Mrs. Dawes has also opened a Thursday evening school, for the instruction of females. The Church Missionary Society, be side the appointment of Mr. Bates as assistant to Mr. Dawes, have placed 1001. at Mr. Dawes's disposal, in further ance of the education of the poor children around him; and will continue or modify this grant annually, according to circumstances. The above account of the English harbour Schools (which we have taken from the Missionary Register, it appears from the same work) has awakened much interest in several benevolent persons in different quarters, to render some assistance to the poor females whose case is so affectingly described. Presents of clothing, adapted to the cli mate and to the situation of these poor girls, would, doubtless, be very accept able. Books suitable for female chil dren and youth might be added. Any presents of this nature, made up in packages, and addressed to the care of Mr. William Dawes, Antigua, if sent to the Church Missionary House, Salisbury. square, would be forwarded by the first opportunity. A letter from Mr. Dawes, dated Jan. 18, 1816, states, "that the CountrySchools present a most interesting scene to those who advocate the moral and religious improvement of this degraded portion of mankind. Several of the scholars now read the Testament well, and many others have improved beyond reasonable expectation; but their progress would doubtless have been much greater, had it not been impeded by the want of teachers. Some of those who, of necessity, have been appointed teachers can only read three or four syllables; and one, who is the most zealous and efficient of all, does not know his letters! This man, having several children who can read, assembles a number in his but, and provides candle; and, while his children actually teach, preserves order, and stimulates the scholars to exertion. "The importance of promoting these schools struck me so forcibly, that I determined on visiting them every Sunday, when not prevented by some insuperable impediment. "The good effect of the schools is now acknowledged by many of the planters, although at first much opposition was excited. Three young women have been put to creditable service within a month past (now five in all) from the Englishharbour School; and three have been regularly married from it within the last three years, and live creditably. Prior to 1803, such a circumstance as a Black or Coloured young woman in this neighbourhood MARRYING had, I believe, never occurred; but now there are twenty-one of this description, ALL living creditably, and some respectably, and exhibiting a striking contrast, in the comfort and regularity which prevail in their families, to the misery and wretchedness so common among those of the opposite character. From the Country Schools seven young women have already been regularly married, and, with only one exception (in which case a degree of compulsion was exercised by the girl's parents), do credit to the state." In another letter, of March 25th last, Mr. Dawes observes--- "It is only the deficiency of Country Visitors which prevents our erecting another school, on or near an estate called Jefferson's; and, in fact, had we a prospect of sufficient European Visitors, several more schools might be immediately founded in various parts of the island; the slaves thirsting ardently for the instruction of their children, and many of the planters favouring it, from a conviction of the benefits resulting from it to themselves and their people. "If the Committee of the Church Missionary Society should think fit to turn their attention this way, I think they could hardly serve the cause of Truth more effectually than by sending hither one or two pairs of assistant catechists, married people, of genuine piety, adequate zeal, and sober chastised tempers; who, though strongly attached to the Church of England from principle, could endure to see Moravians and Methodists earnestly and successfully labouring in the same grand cause with themselves. "These assistant catechists must be of our own country. The Negroes cannot at all understand English spoken with a foreign accent. Besides, these catechists will have to teach the Negroes to read English; and their own present barbarous pronunciation is alone a sufficient impediment to that important work. "It would be well if the man were acquainted with some useful trade. His wife should, at least, be a good housewife and needle-woman; and if a plain mantua-maker, so much the better. If she also possessed the qualification of a good tender sympathizing nurse, it would greatly attach the female Negroes to her." VIEW OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS. THE distress cansed by the deficiency of the last harvest appears to be still more severely felt throughout a great part of the Continent, and particularly in France, the Netherlands, and Savoy, than in this country. The difficulties, arising partly from this source, which France has experienced both in