to organize new churches and ordain Ruling Elders. Where is the necessity for this? inquires the reviewer. I cannot perceive.why the Board should commission others to perform this work, if the ministers living in the west possess this power. Why is not the business left to them? The Board have very good reasons for their conduct. The ministers in the west have work enough at home, in superintending their own charges; and they rejoice that fellow labourers are sent across the mountains, to assist them in cultivating the wilderness and in building up the church of Christ.

The reviewer had given up the argument derived from the word bishop; but he seems to like it too well to repudiate it altogether. Many a man and woman have returned to their connubial fellowship after a season of separation. "Jerome, (Dr. Janeway's witness,) informs us that Titus was made bishop of Crete by the apostle."" p. 93. Here the whole stress of evidence is placed on the word bishop. What kind of a bishop was Titus? A diocesan bishop? Jerome does not say so; he says simply he was made bishop; and because Jerome applies to Titus the term bishop, from which, the reviewer confessed, no argument could be drawn, he concludes Jerome testifies he was made a diocesan bishop.

The case of Timothy is brought forward, whose ecclesiastical superiority the reviewer strives to prove. But we beg leave to say to him, that Presbyterian ministers feel themselves authorized to ordain deacons, and ruling elders, and teaching elders too, in conjunction with their brethren; and when appointed by presbytery they charge other ministers that they teach no other doctrine; and yet they claim no ecclesiastical superiority over their brethren in the ministry; they are bishops, though not diocesan bishops, claiming a divine warrant to

lord it over God's heritage. Timothy "seems to be the only agent in the business;" that is of ordaining. So it may seem to the reviewer, and yet not be the fact. How was Timothy himself ordaind? The apostle tells us, in chap. iv. 14, of his first epistle, where he exhorts this pious youth, in these words: "Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the Presbytery." Is not his ordination here referred to? When and why did the Presbytery lay their hands on Timothy, if not at the time of his ordination, and for the purpose of setting him apart to the gospel ministry? Now, if he himself was inducted into office by the agency of the Presbytery, was it not natural for him to conclude that other persons were to be inducted into the ministerial office in the same way? The evidence to be derived from the epistles addressed to him, leads, then, to the belief, that others acted with him in the exercise of the ordaining power, and not to the.belief that he acted alone.

But the reviewer will have it, that Timothy was an "ecclesiastical superior;" and in support of it he proceeds to adduce testimonies depending entirely for evidence on the word bishop. Polycrates, Eusebius, and Jerome say he was bishop; and hence, from this repudiated term the inference is legitimate, that he was a diocesan bishop. In opposition to the interpretation put on the testimonies of the fathers by the writer under review, let us hear one of the champions of his church. The celebrated Dr. Whitby says, in his preface to his Commentary on the epistle to Titus-"The great controversy concerning this and the epistle to Timothy is, whether Timothy and Titus were indeed made bishops, the one of Ephesus, and the other of Crete. Now, of this matter I confess I can find nothing in any writer of THE FIRST THREE

CENTURIES, nor ANY INTIMATION,

that they bore that name. To pass my judgment in this case, I assert that, if by saying Timothy and Titus were bishops, the one of Ephesus, and the other of Crete, we understand that they took upon them those churches, or dioceses, as their fixed and peculiar charge, in which they were to preside for term of life, I believe Timothy and Titus were not thus bishops. For, first, both Timothy and Titus were EVAN

GELISTS, and therefore were to do the work of an evangelist. Now the work of an evangelist, saith Eusebius, was this-to lay the foundations of the faith in barbarous nations; to constitute them pastors; and having committed to them the cultivating of those new plantations, they passed on 'to other countries and nations."

(To be continued.)

Means employed by the Spider in weaving its web.-We find, in the Introduction to Entomology by Kirby and Spence, a very curious description of the means employed by spiders in warping their webs. The authors, after having described the four little spiders, as they call them, which produce a visible silk, explain the procedure of this little insect, whose work they compare to the spinning wheel of the rope maker. Each spider is pierced with an infinite number of holes, like the drawing plate of a gold wire-drawer, and these holes are so small and tight, that the space which a pin would occupy would contain more than a thousand such. From each of these issues a thread of inconceivable fineness, which instantly unites with the others to form but one. The four spiders each making their thread in the same manner and in the same time, the result is that there are four threads alike, which, at the distance of about a tenth of an inch, reunite also to form the silk that we are accustomed to see, and which the spider makes use of to spin her web. Thus the thread of a spider drawn by the smallest species, and so delicate that the eye can scarcely perceive it, is not, as is generally thought, a single thread, but in reality a cord, which contains not less than four thousand of them.

