of Foreign Missions. Mr. Reed is to be sustained by this Presbytery, under whose direction he has been since he became a candidate for the sacred office, and his ordination took place in the congregation in which he was raised, and in the church in which he was devoted to God-first by baptism and subsequently by the public profession of his faith in Christ. It is natural to conclude that he will thus convey with him, to the distant field of his labours, a large portion of the affectionate sympathies of the friends of the Redeemer in that section of the Lord's vineyard. The amount of contributions to the funds of the Society, from March 16th to May 10th, both inclusive, was $1897. The Treasurer also acknowledges the receipt of one thousand dollars, for the purpose of paying the salary of the Corresponding Secretary for the present year, from an unknown friend. The Rev. Wm. D. Smith, who had been appointed as a Missionary to the Western Indians, and who is about to enter upon an exploring tour among the tribes beyond the Mississippi, was, on the 12th inst., set apart to this work, by special prayer, in the Presbyterian Church, at Cross-Roads, and has since commenced his journey. Taking, as Mr. S. is expected to do, a pretty extensive survey of the various tribes of Indians in that western land, it is to be hoped that his inquiries may result in the collection of information which may be highly useful to the Society in its future operations among the Aborigines of this country. This work will be sent gratuitously to the pastors of all such congregations, as statedly contribute to its funds; to the of ficers of all Auxiliary Societies; to the active friends of the Society, wherever desired; other persons who may order it, will be expected to pay the sum of Fifty Cents per annum, to go to the general use of the Institution. All communications relating to remittances and the transmission of funds, should be directed to Rev. Elisha Macurdy, Briceland's Cross Roads, Washington county, or Mr. Samuel Thompson, No. 10, Market-street, Pittsburgh. All others should be directed to Rev. Elisha P. Swift, Corresponding Secretary of the Society, Pittsburgh. COMMUNICATION FROM MR. PINNEY. Monrovia, Feb. 20th, 1833. Dear Brethren of the W. F. M. BoardBy the blessing of God and the kind assistance of your board, I have finally obtained the object of my wishes for years past. We, last Sunday, the 16th, arrived early in the morning in sight of Cape Mount, and before 7 P. M. were at anchor behind Cape Mesurado. As yet I have not made arrangements to go into the interior, but I hope to be enabled to go speedily. Many think it far safer to remain here till the seasoning, which all must undergo, is past. May the Lord direct to the proper course. The voyage lasted 42 days. I preached every Sabbath once; and one of the Methodist or Baptist brethren usually spoke in the afternoon. Capt. H. used every effort to make the voyage pleasant. Nothing was allowed from the officers or crew, to injure the feelings of the pious. When able to sit at table, I was always requested to "ask the blessing." His wife is a member of Dr. Spring's church, New York, and he is like the young man whom Jesus loved, very moral. May God bless my intercourse with him to his good. If he continues in the business of bringing out emigrants, I hope your future missionaries may come out with him. I have already seen natives and heathen, and their villages are all around me in sight, and call like the man of Macedonia of old-Oh that many Pauls may see the vision and obey. The colonists are very ignorant of every thing about the interior: except of the tribes along the coast, nothing at all is known, and of them little but their manner of traffic. Nothing has been done for the natives, hitherto, by the colonists, except to educate a few who were in their families in the capacities of servants. The natives are, as to wealth and intellectual cultivation, related to the colonists as the negro in America is to the white man -and this fact, added to their mode of dress, which consists of nothing, usually, but a handkerchief around the loins, leads to the same distinction as exists in America between colours. A colonist of any dye (and many there are of a darker hue than the Vey, or Dey, or Kroo, or Basso,) would, if at all respectable, think himself degraded by marrying a native. The natives are in fact menials, (I mean those in town,) and sorry am I to be obliged to say, that, from my limited observation, it is evident, that as little effort is made by the colonists to elevate them, as is usually made by the higher classes in the United States to better the condition of the lower. Such I suppose will ever be the case, when men are not actuated by a pure desire to do good. But I most sincerely hope many of the most pious and enlightened of the coloured population in America will come here, determined to do good to Africans, not desiring their gold or silver. I think such a spirit exists amongst those who came in the Roanoke, to some extent, and of those from Charleston I hear still better things. Many seem resolved to deviate from the course of their predecessorsmay not the love of sudden wealth seduce them to "trade." It requires