RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE. ABSTRACT OF THE REPORT OF THE DI- ployed in preaching to the Christians in RECTORS OF THE LONDON MISSIONARY SOCIETY, ON THE 11TH OF MAY, 1803. For the last two years the society has been desirous to introduce true Christianity into those countries in which Popery has hitherto prevailed; and as the most effectual means seemed to be the circulation of the Scriptures, they resolved to apply a part of their funds to this object. The Directors, therefore, resolved on the publication of the New Testament, accompanied by an Essay on its Divine Authority, and some smaller pieces in the French and Italian languages; and these are now in circulation in France, and will shortly be so in Italy. How great the necessity of publishing the Scriptures was in those countries, appears from the difficulty which was found in procuring a single copy of them at Paris, as well as from copious information which has been received upon the subject. Information has also been obtained, which proves the extent to which the Scriptures and Protestant writings may be circulated. At Besancon, in the south, and at Arras, in the north, where, till lately, no Protestants were to be found, applications for Protestant ministers and Churches have been made, and signed by 12,000 persons at the former place, and nearly as many at the latter; and although many Churches have already been given to the Protestants, 900 congregations are still destitute both of Churches and Pastors. Even in Belgium, the same disposition appears. An attempt has been made by the society to establish a Protestant Church at Paris, which they hope will be productive of beneficial effects. We have already anticipated in our last number, the intelligence contained in the report before us as far as it respects the mission to Otaheite. The settlement on that island appears likely to be useful in supplying New South Wales with provisions, and the frequent intercourse with that colony will probably promote the security of the Missionaries. Two young men, natives of Otaheite, are now in this country. They have been placed for their education in a Moravian school in Yorkshire, and have given pleasing proofs of their improvement. The Directors next give an account of the missions in AFRICA. At Cape Town, the Missionary Manenberg has been em See Christian Observer, Vol. I. p. 744. + An indirect intimation is given in this part of the report, that it would be of advantage to the cause of humanity and religion, if Great Britain were to possess itself of Otaheite and the contiguous islands. CHRIST. OBSERV. No. 18. that town, and in instructing the heathens, and has been instrumental in converting many of the latter. At Stellenbosch, the Missionary Bekkar has opened a school for the native children, about thirty of whom are instructed; he is also employed in instructing the adult Hottentots, several of whom have embraced Christianity. The Missionary Bastian Tromp, on first going to Waggon-maker's Valley, met with much opposition, and the settlers complained of him to General Dundas: but he being convinced of the groundlessness of their charges, gave the mission his support and protection. Mr. Tromp labours among the Hottentots, Boschemen, and slaves from Mozambique. The Missionary Kircherer is settled at Zak River, 300 miles from the Cape; and the Missionary Vanderlingen at Graaf Reinet, where a piece of ground has been given to the society by the Commissioner Maynier. The Missionary Anderson has been employed for two years in preaching to the heathens at Riet Fountain, on the western coast, in the latitude of twenty-nine degrees south, near the Great Orange River. These people behave kindly to Mr. Anderson, and shew a great anxiety to be instructed in the knowledge of Christianity. Two commissioners appointed to survey and report the state of the colony, had visited this station, and expressed to government their persuasion that Missions would prove a most powerful means of civilizing the natives and tranquillizing the colony. The Missionary Verster is employed at Rodesand and its converted at that place, has expressed a vicinity. A Mozambique slave, who was desire to be employed as a Missionary. Being thought to have strong intellectual powers, he has been redeemed from slavery and placed under the care of the Missionary Society at the Cape, that he may Mozambique. Dr. Vanderkemp and Mr. be prepared for undertaking a mission to Read continue their labours at ligoa Bay, on the eastern coast, at which place, with the approbation and under the patronage of Governor Dundas, a settlement of the converted natives had been begun, and was likely, notwithstanding the hostility of soine neighbouring tribes, to be permaconstantly attend divine worship, and their nently established. Two hundred natives attention is serious. Great pains are also taken in instructing the children. The Mission Society at the Cape of Good Hope are stated to be very zealous in pursuing the objects of their institution. Two more Missionaries are about to depart from Holland for that place. Missions have been attempted in New3 C foundland, at Quebec, and at New Carlisle in the Bay of Chaleur; but they are as yet in their infancy. To the Island of Ceylon, a mission is about to be undertaken by Mr. Ringeltaube. Eight Missionaries are preparing in this country, some for France and India, and one to the Jews; and in the seminary at Rotterdam are several who are training for similar services*. The Directors conclude with expressing their persuasion, that the most beneficial effects will result from the increasing con *We think it right to remark in this place, that