consideration of all the Churches. You cannot but have observed, brethren, the great loss of influence brought on Chris. tianity, by the divisions which have taken place in the Church of Christ. The state of religion in our own country affords a mournful illustration of this fact. An en terprise of benevolence, however well conceived and wisely adapted, to promote the best good of man, is often regarded with coldness and jealousy by the majority of Christians, because it originates with one particular denomination. Heaven, instead of seeing the whole Church take hold of the measure and carry it forward with all their might, beholds many standing back to inquire how it will affect the interests of a party. The Head of the Church often sees Christians in opposition to Christians, under the excitements of mere sectarian zeal. The religion of Jesus Christ is thus dishonoured before the world; and much of the power of the Church, which ought to be exerted against the kingdom of darkness, is wasted in unprofitable contests among brethren. These things ought not so to be. O! when shall the standing reproach of the Church be wiped away! But if the General Assembly feel constrained to offer remarks such as these, much more do they reckon themselves bound to warn the Churches under their care, against every thing bearing even the semblance of alienation and division among brethren, who hold the same great principles of doctrine, government and discipline. The Presbyterian Church, with its distinguishing tenets and principles of ecclesiastical polity, diffused through this nation, and conformed to the genius of its institutions, is suited to exert a most salutary influence on the country, and to operate as a bond of union among the people of the different states. Her liberal feelings towards other denominations, expressed in her Confession of Faith, her Form of Government, and the practice of the General Assembly, may do much, should nothing occur to tarnish her character, or diminish her influence to promote peace and brotherly love among the different communities of Christians, coexisting with us in this happy country. Her solemn Testimony in behalf of the great doctrines of the Reformation, or rather of the Bible, may exert a mighty efficiency among a population in which publick opinion controls every thing, to prevent the progress of heresy, and sustain evangelical truth. The force of talent and learning embodied among her members, may greatly aid in promoting Education, and in rendering Literature and Science subservient to pure and undefiled religion. The united resources of the Church may powerfully sustain and greatly extend the cause of foreign and domestick missions, and urge onward all the enterprises of Christian benevolence, now before the world. With these views, the General Assembly see not how they can be innocent, who agitate questions of division and separation among themselves. We solemnly warn you, dear brethren, against these things: they are of evil tendency; they hold out no promise of good; they give no token of pure and holy zeal. The mischief of breaking the bond, which unites these confederated Churches, would be like that of destroying the Union of the States, and arraying the East and the West, the North and the South, against each other, in the attitude of rival and hostile nations. Brethren, they who agree in the great truths of the gospel and of Church Government, as expressed in our Confession of Faith, ought not only to love as brethren, but heartily co-operate, for the glory of God and the salvation of souls. These minor differences which exist divine truth; the frequent and joyful reamong us, do not prevent the progress of currence of powerful revivals of religion; the conversion, sanctification, and salvation of sinners. There is no Christian, and no minister who may not well rejoice in the privilege of labouring with God's approved workmen, in his own vineyard. Let those, then, who are persuaded that theirs is the most orthodox creed, commend it to their brethren and to the world, by evincing the warmest benevolence, the purest zeal, and the highest devotion to the cause of God, and righteousness; and let them remember, that contention for minute and subordinate points always prevents advancement in the Christian life, and quenches the holy fires of Christian charity. We do then, dear brethren, most solemnly and affectionately warn you against the spirit of contention and disunion; and we charge you by the Lord, that you put far from you all unholy jealousies, and love one another as brethren with a pure heart, fervently; being born again not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. Thirdly, From the evidence laid before the General Assembly, they rejoice in witnessing the increase of exertion in the Church, to promote true religion in our own country, and among the heathen. But while we give thanks to Almighty God, for this grace, we are, still, constrained to say, that there is presented to our view, through by far the greatest part of our Churches, a scene of deplorable indiffer ence and inactivity. Few appear to under stand the obligations resting on them, to consecrate themselves, and their all to the service and glory of God: few consider the peculiar situation, and duties of Christians, in a country in which the Church is, as in primitive times, thrown on her own resources, the blessing and protection of her Head, the zeal and love of her members. Here the Church must furnish ministers, provide places of worship, and support the gospel :-for established Churches all this is done by government. Here, the increase of population requires a large increase of religious teachers every year :-in old countries, the supply, as to numbers, is entirely adequate. Here every thing depends on the direc tion of publick opinion; in other countries, much on the exercise of authority. So that in a peculiar way, the Church in this country is called on to exert herself, and bring forth all her resources, to sustain the Church, and extend the true religion. Dear brethren, we refer you to the word of God, that you may learn the full extent of your duty. Look to the Bible, and be taught, that you are stewards of God, and that he will require of you an exact account of all with which he has entrusted you, even to the very last mite.