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KENV'on COLLEGE.

_ a that thy way may be known upon earth, tiiy saving health among all nations.”

VOL. I. GAMBIER, OHIO, FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 1831, NO. 37....GEORGE W. MYERS, PRINTER ...________

From the Missionaiy Paper. JOURNAL OF THE REV. MR. ROBERTSON.

[continued.] S*From the best information we could get, it

seemed most advisable to complete my tour in the Morea previously to visiting any f more of the Cyclades. Leaving, therefore, the chief part of my clothing with Dr, Korck, I p acked one-half of a large trunk and the whole of a sea-chest with Testaments, Psalmsters and tracks ;^)r.Bialloblotz- ky also stowing a good number in his baggage.I procured a well recommended servant and on Thursday, June 4th, re-embarked for Eginia.

Two nights again we passed unsheltered on the deep. On our previous passage, we had sailed bitween Zea andThcrmia. Our track on the present occasion was between Thennia and Seripho.

I was detained at Eginia until June 17th, rather longer than I wished, through the illness of my servant;—at length I was compelled to procure another. My delay, however, was cf no disadvantage. The President Capo d’Istria was absent onareour, so that I had no opportunity of an introduction to him, but I made many intetesting and valuable acquaintances. Mr, King, and Mr. Barker; agent of the British and Foreign Bible Society at were both on the i h?d dailyintercom no in Mr. Sams, an L-iglish-man of the Society of Friends, who had teen traveling in Egypt for the last two years, I found an intelligent man, a friend to religion and a well- wisher to my country; I had a good deal of conversation with him and was glad to perceive that he was much interested in the advancement of Greece, and inclined to exert his influence in her behalf on Ais* return to his native land. Mr. Mason, a Scotch gentleman, who had been some years in Greece, and had held a judicial appQintment, proved a useful friend for me: he is anxious for the revival of sound learning and undefiled religion in tliis long prostrate land. We conversed much on these subjects. He was very desirous that I should bring out a press with me.

Dr. Howe I met with here, and passed an evening with him among several other Philhellenes to •whom he introduced me. It was great pleasure tome to spend an hour with a fellow-countryman, who has exerted himself so nobly in behalf of Greece, and who deservedly sustains so high a reputation. Would that all others who bear the name of Philhellenes were more like him! There are, however, undoubtedly many nobie and generous spirits among them. One who had been intimate with Lord Byron, showed me many attentions and told me many interesting circumstances regarding his poetical friend and others engaged in the revolution. To another I was indebted for three useful letters of introduction. A third, a young Scotch physician, gave his gratuitous services to my sick servant. From the conversation and cr* -i- ties of the Austrian consul, M. Gropius, and other foreigners, I also derived advantages.

With Mr. King I called upon the bishop of; $alanti, the head of the ecclesiastical commission.'

11 recognized in him one of the individuals who ' was in the room of the Bishop when I visited him, though I was not then aware of his rank. He received us with great coolness, talked little and in rather a pettish, manner, and made it very evident that he was not inclined to encourage missionary operations. We soon took our leave, and I felt no inclination to renew my visit. There were three or four other Bishops resident in Egina, with only one of whom, however I became acquainted. It was the Bishop of Retimo in Crete. The account of my first very interesting interview with him, in company with Mr. King, has already been made public. On two other occasions I found him equally kind, friendly and frank.

At Mr. King’s room, at my own lodgings and various other places, I had interesting conversation with Greek clergymen and almost universally found them candid and liberal, though often very ignorant. I generally supplied them with such tracts as I thought would be useful to them.

The fact of my own tracts not having arrived at Syra was in this respect of service to me. I gave Dr. Korck authority to use mine upon their arrival, and drew from his stock in return a greater variety than were on my list. Thus I had, “the genuineness of the Old and New Testaments,” from Horne’s Critical Introduction, and some others very useful to the clergy, oi w» -n J should otherwise have been destitute.

I visited a number of the schools, That established by government, consisting of 500 poor orphan boys, is the most important. The master is a worthy intelligent man and always greeted me very cordially at meeting. The poor children were for the most part afflicted with ophthalmy, which they had brought with them from their captivity in Egypt.

It was during my stay here that permission was granted to introduce the scriptures as a regular class-book in the school. It is also read daily while the boys are dinng, one being placed on an elevation for that purpose. I have been present myself on these oceajions and found the utmost order and silence prevailing.

On one occasion I istened to an affectionate religious address from Mr. King to the scholars, for which he receiver the hearty thanks of the teachers on the spot. Some account has already been given of this to he public in a letter from me. • |

Regular harmony Its been introduced into the school, and it is trulytouching to hear the voices of these little orphansraised in hymns of praise to their Father in hecTen.

Attached to the school the government have commenced a library museum and collection of antiquities, all yet, mcessary, in a very imperfect state. A law has leen enacted prohibiting the removal of antiquitiei from the country.

I visited the kitchci, bakery, &c. and the quality and distribution c the food was shown to me. fhe regulations werevery good.

There are several other schools in the Island, some of which I visted and supplied with tracts One or two were taufit in the open air, and one

for ancient Greek in the upper part of a wind-mill With a priest who taught one of them I was especially pleased: there was so much simplicity about him, mixed with an ardent desire for the improvement of all around him, that I could not remain unaffected. He brought in his children to me that I might try their advancement. One of the sons was a stout boy, and there was a daughter about 16 years of age. She was anxious to acquire knowledge enough to open a small school herself, but was afraid that she should not succeed. These poor people, indeed, find it difficult to procure the commonest means of life and, the children must work as well as the parents, so that often they have no time for- study.

One of my kindest acquaintances here, was a poor lame monh. He was always ready to do me any favor in his power, and to guide me to any place where 1 wished to go, though it was a painful effort to him. He seemed anxious to converse on religious subjects, expressed himself with great liberality, and was very thankful for the gift of a tract.

One afternoon I passed at the house of Mr. Condostavlos, Greek agent in the United States, to settle the affairs of the frigates. He gave me useful information on the subject of building, family expenses, &c.

1 had also an hours interview with Count Viario Capo d’Jntra, brother of the President. He conversed with great interest on fhe subject of education.

Before I left Eginia, KalBnikos Kastorches, secretary of the ecclesiastical commission, called upon me; he thanked me for some tracts which I had previously given him to obtain his opinion of, and pronounced them excellent and without error.

The eagerness to procure the scriptures and tracts was so great that Mr. Barker, who had a large supply of Testaments, was literally besieged by priests, teachers, school-boys, &c. A throng surrounded his lodgings constantly from early in the morning until after dark. I also began to be ashamed to walk the streets, for I could scarcely move any where without a crowd after me.

I made an excursion with Mr. Pittakis, a well- educated Athenian gentleman, and much versed in antiquities, and Dr. Bialloblotzky and Mr. Barker, to the beautiful remains of the Temple of Jupiter Panhellenius. On a clear day Athens is quite visible from this spot.

In the family of Mr. P. and of his brother-in-law, Mr. Black, an English gentleman, married to “the maid of Athens,” celebrated by Lord Byron, I found agreeable and intelligent society. Athens was their darling and they were eloquent in its praises.

I shall always look back to the time which J spent with Mr King and Mr. Barker with pleasure, especially that with the former. I feel that I have profited much by his society, and I pray that his labors may be ever followed by a blessing

My first Sunday at Eginia was passed at Mr. King’s room. I used our church service, and delivered an extempore discourse, and expounded a chapter in Acts. Mr. King closed with

290 GA1IBIEI? OBSERVER.prayer. Dr. B. Mr. Barker, Mr. Pittakis, and another Greek, were present.

Arrangements were made with Mr. Masson and some other friends (who knew not of the former occasion) for service on the following Sunday, ( Messrs, King and Barker having departed (but I was seized with illness and was unable to attend.

Mr. Barker endeavored to persuade me to make Smyrna my missionary station. He considers it of great importance, and as opening a wide field of usefulness.

. In Count Metaxy and his brother, a priest, to whom I had letters, I found a goood deal of liberality on religious subjects.

To the Bishop of Retina, a few priests, and other persons, I gave New Testaments and Psalter, and to the Bishop I promised a Greek Old Testament, which he did not possess. I distributed here also a number of Italian and French tracts, and gave a parcel also of the latter to Mr. Barker (at his request) for circulation in Smyrna.

Poor Giovanni, my boy, still continuing sick, took leave of me with weeping, and kissed my hand again and again, when he accompanyed Messrs. Barker and King to his home at Syra.

(Tobe Continued.J

[From “The People’s Right Defended” by “Wickliffe;”] INFALLIBILITY IN TIIE CHURCH OF ROME.

