now they were determined to know the truth for themselves." GUIANA AND WEST INDIES. Societies. Baptist Missionary Society. Wesleyan Missionary Society. Whole number of stations, 89.-Of missionaries, 106. The Baptist mission at Kingston in Jamaica, has more than 2,000 communicants. -At one of the Moravian stations in Jamaica are 328 communicants; at two of their stations on St. Croix, 1,676 communicants; and at two on St. Christopher's, 1,051:-total, 3,055. The Moravians have about 24,000 negroes under their care.— The Wesleyan Methodists have in connexion 4,918 free coloured people, and 17,692 slaves;-total, 22,610. NORTH AMERICA. American Board of Foreign Missions. sions. American Methodist Episcopal Society. Wesleyan Missionary Society. Missions. Cherokees, Choctaws, Chickasaws, Creeks, 1 9 124218 62 50 The following paragraphs are from a letter addressed to Mr. Loomis, of the Sandwich Island mission, and dated at Canton, China, Nov. 25, 1825. In so long and intricate a journey as ours, it is impossible to recount the dangers, to which we have been exposed both seen and unseen. But I shall mention one or two. We touched at New Zealand; and owing to the imprudence of our captain, the natives rose upon us, took us and our vessel-and both were in their hands about an hour and a half. They stood over us with uplifted axes and weapons of destruction, as if waiting till some signal should be given;-and we and to be eaten as soon as killed. One expected every moment to be our last, of these horrid cannibals came and handled my person to see what sort of food I should be for them. At length a boat arrived, in which was a chief of influence and one of the Wesleyan missionaries. The chief acted the most friendly part, as well as the missionary, and we were delivered and peace restored. This very chief, who came as our deliverer, had a few years before instigated, a plot, and cut off a large ship, and the whole crew were devoured, upwards of ninety persons. The wreck of this ship was before our eyes at the moment of our captivity. We sustained no personal injury what ever. In making a tour in Java, we were in imminent danger from the rebels of that country. Immediately after our arrival, a large party of Javanese declared war against the Dutch government, with a determination to rid themselves of all foreigners. When we reached the city of Tolo, there was no way by which we could return to Batavia but near the seat of rebellion. The road lies over innume335 rable wooden bridges across deep ravines; and we had much reason to fear 478 that the rebels might have made a de2 A scent upon the road, and cut the bridges so as to make them fall under our carriage upon dry pits in the road, filled with sharp piles at the bottom, and covered over to deceive and entrap us, as they had done at some places in the neighbourhood. But we escaped and got safely to Batavia, travelling with all speed. We had not reached that place more than two days, when news came that the rebels had made a descent upon the main road, burnt and destroyed the post houses for a considerable distance, and intercepted all communication, sparing nonenot even the English, who are generally esteemed in Java. While at Batavia, the dreadful fever raged, to which that place is subject-and multitudes were carried off-but it was not suffered to come nigh us. In going from Batavia to Singapore, we had to pass the straits of Banca and Riho. These places abound with pirates, and the vessel in which we were obliged to take passage was so small, and miserably manned by Malays, that had we been attacked, we must have been taken. In these cases they kill the foreigners, and enslave the Malays. But here also God was our defence and our shield; and we reached our place of destination in safety. In travelling by land, our carriages have been broken down and overturned; but no harm has overtaken us. Oh, for hearts to trust, to love, and adore Him, who is so full of compassion and so gracious. [Missionary Herald. In commencing our report, we must take occasion to express our gratitude to Him, who distributeth blessings as he will, that He has assigned us such a work to do, and has given us the will and ability to do it: our operations, it will be borne in mind, have been confined to the city proper. At the meeting on the 10th of January, a two-fold resolution was adopted-that every family in the city be visited, whether supposed to possess or to be destitute of a Bible; and that the work be completed if practicable by the first of the ensuing March. If we may judge by the representations of the respective ward committees, the first of these resolutions has been strictly complied with: on the latter we are now to present our final report. A few French families are still destitute; of these an accurate account has been taken, and their wants will be supplied, so soon as copies in the French language can be obtained. With