victualling the foreign armies quartered in that country, and in furnishing the stipulated pecuniary contributions to the allies, are said to have induced the latter to consent to a considerable reduction in the number of their troops. The French government has also been reduced to the necessity of negociating a loan of about twelve millions in foreign countries; and it is confidently reported that the houses of Barings of London and Hopes of Amsterdam have agreed to furnish this large sum by instalments, and on terms which will make the annual interest upon it equal to about 11 per cent. In consequence of the general credit given to this report, the French funds have risen about 7 or 8 per cent. This seems to indicate a growing confidence in the stability of the existing government. That government is supported by a decided majority in both the legislative houses, who have acquiesced in the measures of finance proposed by ministers, and have adopt ed also their plan for the future regulation of the elections of the members of the chamber of deputies. By this plan the elective franchise is vested exclusively in persons paying taxes to the amount of 300 francs or about 121. sterling annually, and who have attained the age of thirty. If it be true that the Dumber of electors under this new law will not exceed 100,000 for all France, the qualification may perhaps be considered as too high.-A law has like wise been passed, legalizing, under certain circumstances, voluntary endowments for the support of ecclesiastical establishments. On the 4th of December, the Congress of the United States commenced its session at Washington. The Message of the President enters at considerable length into the various relations, foreign and domestic, of the American Government. The produce of the harvest had been seanty, but still sufficient for their wants, and the year had been healthy. In the midst of the advantages of returning peace, a depression is experienced in some branches of manufactures, and by a portion of their navigation; the latter arising from their exclusion from the colonial possessions of Great Britain; and he suggests the adoption of such countervailing measures as may be consistent with a regard to the friendly relations of the two countries and the interests of the United States. The United States are in amity with foreign powers. Occurrences have taken place in the Gulph of Mexico, which have made it necessary to demand explana tions from the Spanish Government, which it is hoped will prove satisfactory. The Indian tribes are disposed to remain at peace. The re-organization of the militia, the fixing of one uniform standard of weights and measures, the establishment of an university at Washington, and a comprehensive system of roads and canals, are strongly recommended to the attention of Congress. The President expresses much satisfaction in the concurrent efforts made by other nations to suppress the slave trade; and he invites Congress to adopt mea sures to give fuller efficacy to their own regulations on that subject, and to prevent unworthy citizens from mingling in the slave trade under foreign flags, and from collusively importing slaves into the United States. He recommends also a revision of the judiciary establishment. The revenue is stated to exceed the current demands: at the close of 1816 the surplus is expected to be nine millions of dollars. A currency, however, of equal value, credit, and use, is wanted for the interests of the community, and measures should be taken to provide one. The Bank of the United States has been organized under favourable circumstances. He concludes with announcing his intention of retiring from the public service. It is expected that Mr. Munro will be elected President. An African seminary has been lately established in New York, for the purpose of qualifying young men of Colour to become the teachers of their countrymen, and to be employed as missionaries in Africa. "With the aid of these men," it is observed, that " on the Niger, as on the Thames, temples will at length arise shall not speculate respecting the par. to the living God." A Portuguese force has taken possession of Monte Video, evidently with a view to prosecute thence hostile measures against the newly established Republic of Buenos Ayres. This step we have no doubt has been taken in perfect concurrence with the Spanish Government. In the northern provinces of South America the Independent cause is said to be gaining ground. In Jamaica, and also in Barbadoes, bills, have, it seems, passed the legisla tures for the Registration of their Slave. How far they will prove efficacious to the end will be seen hereafter. In the mean time, it is clear that these proceed ings furnish a valid answer to all the allegations of danger from Registry of Slaves, which have been so clamorously urged by West-Indians against its adoption. Parliament is to meet this day (28th January); and it is expected that from the very first min ters will have