— Look to the Providence of God, and see how "he that scattereth, increaseth, and how withholding tendeth to poverty." Look to the example of primitive Christians. and see how from every little organized Church, the "word of God sounded out" even through distant regions. Brethren, we are greatly grieved to hear, that in many places within our bounds, there are no Bible Societies; no Tract Societies; no Sabbath Schools; no missionary exertions; no efforts to train up a competent ministry of the Gospel; that now, when the angel of God is flying through the midst of heaven, with the everlasting Gospel; when the call of God waxes louder and louder; when the world seems to stand in expectation of great and almighty changes, even now, many move not a finger in the work of God. Disciples of Jesus! do you consecrate your all to the service of God, when your time is entirely devoted either to business or recreation; when your wealth is either hoarded up, or spent in the purchase of pleasure; when your influence is all employed on worldly interests? How can your souls prosper, when you hold back a great part of what God requires? Will the Judge of all award heaven to those who give to him divided hearts? Brethren, consider what we say, and the Lord give you understanding in all things. The General Assembly are the more earnest on this topic, because the reports brought up this year, give evidence of the prevalence of many fearful and desolating evils. Intemperance, that giant vice, marches through the length and breadth of the land, and carries destruction in its train. Its name is Apollyon: it destroys health, wealth, reputation, domestick happiness, conscience, the soul. Gaming, in various forms, particularly in horse-racing and lotteries, is increasing most alarmingly in the country; and spreading the evils of pauperism, indolence, improvidence, extravagance, and drunkenness, in a manner most fearful.And it is a matter of unspeakable grief to us to learn, that even professors of religion, misled by the avowed design of lotteries, sometimes give countenance and support to this most pernicious species of gambling. Sabbath-breaking, in various forms, proves the general prevalence of ungod liness, and too often the low regard, which even professing Christians have for God's holy day. It has been reported to us, brethren, that members, and even officers of the Church, not unfrequently visit, or set out on journeys on the Sabbath; and that they meet at places of worship, apparently more for the purpose of talking of crops, and the prices of produce, and discussing the political questions of the day, than to worship in God's sanctuary, and hold communion with the Holy One in the ordinances of his house. Is this what the Lord your God requireth of you, brethren? Is this making the Sabbath a delight, and counting it holy and honourable? We also hear that there is, in many parts of the country, a rising of the spirit of infidelity; and in others a zealous propagation of erroneous and heretical opinions, destructive of the very life of Christianity. In our multiplying population, thousands too are growing up as heathen; and souls are dying in ignorance and sin. And while these things are so, many who profess to be disciples of Him, who, though Lord of glory, emptied himself, and became obedient unto the death of the cross, are living in pleasure, unmoved, although the work of death is going on all around them. Brethren, we adjure you in the name of the God of mercy, to awake and go up to the help of the Lord against the mighty. But while we thus urge you by your allegiance to Heaven, to shake off sloth and indolence, we rejoice to have it in our power to encourage you, by a reference to the glorious work of grace, now going on in our country. Great and mar vellous things have been wrought by our God in the midst of his churches. The Narrative of the state of religion will give you a general view of its progress during the past year. The Revivals, which have taken place, while they illustriously display the glori ous sovereignty of divine grace, afford some very important lessons, on which we wish to fix your attention. 1. They present much clear and indisputable evidence of the efficacy of prayer. In many, very many happy instances, it has been seen that prayer has power with God. In answer to it, the Holy Spirit has been poured out, and souls have been subdued to the obedience of the just. 2. It is becoming more and more apparent, as the work of God goes on, that there is an established connexion between the means of God's appointment, used in the prescribed way, and the great end proposed. So that he who labours in the cause of God, labours with the cheerful perseverance and vigour, produced by hope of success. 3. These wonderful works of the Lord have been wrought in such a way, as to show the value of united prayer and exertion, in a whole church, when proceeding according to the order of the Gospel. It is not by the instrumentality of ministers alone, that Jerusalem is built up and beautified. The faithful pastor of an unfaithful church may labour diligently and zealously, and the blessing may return on his own soul, while his people receive it not : his fleece may be watered, but all around him may be dry. But when every one, in his proper place, as indicated by the word and the providence of God, gives himself up to the service of the church, and the honour of his Redeemer, then Zion arises, and shines in the light and glory of her King. 4. But a lesson, as valuable as any other, taught by the history of Revivals, is, the importance, yea and the necessity of exhibiting plainly and distinctly the truths contained in the Bible, and depending on their instrumentality alone, to effect the conviction and conversion of sinners.