these exceptions, if such they may be called, the work is believed to be completed; and had there been a supply of Bibles, it would have been completed at a much earlier period. A few families, on professedly religious principles, manifested an unwillingness to receive a copy of the Scriptures, when the committees made the first visit to ascertain the destitution; but by far the greater number, even of these, did not scruple to accept a Bible when it was afterwards offered to them. Kind treatment was experienced for the most part, and an interest and sympathy was expressed in the object we had in view. Those cases which were not of this description, we willingly refer to the period "which will try every man's work of what sort it is." One instance is mentioned of a poor woman, who expressed herself as having prayed for a Bible for some months, without knowing, until the committee accosted her, how her petition was to be answered. Such cases tell doubly.-They indicate on the one hand, that “the effectual fervent prayer of the righteous availeth much:" and they indicate secondly, that the benevolent enterprises of a publick character are often the result of a spirit of prayer, that is known only to the heart-searching and secret-seeing eye. The Bibles distributed in the wards respectively, are as follows: 145-Walnut, 50-Chestnut, 94-High New Market, 365-Pine, 201-Dock, Street, 53-South Mulberry, 146-North Mulberry, 203-Lower Delaware, 259-Upper Delaware, 133-North, 126South, 80-Middle, 100-Locust, 239Cedar, 220-Total number, 2414. These copies were distributed for the most part gratuitously. It was enjoined on the committees severally, to dispose of the copies at cost price, or for whatever could be obtained; but the entire proceeds from sales do not exceed $40. Indeed it was to be presumed, that those who at all prize the Bible, where a copy is to be purchased at so moderate a rate, would be previously supplied. Those on the other hand who do not care for a Bible, although able to purchase it, were not likely to contribute much for its attainment. In many respects it is a hopeless matter to confer a Bible on an individual who does not prize it; but that such a man needs it, is evident, and that he may be benefited by it, is possible. Agreeably to the wishes of the Philadelphia Bible Society, our aim has been to supply only destitute families. In a few cases, however, we deviated from our instructions on this head. When servants and apprentices evinced a desire to possess, and were willing to purchase a copy, alleging that they were excluded from the use of the only copy in the faThe destitution, as will be seen, far exceeded our calculations. It was greatest in those parts of the city which are inhabited by people of colour. Multitudes of these persons are unable to read; and in such cases, our "bread" has mily, we did not dare to refuse. been "cast" emphatically ". upon the waters," but even here we are not without hope of "finding it, though it be after many days." The same spirit of Christian enterprise which prompted to the dissemination of the Scriptures, will suggest the propriety of having an organized corps, similar to that now in existence in Ireland, who will go round and read to the ignorant that Bible which is now in their hands; so that it may prove no longer a "dead letter, but a life-giving spirit." The children moreover of these ignorant parents have access to instruction, through the fidelity of "the danger ous American Sunday School Union!" The work of supplying the destitution in this city has been accomplished, with a facility that may well put us to shame, for not having determined on it much sooner. The committee of arrangement met weekly to receive reports from the respective ward committees, and to ascertain that the work progressed uniformly. The respective districts managed their own affairs-on the principle, that different modes suit different persons and places. Yet (as in our political compact) we have been confederated, so as to encourage all and to fetter none; and we have derived, we believe, the like benefits, freedom without anarchy, and power without tyranny. With the plenary acknowledgment, that we are but "unprofitable servants," and with the sincere de 17th instant, at his residence, in this village, the REV. DR. SAMUEL BLATCHFORD, D.D., in the 61st year of his age, and the 41st of his ministry. He was a scholar of brilliant acquirements, and a sound divine-as a persuasive and eloquent preacher he was surpassed by few, if any, in our country-an was in full possession of all thos endearing virtues and Christian graces, which adorn and beautify the human character. He was sincerely beloved and esteemed by all who knew him. He died in the bosom of his church, in the full faith and hope of a glorious resurrection. The following biographical sketch of this venerable divine, furnished us by an esteemed