no great keenness of observation, to see the cause why the colony is not far more prosperous. But two or three hitherto have done any thing scarcely towards agriculture. The wealthy find it easier to trade, the poor suppose it degrading.. Gov. Mechlin received me with much cordiality, and has offered (as indeed all do) to forward my journey by any means in his power. I expect to-morrow to take a trip to Caldwell, perhaps to Millsburgh, to see if any way offers to enter the interior by the St. Paul's. If not, I may walk to king Boatswain's town, 150 miles northeast. I am more ready to do this from a belief that the fever and ague is unknown there. My belief is predicated on the fact that his people, when trading down at the colony, are almost as liable to it as emigrants, proving them unaccustomed to such a climate. I wish exceedingly that some one had been willing to accompany the mission-as two, according to the mode of travelling here, would have proceeded as cheap as one, and I wish much for a companion. Dear brethren, let us be strong and " go forward." Cease not, day and night, to pray for your missionary, and the pagans around him. The vessel sails to-day. I hope for another opportunity soon. Yours, most affectionately, By letters sent in the Monrovia, you will doubtless hear of my safe arrival. Through the abounding grace of God, I am yet enjoying good health, and feel real ly happy in the hope of being useful. My life I freely give to Jesus, and only regret that I have not more to give. If it is prolonged, I trust for me to live will be Christ, and if it is cut off, may I find it gain to die. Dear Brother, continue, I beseech you, your daily request for a blessing on this enterprise. I realize now the value of prayer on the part of absent friends, and feel more grateful for the promised supplications of my brethren, than for all the temporal presents with which they favoured me. I never was in the habit of requesting such things for form sake; but at present, I value them ten-fold more than ever be fore, and can enter into the spirit of the self-denying Apostle, in the request"pray for us." At a future season, if life is spared, I shall take occasion to speak of the natives as they appear to me. At present I must confine myself to one subject. It is in relation to a church here of our denomination. At present, there is none organized. About thirty members came out in the Hercules, from Charleston; they are quite respectable so far as I have seen, and seem anxious to do something for God. Among them are three, partly in the capacity of preachers. My difficulty is to know how to proceed in relation to these men. One of them, Mr. Eden, has been a teacher and leader of the coloured congregation in Charleston, for 14 years. He was set apart by Mr. Buist, and, I am informed, authorized by him to marry, and bury the dead. Am I to consider this a sufficient ordination? and shall we two constitute a Presbytery, and organize a church? If not, how am I, or can I be enabled to ordain him? Mr. Henry, Mr. Mathers, and Carlos, were leaders of classes in Dr. Palmer's churches. They seem anxious to do something for Christ, and to preach. Any advice in this matter will be acceptable. When we get the Mission School agoing, they can there be fitted for the ministry-in the mean time, I consider them as good exhorters as the twenty Methodist and Baptist preachers in this place. Concerning a church to be erected here, I have written to Mr. David J. Burr, of Richmond, who forwarded some funds here for the purpose-we need much more than has been sent out hitherto, and if possible, I trust the churches in Philadelphia will help him in raising funds. If you do any thing in the matter, it will perhaps be well to communicate with him. I hope before another year to see a Presbyterian church at Monrovia. The emigrants who came in the Roanoke, are several of them down with the fever-one child, which was sick all the way from the United States, died two days since of the hooping-cough. Dr. Hall informs me, that several other children have it very dangerously. It was brought on board the brig by a family from New York. I find the fever here a disease very different from what I had dreaded. It does not partake at all of a bilious character; it is an intermittent, and from the cases which I have seen, appears much lighter than the same disease in some portions of "the United States." The large majority are down only two or three weeks, and many but two or three days. The feebleness consequent upon it, continues some months, and if exposed much before their strength is restored, they are very liable to a relapse. I never felt very great apprehension, and at present feel still less. Finding things here rather behind hand, I have been employed two or three days in making a survey of Bushrod Island. It will, I doubt not, eventually affect Monrovia as a point of trade, very greatly. On account of the many letters which I wish to send to-morrow by Captain Hatch, I have not time to copy, trusting to your indulgence to excuse the erasures, &c. I remain, your obedient and affectionate brother in Christ. J. B. PINNEY. TO DR. A. GREEN. Remember me affectionately to all brethren and inquiring friends. |