ported to the king on the subject of a code of laws for the nation.-It is affirmed that the king recently, in replying to an address, said-"A king should reign only by the laws." This is, at least in words, an explicit renunciation of absolute power.

SPAIN. We have received Madrid news to the 26th of December. It is stated that there was a kind of concert among the foreign ministers at the Spanish court, in an endeavour to persuade the king and cabinet to come to some terms of reconciliation with the American republicks, which were lately Spanish colonies-But all intreaties were in vain. The king had recently levied a forced contribution of 10,000,000 of reals on his mercantile subjects generally; and a levy of six hundred thousand dollars had been specially laid on the merchants of Cadiz, who had sent a deputation to Madrid to remonstrate against this imposition. They will doubtless remonstrate in vain. The pretence for the imposition is, that this is the price for declaring Cadiz a free port; but the truth is, that the government (deficient in its annual finances to the amount of 200 millions of reals) is in the most distressing want of money, and knows not how to raise it in any other way. In the mean time, it appears that the official gazette affects to pity the sad condition both of our sister republicks at the south, and of ourselves; representing us as the prey of anarchy, and disorder, and depravity of every kind. This contemptible falsehood and hypocrisy is a part of the present governmental system of wretched self-ruined Spain. The fire in the Escurial, mentioned in our last number, was extinguished after doing injury estimated at 750,000 francs. PORTUGAL.-Advices from Portugal are to the 4th of December. At that time, the king was said to be recovering from a dangerous illness. A Charge des Affairs had just proceeded in a vessel of war to Brazil, as the bearer of the ratification of the treaty recently formed between that country and Portugal.

GIBRALTAR.-The publick papers have lately abounded with details of the loss of shipping in the bay of Gibraltar, in consequence of two tremendous gales of wind. It appears that the vessels, (some accounts say to the number of 200) were chiefly stranded on the Spanish coast, and that the crews and property met with the most iniquitous treatment from the Spaniards. The loss is exceedingly great.

ROME.-Among the severities which the reigning Pontiff has inflicted on the unhappy Jews in his dominions, it is said that he has issued an edict, by which he abrogates all commercial contracts between them and Christians. This Pontiff, we have been told, has refused to sanction the re-establishment of the Inquisition in Spain, affirming that this is a measure which the spirit of the present age will not bear. Yet in his persecution of the Jews, he manifests the spirit of the 14th century, in all its contractedness and malignity.

GREECE.-The reinforcement of Turkish troops from Egypt, has made good a landing at Navarino. The exact amount in numbers, of which this reinforcement consists, is not known-It is however certain that it is very considerable, both in infantry and cavalry. Yet we have seen it stated, and we suspect the statement is nearly correct, that the whole Turkish force now in the Morea, is not greater than it was when Ibrahim Pacha first landed; that is, he has, since his invasion of Greece, lost as many men, in battle and by disease, as he has received in the late reinforcement. But the losses of the Greeks have likewise been considerable; and for a time their spirits were greatly depressed by the successes of their enemies. The latest accounts affirm that they are reanimated-are submitting to a military discipline, which till lately they had indignantly rejected, and that they have made some vigorous and successful attacks on the Egyptian troops. This is particularly stated to have been witnessed in the neighbourhood of Missolonghi, where repeated and brilliant achievements of victory, on the part of the Greeks, are said to have taken place. It is also stated that Admiral Miaulis, was in pursuit of the Turkish fleet, which, to avoid a rencounter, had not been able to disembark a reinforcement destined to Missolonghi. On the whole, we have both our hopes and our fears, as to the ability of the Greeks to resist, without foreign aid, their ferocious invaders; assisted as they are at sea, by the vessels of Christian powers, and on land by the officers of the same powers, especially in the artillery department. We indulge some hope that the new state of things in Russia, may prove favourable to the Grecian cause. This, however, is uncertain-If the Russians should be employed, they may bring the Greeks into subjection, as wel! as triumph over the Turks.