correspondent, cannot be uninteresting to many of our readers : DR. BLATCHFORD, was a native of Plymouth, England-received his education at Hammerton Academy-emigrated to America in 1795, and in 1804 was installed Pastor of the United Presbyterian Churches of Lansingburgh and Waterford. This office he filled until his death, a period of 24 years; and it is no small testimony to his worth to say, that he retained during the time the attachment of his people undiminished, and has left behind him a name that will long be cherished with affection and regard. He was a tender husband, a kind father, and warm friend. He was a patron of learning, and a zealous advocate for the charities of the day. To decision of character, he united the urbanity of a gentleman-the accomplishments of a scholar, and the virtues of a Christian. He possessed sound judgment and an extensive knowledge of human nature. These he employed in subserviency to the peace and happiness of his people. As a theologian, his knowledge was comprehensive; and by merit alone he rose to distinction in the Church. -Whilst he guarded against in"DIED-On Monday evening, the novation, both in doctrine and sire and confident hope that "the know. ledge of the Lord shall cover the earth as the waters do the sea," we close by bidding "God speed" to all, in every place, who are engaged in the distribution of the Holy Scriptures. By order of the Young Men's Association. JOHN H. KENNEDY, Chairman. We copy from the Lansingburg Gazette of the 25th of March, the following article. OBITUARY. preaching, in the full belief of the fundamental truths of the Gospel, with persuasive force he preached Christ crucified as the sinner's only hope. During his illness, which was protracted and painful, he exhibited Christian fortitude and resignation, seldom equalled. And to all who visited him, he testified of a Saviour's love, and exemplified the efficacy of a Christian's hope." The preceding article is too short and general, to do justice to the character of so eminent and excellent a minister of the gospel, as Dr. Blatchford confessedly was. We hope that some one of his numerous friends will furnish us with a memoir, more worthy of one of the most influential men in the Presbyterian church. To us his memory is indeed precious; and we wish it to be embalmed in the pages of the Christian Advocate. The Treasurer of the Trustees of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church acknowledges the receipt of the following sums for their Theological Seminary at Princeton, N.J. during the month of March last, viz. Of Alexander Henry, Esq. from the Mite Society of Bridgeton, W. J. for Of Rev. Dr. John M'Dowell, from two individuals in the First Presbyterian Of Rev. Alexander Heberton, contributed by members of Allentownship Of United States Branch Bank in New York for one year's income of the Of Rev. Thomas J. Biggs, for six months' interest of the Kennedy Scholar- $10 50 325 00 20 00 175 00 75.00 Total $605 50 The Treasurer has received of the Rev. John H. Kennedy, a collection in the Sixth Presbyterian Church, "It is to be devoted to the South American Mission now contemplated." 20 75 Diew of Publick Affairs. EUROPE. The latest European advices, to which we have had access, are from Liverpool, to the 26th of February, from London, to the 24th, and from Paris, to the 9th of the same month. BRITAIN.-A ministry has been organized in England, of which the Duke of Wellington is the head. The British cabinet, as officially announced, is as follows: Lord Bathurst, President of the Council, in place of the Duke of Portland; Lord Lyndhurst, Lord Chancellor; Lord Ellenborough, Lord of the privy seal, in place of the Earl of Carlisle; the Duke of Wellington, First Lord of the Treasury, in place of Viscount Goderich; the Hon. Henry Goulburn, Chancellor of the Exchequer, in place of Mr. Herries; Lord Beresford, Master of the Ordnance; Mr. Peel, Secretary of State for the Home Department, in place of the Marquis of Lansdowne; Mr. Huskis son, Secretary of State for the Colonles; Earl Dudley, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs; Lord Melville, President of the Board of Control, in place of Mr. C. Wynn Mr. Grant, President of the Board of Trade, and Treasurer of the Navy; the Earl of Aberdeen, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, in place of Lord Bexley; Mr. Herries, Master of the Mint, in place of Mr. Tierney; and Lord Palmeston, Secretary of War. The Duke of Wellington, having accepted the post of First Lord of the Treasury and Prime Minister, has resigned the command of the army. The duties of the office are to be performed by a commission, to consist of Lord Beresford, Sir George Murray, and Sir Herbert Taylor. Sir Charles Wetherill is to take the post of Attorney General. Parliament was opened by commission on the 20th of January. The royal speech, as delivered by the Lord Chancellor, states-that