It is plain that we can have no other infallible roof, that the Church of Rome is infallible, but er own word; for she allows of no other infalli

ble judge. Now this involves the absurdity of believing and disbelieving the same thing at the same time; for unless we beforehand believe the church to be infallible, her saying so is no infallible proof that it is so: and yet the very demand for proof shows that we doubt or disbelieve it. That is, when we ask the Church of Rome if she is infallible, it supposes, first, we are certain of her infallibility, else her word would be no proof. It supposes, secondly, that we are uncertain of her infallibility, else we would not ask the question. It is like proving to a man who denies all revelation, that the scripture are inspired, by citing the text, “all scriptures given by inspiration, of God,” &c. It is plainly absurdj.tben, to appeal to the Church of Rome for proof of, her own infallibility; and to appeal to the scripture, is to reason in a circle, as we have shown. And what source of proof then is left? ,,VVhy tq use the language of one of their writers,,above quoted, they must resort to “ other considerations,” and among these is tradition. Ruf, what other proof have we that these traditions are from God, than that which the infallible church herself affords? Certainly none other, and, consequently, we are in the circle again: the church proves tradition, and traditionin turn proves the church.

To avoid this “vicious circle,” Bcllarmine, and those who follow him in his argument, "admit that they do not prove the church’s infallibility from scripture; but from motives to credibility, and from plausible reasons why men should believe it. Now, if this be the case, is not the sanction of infallibility a mere phantom? Their interpretation of scripture is given to the world with all the imposing sanction of infallibility, while that infallibility rests upon mere “motives to credibility,” according to their own showing. Is there a magic influence in the intervening pretence to infallibility, that renders all on one side sure and certain, while all on the other side is doubt, or at best but plausibility? If the foundation be in ruins and tottering, what intervening materials resting upon that foundation, have such a potent spell as to render all the superstructure perfectly secure? Surely the idea is absurd. Our meaning is this: The church without infallibility, is not certainly correct in her interpretation of scripture, She therefore, looks round for something on which to rest a claim of infallibility, the scriptures furnish no such grounds; tradition does not; her own word carries no proof; sst length she rests her claim upon mere motives

to credibility, and plausible reasons why it should be believed. On this she rests her claim to infallibility. The foundation is admitted to be but plausible, but she is notwithstanding, now able to interpret with infallible certainty. Now we ask, what is there in this claim which makes her interpretations after it is set up, certainly correct, while the foundation of the claim is uncertain, and only plausible? Is this the “demonstration of her infallibility from other considerations? ,,Cre- dat Appellas, non ego!”—Pp. 122, 123.

But, after all, supposing the claim to infallibility to be fairly and indisputably made out; supposing we have been driven from every stand we have taken, in opposing this claim, and supposing this claim to be irrefutable, we are yet at a loss to know, what good end it will answer. It is pretended that it secures, not only unity of sentiment in the church, but absolute certainty as to what the scriptures teach. But is this really the case? It has been, we think, fully shown, that unity of sentiment has not been secured; and we think, from the very nature of the case, infallible certainty as to truth can not possibly be obtained. The pop in his decision upon the declarations of councils, or if you please, the pope anckcouncil together in their decision as to what the scriptures teach, profess, and are supposed to be guided by the spirit of truth, that is, the Spirit of God.

Now every private Christian either is or is not, under the same guidance. If he be, he is manifestly as infallible as the pope and his council; and if he be not thus guided, is he not just as liable to misinterpret the degrees and decisions of the pope and council, as he is to misinterpret the word of God ? Does the fact that the scriptures are divinely inspired, render them moreliable to misinterpretation than the language of uninspired men? Or, supposing councils and popes to be guided by inspiration in their decisions, is there such a superiority in their inspiration, as to render their words less liable to misinterpretation, than the words of the evangelists, and apostles, and even of the Sonof God himself?—Pp. 138, 139.

From the New-York Observer. JOURRiisS OF ST. PAUL.

Messrs. Editors—I have been induced to send you the following sketch of the places mentioned in the Acts are visited by St. Paul in his several journies, to refresh the minds of the readers of the Acts, and of his Epistles, and especially for the benefit of Bible Classes studying those portions 'of. divine truth. . i

Born in Tarsus about A. D. 12. Converted .on his way from Jerusalem to Damascus about A. D 36, at about the age of 24. Continued in Damas-. cus, with the exception of a zisit in Arabia, three years, and returned from Jeiusalem. . h.1. Journey from Jerusalem, after his conversion till

his return.Jerusalem, Cesarea, Tasus, (where he Conti

nued four years,) Antioch ii Syria, (where hfe'tar- ried one year,) Jerusalem.

2. Journey from Jerusdem till his return.Jerusalem, Antioch, Sehmia, Salamis, and Pa

phos in the Island of Cyprus, Perga, Antioch in Pisidia, Iconium, Lystra, Dtrbe, Pisidia, Pamphy- lia, Perga, Attalia, Antiotn in Syria, Phenice, Samaria, Jerusalem.

3. Journey from Jerusalm till his return.Jerusalem, Antioch, Syria Cilicia, Derbe, Lys

tra, Phrygia, Galatia, Mysia,Troas, (where he was joined by Luke,) Samothracii, Neapolis, Phillippi.

Amphipolis, Appolonia, "hessalonica, Berea, Athens, Corinth, Cenchrea, Eohesus, Cesarea, Jerusalem.

4. Journey from Jerusalm till his return.Jerusalem, Antioch, Galati, Phrygia, Ephesus,

Macedonia, Greece, Phillippi Troas, Assos, Mity- lene, Chios, Samos, Trogyllum, Miletus, Coos, Rhodes, Patara, Tyre, Ptoleuais, Cesarea, Jeru-

, salem.

5. Journey from Jerusalem to Rome. Jerusalem. Antipatris, Cesarea, Sidon, Myra,,

Fair, Haven, Melita, Syracuse, Rhegium, Puteoli^ Appii, Forum, Three Taverns, Rome, where the narrative in the Acts ends.Probablejournies from his first to his second impri

sonment in Rome.Spain, France, Britain, Jerusalem, Antioch in-

Syria, Colosse, Ephesus, Phillippi, Corinth, Troas, Miletus, Rome, where he was beheaded about- A. D. 66, aged about 54.

Those interested in this subject, whether teachers or pupils, will find the Life of Paul, by the Rev. Dr. Bedell, a small Sabbath school volume, wel>it worthy of their examination. H.

From the New York Observer.DAILY WORSHIP OF GOD IN CHURCHES.

ADDRESSED TO CHRISTIANS OF ALL DENOMINATIONS.1. It is humbly proposed to the friends of reli

gion in this city to institute a regular, daily service in every place of worship.

2. Let the doors of the house of God be opened at an early hour every morning, for the entrance of all such citizens and strangers as may choose to assemble there.

3. Let a portion of the Old Testament and a portion of the New Testament be read, and a suitable prayer offered.

4. If fourteen active laymen of each congregation will agree to lead these exercises in turn, no individual will be burdened with the duty more than once a fortnight.

5. It is time that evangelical Christians should manifest to the world an equal zeal for divine things, with that which is evinced by the daily early mass of the papists.

6. The advantages of this simple plan are obvious. It would be an open testimony for our covenant God, in the sight of the thousands who pass the house of God at this hour. It would prompt drowsy professors to attend to the much neglected'- duty of eany rising. It would sweeten the hours of the whole day to such humble souls as might be present; and draw their hearts to one another ia love. It. would afford an opportunity of hearing the precious truth of the Scriptures to multitudes who yarn? at/read, and would be an unspeakable advantage to many servants of Christ who are cut off from family worship, such as pious apprentices and servants, living in ungodly families; the wives or children of drunken or wicked men, and especially people of color. It would attract many ajpasser-by, who might thus be turned from the error of his ways. It would become the well known resort of Christian seamen and strangers, who often pine for religious communion. And many of the citizens, both rich and poor, would gladly rise an hour earlier to meet with these little bands in attending upon the morning sacrifice.

7. The approach1 of the temperate season, and the increase off religious feeling, render the present a favorable time for making the experiments* Is no one willing, in a view of these considerations, to make the attempt?

8. The Church of England has set us a holy example in this respect, which, as a member of another branch of the church, I feel constrained to recommend. (See Dr. Best’s “ Essays on the daily service of the Church of England.”) In a magazine published in 1790, the following advice occurs: “Frequent public worship every day in the week, if your business permit, and if you live in a place where it is performed.”

9. Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the post of my doors.

didymus

JUDGE KENNEDY ON THE SABBATH.The last number of the Register of Pennsylva

nia, contains the charge of Judge Kennedy, of that state, in the case of the Commonwealth, vs. Kean a d others, for riot in attempting to prevent the Rev. Mr. Connelly from preaching in the Wic- caco church on Sunday. In relation to what had

GAMBIER OBSERVER. 291been advanced by one of the defendants respecting the obligation of citizens of Pennsylvania to observe the Sabbath, Judge Kennedy observed:— New York Observer.