RUSSIA. The important and interesting information has been received within the month past, that Alexander, the emperor and autocrat of Russia, died on the first day of last December. The place of his death was Taganrok, not long since a Turkish possession, but now a fortified town of the Russian Empire, on the margin of the sea of Azoph, about 500 leagues south-east of St. Petersburg. Our letter carrier first announced to us the news of Alexander's decease; and we immediately asked-Did he die a natural death? To this inquiry we were prompted by the known fate of his father and grandfather; and we soon found from the publick papers that ours had

been far from a singular state of mind, on hearing of the demise of this distinguished personage. Rumours and reports of his having been taken off by his nobles, prevailed for a considerable time in London, and seem to have obtained not a small degree of credit. It is now fully ascertained, however, that he died a natural death, after a short but violent illness, and that his empress, who had accompanied him, closed his eyes. Her letters to the empress mother, during his sickness and at his decease, are truly affecting.

The deceased emperor was born December 23d, 1777, and of course wanted but a few days to complete his 48th year, when he died. On the murder of his father, the emperor Paul I. by the discontented nobles, Alexander ascended the throne, March 4th, 1801, and became king of Poland, June 9th, 1815. On the 9th of October, 1793, he married Elizabeth Alexiewna, princess of Baden, by whom he had two children, both of whom died in infancy, leaving him childless at the time of his death. He has left three brothers and two sisters. His eldest brother, the Grand Duke Constantine, was born May 8th, 1779, and married Feb. 28th, 1796, to a princess of Saxe Cobourg, from whom he was divorced in April, 1801; and in May of the following year was again married to the princess of Lowiez, but has no issue. At his brother's death he was Viceroy of Poland. The second brother surviving, is the Grand Duke Nicholas, born July 2d, 1796, and married July 13th, 1819, to a princess of Prussia, by whom he has had one son and two daughters. The other surviving brother is the Grand Duke Michael, born February 8th, 1798-Whether he is married or single we know not. Of the remaining sisters, the one is married to the hereditary prince of Saxe Weimar, and the other to the Prince of Orange.

The education of the defunct emperor was ably conducted, under the direction of his grandmother, the distinguished empress Catherine II. He was amiable and docile, possessed excellent talents and a most prepossessing appearance; and became a highly accomplished prince. He lived in continual dread of his unhappy father, till the death of that father terminated his fears and raised him to the throne. We know not that he was ever suspected of being accessory, or even privy, to the regicide plot; but he punished those concerned in it with little severity-perhaps restrained by fear for himself, and by other circumstances which he could not control. He was fond of military operations, and frequently accompanied his armies to the field. After the providential deliverance of his country from the invasion of Buonaparte, he published an ukase, or royal proclamation, containing more just and more pious sentiments than we have ever read in any similar production. He gave, as was due, the whole praise of the deliverance of his country to the interposition of heaven in its behalf; and called on all his subjects to recognise this truth, in acts of thanksgiving and praise to Almighty God. About the same time, he likewise became the patron of evangelical missions throughout his empire, and of the Russian Bible Society, which rose, under his auspices, to be second only to that of the parent institution in Great Britain. Of late, however, he not only abandoned the whole of this good work, but set himself to undo all that he had done before. He banished the missionaries, and arrested nearly all the operations for translating and distributing the Holy Scriptures. To this we have never doubted that he was prompted by his nobles and superstitious clergy; but we believe he was also much influenced by the conviction that the diffusion and love of evangelical truth, would scarcely consist with that absolute sway which he wished to maintain over his subjects. He was likewise, without question, urged to these measures by the Pope, and by the parties generally to the misnamed Holy Alliance. Of that alliance he was the head and the animating soul; and we hope it will meet with its death, in the death of its founder, patron and protector—He is gone into eternity with a fearful responsibility-His destiny it becomes us to leave with his Maker and his Judge. Time only can disclose what influence his demise will have on the affairs of Europe, and indeed of the world at large.

Constantine was expected, of course, to succeed to the throne of Czars; but the latest accounts intimate that he has resigned his claims, without a conflict to his brother Nicholas We doubt if either of them regards the diadem as an enviable possession. Whether the poor Greeks will derive any advantages from the late changes, remains to be seen.

ASIA.

