tain bishop in Mexico had been nominated Viceroy of that country, and was there actually holding two large provinces in the most loyal subjection to king Ferdinand-It would seem that an awful crisis, in the affairs of this degraded country, cannot be

far distant.

GREECE.--We have little that is new to report in regard to Greece. It is alas! not new, that the most unhappy divisions exist among the inhabitants, and especially among the leading men, of this interesting country. These divisions, and the interference of the Holy Alliance, direct or indirect, open or concealed, have long been, and still are, the sources of all our fears, in regard to the final triumph of the Grecian cause. If they were united and true to themselves, and were led on by a Grecian Washington or Bolivar, and if their enemies had no foreign aid, secret or ostensible, we have no doubt they would soon drive the Turks, not only out of their own territories, but, if they so pleased, out of Europe too. As it is, our hopes and fears are mingled--We perceive that a report is in circulation, (derived however from an Austrian vessel from Alexandria, and therefore suspicious,) that a large reinforcement is on its way, to join the Egyptian army in Greece-"consisting of 120 sail of frigates, fire. ships, and transports, with 30,000 troops"-and that this expedition sailed from Alexandria on the first of October. If this information is correct, we hope that the Greek naval force, which has always been well conducted, will meet this formidable flotilla of barbarians, before they reach the place of their destination.

RUSSIA. There is no confirmation of the report that Russia had commenced hostile operations against the Ottoman Porte. Possibly such operations have been prevented, by what we find stated in the National Gazette of the 3d inst.-"The Sublime Porte, in compliance with the wishes of Russia, reduced on the 17th October, the number of Turkish troops in Moldavia and Wallachia, and restored the local governments to their former privileges." The recent controversy of Russia with the Porte has related to these provinces. It appears that she has obtained her object. We have little doubt that she is preparing the way, for an easy march of her troops to Constantinople.

ASIA.

Nothing new has reached us from Asia, since our last statement, except some details in relation to the war with the Burmese-which go to show, that the whole of the western and northern parts of the Burman empire, are likely soon to be subject to British domination. This war, we perceive is not popular in Britain; at least with the religious part of the community. The Christian Observer has always appeared to dislike it; and in a late number of that work we find a remark, the purport of which is, that there are no perceptible advantages to be derived from the conquest of the Burmese, that can compensate for the expense of the war, if no regard were had to the more serious consideration of the dreadful waste of human life that it has occasioned.

AFRICA.

By a late arrival from Gibraltar, we learn that a famine now prevails on a part of the Barbary coast, to such a degree that some of the wretched inhabitants drop down dead in the streets-This is particularly stated to be the case at Tangier. A subscription had been opened at Gibraltar for their relief.

AMERICA.

Within the last month we have received intelligence of much importance from our sister republicks in the southern part of our continent.

PERU. It appears, by an arrival at Baltimore from Lima, that on the 1st of October last, the fortress of Callao was still in the hands of the royalists; and although closely blockaded by the Peruvian squadron, it was believed it might still hold out for six months longer. Bolivar is positively stated to be in Upper Peru; and yet an arrival from Pernambuco, at Hartford, Connecticut, has, it is said, brought letters which represent him as having entered the Brazilian territory, probably with a view of exterminating royalty there.-We have even a copy of the proclamation which he is said to have issued. These accounts cannot both be true-which is false, time must decide. CENTRAL AMERICA.--The Federal Congress of Guatemala, on the 29th of August last, ratified the Constitution which had been formed by a convention of the preceding year. A British Consul has been received here by the President of the Congress, and treated with the greatest respect. It is evident that the British-and who will blame them?-are endeavouring to be beforehand, not only with all the other European powers, but also with the United States, in establishing a friendly intercourse, and commercial arrangements, with the new American republicks.

MEXICO. The Castle of San Juan de Ulloa has at length capitulated to the Mexican arms; and now not a vestige of the authority of Old Spain remains in that extended republick. The governor, or commander of the garrison, held out till nearly all his men had died by disease and famine-only 75 remained out of 500. Sentinels dropt down and died at their post. The inhabitants of the town on which they had fired, were so affected by their wretched state, as to send them some supplies. The governor, it appears, deliberated, at the last, whether he should not blow up the garrison, rather than surrender. He did not, however, adopt this insane alternative. He obtained an honourable capitulation; and he and the small remains of the famished garrison, were sent to the Havana-and there, after all he had done and suffered, he was received with coldness. Such is the reward of even desperate fidelity, under the reign of the beloved Ferdinand.-Great rejoicings have taken place throughout this republick.--Mr. Poinsett, the American Minister, is treated with great distinction.

COLOMBIA. This republick took the lead of all her neighbouring sisters, and she still seems to preserve it, in the establishment of free institutions. She appears, at present, to be in a career of prosperity, to the full as rapid as could reasonably be expected, when we look to the goal from which she started.