we cannot approve of the lavish and indiscriminate use of epithets of unqualified commendation which appears throughout this report, whenever the Society's Missionaries are spoken of. Such a practice stands opposed to the moderation and simplicity of the Christian character, and cannot but be injurious to the individuals who are thus extolled. The society itself would suffer nothing in the public estimation by a more measured mode of expression. cern for the conversion of the Heathen, which appears among Christians of every name. The Clergy Residence Bill has passed the House of Lords with some amendments. Yesterday the anniversary meeting of the charity children of the different parish schools took place, as usual, in the Cathedral of St. Paul, which was fitted up for their reception. A sermon was preached upon the occasion by the Rev. Robert Gray, D. D. and Rector of Cracke, in the Bishopric of Durham. The gentlemen of the choir sung Te Deum, the Coronation Anthem, and several pieces of sacred music, in the chorus of which they were joined by the voices of the children, who were upwards of seven thousand in number; the appearance of this ceremony was as usual, grand and striking. The Right Honourable the Lord Mayor, many of the nobili ty, and bishops, attended upon this occasion, and the body of the cathedral was crowded with spectators. VIEW OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS. IN our last number we furnished our readers with some general information respecting the grounds of the war in which we are engaged, by presenting to them an abstract of his Majesty's declaration laid before Parlia ment. We do not profess to be politicians; and we, therefore, shall not canvass at large the merits or the faults of administration in the late difficult negotiation. We wish to be considered as loyal subjects, disposed to take their country's side, and to obey every call upon them which shall be made by the King and the Parliament, without critically enquiring whether the best possible means of averting war may have been uniformly chosen, or whether our ministry, who unquestionably have a cause which is substantially just, have taken care to do that which is no less indisputably expedient. We are at best, indeed, imperfect judges on this subject; and we would warn our readers of the danger of weakening our efforts against the common enemy by political jealousies and animosities, or by any little party predilections. Let them remember, that the cause in which we are engaged is not that of Mr. Addington or Mr. Pitt, of Mr. Fox or Mr. Windham, but of Britain in general, whose very existence, as an independent nation, is now threatened by the arms of France; and whose shores may soon, perhaps, be occupied by an army of well-disciplined invaders. At the present moment, indeed, the French Consul is turning his attention to another quarter. The Hanoverian territories are overrun, and the enemy, by overawing Hamburgh, is endeavouring to inflict a wound on our commercial interests. It is highly necessary that we should be endued with patience to bear those stagnations of certain branches of our trade and manufacture to which these events may lead, and to which, in the commencement of a war, we are more particularly subject. It is also of the last importance, that we should shew a disposition to support, with cheerfulness, that extraordinary weight of taxation, which the singular times in which we live render so evidently necessary. Thanks be to God, we have a King whom we love, a Parliament in which we can confide in this hour of our danger, and a Constitution which we have been long taught to venerate. We have a free press, a press which, in deed, may be employed to some purposes of licentiousness, but which allows also every Christian truth to be freely circulated. We have an established religion, which, though it is the ally of the state, is not like the religion of France the mere tool of the government. We have, in short, a country which is in every respect worth defending; and, with the help of God, let us unanimously agree to defend it. We trust that THE CHRISTIAN OBSERVER will be behind no publication in zeal to support the King, and the Constitution, in the present awful conflict. We shall ever insist, that true devotion is not inconsistent with the utmost vigour of exertion; and that Christian principles, by forbidding that selfishness and luxurious indolence, which stand opposed to true patriotism, contribute to the security of a state no less than to the wellbeing of individuals. But while, with a zeal proportionate to the occasion, we are, on our part, using all the means of self-defence, and are enlarging our military preparations, let us not forget in whose hand our safety lies, and who is the great arbiter in the contest. We trust that a day of fasting and humiliation will soon be appointed, for the confession of our sins before that being whom we have so grievously offended; and that the supplications offered up by the united voices of all true Christians in the land may contribute, in no small degree, to obtain for us the favour and protection of the Almighty. He alone is able to give wisdom to our councils, courage to our armies, success to our fleets, or a spirit of due subordination to our people. Since the commencement of hostilities our cruisers have been exceedingly active. A great number of French and Dutch ships, chiefly West Indiamen deeply laden, have been captured; and a few neutral vessels supposed to have enemy's property on board have been detained. Some French ships of war have also been taken. The computed value of the vessels and cargoes already brought into our ports is