But to understand perfectly this wonder of nature, it is necessary to follow the calculations made by the learned Leuwenhoeck, agreeably to his microscopick observations. He has found that the thread of the smallest spider, of which some are not as large as a grain of sand, were of such a fineness, that it would be neces sary to unite more than four millions to form the thickness of a hair. Now we know that each one of this series is already composed of four thousand threads; it follows then, that sixteen millions of

these threads, drawn by the little spider, have not together the thickness of a hair. -Jour. de Con. Usuel. VIII. 9.

Practice of Wesley in regard to SleepThe celebrated John Wesley, who paid every attention to the best means of invigorating his body, in order that he might be enabled to exert himself for the general benefit of his fellow creatures, to the utmost his corporeal and mental powers would allow, informs us, that he had been accustomed to awake every night about twelve or one o'clock, and lay without sleeping for some time: he, therefore, very justly concluded, that this was caused by his lying in bed longer than nature required. To be satisfied upon this point, he procured an alarum, which awakened him next morning at seven, nearly an hour earlier than his usual time of rising. He still lay awake at night. The ensuing morning he arose at six; but notwithstanding this, he lay awake the second night. The third morning he rose at five; but, nevertheless, lay awake the third night. His next hour of rising was at four, and lying no longer awake, he, for a period of above sixty years, continued the same practice; and, taking the year round, never lay awake for a quarter of an hour at a time, during a month. He justly adds, that by the same experiment, rising earlier and earlier every morning, any person may discover how much sleep he really stands in need of. Mr. Wesley was in the habit of going to bed at ten, so that by rising at four, he had six hours uninterrupted sleep, which he considered to be sufficient for his own health: he, however, very properly remarks, that invalids and persons of a delicate constitution, and those accustomed to much bodily fatigue during the day, may require seven or eight hours' sleep.-Journal of Health.

Oak Trees liable to be struck by Lightning-Farmers and other practical men will be able to say, whether experience in this country corroborates the curious circumstance mentioned in the subjoined quotation. I remember, somewhere in the course of my reading, to have seen this subject examined at some length, and the result showed, that peculiar kinds of trees were more liable than others, even of the same altitude, to the lightning's destructive stroke. If a difference really exists, a knowledge of the kinds more or less subject to this visitation, might be of practical utility in reference to the selec tion of trees proper to be planted in the neighbourhood of houses, barns, and along the borders of roads, avenues, &c.

"In Denmark, where there are considerable tracts covered with oak and beech trees, it is remarked, that the oaks are struck with lightning twenty times for once the beeches are struck. It is conjectured by some observers, that this circumstance is to be traced to the forms of the two species of trees."

Method of detecting the Adulteration of Tea. "The Chinese frequently mix the leaves of other shrubs with those of the tea-plant; this fraud is easily discovered by adding to an infusion of it a grain and a half of sulphate of iron. If it is true green tea, the solution placed between the eye and the light assumes a pale bluish tint; if it is Bohea tea, the solution is blue, inclining to black; but if it is adulterated, it shows all the colours, yellow, green, and black."

The Red Sea.-The setting of the sun from the spot where we stood, was.very beautiful, although there were neither groves nor vales on which the sinking rays might linger, but a low and naked shore. But this was not the case on the other side of the sea, to which nature had been more bountiful: the mountains were there bold and lofty, and the sun was sinking slowly behind them, while his red beams rested on their broken ridges. They were the same amidst which the Israelites were entangled in their flight; and the wilderness on the other side being a sandy expanse, left them at the mercy of their pursuers. It was the divine intention, doubtless, from the first, to destroy the power of Egypt, as the route towards the head of the Red Sea was equally direct and near, and the desert of Sin was then open to the fugitives without either mountain or wave in the way. The twilight soon rested on the silent sheet of water, that was not broken by a single bark or vessel from the ports below, as the breeze was too faint to carry them through its uncertain navigation, that

abounds with shoals and rocks. The rugged forms of the mountains opposite grew dim and indistinct. No sound broke on the stillness of the beach, on which we now lay down to rest, save the faint murmur of the shallow water; and there was little danger of intruders, for the place was too desert to tempt either the wandering Bedouin or the busy fisherman. The hours fled almost unperceived; the scene was full of interest; and we could not help recalling the description of the famous passage of this sea by the chosen people, that has given rise to so many fruitless doubts and explanations. What a noble subject for a painter that hour of darkness and terror would be, and the rushing of the hosts through this wide gulf! It should seem that the absurd idea of representing the waves standing "like a wall on each side," had as well be abandoned. This is giving a literal interpretation to the evidently figurative words of scripture; where it is said, that God "caused the sea to go back all night by a strong east wind," and when the morning dawned, there was probably a wide and waste expanse, from which the waters had retired to some distance; and that “the sea returning to his strength in the morning," was the rushing back of an impetuous and resistless tide, inevitable, but not instantaneous, for it is evident the

Egyptians turned and fled from its approach.-Carne's Travels in the East.