I also consider it a great mistake to say that you may do in Pennsylvania on the first day of the week, or more commonly called Sunday, whatever you may do on any other day of the week. Without waiting to inquire whether or not God has, as Mr. Dupuy, one of the defendants, said, made all days alike, and whether the distinction be of divine appointment or not, it is sufficient to know that the Legislature of Pennsylvania have passed acts restraining and prohibiting the doing of certain acts, and pursuing a certain course of conduct on that day. It is forbidden that we should engage in, and follow our usual occupations, unless indeed, it should be that our daily labor was that of performing acts ot necessity or mercy, which are lawful at all times and seasons. The policy of these acts, I think, ought not to be questioned. I presume it will be admitted, by any intelligent mind, that religion is of the utmost importance to every community. The history of the past furnishes abundant evidence of the truth of this proposition. It is the basis of civilization. Without it we should be in a state of moral darkness and degradation, such as usually attend the most barbarous and savage states. It is to the influence of it, that we stand indebted for all that social order and happiness which prevails among us. It is by the force of religion more than by that of our municipal regulations, or our boasted sense of honor, that we are kept within the line of moral rectitude, and constrained to administer to the welfare and comfort of each other. In short, we owe to it all that we enjoy either of civil or religious liberty. Blessings which certainly cannot be too highly appreciated, but ought not, as the defendants are said to have done upon this occasion, to be used as a cloak to cover a design, to disturb the public peace, and to promote a sinister end. Here then give me leave to say, that the institution of the Sabbath is, in my humble opinion, not only admirably adapted to promote and establish religion among us, but to secure and preserve our physical as well as moral health, and strength.

EXTRACT FROMPISHOP GRISWOLD’S ADDRESS

To the 15tl Convention of the Eastern Diocese, in Trinity Church, Boston, Sept. 2Sth, 1830.

In my long and extensive acquaintance in the New England states, I have generally found that the ofief objection to our church is its liturgy. \Vr who are acquainted with its excellence and ue, know that this is among the chief of our peculiar advantages: and from experience and observation we also know, that many who were once much prejudiced against our service, after becoming acquainted with its excellence, are among its greatest admirers. But the fact is too evident and certain, that we have such prejudice, very strong and very general, to contend with. To account for it is very easy; how it can best be obviated and removed, is a question with which we are much concerned. I have no manner of doubt that some small alterations in our book of common prayer, and a little shortening of the morning service, would render our formulary more generally acceptable; much more so than many of us, who are accustomed to use and to love the whole of it, are willing to believe’ But to this point I have no desire to call your attention: the time is not arrived for considering it with the wisdom and coolness of deliberation which the subject demands.

One thing, which in my judgment diminishes respect for our forms, is the frequent, and sometimes very awkward attempt to accommodate them to occasions for which they were not composed nor intended. That we have not more forms ap- piypriate to special occasions of public or social

worship, is no doubt the fault of us chiefly who fill the Episcopal office.

But to remove this prejudice—to render our worship more excellent in the judgment of others, and more profitable to ourselves, what is most necessary, is a serious, solemn, simple and devout manner of performing it. Some of the English Bishops have, in their charges, lamented that so excellent a service should be rendered contemptible bv its improper performance. It is certain that nothing tends more to excite and to confirm in people a dislike of our Liturgy, than hearing it read in a careless or unfeeling, or affected, or in any undevout manner. What is first and chiefly necessary is devout feeling:—the spirit of prayer in the heart; this naturally produces a devout, unaffected enunciation, which seems not as reading, but as praying.

And the people of our congregations are, we may fear, still more neglectful in their performance of our service. The chief advantage of a liturgy is, that in the use of it, the congregation may unite their hearts and their voices in prayer and praise to God :—that we cart, as did the apostles, “lift up our voice to God with one accord." And except we actually do this, the peculiar excellence of the service is lo^t. And this is, in a very great and deplorable degree, the fact: in many of our churches the responses are scarcely heard; and in others heard but from a few. It has heretofore been much the practice for congregations to employ clerks to worship for them, and they not always of the most respectable character, a practice which has brought much ridicule and disgrace upon the church: but happily this evil is much diminished. They who are appointed to such an office, should be men of undoubted piety, of unblemished character, and of respectable standing in society; and their appointment should not cause the people to worship God the less for themselves. When the service -is in a language which the people do not understand, it is not strange that the whole should be performed by two persons; but let it not be so with us. In the primitive times the people’s response of Amen was compared to thunder: with us it is a voice so still and small as not always to be heard. It is certainly of very great importance to the beauty and the profitableness of our service, that the congregation should generally unite, as the church has directed: that when we “spetik to each other in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,” the responses be made not

;tooloud indeed, but audibly, and with such spirit and animation as to show that we delight in worshiping the Lord God of our salvation. If only a few voices are heard, and those faint and low, it has the appearance of our being ashamed to worship God, or of our disliking our own liturgy: it makes the service appear awkward, dull and formal. But when the whole congregation, with a holy fervor, unite in all the parts, it is truly social worship. The devotion is by sympathy communicated, and God is worshiped in spirit and in truth. We might honor our service much more by using, than we do, or can do by praising it.

In some churches both ministers and people in repeating the Creed, sink the voice into a low undertone, as though “ashamed to confess the faith of Christ crucified.” If any one part of the service should, more than the other, be pronounced in a strong, firm and decided tone of voice, it is this when we “rehearse the articles of our belief;” when we confess that faith by which we hope to overcome the world, and to be justified in the sight of God.

In the last few years, our General Convention has wisely taken some measuies for the improvement of our Psalmody; but still in some of our churches it is too little regarded, and in others so managed and performed as to seem designed more for entertainment, than for religious adoration. The singing of sacred hymns and psalms was practised by Christ and his apostles, and it is viewed by our church, and by Christians generally, as a I

part, and a profitable part of public and social worship. We ought therefore, in this, as in other parts of divine service, to have regard to profit, rather than pleasure; to the honor of God, and to the increase of piety, gratitude, and love, “making melody in our hearts, to the Lord.” All who can, “with decency, and to edifying,” should bear a part in the vocal harmony. It is hoped my clerical brethren will excuse my suggesting the propriety and importance of their uniformly manifesting a serious and conscientious regard to this part of our service. We are governed very much by habit, and that to which we have been long accustomed, we naturally suppose to be right.— But can we, after serious reflection, think it right, that while the congregation are praising God, their minister, who ought to feel and to show the deepest interest in every part of God’s holy worship,, should willingly be absent in another room? This at least would I advise and reepmmend, that when it is thought expedient for the officiating minuter, in the time of service, to change his robes, he should endeavor to do it, while the organist and choir are making preparation to commence the psalm or hymn. “I speak as unto wise men, and judge ye what I say.”

Some other things appertaining to our worship I did intend to notice, but I am wearying your patience. Let us show our attachment to our liturgy by generally and truly complying with its requirements, according to their evident meaning and design. By our words only, we can no more prove that we are churchmen, than that we are Christians; by our fruits we are known. If wc would remove the prejudice against our worship, and have the eyes of people open to its excellence, let us show its excellence by all uniting in all its parts. In proportion as we deem our distinctive principles to be essential, we should be zealous in their propagation, and should be diligent and careful to remove all unnecessary obstacles to their being received. To the sound principles of our church let us add, as most necessary to its prosperity, holy seal, united efforts, and Christian lives.

Permit me in conclusion, to suggest whether it be not expedient that each of the states composing this diocese, should in some way be making provision for the support of the Episcopate within itself, by raising a fund not to be used perhaps till it has a bishop of its own. In this state such a fund, though not sufficiently large, already exists. In New Hampshire and Vermont there is property to be appropriated in the same way.— Perhaps, if it be practicable, it would be wise to have in each state an incorporated society, similar to that of the Trustees of Donations, already existing in this state. In such case it is I believe the understanding, if not a provision of the character, that whatever may have been contributed to this corporation, by our brethren in the other states, shall be respectively paid over to them.