— These truths are precious, because, when heartily received, they produce holiness. And in the Scriptures, the statement of them is so connected with their appropriate effects, the fruits of good living, that the best possible security is afforded against all error, delusion, and extravagance, by the pure word of God, made known to the people according to the order of the Gospel. We also learn from the whole experience and observation furnished by these remarkable events, that there is no value in religious feelings, unless they are excited by distinct views of divine truth. It is only the plain, simple doctrines of the Bible, carried to the understanding and conscience by the Holy Spirit, which can sanctify the heart of man, and make him fit for heaven. We do, therefore, most earnestly exhort all ministers of the Gospel to read the word of God to their people, accord. ing to the order prescribed in the direc tory for worship; and to make it their main business to expound the Bible, and set it, in its full meaning, before the people. We exhort all members of the Church, with their utmost diligence and care, to study the word of God. We do, with all the authority with which we are invested, recommend and enjoin the establishment, every where, of Bible classes, and regular attendance on them. We exhort the whole Church to give cordial and efficient support to Sabbath Schools. Let the young know the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make them wise unto salvation. Let the Bible be the standard of truth; the test of docrine and feeling; the rule of discipline, and worship, and living. Let men believe, teach, pray, and act according to the Bible. Then, there will be no divisions, no heresies, no offences :-then will Christians "hold forth the word of life," and reli gion will be taught by living examples :the adversaries of truth will be confounded:-the work of God will never be marred-but the Church will march right onward in her course, until it shall be proclaimed on earth, and joyfully re-echoed from heaven, "The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdom of God and his Christ." quickly, Lord Jesus. Amen! even so, come The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. By order of the General Assembly, FRANCIS HERRON, Moderator. EZRA STILES ELY, Stated Clerk. Philadelphia, May 30th, 1827. Corrections of the Narrative on the State of Religion, published in the last number of the Christian Advocate, &c. TO THE EDITOR. Rev. and dear Sir-My name was sub. joined to the Assembly's Narrative on the state of religion, before any opportunity was afforded me of reading, or of hearing it. As the Stated Clerk, permit me to correct a few errors in the printed sheet, which was published, contrary to former practice, by a committee, and from which your Advocate has made too faithful a copy. On page 280 of the Advocate, Home, after Pennsylvania, should be omitted; for the Institution referred to is "The Pennsylvania Missionary Society.” On page 281, after since, omit "the origin of their institution, in 1818," and read, "the last year's report;" for 1481 persons have been returned as hopeful converts among Sabbath school teachers and pupils, during the last year; and more than 5480 since the origin of the School Union in 1818. On the same page, in the sentence, "In the Synod of South Carolina and Georgia, the Presbyteries of Orange, Fayetteville, Georgia, Union, and Hopewell," there are several mistakes. The Presbyteries of Orange and Fayetteville are in the Synod of North Carolina; and Union in the Synod of Tennessee. I have ventured in the Minutes of the Assembly printed under my directions to make it read thus, "In the Synods of North and South Carolina and Georgia, the Presbyteries of Orange, Fayetteville, Georgia, Charleston Union, and Hopewell, have been more or less favoured." To the list of deceased ministers the name of the Rev. Elkanah K. Dare, of the Presbytery of New Castle, should be added. On page 282, instead of 800, should be read 2700, as the number of souls hopefully converted in the last year in the city of Boston, and in the county of Berkshire in Massachusetts. Having done with these corrections, I could wish the Rev. Editor of the Advocate to inform his patrons, that the remarks lately published in his pages on the subject of accommodating the members of the General Assembly in the city of Phi ladelphia, during the sessions of that body, did NOT originate with any person in this city, but with a Reverend brother in the State of New York. I have heard so many hints about our being oppressed on this subject, that I wish to make this short defence of our hospitality, and to say for one, that it is both a pleasure and a privilege to entertain the ministers of Christ. If any Philadelphians have expressed weariness or dissatisfaction on this subject, it must have been in a very few cases, and the complainants must have been wholly destitute of the spirit of our city. EZRA STILES ELY. [Although the Report of the Directors of the Theological Seminary is in type, our space forbids us to publish it in our present number. The delay till next month must be unimportant, as many copies in a separate form have been distributed.--The day appointed for the meeting of the Directors of the Western Theological Seminary is past; and therefore the publication of the notice of that meeting would now be superfluous.] 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 June last, viz. Of Rev. Dr. E. S. Ely, from Messrs. Towar & Hogan, one half of the premium 87 50 6 00 - 50 00 - 20 00 Amount received for the Contingent Fund 63 50 Of Rev. Samuel B. How, the 4th and 5th instalments, in full of his subscription for the Synods of New York and New Jersey Professorship Of Rev. J. L. Marshall, per Rev. Dr. E. S. Ely, of the 1st class of 1821-22, in part of his subscription for the Oriental and Biblical Literature Professorship 155 00 Of Rev. John H. Van Court, in part of his subscription for the Scholarship of Of Ths. H. Mills, Esq. for the Woodhull Scholarship - 53 50 - 75 00 $367 00 View of Publick Affairs. EUROPE. London papers to the 26th of May, Liverpool to the 28th, and Paris to the 15th, contain the most recent advices from Europe which have reached this country. BRITAIN.