Hagerstown, (Md.) April 1.

Speculation has been busy since Monday last, in relation to an extraordinary report or explosion which was beard in the air on the morning of that day. It occurred between 7 and 8 o'clock, and was heard in every direction around us, from which we have since received intel

ligence, to the extent of many miles. Some of our accounts represent the noise as that of the rushing of many mighty waters, preceded by a sharp whizzing, and followed by a deep rumbling that seemed to die away far in the southothers represent it as like that of the distant discharge of cannon at short intervals, for two or three minutes, closing with a volley of musketry-others again, as that of the falling of some heavy body in the upper parts of their houses-whilst some compare it to continued peals of distant thunder. And those who were out at the time, and had an opportunity of observing horses, cattle, &c., concur in stating that they manifested more than usual alarm. The heavens were, at the time, calm and clear, with the exception

of a few small, disconnected clouds in the south-east.-Torch Light.

Miegia Macrosperma.-This luxuriant.

vegetable, which grows on the lower courses of the Mississippi, &c., and which forms what are called Cane Brakes, is said to grow in rich ground like the richest asparagus, six feet high before the stalk hardens; from its luxuriancy and tenderness, therefore, would it not be worth while to procure the seed by the way of New Orleans, by dealers in seeds, or otherwise by wagons travelling with merchandise, or rather coming to Philadelphia for merchandise for western merchants, so as to give an opportunity to agriculturists to make a trial of it as an article of fodder for cattle, as it is said no other vegetable could furnish a fodder so rich and abundant.

Lewisburg, Va.

Gold, Silver, Copper, Fin, Lead, and Iron, abound in Western Virginia. Lewis Eisenminger, a German gentleman of intelligence and experience in the ores of these minerals, has discovered on his lands extensive deposites of all the above metals. Silver and Tin particularly are found in large bodies, the ore of both surpassing in richness any thing of the kind in Germany. We are informed by friend Eisenminger, that it is his intention to commence working several mines in a short time, emigrants having, for that purpose, been sent for.-Pallad.

The amount of dividends in Bank of England due and not demanded, tan. 5, 1830, was £1,296,240 6s. 6d., and that on lottery prizes not claimed, £1,939, making £1,298,169 68. 6d.; of which there has been advanced to government £1,193,872 88., leaving in the hands of the Bank 104,306 188. 6d.

Rocking Stone.-On Mine Hill, Pa., near the Gap, a large "rocking stone" was lately discovered. It is a great curiosity, being a flat rock, from twelve to eighteen feet long, and three feet thick, so nicely poised on another, that an infant's touch can make it move like the scales of a balance. Stones similar to this have rarely been discovered, and when known, have become objects of general

attraction.

In the number of Silliman's Journal for this month, Dr. Muse, of Maryland, gives an account of a phenomenon which, it is believed, had never previously been noticed. Upon throwing (in the month of August) a handful of snow into a pitcher of water, which upon previous examination with a microscope proved to be en

VOL. VIII.-Ch. Adv.

tirely pure, hundreds of animalcules were discovered, moving rapidly in the liquid.

Climate of the Southern Hemisphere.-A letter from an officer of his Majesty's ship Chanticleer, says, "the cold of southern regions is a complete fable, and at variance with truth and nature. At Cape Horn, in latitude 56 degrees south, vegetation was in full vigour in May, or the November of their year, and snow rarely lies upon the low grounds. In fact, we have sufficient matter to elucidate the climate of the south, and to establish its comparative mildness with the north, especially if America be taken as an example. The summers of the south are by no means warm or hot, nor the winters cold; but to compensate for this, it is the region of wind, storms, and rain, perpetual gales, and eternal rains; never twenty-four hours without rain."

Another account from the same quarter says, Staten Land or Island is composed of steep mountains, two thousand feet high, covered to heir summits with trees. The soil at the foot of the mountains is singularly marshy-the mean temperature of the island is constantly low, and varies but little there is not more than a difference of four or five degrees of Fahrenheit during the twenty-four hours. The summers are not warm, the winters not cold; but as a compensation, it seems to be the region of winds and tempests; not a day passes without rain, and the gusts of wind always low; the magnetick intensity is are almost perpetual. The barometer is feeble; electrical phenomena are of rare occurrence, and the winds are generally westerly.-Edinburgh Phil. Journal.