And seeing that there is little probability of our having a theological school in this diocese, I would suggest also, whether it would not be well, for the purpose of educating ministers among us, that some of our clergy, to whom it may be most convenient, should each take into his family, or under his care, one or more of our candidates, and superintend and aid them in their theological studies. Such education is, in some respects, even better than that of public seminaries. And though it is certainly desirable and very important, that some part of our clergy should have all the advantages which books and schools can give, that they may be qualified for public instructors, and when occasion requires it, to handle the pens of ready- writers; it is not necessary and perhaps not desirable, that all should be great scholars. It has by good judges been observed, and I think justly observed, that men of splendid talents and very extensive erudition, are not generally the most useful as parish ministers. Those of more ordinary endowments, and less ambitious of literary fame

292 GAMBIER OBSERVER.if they are well learned in what appertains to their profession, and have a competent share of prudence, piety, and common sense, are perhaps the most likely tQ be truly devoted to the Lord’s work, and to labor with success. We need those especially who are willing to labor in the waste places of Zion; who are actuated more by the love of souls, than the love of fame; and who think it “enough that the disciple should be as his Master.” To remarks of this nature, there are many exceptions; but generally the expectations of young men will be raised, in proportion to the expense of time, and money, and labor which they have bestowed in qualifying themselves for any business or profession. Such expectation is certainly natural, nor is it very unreasonable. Where we have good parishes, pleasantly situated, and with competent salaries, we have less dfficulty in supplying them with ministers; but by many years of painful experien.ee, we have been taught how. very difficult it is to find those who are willing to officiate in some parts of this diocese, w’here in ail human appearance, great good might be done But to Christians it is ever an unfailing consolation, that the Lord reigns. Let it now be ours; let us be faithful and united, and repose our trust in God.—Episcopal Recorder.

REV. JOSEPH WOLFFIn the .London Jewish Expositor for January

are copious extracts from Mr. Wolffs Journal. We select a portion, giving an account of the dangers and sufferings which he encountered in journeying from Tenedos to Salonichi.

Providential Escapefrom Pirates.July 22.—We continued our journey in the boat

for Salonichi, and were already arrived eight miles distant from the Peninsula, called Casandra, where we had, at the w est, the mountain of Koumelia called Cartalia, when we at once perceived a small boat not larger than ours, starting from the mountain of Cartalia, just coming towards us; but as the wind was favorable to us and contrary to their vessel, we saw them tacking about, trying to come near us. “Kleftless i. e. robbers 1” There were no means of escaping them, for our vessel was a very slow sailing vessel, and theirs sailed very fast The captain told us that the pirates do not suffer any one to live, if they catch them, in order that no report may be made of their existence. I desired, therefore, our servant Michaele to take out of my trunk merely my finnans, and passport, and letters of introduction, and leave behind all the money. However, Joseph Aboo-Mansoor took his money in his pocket. Mine I left behind. We anchored at the mountain of Cartalia, the pirates after us. Joseph Aboo-Mansoor and I sprang into the sea, and climbed up the mountain of Cartalia. The shots of the muskets of the pirates followed us. Tw ice the balls passed my ear and feet, and twice they failed. I ran up the rocky mountain (which, as I afterwards learnt, is never ascended by the inhabitants themselves,) swift as a deer, without stockings, without shoes, without coat, and without hat: my shirt and my trowsers were soon torn in pieces; my feet were wounded by the thorns and thistles, with which the mountain was covered. We were obliged to cut the thorny bushes, in order that we might be enabled to pass through Both having already reached the top of the mountain, and I being out of breath, Joseph Aboo- Mansor, who never forsook me, said, “ Let us now hide ourselves in one of the clefts of the rocks;” which we did. “Oh my dove; that art in the clefts of the rock 1” We heard the shouts of the pirates, who had now already entered our boat, and taken every thing. We could see, from the top of the mountain, the swinging of their swords over the head of our servant Michael, who had remained behind, and over the head of the captain. At last they came up the mountain to look out for us; and they swore that they would, put us immediately to death, if they should find us as our servant told afterwards. They were about

twenty yards from us: we could see them, but they could not see us. They continually cried out, “Elato, elato, me fobasate!” i. e. “Come, come, be not afraid!” But we did not dare even to cough or breathe. At last they went down and we continued our journey, through thorns and thistles, and clefts, so that we were soon out' of danger of being taken by the pirates. But we were now in other danger, more horrid than that of being murdered by pirates. First, we saw every where traces of wild beasts; we saw them running about; we heard their howlings. But the great danger of being killed by thirst; for it was eleven o’clock in the forenoon when we had left the boat, at eight o’clock I had only drunk one small cup of coffee: this was all the food I had taken. When the evening came I was no longer able to goon: we laid upon stones and thorns. A wolf passed near me, but did me so harm. The thirst began to be intolerable: my mouth was quite dry; I tried first to quench my thirst by having opened my mouth, in order that the air may come into my mouth. I remembered the words of the Prophet: “ And theirs nobles have sent their little ones to the waters; they came to the pits and found no water. They returned with the vessel empty; they were ashamed and confounded,.and covered their heads, Yea the hind also calved in the field, and forsook it because there was no grass. And the wild asses did stand in the high places, they snuffed up the wind like dragons; their eyes did fail.” I tried, then to quench my thirst by eating a piece of the two letters of introduction, which I had from the Archbishop of Lemnos, but this was of no use. Sometimes I imagined that I had drank, and was rejoiced. 1 called aloud for men; but no one heard. Joseph Aboo-Mansor and myself prayed to our Lord Christ. I prayed ; “ Christ; thou who hast heard the voice of Hagar in the desert, hear our voice, and give us water!” I proposed going back to the robbers, but we were too far, and could not have easily found the way. Early in the morning, Joseph Aboo-Mansoor and myself continued our journey. I was too weak to walk, and began to creep over the mountain, first on my belly and then on my back. Joseph exclaimed, with his penetrating voice, in the Arabic language, “Jesus!”

The echo did send back the sound “Jesus.”Joseph. Jesus, who hast shed thy blood for us,

strengthen thy servant Joseph Wolff! Echo, WolffJoseph. Strengthen thy servant Joseph Wolff,

who hath served thee for nine years!The echo did send back the voice “years!”I cried out myself: “Help, thou me: Jesus, as

thou didst Hagar!” Echo, “Hagar!”Myself.' Jesus, Jesus, Jesus! Echo. “Jesus!”But I was no more able to speak: and said to

Joseph Aboo-Mansoor,—“Now, Joseph, let me alone here; thou hast been faithful enough; try now to come to Alexandria, and anounce my death to Lady Georgiana;—I will die here!”

Joseph said: “I hold it out with you till evening, then I must go on myself.”

When suddenly Joseph exclaimed, “water!” Echo. “Water!”

I said: Bring it here.But then Joseph did not suffer me to drink

suddenly, but gave me by little and little. We made use of that tin case in which my parchment from the Society is preserved, which he filled with water: and thus, after, I think, twenty-six hours walking, I was able to satisfy nfy thirst. I could not get enough; and as Joseph did not give me as much as I liked, I made use of the moment when Joseph turned his back and took water with my hands. Joseph filled the tin case with water: but it was not necessary, for we lost the water no more out of sight. At last we found the leaves of wild grapes with which we satisfied our hunger. A few hours after, we came to a sown plain, not far from the sea, where we found the paths of men and sheep. We followed that step, and met with a shepherd keeping his flock, who saw our situa

tion. We asked for a piece of bread, and showed to him the leaves of wild grapes which we had eaten. He expressed his horror by making repeatedly the sign of the cross; and seeing the°situ- ation of my feet filled with thorns, he gave to me his shoes and stockings to put on, and brought us to the rest ot the shepherds, who were there with their wives and children, and sheep, and asses, and horses. I hey gave to us bread to eat and cheese, and sour milk to drink. Oh, how delicious this was! After this, they took us upon the asses, and brought us to their village, called Shee- ka. On our way to Sheeka, we passed the shore of the sea. We observed a boat: both Joseph Aboo-Mansoor and myself trembled, supposing it to be the pirates, but it was our own boat. The captain and his son were only in it, for the sailor and my servant Michaele, had, after having been spoiled and stripped, made their escape over the mountains. Our servant Michaele told the robbers, that if they would give him leave to go up to the mountain, he would fetch us, and force us to give 4,000 piasters, which we had with us to them. Fear made him say thus. They accompanied him up to the mountain; but fortunately he made his escape* Il he had called out for us, we should have answered: and then we would have been lost:. Our boat was entirely plundered. The cases of Bibles they left, but they had left me not one shirt to change, nor one pair of trowsers. The trowsers I had on were torn in pieces in such a degree, that the shepherds had pity and sewed them together with straw. We desired our captain to wait there where he was, until I could send to him a letter for Mr. Chasseaud, an English gentleman at Salonichi, who will take charge of the books; and I would continue my journey by land.

AMBITION HUMBLED AND REPROVED.A MORAL ALLEGORY.