BRAZIL.-We have already mentioned the treaty lately made and ratified, between the Emperor of Brazil and his Britannick Majesty. We do not think it necessary to give the details of this treaty-which, in our opinion, is not likely to be of great duration. We hardly believe that Britain will go to war to sustain Don Pedro in his empire; and if not, we think, as we have heretofore thought and said, his reign and his empire will not long endure. If he commences hostilities with the neighbouring republicks, as he probably will, we think that it will terminate, in turning his empire itself into republicks. He has never had the shadow of an equitable claim to the Banda Oriental. It was never a Portuguese, but always a Spanish territory, before the late revolution; and he seized on it, in a time of its necessity, in 1817. In contending for it, the probability is, that a conflict will commence which will end in his defeat, and the revolutionizing of his whole dominions. The northern part of them, have lately been in a state of insurrection-and there, at present, a scarcity prevails, which approaches to a famine. This scarcity is represented as, in a great measure, the effect of drought; but it is doubtless increased by the want of commerce, and probably also, by the severe measures adopted to suppress the insurrection. Empires and republicks-we repeat a remark that we made nearly two years ago-are not calculated, especially when in a forming state, to be good neighbours. It would be wonderful indeed, if Brazil should remain long under an absolute sovereign, when all its territories join on free and independent republicks.

BUENOS AIRES AND BANDA ORIENTAL.-From these republicks, (for we think we may now reckon Banda Oriental as a republick) information of a very interesting nature has been received, to the 5th of November, by an arrival at New York. It appears, by an official statement of Juan Antonio Lavalleja, the brave partizan officer who commenced the late revolution in the Banda Oriental, that on the 12th of October last, he gained a decisive victory over Colonel Dentos Manuel, commanding 2000 soldiers, selected from the Brazilian cavalry, and composing the only force in that whole region, out of garrison, of which the patriots had any fear. The action, it appears, was desperately contested on both sides, and was decided chiefly with the sabre. The whole of this extended province, or nearly the whole, except the capital, Monte Video, is now in the hands of the Patriots; and we think there is little doubt that they will hold it. But as the emperor of Brazil has a fleet with which the Patriots cannot contend, he may continue for a time to reinforce his garrison in the capital.-War between the emperor and the whole of the confederated states of the Rio de la Plata, seems to be inevitable; unless he shall renounce, which we suppose he is not likely to do, his unfounded claims to the Banda Oriental.-It has given us great pleasure to observe that the House of Representatives of Buenos Ayres has decreed, that "The right of every man to worship his Creator according to his conscience, shall be inviolable."

UNITED STATES.-The message of the President of the United States, at the opening of the present session of Congress, was every thing that we could wish it--extensive in its views, distinct in its details, perspicuous in its statements, dignified in its manner, and chaste and correct in its language. We cannot pretend to give an analysis of this copious and excellent state paper--nor is it necessary; as it has probably been perused by almost all our readers. But there are two features of the message, at which we must glance for a moment. The first is, that there is a due recognition of the dependance of our country for its prosperity, on the protection and benediction

of Almighty God; and that this recognition is properly and happily interwoven with the piece, and does not appear like a patch, sewed on to cover an unseemly defect. The second feature of the message which gives it a charm with us, is, that it recommends, with suitable earnestness, measures for the intellectual improvement of our country. We are reproached by foreigners as being a mere money making, and money keeping people. And after every allowance which ought to be made for the peculiar circumstances of our country, a portion of justice will still remain in the reproach. Intellectual improvement is not sought or patronized as it ought to be, either by individuals, or by the legislative authorities of the United States. We hope that President Adams, who is known to be himself a ripe and various scholar, may have an influence in promoting in others, and in our country generally, a due sense of the value of every species of scientifick excellence-It is a shame to our country, which we have long deplored, and frequently mentioned in conversation, that there is not within our whole territory, any thing that deserves the name of an Astronomical Observatory. We do hope that the present Congress will co-operate with the President, in removing this reproach; and in promoting, generally, the measures which he has recommended, that our country may, as he has well described it, fulfil her implied "contract, to contribute her share of mind, of labour and expense, to the improvement of those parts of knowledge which lie beyond the reach of individual acquisition; and particularly to geographical and astronomical science."

The various subjects of the President's message have been distributed to committees, appointed in both houses, to consider and report upon them. The usual standing committees have also been appointed, and likewise special committees for a variety of purposes; but no measure of importance has yet been decided on.