The war is still prosecuted with vigour by the British against the Burmese. A late brilliant victory had been announced at Calcutta, when the last advices were received in England from that place. But it appears that the Burmans make a far more formidable and obstinate resistance than was expected. The losses of the invading army by sickness have been unusually great, the expense of the war is enormous, and the whole enterprise appears to be unpopular in Britain. The Quarterly Review, supposed to be under governmental influence, has come out against it very decidedly -No additional news from the Missionaries.

AFRICA.

It appears by the London Missionary Register for December last, that a large accession of territory has recently been acquired by the British colony of Sierra Leone. The country of the Sherbro Bullams joins that colony to the south-east, and has voluntarily put itself under the protection of the British government, in consequence of being threatened with war, subjugation and slavery, by the Kussoos, a neighbouring and very warlike tribe. The Bullams have granted to his Britannick Majesty "the full, entire, free and unlimited right, title, possession and entire sovereignty, of all the territories and dominions to them belonging." This gives the British, it is said, an additional line of sea coast 120 miles in extent, and a territory of 5000 square miles of fertile land, and the entire command of a region which used to furnish the slave traders with from 15 to 20 thousand slaves annually. It is expected indeed that the acquisition of this territory by the British, will put a complete stop to the slave trade in that part of Africa—What friend of humanity but must rejoice at this occurrence? AMERICA.

PERU. The fortress of Callao still holds out against the republican arms. Gen. Rodill, the Spanish commander, seems determined not to surrender while any means of defence are left him.

THE UNITED PROVINCES OF RIO DE LA PLATA.-Against these provinces it is now ascertained that war has formally been declared by Don Pedro I., emperor of Brazil. He is straining every nerve, by impressments both for the land and sea service, to prosecute the war with vigour; and that he is a man of no mean talents, and of no little enterprise, there is unquestionable evidence. But our auguries deceive us greatly, if this war will not eventuate in the overthrow of his empire. He may survive; and as he has no small share of Protean character, he may, from an emperor, become a president-But this we scarcely expect. It appears that delegates from Buenos Ayres have had an interview with Bolivar and Gen. Sucre, at or near Potosi; and that they have pledged themselves to take part with the United Provinces. Indeed we see not how the republicks of South America, generally, can forbear to do this. The emperor's dominions are already enormous; and to allow him to extend them, and subject neighbouring republicks to his sway, would not consist either with principle or the common safety. Nor do we expect that the conflict will be long, although we fear it will be bloody.

In the North West part of the United Provinces, if we rightly understand the ac. count, new mines of silver ore have, it is said, been recently discovered-so abun dant that it is anticipated a great reduction in the value of that meal must eventu. ally be the consequence. We confess, however, we have, at present, no great anxiety on this subject. Still it is true, that the plenty of the precious metals which the mines of South America have produced, have reduced greatly the former value of silver and gold, and that an increase of this effect must necessarily follow from an increase of the cause.

PANAMA. Great expectations, we perceive, are entertained of the benefits to be derived from the general congress, about to assemble at this place. Why its conven tion has been so long delayed we know not. It was stated last summer, that it would meet in the succeeding October. The delay, however, will, we hope, prove advantageous-It has allowed time for mature thought. The great desideratum for the preservation of American liberty and happiness, throughout our whole continent, is, some effectual means to prevent discord and war among ourselves, and to guard against foreign aggression-to preserve the entire independence of individual states, and yet provide for combination and concert, in all cases that demand co-operationIf the congress of Panama can solve this problem, it will do much. What part the United States are to take in this concern, or whether any, is yet undecided."

COLOMBIA AND MEXICO.-These republicks are apparently advancing to a settled state of prosperity-of internal peace and concord-with a most gratifying rapidity. It appears that they contemplate a combined attack on the island of Cuba. Whether this attack is likely soon to be made, or if made, likely to be successful, we cannot pronounce. It would seem as if Spain was given up to infatuation, and destined to refuse all compromise with her former colonies, till she loses the whole. She has however lately sent a considerable military force to the Havannah, and if this force remains true to Spain, the conquest of the island of Cuba will be difficult.