[From Hebrew Tales, translated by H. Hurwitz from theRabbinical writings of the first five centuries of the Christian era.lThe grave and destruction can never have enough, nor are the

eyes of man ever satisfied. Prov. xxvii. 20,Pursuing his journey through dreary deserts,,

and uncultivated ground, Alexander came at last to a small rivulet, whose waters glided peaceably along their shelving banks, lu smooth unruffled surface was the image of contentment, and seemed in its silence to say—this is the abode of tranquility and peace. All was still: not a sound was heard save those soft murmuring tones which seemed to whisper in the ear of the wea?y traveller—“ Come, and partake of nature’s botnty!”— and to complain that such offers should btmade in vain. To a contemplative mind, such a scene might have suggested a thousand delightful refections. But what charms could it have for the so,j of an Alexander, whose breast was filled with schemes of ambition and conquest; whose eye was familiarized with rapine and slaughter; and whose ears were accustomed to the clash of arms —to the groans of the wounded and the dying?— Onward, therefore, he marched. Aet, overcome by fatigue and hunger, he was soon obliged to stop. He seated himself on one of the banks ol the river, took a draught of water, which he found of a very fine flavor, and very refreshing. He then ordered some salt fish, with which he was well provided, to be brought to him. 1 hese he dipped in the stream, in order to take off the briny taste, and was very much surprised to And then® emit a very fine fragrance. “Surely, said he, “this river, which possesses such uncommon qualities, must flow from some very rich and happy country.—-Let us march thither. Following the course of the river, he at length arrived at the gates of Paradise. The gates were shut. He knocked, and, with his usual impetuosity, demanded admittance.—“ Thou canst not be admit tea here,” exclaimed a voice from within ; < thi gate is the Lord's."—“1 am the Lord—the Lord or the earth;” rejoined the impatient chic!—“I am Alex-

experien.ee

GAMBIER OBSERVER. 293antler the Conqueror! Will you not admit me?”— “No,” was the answer. “Here, we know of no conquerors—save such as conquer their passions: None but the just can enter here.' Alexander endeavored in vain to enter the abode of the blessed ; neither entreaties nor menaces availed. Seeing all his attempts fruitless, he addressed himself to the guardian of Paradise, and said:—“You know I am a great king—a person who received the homage of nations. Since you will not admit me, give me at least something, that I may show an astonished and admiring world that I have been where no mortal has ever been before me.”— “Here, madman!” said the guardian of Paradise, “here is something for thee. It may cure the maladies of thy distempered soul. One glance at it may teach thee more wisdom than thou hast hith erto derived from all thy former instructors. Now go thy ways.” Alexander took it with avidity, and repaired to his tent. But what was his confusion and surprise to find, on examining the received present, that it was nothing but the fragment of a human scull. “ And is this,” exclaimed Alexander, “the mighty gift that they bestow on kings and heroes? Is this the fruit of so much toil, danger and care?” Enraged and disappointed, he threw it on the ground. “Great king!” eaid a learned man who happened to be present, “do not despise this gift. Despicable as it appears in thine eyes, it yet possesses some extraordinary qualities, of which thou mayest soon be convinced, if thou wilt order it to be weighed against gold or silver.” Alexander ordered it to be done. A pair of scales was brought. The skull was placed in one, a quantity of gold in the other; when, to the astonishment of the beholders, the skull over-balanced the gold. More gold was added, still the skull preponderated. In short, the more gold there was put in the one scale the lower sunk that which contained theskuil.— “Strange!” exclaimed Alexander, “that so small a portion of matter should outweigh so large a mass of gold! Is there nothing that will counterpoise it?” “ Yes,” answered thb philosophers, “a very little matter will do it.” They then took some earth, covered the skull with it, when immediately down went the gold, and the opposite scale ascended. “This is very extraordinary!” said Alexander, astonished. “Can you explain this strange phenomenon?” “Great king,” said the sages, “this fragment is the socket of a human eye, which, though small in compass, is yet unbounded in its desire. The more it has, the more it craves. Neither gold nor silver nor any other earthly possession can ever satisfy it. But when it once is laid in the grave and covered with a little earth, there is an end to its lust and ambition.”

SHEPHERDS IN THE EAST.The flocks were tended by servants; also by the

sons, and frequently by the daughters of the owner, who himself was often employed in the same service. In the summer they generally moved towards the north, or occupied the loftier part of the mountains; in the winter they returned to the south, or sought a favorable retreat in the valleys. A shepherd was exposed to all the changes of the season, as the flocks required to be watched by day and by night, under the open sky. Thus Jacob describes his service:—“In the day the drought consumed me, and the frost by night; and my sleep departed from mine eyes.” So also the shepherds were watching their flocks by night when the angel of the Lord came down with the glad tidings of a Saviour’s birth. The flocks, however, did not give so much trouble as we might imagine such vast numbeis would. They grew familiar with the rules of order, and learned to conform themselves to the wishes «f their keeper on the slightest notice. They became acquainted with his voice, and when called by its sound, immediately gathered around him. It was even common to give every individual of the flock its t>wn name to which, it learned to attend, as hor

ses and dogs are accustomed to do among us. If the keeper s voice was at any time not heeded, or could not reach some straggling party, he had but to tell his dog, who was almost wise enough to manage the flock by himself, and immediately he was seen bounding over the distance, and rapidly restoring all to obedience and order. When he wanted to remove them from one place to another, he called them all together, and marched before them with his staff in his hand, and his dog by his side, like a general at the head of his army. Such is the beautiful discipline which is often seen in the flocks of the eastern shepherds. With a knowledge of these circumstances we can better understand the language of our Saviour, in his beautiful parable of the shepherd and his flock: “The sheep heareth his voice; and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him for they know his voice. And a stranger they will not follow, but will flee from him, for they know not the voice of strangers.”—Niven's Biblical Antiquities.

FROM THE MEDITERRANEAN.A letter from the Rev. J. Brewer, to one of

the proprietors of the Boston Recorder, dated at Smyrna, Jan 4, 1831.

Dear Sir,—We have not for many months had any intelligence from the Missionaries to Armenia. From Beyroot, we have fresh accounts of the probable death of Asaad Shidiak; and from the banished Jewish Christians at Ccsarca, we learn that John Baptist, in the prosecution of his zealous labors, holdsfrequent conferences on the Christian religion with a Turk of high rank, for whom he solicits a copy of the Scriptures. In this place, Rev. Mr. Lewis had nearly got into operation, through the aid of a hopeful Italian Jew, a school for Jewish youth; but the Chief Rabbi taking the alarm prevented it. A little Jewish girl comes daily to take lessons in needlework and reading, from Mrs. Lewis; and it is true- ly delightful to see how happily she seems to rest under a Christian wing. A few yoting Jews come privately also to receive instruction from Mr. L., who, I trust, may yet, by acts of kindness, find his way to the hearts of many a poor prejudiced Israelite. As a specimen of his manner. I will mention what occured a few days since. As we were walking through Turk- town, w*e found our selves a little at fault, and requested a young Jew whom we met to set us right. We had not proceeded tar, when we came to a large enclosure in which a few ancient columns are still standing, and which is one of the three places claimed to have been the site of the Christian Church. The Turks now use it as a place of temporary deposit for their dead, before they are taken to the mosque. While we stood looking through the gate, a Turk who was the keeper of a coffee-house on the opposite side of the way, came out, and seizing the poor Jew violently, began pulling off his garment very rudely, saying, “Pay me what thou owest.” My companion could not endure to see him so ill treated, and said to his creditor, “ Have patience with him and I will pay thee all.” Afterwards he succeeded in borrowing the sum (20 piastres,) and at once discharged the debt. We then had much conversation with the liberated youth, who left us no doubt ready to believe that some “good thing might come out of Nazareth.” Nothwithstanding the Jews do not suffer Mr. L. to maintain an independent school, 1 have no doubt that had we the necessary funds, we could establish school^ among them, in which the Old Testament would be diligently studied in different languages, under the direction of Jewish teachers.

Our English school promises to furnish a very considerable part of our personal support. Miss Reynolds assists in a very hopeful Protestant Sunday School in Mr. Arundell’s house. Our Greek

schools are increasing in number, and were never more hopeful. Had we the necessary apparatus and funds, we would gladly follw the example which our brethren (Messrs. Robertson and Hill) newly arrived in Greece are beginning to set us, of establishing an infant school.

Yours in the Gospel, Josiah Brew'er.

It was with a kind of reluctance I felt myself carried back by the refluent waves to encounter again the storms of life, tor \ Jiad hoped the fight was done.—C. Buchanan, on recovering from illness.

“Be systematic and regular in your household as well as in your business concerns; let order reign in your dwelling, allowing a place for every thing, and keeping every thing in its place; irregularity creates confusion, and both tend to banish enjoyment.”

GAMBIER OBSERVER.GAMBIER, FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 1831.

Philosophy Falsely so Called.—We have always supposed, that the Baconian philosophy required a man to draw his conclusions from the most extensive induction possible; and that to omit any important facts in coining to these conclusions, was not to philosophize but to theorize. We have also been led to imagine, that he who is engaged in these inductive reasonings, should consider as facts, not only those things which he witnesses with his own eyes, but also those which he has become acquainted with through credible testimony, no mattex where or when these things transpired ; and that just so far as his information is circumscribed, or he is liable to the charge of impatience in the collection or collation of facts, is his title to our confidence weakened; and consequently, that intentionally to overlook prominent facts, is to betray unfairness in the search of truth. However, it appears thajt if we would agree with some of the popular writers of the day, we must lay these opinions by, and count it sound philosophy to select from the phenomena which are brought before us those which please us most, and, regardless of the rest, make them the sole basis of our conclusions. This statement may seein incredible to some* but we think we have before us two instances fully bearing out the assertion.