stated to be more than a million and a half sterling. Scarcely one capture has hitherto been made by the French, a circumstance which must be attributed, in a great degree, to the vigilance exercised by our navy. It ought to be mentioned, to the credit of our government, that they have released and sent to France a vessel called the Naturaliste, captured in the channel on her return home from a voyage of discovery. The state of continental politics is at present involved in such obscurity, that it is difficult to form even a probable conjecture of the part which the different powers are likely to take. With respect to SPAIN, HOLLAND, the ITALIAN REPUBLIC, and SWITZERLAND, they must without doubt move in obedience to Bonaparte's call. The people of Holland, it is said, would gladly have purchased neutrality by almost any sacrifice, which the cupidity of the First Consul might tempt him to demand; and every exertion was made by the English Government to second their wishes; but in vain. Bonaparte has filled Holland with his troops, and all her ports are made to resound the note of naval preparation: that country is consequently involved in hostilities with Great Britain. In ITALY the French troops have been ordered to occupy the sea ports in the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas, and wherever they come they are to insist on the sequestration of all English property. HANOVER is now in the occupancy of a French army; and it was expected that HAMBURGH and BREMEN would likewise be taken possession of, with a view to exclude the English commerce from the continent. The delay which has taken place in executing this measure, has afforded some hope that Russia may have interposed her good offices to save them from the consular grasp. A report has, indeed, been current, that a French garrison was to be received into ELSINEUR, but this is too extravagant to gain easy credit. The Danes can scarcely be so blinded by the resentment they may entertain against this country, as to sacrifice, to the hope of gratifying it, their independence as a nation. The course which RUSSIA may be disposed to take is very uncertain. A considerable naval armament is said to be preparing in her ports, but its object is not announced. The indifference with which that government, as well as those of PRUSSIA and AUSTRIA, seem to have beheld the in vasion of Hanover, and the advance of a French army into the heart of Germany, is not easily accounted for. A short time will, probably, develope their views and intentions. Into PORTUGAL, Bonaparte has wished to introduce a large army; but his proposal to that effect is said to have been resisted by the Prince Regent. FRANCE. A long note of M. Talleyrand addressed to Lord Whitworth, respecting the subjects then in discussion between England and France, was laid ver. There appears to have been a considerable indisposition on the part of the Hanoverians to oppose his progress; for scarcely had he shewn himself on their frontiers than a capitulation was proposed by the Regency, and acceded to by the French General. The terms on which it was concluded were, that Hanover shall be occupied by the French; that the Hanoverian army shall become prisoners of war; that all the King of England's effects shall be at the disposal of the French army; that all shall be arrested and sent to France; Englishmen, in the pay of England, that the French General shall have the power of new modelling the Hanove tributions, the pay, clothing, and food rian Constitution, and of levying conof the French army being to be vided by the Electorate; and that religious worship shall be maintained on liating can scarcely be conceived; and its present footing. Terms more humiit is a matter of astonishment, consider рго before the conservative senate on the 14th of May. The senate applauded the moderation and firmness of the First Consul, and pledged themselves, as likewise did the legislative body and the tribunate, to concur in all the necessary measures for supporting the dignity of the nation. On the 21st of May, a message from Bonaparte, announcing the recal of the English ambassador, and complaining of the violation of the Treaty of Ang the means of defence which the miens, was presented to the senate, the legislative body, and the tribunate. This communication was followed by a decree, commanding all French ships to attack and seize the ships of the King of England or his subjects, and declaring all the Englishmen in France, between the age of eighteen and sixty, to be prisoners of war, This last decree was carried into immediate execution. It has since been extended to Holland. The French papers are filled with accounts of offers made to the First Consul, by different cities, towns, and public bodies in France, of frigates, sloops of war, or flat-bottomed boats, to be built at their own expence. "The publication of the list of subscribers, will," it is said, "form the best answer which can be given to the hopes of the British Cabinet." A letter has also been published, addressed to Bonaparte by about a score of generals, requesting to accompany him in the vessel, which is to convey to England the destiny and the vengeance of France. HANOVER. On the 1st instant, the French army under General Mortier entered Hano Electorate appears to have possessed, that they should have been submitted to of the Hanoverian army, orders were without a struggle. On the surrender given to seize all English vessels in all of them had previously quitted the Elbe and the Weser, but almost those rivers. ST. DOMINGO, Letters from Jamaica give such a view of the state of this island, as leaves little room to doubt, particularly