to encounter a powerful opposition. We ticular grounds on which that opposi tion will be instituted, as so much ligat is on the point of being thrown on the whole subject. We very sincerely pray that party animosity may give place, at the present crisis, to an earnest and concurrent desire for the public good; and that the deliberations of Parliament may, under the Divine blessing, have the effect of alleviating the prevailing distress, and promoting the permanent peace and prosperity of the country, It is a time when all who have those. objects at heart ought cordially to unite their efforts, to preserve their country from the threatened evils of anarchy on the one hand, and on the other to relieve its burdens by every means of practicable retrenchment and judicious reform. The state of our revenue, as compared with our expenditure, it must be admitted, is very discouraging; but we cannot entertain a doubt that it only requires patience, combined with steady exertion, and anxious economy, to raise the country from its present depression, and to disappoint the hopes of the turbulent and disaffected. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. A LAYMAN; H. R.; T. B. P.; C. P.; G. P. R. L.; C. I.; ELIZA; B.; KENDALIENSIS; E-s; A LAYMAN, have been received, and will be considered.. A NORTHERN VICAR has strangely assumed that a paper on Novel Reading which appeared in our last Number expresses our own sentiments. No assumption can be more unfounded or unjust. The Northern Vicar regards novel reading as a great evil. He will not deny, however, that that evil prevails to a very considerable extent even in what may be called the religious world. Persons of whom he himself thinks well, not only read, but write novels. How is this evil to be met, but by a full and fair discussion? Will an ex-parte argument convince those persons? Can they be convinced in any way but by combating the strength of their case? If every syllable contained in the letter of our correspondent were correct, we should say that he of all men should desire such a discussion of the subject as has been commenced in our pages. One writer attacks novel reading indiscriminately: we readily admit his communication. Another writer attempts a qualified defence of it; and he is permitted also to speak for himself. Now, let the Northern Vicar take up his pen and refute the arguments of this writer, and he will much more effectually serve the cause of truth, than by the useless act of throwing the paper which contains them into the fire, or by heaping reproaches on the Christian Observer. In that paper are many things from which we dissent; but he must know that it is not our habit to interrupt the course of discussion between correspondents, by remarks of our own. This would scarcely be fair either to them or to ourselves. Instead of writing such a letter as we have received, the Northern Vicar would have better employed his time in calmly and dispassionately pointing out the abuse to which the practice in question is liable, and the guards, restrictions, and limitations under which works of fiction, if permitted at all, should be read, We will endeavour to find an early place for Mr. JEBB'S Reply to Albius. Our good-humoured FRIEND ought to have read with more attention. We said, not that the Elgin Marbles were open to the public, but that they would soon be. See Christian Observer for December, p. 819. THE No. 182.] FEBRUARY, 1817. [No. 2. Vol. XVI. RELIGIOUS COMMUNICATIONS. For the Christian Observer. SOME ACCOUNT OF THE REV. DAVID BROWN, LATE SENIOR CHAPLAIN OF THE EAST INDIA COMPANY, AND PROVOST try, some of whom sleep in him. The doctrine of the atonement has ever been the great object of my zeal; and, through the grace of God, I still go on to teach and OF THE COLLEGE OF FORT- preach Jesus Christ." WILLIAM. F (Concluded from p. 6.) ROM the year 1788, to the year 1800, a period of twelve years, Mr. Brown was indefatigably occupied in the various duties of his ministry in Calcutta. In the latter year, he was appointed Provost of the College of FortWilliam a situation he continned to hold till the college was reduced. The following extract from a letter written in the latter year, to his early and revered friend the Rev. William Jesse, will afford a brief but pleasing view of his employments, and of his success, during that period. "About three years ago, I renewed my acquaintance with you in a most unexpected manner. Among some old books, sold by a native, I found your Parochialia. I was delighted with the doctrines which I had heard drop from your lips, more than twenty-five years ago, and which then distilled as the dew into my ears. The foundation, under God, which you laid in me, and upon which the beloved man of God, Joseph Milner, of blessed memory, built, has never been shaken. Jesus Christ, and him crucified,' has been my almost only theme since I entered the ministry; and I have witnessed the power of the name of Jesus on the hearts of several in this coun