There has lately been published in New*-York, a work entitled “Thoughts on the Oiiginal Unity of the Human Race,” the object of which is to prove tliJt God “hath” not “made of one blood all nations of men.” The writer professes a great respect for religion, and disclaims any intention to discredit Christian doctrine, and yet—what? Why, he attempts to establish a position at direct variance with the Christian Scriptures—he attempts to make good a fact positively denied by the Bible!—We would ask, to say nothing mote, is this philosophical?—The writer charges with giving themselves up to theory, those, who in the discussion of this question, have reference to the portions of the Bible which bear upon it; but how is this ? Is not the divine authority of the Bible as much a historical fact as most of those which he brings forward about the many diversities of the human race, and has it not as direct and important a bearing upon the question he discusses, as any of them, orall of them put together? It is evidently easier to bring the fact of the diverse form and complexion of the different nations of the earth, to agree with the

. Scripture account of the origin of man, than to bring the I Scriptures to sanction the opinion that different nations have i a different origin. The latter is impossible. The fact of the original unity of mankind is expressly asserted in many places, it is taken lor granted throughout the Bible, it is interwoven with the whole system of its doctrines. Now, under such circumstances, there is no middle course; we must either reject the Christian Revelation, or believe that we are all sprung from the same parentage. There is no other alternative, and it is perfectly ridiculous to be laboring to establish the opposite conclusion, thinking that it is enough to redeem a man from

. the charge of inconsistency to throw in an occasional “ Salva fide,”—now and again to disclaim any disrespect to religion. If a man disbelieves Christianity, then of course he is not hound to hear what she may have to say on a subject of this character; but let him be ingenuous—let him say so. If, on the other hand, he admits her divine authority, then let him liear her whenever she condescends to .'peak- He is bound to

3394_______ ______ __________do so if he would act philosophically. What would we think of the man who would refuse to listen to the testimony of a credible historian or traveller, who had something to say upon the subject he was handling?—What then must we think of him who refuses to hear what he allows to be the spirit of truth—to receive the testimony of Him who made all the nations Jof the earth?—We see not, in a case like this, how an evasion of the charge of inconsistency can even be attempted> except by taking the stand of David Hume, who in his Essay upon Miracles, talks with feigned disapprobation of “those dangerous friends or distinguished enemies (!J to the Christian religion, who have undertaken to defend it by the principles of human reason.”—A writer indeed might say perhaps that he wished to confine himself to a certain class of facts—to hear only a part of the testimony, in order to see what would be the single and separate result; but this would be to confess that he was not philosophizing, and that he was pursuing a course calculated to lead the unwary into error. Besides, what would be, to any one, the benefit of such a course?— Must not a calculation which leaves out of the account some important items, be positively false, needing another calculation to set it right?—We repeat it, this mode of procedure in iiiductive reasoning, is unphilosophical, false, and dangerous.

But we pass on to the second instance which we alluded to. It is found in a recent Review of Milman’s History of the Jews. The author of that work is commended for treating the subject in a philosophic way. What this means we learn from the subsequent remarks of the reviewer ; for having la mented the injury which the friends of religion have done to Scripture by “the sternness with which they have kept this history apart from all others,” he proceeds to notice several of the characters and transactions recorded in the Bible, throwing out of the account, as much as possible, every thing supernatural. It is amusing indeed to see how difficult he finds it to exclude divine agency altogether in his philosophical investigation. On one occasion he is constrained to admit that “ every thing about this strange people (the Jews) disappoints predictions founded on human nature.” Still with an unaccountable inconsistency, he labors throughout the review to explain every phenomenon without admitting divine intervention, often in palpable contradiction of scripture history. For instance, the exterrrtination of the Canaanites is vindicated on the ground that we should not expect to find the Jews “ towering above the manners of the times, especially when we Tcnow that such deeds were not then regarded as dishonorable or guilty;” and that we might as well charge the outrages committed by the crusaders in the lltli and 12th centuries upon the Christian religion as the violence of the Israelites’ against the Canaanites, upon the religion of Moses. This last idea would be correct enough, and would fully clear the religion of Moses from the charge of cruelty, if we were allowed to use it; but we are not allowed. We are not permitted to say that this thing was done by the Israelites, notwithstanding their religion and in spite ofit,” to use Warburton’s phrase, we have a higher plea to make. The bible tells us that the Israelites were commanded to drive out the Canaanites; that the latter were exposed to these severe chastisements because they had filled up the measure of their iniquity; that God was, in this thing, acting as the Judge of all the earth; that the Israelites were only the ministers of his justice; that they undertook the duty reluctantly, and that this very reluctance brought upon them the displeasure of Jehovah. This is the proper ground of defense—that which Scripture requires us to take; and to take any other is to excite doubts of the soundness and sufficiency of that which Scripture sanctions. As said before, this is no more than what we might expect from infidels, and with them it would be altogether natural and consistent; but with those who receive the Bible as an inspired book it is exactly the reverse, and irreconcilcable, moreover, with the true principles of reasoning.

Much of the loose kind of writing upon religious subjects which we daily meet, similar to that above noticed, seems to arise from the circumstance that the authors have not entered as deeply’ as they should, into the evidences of revelation.* hough they have gone far enough, perhaps, to think themselves, and to be thought by others, staunch believers, their iaith is not sufficiently strong to resist the temptation of displaying a so galled philosophical spirit, whenever an opportu- r ity oilers, at the expense of the most sacred truth. They admit the reality of divine and miraculous interference, but ft s a reluctant admission, They would gladly find some other

GAMBIER OBSERVER.mode of explaining the phenomenon in every case. There is no deep and heartfelt conviction of the omnipresent and almighty power of God. It is too true that “ all men have not faith,” and that many who fancy they have, arc the unconscious subjects of a biasing and blinding scepticism.

The Times.-^Mankind have never witnessed such a state of things as that now existing in the world. Every thing in" dicates that human society is on the eve of a mighty revolution. Elements which have slept for ages in the most inert stillness, are now in violent motion. Almost every land has caught the excitement, and where quiet still continues, it partakes in no small degree of that portentous sul lenness which precedes a storm. What a scene Europe presents this moment to the Christian eye! France has just passed through a revolution, and is by no means unlikely to undergo another. In what is past she seems to have been swayed by political considerations mainly: religious principles will probably enter into any further changes that may take place. Of the late changes the moving cause was her own free choice ; but she is now apprehensive of foreign influence, and is accordingly engaged in organizing a mighty host. J Whether these soldiers shall be allowed to return to their homes in peace, or be called to stain the battle field with blood, God only knows. Alany things, however, give strength to the apprehension, that their harness will not be laid aside, till it has been brightened by the brunt of war. There is Belgium, in the neighborhood, likewise just past through a violent revolution, still unprovided with a king. The second son of Louis Phillip has been chosen, but his father through fear of consequences, has found it necessary to decline the honor thus offered to his family. Who will next be chosen—what will next be done—and what will be the consequences of the measure—is likewise in the uncertainty of the future. Tlie British Empire is in many parts hardly less powerfully agitated, and happy will it be if of the changes which the public are calling for and insisting on, those which are beneficial are effected without bloodshed. God grant that it may be so! Of Germany, several portions are heaving with discontent; all Italy, by the latest accounts, is in a state of insurrection; and Poland is standing to her arms in defense of her national existence, while the Russ is coming down upon her with all the power of the north. Turkey is said to be meditating an attempt to check the progress of her late victorious rival; and should she do so, Persia may follow her example. Farther east we find the “celestial empire” itself not a little troubled. Some of its provinces have risen against the government, and the persuasion is said to be prevalent among all the people, that the world is about to see great things shortly. On the southern half of our own continent matters arc, in many places, in a very unsettled state, and it is still uncertain what will be the effect of the death of Bolivar. In the West Indies also, we find the negro population disposed to rise: at the last arrivals, Martinique was trembling with apprehension.—In dreadful harmony with these commotions, we find the natural world giving signs of fear. In the northeast of Europe and north-west of Asia the Cholera Morbus has slain, or is slaying, its tens of thousands: and scientific men are looking with certain forebodings to its further progress west and south. In China there have been some dreadful earthquakes, and the popular belief at Canton was that from 500,000 to 1,000,000 human beings had perished in the ruin they occasioned. It appears also, that while the earth was thus unstable beneath their feet, the sea was permitted to leave its prescribed limits and increase the work of death.— By an inundation in the eastern part of the Canton district, 1,000 houses have been swept away, and as many as 5000 persons drowned.