UNITED STATES.-Our Congress, through a considerable part of the last month, have been engaged in discussions relative to the sending of delegates to the general Congress of American States at Panama; and on motions, or propositions, to amend the Constitution of the United States. As to the first of these topics, we certainly did expect there would have been no difficulty; but as we do not know what are the considerations which have produced delay, it may best become us to be silent-far

ther than to express the hope, that no party views or feelings may mix themselves with the merits of a question, in which the interests of a continent may be deeply involved. In regard to the Constitution, we have had ample opportunity to examine that instrument, and to witness its results in practice; and we claim the common privilege of all American citizens, to give our opinion against altering it at all. Why alter it? It has produced unspeakably beneficial effects as it stands, and no bad effects of serious import, nor any that we are certain would be diminished by the contemplated changes. It seems to us therefore that in making changes, we should let go a certainty for an uncertainty. We do not say that the Constitution is perfect; but we do say, that it was framed and adopted at a time far more favourable than the present, to make it such as it ought to be; and that although it provides for changes, yet, in our humble opinion, experience has not yet decided that any ought to be made for the stability of a constitution is of immense importance-so much so, that it is better to secure this stability, even with some slight imperfections, than to destroy it by experimental changes, made to remove objections. It ought not to be forgotten that objections may be created, as well as removed. If all the changes recently submitted to Congress were introduced into our constitution, it would be materially a different instrument from that which was prepared by the Federal Convention; and more objectionable, we verily believe, to every body, than if no change

whatever had been made.

The business of the Creek treaty has not yet been taken up in Congress. A communication on the subject has been made, by order of the President, to the Georgia delegation in Congress; and it has been with much pleasure that we have read the manly and respectful answer that has been returned. Still it has been with unfeigned regret, that we have perceived there is no prospect of an amicable compromise. The representatives of the Creek Indians at Washington have maintained their cause, and denounced the Mackintosh treaty, with great plausibility, to say the least; and have declared that they will die on the land of their fathers, sooner than resign it. On the other hand, the Georgia delegation will not consent even to a partial relinquishment of the territory ceded by the Mackintosh treaty; which was the proposition made to them by the President. All the statements made by the agents of the general government, represent that treaty as fraudulently obtained; yet the Georgia delegation maintain, that whatever appearances may be, they know that the transacaction was a fair one. On this, of course, we are not to decide. In the mean time, the Secretary of War has made a report, on the subject generally of Indian lands and claims; and it is certainly a report that does high honour, both to the head and the heart of the honourable Secretary. If acted upon, it would embrace the case of the Creeks, as well as that of all the other Indian tribes. It is summarily this-to assign a well defined territory, on the West of the Mississippi river, and between lakes Huron and Michigan, as the permanent residence of all Indians who may, in their individual capacity, voluntarily choose to remove; and to afford them in their new residence, full protection, and every possible facility for improvement-as to agriculture and the arts, and as to mental and religious culture. At the same time, to regard as sacred the lands and possessions of every individual Indian who may not voluntarily choose to remove. Whether this plan be practicable or not, we shall not undertake to say-It is at least a humane one; and the latter part of it, we earnestly hope our national government will adopt and maintain, in the face of all consequences-Fiat justitia ruat cælum.

The influenza appears to have pervaded every part of our country. We lately saw an estimate, which represented 30,000 of the inhabitants of Boston, as afflicted with it at one time. It has received the name of the cold plague in some places, particularly at the south; where we think the mortality has been greatest-This mortality, however, when the immense number affected is considered, has not been great-not one we think in several hundreds. Yet in cases not mortal, it has often been severe, and has left affections of the breast, tedious if not fatal. On the whole, it has been, and continues to be, a sore scourge; under which we ought to acknowledge the just chastisement of Heaven, and improve it for our spiritual benefit. It is mentioned by the prophet, as an indication of something worse in reserve, when "the people turneth not to Him that smiteth them, neither do they seek the Lord of Hosts."

ERRATA IN OUR LAST NUMBER.

In page 54, 2d col. lines 21, 22, 23, from top, for Ebracus and Ebraco, read Ebræus and Ebræo.

page 56, 2d col. line 22 from bottom, for Francis Janius, read Francis Junius. Several communications from correspondents are under consideration.

THE

CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE.

APRIL, 1826.

Keligious Communications.

LECTURES ON THE SHORTER CATE- subject of the decrees of God, of