Arctick Expedition.--The Moniteur states that Captain Ross's expedition to the Arctick Pole has safely reached the 67th degree of north latitude. The steam-boat has traversed the most dangerous seas of the globe; but wishing to touch at the coast of Spitzbergen, she was overtaken by a violent gale of wind, which carried away her main-top-mast. Owing to a very fortunate accident, especially in a region where no spars proper to repair such a loss could be expected to be procured, an English vessel happened to get among the ice, and was therefore abandoned by its crew, when her mainmast was taken out by the steamer, as well as the provisions and fuel that were requisite for continuing the voyage to the

Pole.

2 K

FOREIGN.

[The following extract of a letter from an officer on board the U. S. ship Vincennes, dated Oahu, Sandwich Islands, October 14th, 1829, with which we have been kindly favoured, contains the latest news we have seen of this ship since she left Callao. It will be read with pleasure by the friends of Foreign Missions.-Fredricksburg Arena, 30th ult.]

"Oahu, (Sandwich Islands) Oct. 14. "We have been fortunate enough to encounter a whale ship bound directly to New Bedford-and it is with more than ordinary satisfaction, that I seize the occasion to apprize you of our general good health, and the progress we have made on our homeward passage, by way of the East Indies. By letters written from Callao, you will perceive that we sailed from that place about 1st of July.

"We reached, without accident or any unusual occurrence, our first destination, the Island of Noaheva, (one of the Marquesas) in 25 days-continued there nearly three weeks, during which we visited many different tribes, in various parts of the island, and encountered adventures both novel and interesting. The inhabitants of this group of islands have not yet received the benefit of Christian light, and of course are still in a state of savage nature, although they are harmless, from fear of our power, of which they enter tain a superstitious dread. From thence we proceeded in 3 days to the Island of Tahaite, (one of the Society group,) passing many beautiful low islands, some of which were inhabited, and the people enlightened by missionaries.

"Tahaite has long since been the residence of missionaries from England, and their labours have been rewarded by almost incredible reform among the natives. They have good laws, trial by jury, fine churches, and begin to feel the benefit of industry, and the cultivation of the soil, which promises, from its good quality, rich harvests to the agriculturist.

"Our stay there was two weeks, during which the best understanding was culti vated with the natives, as well as the missionaries, who were equally kind and attentive to us. From thence we sailed for Raiatea, one of the leeward islands, where we arrived in two days, anchoring in a beautiful sound, in front of the prettiest and most regularly built village we had

seen.

The people are greatly in advance of those of Tahaite, the king having been an early convert to Christianity, and hav

ing exercised with the missionaries an influence over the natives which has proved

highly salutary. We saw here the young visit to Tamatra-the king and grandfaqueen and royal family of Tahaite, on a ther to the queen, and father to the regent and queen mother; all of whom the missionary, is a very active, indefatiwere of the royal party. Mr. Williams, gable man, and exercises his influence with the king in affairs of state as well'as church. After a stay of fifteen days we took our departure, and arrived without accident, in eighteen days, at Hawaii, the most southern of the Sandwich Islands. Here we remained ten days, visited the celebrated volcano of Peli, and enjoyed the society of our countryman, Mr. Goodrich, and family, who were extremely hospitable and attentive to us. Mr. G. is the resident missionary, has a congregation of about four thousand, and has progressed astonishingly in eradicating heathenish habits, and spreading the sacred light of the gospel among them. Nearly ten thousand in the district could read at the late examination, and the number constantly increasing. We sailed the day before yesterday from Hawaii, and anchored yesterday outside the harbour, and this morning we are safely moored in the port of Honolulu (Oahu) with many of our enterprising countrymen (the whalers) around us. I have met with many interesting incidents since leaving Peru, but the limits of a letter will by no means admit a detail. I have only given the outline, the remainder of the picture I hope to finish in May next, at Oak Spring. In pursuCanton, &c. the 1st November, leaving us ance of our original intention, we sail for a fortnight to remain here. The ship to take this sails to-day-you will probably receive this two months before our arrival."

INDIA WITHIN THE GANGES.

Remarks of the Directors of the London Missionary Society on missionary labours in India.

That these labours should have been so long in producing much visible effect can be no matter of surprise, when it is remembered that they have been exerted on a mass of more than a hundred mil lions of human beings under the influence of a system of idolatry the most subtle, the most deeply rooted of any in the world. All the missionaries and means employed