What does all this mean? We hear of wars and rumours and pestilences and earthquakes in divers places—upon the earth distress of nations with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming upon the earth, for the powers of heaven are shaken. What, we repeat the question, does all this mean? Evidently, that the Lord is at hand.— He is about to come down and confound the Babel builders of this world, and establish his own government and kingdom over all the nations of the earth. In other words, wc believe that all.these commotions are like the confusion which precedes the drafting up of troops in line—that God will bring more perfect order than mankind have ever seen before, out of the present political and moral chaos—that he wiU confound his

enemies and give wider prevalence and more powerful sway to gospel truth—that he is about to make a new covenant with the nations, writing his law upon their hearts, so that they shall no longer go after strange gods, that are no Gods, but servo Him only—that he will become their God, and they shall become his people.

That all these changes will be thus overruled for the good of true religion we believe, not only on the assurance of prophecy but also of the signs of the times. For it appears that these external changes have begun already to work that very effect. Many, as in France, are escaping from the trammels of superstition; and in other countries “a great door and o£, fectual” is opened, or is about to be opened, for the preaching of the cross! and this is all that is needed: Let the word of God have free course, and it will be glorified. It was glorified in the regeneration of very many nations when it had mightier obstacles to surmount—when all the powers of the iron empire was set against it. Why then should it not still be glorified by similar successes?—The “glory” lias not “departed” from it; but it has been allowed to lie dormant. Since the beginning of the fourth century, Christianity has not been sufficiently thrown upon its own resources. Its energies have not been called forth into full exertion. Therefore it is, that her triumphs have, of late, been comparatively so circumscribed. But the state of things is now about to be changed; and this change imposes upon every follower of Jesus new and weighty obligations. He must no longer slumber at his post. The Christian soldier must bid farewell to sloth and indulgence. He must act upon what he professesto believe—that his calling is one of warfare__ He must notonly wear the uniform, but fight the battle of his Leader. Happy he, who learns the lesson which the signs of the times so clearly teach him, who puts on the whole armour of God, and with the self-denial and the courage of a true soldier of Christ Jesus, addresses himself to the good fight of faith. On the other hand woe be to him who turns his back in the day of battle. His desertion will not effect the failure of the cause which he forsakes: such cowardly spirits would only be an encumbrance . in the victorious encounter with Midian’s host they were allowed to retire to their homes. But still his fate shall be that of a traitor to the cause of God.

Tumults in Paris.—Since the above paragraphs were written, accounts have reached us of alarming riots in Paris.— They were occasioned by a funeral mass for the Duke de Berri. The persons engaged in this ceremony, were warned by the police magistrates not to attempt it, for fear of giving offence to the populace; hut so far were they from heeding this prudent advice, that they added many things directly calculated to exasperate the people, as the taking up of a collection for the benefit of the wounded of the ex-Royal Guard, and parading in the church the bust of the Duke of Bordeaux.— The consequence was, that the mob rushed into the church, put the assembly to flight, and were proceeding to use violence with the priests, when they were prevented by the National Guard. The church however was dismantled and all the crucifixes and fleur-de-lis torn down. Next day the mob attacked the palace of the Archbishop who had sanctioned the obnoxious ceremonies, and utterly destroyed all it contained, including a valuable library. They were proceeding to treat the churches in the same way, but were ehecked by the guard, only on condition however of having the fleur-de-lis and crucifixes destroyed. The excitement is said to have been powerful.— The people went through the streets crying “down with the Jesuits,” “dawn with the priests,” &c. So odious had tlie fleur-de-lis become in the eyes of the people, that the King found it necessary to erase it from the state seal, which is hereafter to represent an open book with the words “ Charte de 1830,” surmounted by a crowft, with the sceptre and hand ot J ustice crossed, and tri-colored flags behind the shield. These riots, of the mob however, do not show how unstable the existing state of things in France is, near as forcibly 38 vl° lence which has been manifested in their Chamber o epu tics; the members of which in a recent debate used the most menacing language and gestures towards the Kings ministers. The party favourable to another change of the government is said to be gaining ground.-In reading such accounts how natural the thought—“the lines have fallen to us in pleasant places, yea, we have a goodly heritage. May we have grace to see and acknowledge God’s distinguishing favour, and tj> make good use of tl>e mercies he has vouchsafed us.

. GABBIER OBSERVER._______ INTELLIGENCE._______

A-FFAIRS OF ITALYParis, Feb. 21—(News of the morning.)—An

express which left Bastia on the I2th current, and arrived at Loulon on the 13th, brought the news that the kingdom of Naples, the whole of Romagna, the Duchies of Lucca and Piombino, the Duchy of Modena, and almost the whole of Tuscany, were in a state of insurrection, and that Italian tri-cololors were every where hoisted without opposition. It is also said that an extraordinary courier arrived yesterday at Marseilles, who brought the intelligence of an open revolution at Genoa, where the troops had taken the side of the people.

London, Feb. 21.—The Italian patriots have proclaimed the “Union of Italy.” It is said that life insurrection has extended as far south as Ci- vita Veschia, and one letter states that the tricolor floats on the cupola of St Peters at Rome. The Bolognese Provisional Government has issued a proclamation, headed “Liberty, Independence, and Union,” in which it is said that “all Italians will join to deliver their beautiful country from the degrading yoke of foreigners,”

St. Esprit-Bayonne, (Lower Pyranees) Feb. 14.—Spain is rapidly arming all its frontier towns which have received reinforcements of troops from the militia, the recruiting of which is going on with activity. It is affirmed, however, that the Spanish nation wishes for peace. El Pastor is still at Cambo. No other Spanish chief shows himself.

Affairs of Poland.—A letter dated Warsaw, Eeb. 7th, says: The day before yesterday the Russians, passed the frontiers in five places. Up to this time there is no account of fighting, for there were no troops on any part of the frontier. A great battle is expected by the 12th at farthest. Warsaw will soon be declared in a stage of siege; the cannon are already placed on the ramparts. It is not believed that Count Diebitsch will enter now, because if the first attack does not succeed, he incurs great danger. If the thaw sets in, the ice will disappear, the rivers will overflow, and. the low grounds in which he acts will become a complete morass. His army advancing against us amounts to about 160,000 men. At present we have to oppose him only 57,000 men in the field, and the patriotism of our people. The seventeen new regiments of infantry are now yet organized. The organization of the cavalry is more advanced, and it will be completed and ready to take the field in a fortnight.

The, British Parliament met on the 3d of February. The great question of Reform was to have been brought forward on the first of March, by Lord John Russell, with the unanimous approbation of government; and, according to the London Courier, would embrace the following heads: “1. The number of Representatives not to be increased. 2. The rotten boroughs to be only partially disfranchised; but each of the remainder to return one member, instead of two. 3. The deficiency in the numerical strength of the House of Corfnnons, created under the second proposition, to be made good by extending the right of returning members to certain places which are not at present represented. 4. The elective

ualification to be thrown wider open, and ren- ered uniform throughout the empire; but nei

ther the principle of universal suffrage, nor voting b\ ballot, to be admitted. 5. Non-residence to be a disqualification for voting. 6. The principles of (lie proceeding reform to be extended to Scotland and Ireland.”—Private letters state that the Church estdb ishment will probably be so modified. as that the salaries of the different orders of the Clergy will be rendered less unequal than they have been heretofore; and that the system of t , ieti, which is generally and deservedly odious to the great body of the people, will b*e abolishedr

The affair of M. O’Connell had taken an unexpected turn—his council having asked leave to withdraw the plea of not guilty, as to the first fourteen counts of the indictment found against that gentleman; after which the Attorney General had caused a noli prosequi to be entered upon the remaining counts. The other persons indicted had likewise pleaded guilty ; and the general impression at the latest dates was that there would be no trial. This result was considered as a signal triumph over Mr. O’Connell and his party, and it

' was believed that agitation would cease, and that the public tranquillity would no longer be disturbed by the clamor of disaffection.

Mahomedanism and Popery.—The following extraordinary article verifies, that with whatever atrocities the Turkish Government are chargeable — they are not so stultified as to permit the Pope’s deputy Tyrants, to erect a separate despotism independent, or rather paramount to the civil authority.—Ibid.

Constantinople.—The Porte refuses to recognize the Armenian Catholic Archbishop appointed by the Court of Rome; appearing unwilling to admit as chief of a numerous class of its subjects, a man clothed with other powers than those given by the Porte. Therefore it proposes that the Armenian Catholic nation shall nominate another, of its choice, whose election shall be submitted to the ratification of the Sultan. This decision has been notified to the internuncio of Austria, the French Ambassador who recognizes the justness of the Porte’s objections, and proposes a compromise, by which the Archbishops chosefi by the Armenian Catholic nation shall have temporal administration, while the Archbishop appointed by the Court of Rome, shall retain the Spiritual power.