since the war has taken place that the French will be under the necessity of wholly abandoning it to the negroes. Bloodhounds, it was stated, had been brought from Cuba to assist in reducing the island, but notwithstanding this reinforcement, the principal towns appear to have been in a state of siege at so late a date as the middle of March; and the negroes are then said to have been 80 or 90,000 strong. The treacherous conduct of the French Government had united all the blacks against them. The distress of the troops for provisions was so great, that the ports were opened to foreign vessels; and disease was still making its ravages, GREAT BRITAIN. PARLIAMENTARY PROCEEDINGS. In our last number we adverted to the debates which took place in both houses on the 23d of May, on the motion for an address to his Majesty approving of the war. It would not suit our limits to give a detail of these debates: it will be sufficient to notice what was the general complexion of the opinions upon this grand question, which were adopted by the leading political characters in the country. The justice and expediency of the war were supported in the House of Lords, not only by his Majesty's ministers, but by Lord Moira, and also by Lords Melville and Grenville, both of whom, however, professed to consider the present question as in no degree implying an approbation of the general conduct of administration. The Dukes of Richmond and Norfolk, and the Marquis of Lansdowne, were of opinion, that the war had been unnecessarily precipitated, and thought that his Majesty should be advised to embrace the earliest opportunity of making peace. A motion to that effect was negatived by one hundred and forty-two against ten, In the House of Commons Mr. Pitt thought it necessary to distinguish between the question respecting the propriety of the war, and the question whether ministers deserved praise or blame for their conduct. He argued strenuously for the justice of our cause, and maintained that the war was absolutely necessary with a view to our own security. "He should, however, only be trifling with the country if he did not declare his opinion, that vast as were the sacrifices made to maintain the last war, those necessary to maintain the present would be still greater. Our objects ought to be to systematize a complete and effectual plan of defence; that every man might have the comfort of laying down his head in peace, with the knowledge that whatever is dear to him is in safety; and by the spirit and patriotism with which we support the conflict to prove to France that the productive powers of this country are adequate to its defence, and that we can defy her efforts without endangering our system of finance." Mr. Windham and Mr. Thomas Grenville likewise argued strenuously for the necessity of war, but greatly blamed what they demned the previous timidity and supineness of ministers in their conduct towards France. Mr. Fox, Mr. Grey, and Mr. Whitbread took an opposite side in the debate, and endeavoured to persuade the house to advise his Majesty to embrace the earliest opportunity of renewing the negotiation, but their motion to that effect was negatived, there being three hundred and ninety-eight against and only sixty-. seven for its adoption. On the 27th of May Mr. Fox moved, that an address should be presented to his Majesty, praying, that he would be pleased to avail himself of the mediation of Russia for settling the existing disputes with France. The motion gave rise to an animated and interesting discussion; but on Lord Hawkesbury declaring that his Majesty's ministers were perfectly ready to enter into explanations with Russia, or any of the great powers of Europe, on the points now in dispute with France; or to receive any offer of mediation which might be made them by Russia, Mr. Fox was induced to withdraw his proposition. On the 2nd instant, a motion was made in the upper house by Lord Fitzwilliam, tending to criminate his Majesty's ministers, but it was lost by a very great majority. A similar motion was made on the succeeding day by Mr. Patten in the House of Commons, which shared the same fate, two hundred and seventy-five dividing against thirty-four. The most remarkable circumstance attending the debate was the part which Mr. Pitt took in it. He earnestly deprecated all discussion, at the present moment, of the question which had been brought forward, and proposed that the house should pass to the other orders of the day, on the ground that there was not time, on account of the pressure of public business, for the investigation which would be requisite, before a clear opinion with respect to the conduct of ministers could be formed. This motion, however, was strongly resisted, not only by administration and their friends, but by Mr. Windham, Mr. Canning, and those who joined with them in condemning ministers; and on a division there appeared to be only fifty-six for it, while there were three hundred and thirty-three against it. On the 6th instant the army estimates were presented to the House of Commons. In the course of the discussion to which they gave birth, it appeared that his Majesty's Government were disposed to adopt a vigorous and extensive system of military preparation. The number of regular troops moved for amounted to upwards of 135,000 men, independent of the militia and supplementary militia, which have both been called out by his Majesty, and which form a body of 90,000 men. addition to this force, the secretary of war has brought in a bill for raising by ballot 50,000 men, who are to be officered by half-pay officers, and it was intimated that as soon as that measure is carried into ex In |