-The British Parliament convened on the 1st of May. There has been much, and ardent, and eloquent speech-making, both among Lords and Commons in reference to the recent changes in the ministry and cabinet-those who have withdrawn attempting to justify the course they have taken, denying the charge of acting in concert, or any attempt to control the prerogative of the King, or to influence him unduly in the choice of his ministers and advisers, and attacking Mr. Canning for choosing whigs for his associates, and reproaching them for a desertion of their principles: on the other side, Canning and his friends, especially the whigs, hurling back the charges of inconsistency, vindicating their proceedings, and manifesting no small exultation at the mortification and disappointment of their antagonists, and felicitating themselves and the country on a change, which they declare will be every way advantageous to all the great interests of the nation. Some seem to question whether Canning and his new friends will be able to maintain themselves against the powerful influence of the aristocracy opposed to them. But we see no reason to doubt the stability of the present ministry. The King, the People, and the publick press, are all decidedly in their favour. Canning began his career as a writer for the press; and it is remarked that there never was such a unanimity among journalists of all descrip tions to support a minister, as is now witnessed in his case. Talents of no ordinary kind, both in poetry and prose, have been displayed in his behalf, and in ridicule and vituperation of his opposers.-The punsters of London call him a Wholesale Cabinet Maker. The most important matter, in relation to legislative measures, has been an earnest attempt to obtain a repeal of the late enactments in favour of free trade-to these enactments their opposers maintained the recent distress was in a great measure to be attributed. But the reply of Mr. Huskinson was the most clear and conclusive refutation and demolition of the arguments and allegations against free trade, that we ever recollect to have read in Parliamentary debate; and it seems to have silenced the opposition. Trade and manufactures appear to be reviving in every part of the kingdom; and the late distress is greatly abated, yet not entirely removed. Ireland is still in an agitated state. The conversions from Popery to Protestantism are stated to be numerous-so numerous and rapid, that if they continue in the same proportion in time to come as for a few months past, it seems to us that Catholick emancipa. tion will be effected without any change in the laws. The great Tunnel under the Thames has suffered an accident, and been filled with water; but all the workmen happily escaped, and the engineer gives assurance that the breach can be speedily repaired, and the work be continued with safety. The national debt of Great Britain now amounts to eight hundred and ninety-seven millions sterling. FRANCE.--The National Guard of France, like the Janissaries of Turkey, was an old establishment, and both had alike lost their primitive character, and become serious evils. The National Guard of France betrayed Louis XVI.; abandoned La Fayette; and sometimes helped and sometimes deserted Napoleon; and had certainly become in a high degree dangerous to the existing order of things. Very recently, when about twenty thousand of this guard were under review by the monarch himself, cries of disapprobation and reprobation were loudly uttered, in regard to certain publick men and publick measures. This determined the monarch to disband and abolish the institution altogether; and our own humble opinion is, that he not only manifested courage, but did a good act. Nothing is so dangerous to a state as a standing army, meddling with its civil concerns. The Prætorian guards of old Rome gave an example which ought never to have been forgotten. The late measure in France caused no small excitement in Paris and in the Chamber of Deputies; and it is said that dissatisfaction is extending throughout the kingdom. But we think it will not overthrow the government; and if it should, it will only do that which the National Guard was likely to do, if it had not been disbanded. We are very far from being well pleased with all the political arrangements of this kingdom; but we deprecate another revolution, and hope that the French, feeling, as they still must feel, the evils of the last, will deprecate and avoid it too.-It is said that the French army in Spain has received orders to withdraw as far from the frontiers of Portugal on the side of Spain, as the British and Portuguese troops retire from the frontier on the side of Portugal. The diplo matick agents of Mexico have at length been formally acknowledged by the king, and in this quality now enjoy all the rights, privileges, and immunities, attached to the employments with which they are entrusted by their governments. SPAIN--remains, so far as we can learn, in statu quo. PORTUGAL. The most important intelligence from Portugal relates to the illness of the Princess Regent. Under the latest date that has reached us, (the evening of May 16th,) a London paper contains the following article: "Expresses have arrived from Lisbon, bringing intelligence that the Princess Regent was in a very alarming state, and not expected to survive many hours. Much anarchy is dreaded in the event of her death." The insurrections in this kingdom have been nearly put down, but there is much secret dissatisfaction with the new government; and if the Princess Regent should expire, the consequences may well be apprehended. A very serious mutiny |