Belgium.—On the 17th of Febuary the Belgian deputies had their public audience, and received the official answer of the King of the French, that he could not, under any circumstances, accept the Belgian crown for his son. Paris letters repeat the assurance that a perfect cordiality subsists between England and France, not only on the subject of Belgium, but on all other matters: and while this feeling exists, they say there is sufficient security for the peace of Europe.

Ireland.—Great distress among the poor prevailed in Ireland. The subject has been brought before the England Parliament.

An American vessel loaded with arms had been seized in the river Shannon, but the government had not yet been informed where the vessel was going, or for what purpose the arms were intended.

Liverpool, Feb. 14.—Mr. O’Connell and the other traverser have, it will be seen by the intelligence which we insert in another column, pleaded guilty to the fourteen first counts of the indictment which had been preferred against them. Thus all speculation with regard to the issue of the trial is at an end. The traversers have by their plea, tacitly admitted that Lord Anglesey was right and that they were wrong. We suspect, from the way in which the trial has gone off, that the whole is the result of a compromise between the traversers and the Government.—Agitation is, for the present, at an end, and the Viceroy’s tri umph over Mr. O’Connell complete.

Cholera Morbus.—The Academy of Sciences In France, have determined on sending a commission composed of some of their members, to study the nature of this disease. M. Isidore Bouadon has submitted to the Academy the following reflections in regard to it.

1. That what is known of the old Cholera Morbus of India, is insufficient to determine satisfacto- ' rily, that it is the same disorder that now makes such ravages in Russia.

2. That the rapid and irresistible propagation |

of the present epidemic leaves no groin.u m m pe that it will stop in Russia, that it is to be expected that it will And its way into Fiance.

It is added that if this disease should ascend theDanube with the same rapidity that it has theWolga, it will soon be at Vienna.

Death of Mr. Hope.—We are sorry to perceive from the London papers, an announcement of the death of Thomas Hope, Esq. of Deepdence, the opulent Dutch merchant, and author of “Anastasias, or Memoirs of a Greek." Mr. II. is authentically said to have been the original of the excellent Mr. Gresham, in Miss Edgeworth’s popular work of “ Patronage."

The health of the Duchess of Wellington was in such a reduced state that her life was despaired of.

A charter which now only waits the Royal signature, is to be granted to the University of London, bestowing on this establishment all the privileges and powers at present enjoyed by the most favored of our Universities, the granting degrees in theology alone, for the present, excepted; in compensation for which privation the University of London is to be enabled to grant Newly invented degrees of Master of Medicine and Surgery, in addition to those better known of Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, and Doctor of Medicine.— Standard.

New Orleans Popery.—A handbill was lately issued at New Orleans in these words.—“St. Philip, Ball Room, Sunday! January 16 1831. Grand Masque and Dress Ball, for white gentlemen, and ladies of color. Admittance one dollar. The ball to commence at 8 o’clock.” This is the mode of keeping the Sabbath day holy, in the capital of Louisiana.—Protestant.

Bells.—I was passing down the wharf at the end of Wall street this afternoon; and my attention was arrested by a prodigious Bell on board one of the schooners; which, I was informed, lately arrived from France, and is intended for the grand Romish Cathedral at Baltimore. I think it must have been at least five feet high, and not less in diameter at the rim. I was greatly amused with the inscription upon it, from which it appears, that the bell was ordered to be made at Lyons in France, by Mr* Marechal—that the name of the Bell is “the most Holy Virgin”—and that it is canonized by the approbation of the last three Popes. If we may judge by the noisy capacity of this Popish bell metal Virgin, she may “ding dong” loud enough to frighten hway all the little Protestantism which still remains among the Metropolitans’. D.—- Ibid.

The Wilberforce Colony, in Upper Canada, has suffered reverses. Their crop of corn failed last year, and great distress exists. It consists of colored persons who went from Ohio, in consequence of some oppressive enactment of that State, and purchased a large tract of land; but failing to pay the first instalment, they have, we suppose, forfeited the whole tract with the exception of 800 acres, for which they have paid 1000. The colony comprises 1200 souls. The money which they have already expended would have purchased 10,000 acres in Africa, where the evils of their present situation would have been avoided.

A widow lady in Medfield lately received a letter, post-marked Boston, enclosing twenty- seven dollars: the same being stated by the wri* ter to be in return, with interest of the sum often dollars, which many years ago, he had stolen from her husband.

Sunday-School Meeting at Charleston, S. C.— We have just received intelligence of thistneet- ing, which was held March 24th. Mr. Cnarles Edmonston was called to the chair. Hon. Mr. Grimke, and several others, addressed the meeting, and about $1400 were subscribed.

296 GAMBIER OBSERVER.

POETRY.ART THOU A CHRISTIAN.

Art thou a Christian? Though thy cot Be small, and poverty thy lot,Rejoice: thy Saviour bent to know The ills of* want, the cares of wo :And to the faithful poor hath given The rich inheritance of heaven.Art thou a Christian doomed to roam.Far from thy friends and native home ?Look round on valley, hill and plaiu,Cliffs crown’d with trees, and fields with grain, View nature’s charms, and busy man,And tell me, ’midst the varied plan,What hast thou mark’d or what survey’d,That God, thy Father, hath not made ? j Then love his works, and love to trace His semblance in a stranger’s face;Call each sweet spot a home to thee,And every man God’s family.Art thou a Christian, ’mid the strife Of years mature and busy life?Be active; for thy race is short,Thy bdrk is hastening to the port,Be cheerful; holy angels bear An antidote for all thy care;And let no pangs disturb a breast Prepared for everlasting rest.

_______ MISCELLANY._________The Earthquake in Calabria in 1733.—

Of the remarkable escapes, and strong instances of parental affection, which occurred during this long succession of earthquakes, the following are recorded:—The prior of the Carmelites at Jero- carme, near Soriano, was walking along the highroad, when the ground began to heave and roll beneath him like the billows of a rough sea. The earth then opened near him with a tremendous explosion, and immediately closed. Almost senseless with terror, he ran mechanically forward, when again the earth opened immediately under him, and closing as before caught him by the leg. He struggled for some time vainly to release himself, when another shock saved him; the earth was again rent open, and he escaped from this terrible durance. Another instance of remarkable escape occurred to three paper-makers of Pizzoni dy Soriano, named Greco, Roviti, and Felia. They were walking near each other on the plain, when suddenly the ground was shaken by a terrible convulsion. Greco and Felia immediately fled, and had the good fortune to escape, but Roviti, encumbered by a gun which he would not relinquish, was exposed to instant and deadly peril. The earth yawned widely beneath him, and he fell into the chasm, but was immediately thrown up again by another shock, and fell into a contiguous swamp. He was a young and powerful man, but the ground continued to heave like waves, and kept him entangled in the deep swamp, from which he long struggled to escape, until at length another mighty shock threw him out, and he fell upon the brink of a newly-opened chasm, where he remained for some time half dead with terror and exhaustion. A week after his escape he found his gun on the bank of the river Caridi, which had entirely changed its bed. An affecting instance of maternal love and self-devotion was discovered in the ruins of Polisten. The mother of two children—a boy aged three years, and an infant of seven months—was suckling her babe when the house fell and destroyed all three. The position in which the bodies were found afforded the clearest evidence that the mother deliberately exposed her life to save her offspring. She was lying on the ground with her face downward, the infant close to her bosom, while with her body she covered also the older child, thus offering her back to the falling timbers. Her arms were clasped around both, anil in this affecting position the half-decayed bodies were discovered when the rubbish was cleared away. Another striking instance of parental self-oblivion, which occurred at Scido, is thus recorded by Vivenzio, and was also related to me by four individuals at Pizzo. “Don Antonio Ruffo and his wife had only one child, a daugh

ter, of whom they were passionately fond. When the earthquake shook their dwelling to its foundation, and escape was impracticable, they placed their little girl between them, and, embracing each other, awaited the will of Heaven. The house gave away, a heavy beam fell upon the group and destroyed both parents, but did not separate them. After the lapse of several days, the ruins were partially removed, and their bodies were discovered with the child, apparently dead, between them. The little girl, however, soon began to moan; she was taken out of the rubbish, and, although life was nearly gone, she at length recovered, and is now alive and well.” It was generally remarked that the positions of the men killed by the fallen ruins indicated that every sinew had been strained in resistance, while the features and attitude of the females exhibited the extremity of despair; and in many instances the latter were found with their hands clasped above their heads. Wherever children were found near the parents, the attitudes of the mothers indicated entire self abandonment, w’hile fathers were often discovered folding a child with one arm, and endeavoring with the other to stem the superincumbent ruins.—Blackwood's Mag.

West’s First Appearance at Rome.—When it was known that a young American had come to study Raphael and Michael Angelo, some curiosity was excited among th