all foreign powers give assurances of their desire to remain in amity with England, and to preserve the peace of Europe -that his majesty, having long seen with concern the conflict between the Ottoman Porte and the Greeks, and having been earnestly entreated by the latter to interpose his good offices to bring about a reconciliation, had first consulted with the Emperor of Russia for the purpose, in April, 1826, and afterwards had entered into a treaty with him, and the court of France, on the 6th of July, 1827, for the pacification of Greece-that the collision which took place between the Ottoman and combined fleets, in the port of Navarino, was "wholly unexpected by his Majesty;" and that "notwithstanding the display of valour by the combined fleet, his Majesty deeply laments that this conflict should have occurred with the naval force of an ancient ally"-that he "still entertains a confident hope that this untoward event will not be followed by farther hostilities”—that his Majesty would maintain the national faith pledged in the treaty with Russia and France, but would earnestly endeavour to preserve the repose of Europe-that the independence of Portugal being secured, his Majesty had given orders that the British forces in that country should be immediately withdrawn-that the estimates for the current year had been prepared, with all the regard to economy which the public service would permit-that although there had been a diminution in some branches of the revenue, the amount on the whole did not disappoint previous expectations-that there had been a considerable increase in the export of British manufactures, and that this was producing a continual abatement of the late commercial difficulties. The speech then concludes with the usual assurances of reliance on parliament, and his Majesty's solicitude for the happiness and prosperity of his people-We have endeavoured to give every leading idea contained in the speech, because it is usually considered as exhibiting the most authentic statement of the facts to which it refers, and as indicating the views and wishes of the existing cabinet. When a response to the speech was moved, there was but little speaking, either in the house of Lords or Commons. In both, however, the manner in which the battle of Navarino had been mentioned, and the acknowledgment of the Turk as an "ancient ally” were made the subject of some strictures. But the response, drawn up of course by the friends of the ministry, was carried without a division. Since that period, there has been a good deal of altercation and explanation among the ins and the outs. The present is what is usually denominated a tory ministry: and there is so much difference of opinion among the members, who compose it, that it appears likely it cannot long be kept from dissolution. In the mean time, the prospect of war with the Turk, notwithstanding the peaceful aspect of the royal speech, seems to increase. The latest accounts both from Britain and France, represent war as probable, and indeed as all but unavoidable. The London Courier, a ministerial paper, it is said, "admits the impossibility of preserving peace between the allied powers and the Sultan." The latest London date we have seen, which is Feb. 24th, exhibits the following article "The accounts from St. Petersburgh are to the 30th ult. The news of the Duke of Wellington having had orders to form a ministry, had reached St. Petersburgh, and had created a great sensation. French papers to the 21st inst. reached us by express. Their contents confirm all that had been announced respecting the sudden change in the policy and conduct of the Porte; the banishment of British, French, and Russian subjects, and the appeal to the religious fanaticism of the people. These measures had been agreed on immediately after the battle of Navarino, but had been suspended in consequence of the active negotiations which followed that event. They have now been adopted, we are told, on account of the departure of the Ambassadors from Constantinople.' In vain did the ministers of the neutral powers interfere; even the Austrian internuncio was cavalierly told that the Porte would have it so.' The anger of the Sultan extended itself to the Musselmen; for it was said that Tahir Pacha, who had fought at Navarino, had been beheaded." Lord Cochrane had suddenly and unexpectedly returned to England, having no longer any object to attain in behalf of the Greeks. The Duke of Wellington had stated in the house of Lords, that it was the intention of the government to introduce a corn bill, founded upon that which had been rejected last year. Numerous petitions for the repeal of the test and corporation acts, were before parliament. A letter had also been addressed to Sir Francis Burdett, by the Secretary of the Catholicks in Ireland, requesting him to present to parliament the general petition of the Irish Catho |