CHRIST. OBSERV. No. 182. "It has pleased God to shew me great troubles and great mercies; to carry me through evil report and through good report; and it is because his mercies fail not, that I am not consumed. Since I arrived in this country (more than fourteen years ago), I have been constantly employed in preaching three or four times every week. I have for some years been first chaplain at this presidency, and for above ten years have had a Sunday-evening and weekly lecture at the old mission church, at which I commenced my labours in Calcutta soon after my arrival in the country. I have a full church, and several of the first rank in this settlement attend. Some of them know the truth as it is in Jesus, and feel the power of his resurrection on their hearts. God has given me to find favour in the eyes of our Governor Generals, Marquis Cornwallis, Lord Teignmouth, and Marquis Wellesley: the last has lately founded a college at Fort William, of which he has been pleased to appoint me the Provost ; and my friend, Mr. Buchanan, (a man of eminent learning, and an able minister of the New Testament,) the Vice-provost. It is to be my peculiar office to teach the Christian religion to the junior servants of the Company who are to He was appointed to the Presidency Church, by Lord Teignmouth, in 1794. K enter the college. I rejoice at this wonderful call, and pray that I may have grace and wisdom to declare the whole counsel of God; and I entreat your prayers, my dear reverend sir, that I may be found faithful-faithful unto death." Mr. Brown's first wife died in July, 1794, leaving only one daughter behind her. Three sons had died in their infancy under inoculation for the small pox. After two years of widowhood, in July, 1796, he married Miss Cowley, who survives, with nine children, to lament his loss, aud to cherish a grateful remembrance of his piety and affection. In the year 1805, Mr. Brown prepared a Memorial on the progress and state of religion in Calcutta, for the Society for promoting Christian Knowledge, which gives a modest, but comprehensive, view of the good effects produced by his labours during the preceding years of his residence at Calcutta, aided as they had been, in the earlier years, by the Rev. John Owen (now chaplain-general), and afterwards by the Rev. Claudius Buchanan, who, "since his settlement in Calcutta, had regularly shared with him all the duties of the mission congregation." "It will be satisfactory," he adds, "to the Society to be informed, that our united efforts have not been without success. We have seen the congregation continually increasing in numbers, respectability, and seriousness. "Through the pious zeal and liberality of individuals, the church has been now again considerably enlarged, entirely new furnished, and the premises extended, at the cost of about four thousand pounds: and the public utility of the church has obtained for it the favourable notice of Government, which has now extended to it the same protection and aid it affords to the settlement church, and has granted an annual amount to defray the current expense of organist, servants, lights, &c. besides the sum of rather more than eighteen hundred pounds to pay off all arrears incurred by needful repairs, &e. "The zeal of the mission congregation has been further manifested by raising a fund for the maintenance of a minister whenever he shall arrive. The fund goes on increasing by monthly contributions, and affords a reasonable prospect of support and comfort to future missionaries; a circumstance which cannot fail to engage the Society to renew their efforts on behalf of their Calcutta mission. "The above brief view of past and present circumstances will be acceptable to the Society for promoting Christian Knowledge, by whose countenance I have been encouraged to proceed hitherto. I think also I owe it to the Society to add a few words respecting the state of religion in Bengal, having witnessed its progress from the first arrival of Lord Cornwallis in India, in 1786, to the present period; during which term of years there has been a growing attention to religious principles, and an observable improvement in religious practice; and a remarkable change has been effected on the public mind and morals of this community. The awful history of the French Revolution prepared the minds of our countrymen to support the principles of religion and loyalty, which our late Governor General" (Lord Teignmouth) "considered it his most sacred duty to uphold with the weight of his authority. He resolved, to use his own words to me, to make it be seen that the Christian religion was the religion of the state; and therefore at different times he appeared in his place as chief representative of the British Nation. attended to church by all the offcers of Government, to give the Christian religion the most public marked respect of the governor of the country. These solemn acts, and the public thanksgivings which took place for the first time under |