The Secretary of the Treasury has made a long and elaborate report, on the subjects which fall within his province. The finances of the country appear to be in the most prosperous state; the national debt has rapidly decreased, and now amounts to no more than $83,710,572 60. A large part of the report consists of an argument in favour of promoting the manufactures of our country, by protecting duties.-A correspondence has also been published between the Secretary of State, and Mr. Addington, the British Charge des Affairs, relative to the treaty which was formed under Mr. Munroe's administration, for the suppression of the slave trade; and which was rejected by the Senate of the United States, because it contained an article permitting the vessels of the contracting parties severally, on the coast of Africa, to be searched by ships of war of either party. The present correspondence is merely explanatory; and the result is, that the treaty is finally rejected by us, and that this, although regretted by the British, will occasion no hostile feelings. We have heretofore expressed our regret at the rejection of this treaty, in which our own executive government saw nothing that was objectionable. We cannot now resume the subject, but will take this opportunity to remark, that on political topicks, on which the minds of our fellow citizens are divided, the Christian Advocate has hitherto been, and will continue to be, silent-unless these subjects affect the honour, or the vital interests of our country, or relate to the all important concerns of religion and morals. Then the Advocate, without regard to patronage, or the wishes of friends or foes, will speak plainly, but we hope not intemperately or uncandidly.

The following article appeared in the National Intelligencer of December 28th: "It is understood that the President has nominated to the Senate as Commissioners on the part of this Government to the Assembly of American Nations at Panama, Richard C. Anderson, of Kentucky, (at present Minister to the Republick of Colombia,) and John Sergeant, of Philadelphia. William B. Rochester, of New York, is nominated as Secretary to the Commission." We have not heard what order has been taken by the Senate on this communication from the President. We presume, however, that the appointments contemplated will be made; and it is our earnest prayer that the deliberations of this Congress of American Nations at Panama, as well as those of our own Congress, may be enlightened by wisdom from above, and issue in such measures as, under the Divine blessing, shall promote freedom, happiness, peace and piety, through. out our extended continent.

ERRATA IN OUR LAST NUMBER.

Page 534, line 28 from bot. for "Many of them at first," read Many of them are not at first.

556, line 22, for "disputations" read dissertations.

565, line 3d from bot., for "in Palestine" read North of Palestine.

Several communications, omitted for want of room in our present number, will appear in our next.

THE

CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE.

FEBRUARY, 1826.

Heligious Communications.

LECTURES ON THE SHORTER CATE- all actual transgressions which pro

that their fig-leaf coverings will stand them in no stead, before his omniscient eye, nor answer the demands of his holy law."

But original sin consists not in mere privation, or in a want of original righteousness. It consists, also, in "the corruption of our whole nature;" in the universal depravation both of soul and bodyin all the faculties of the one, and in all the members of the other. Let us trace for a moment the current of this corruption, through the faculties of the soul; not entering into much reasoning on the subject, but confirming what shall be said by plain declarations from

the word of God.

Observe then, that the understanding of man, in his natural depraved state, is darkened and blinded; so that while this moral obscurity continues, he cannot know and receive the things of the Spirit of God." The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness unto him; neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned-Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart."

66

The will of the natural man is depraved by sin. It is averse to the chief good; it is biassed to ward evil; it acts with hostility and rebellion against God. Ye will not come unto me that ye might have life," said our Saviour "The carnal mind," says St. Paul, is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then, they that are in the flesh cannot please God."

The affections of man, in his natural state are disordered, perverted and misplaced. They are set on trifling vanities and sinful pleasures; they attach themselves to ten thousand improper and forbid

den objects; while they utterly refuse to be placed on God, as the supreme good. Their language constantly is "Who shall show us any good?" that is, any earthly good. And they constantly lead every unsanctified child of Adam to" worship and serve the creature more than the Creator, who is God over all, blessed forever."

The memory the effects of his depravity. It is of man partakes of prone to retain what is vain and unprofitable, and to drop its hold on what is spiritual and truly advantageous. Hence the complaint of Moses; "Of the Rock that begat thee, thou art unmindful, and hast forgotten God that formed thee." This, indeed, was the frequent charge brought against the Israelites, notwithstanding the series of miracles that they almost constantly witnessed.-"They forgot the God of their salvation." But the charge is not confined to them. We find it mentioned as a general characteristick of the wicked -that they "forget God;"-that "God is not in all their thoughts;" and experience abundantly confirms this truth.

The conscience of man is affected

by his depravity. Sometimes it is violated, till it becomes seared "as with a hot iron." But when this is not the case, it too often performs its office imperfectly; not reproving and condemning when it ought, especially for secret sins. Sometimes it is so perverted that, in the language of Scripture, it "calls evil good, and good evil; puts light for darkness, and darkness for light."

In regard to the body, it was, you may remember, shown in the last lecture, that it is the body which is the instrument of corrupting the soul;-that in Scripture "the flesh" is represented as the seat and source of sin. It is in consequence of sin, that our bodies have become mortal-they are polluted and defiled in all their members.