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post-office law, which requires the carrying of the mail, and the opening of the post-offices on the Sabbath, the first pote of which was sounded by the sagacious Senator Johnson, in his sapient report to the Senate of the United States, that those who have petitioned Congress on this subject, are urging the national legislature to legislate on the subject of religion. This cry has now become in a measure popular, and the true state of the question ought to be clearly understood. The plain matter of fact then is as follows. The petitioners complain that the National legislature have actually, and to the petitioners most offensively, ALREADY legislated on the Sabbath, and they humbly pray that Congress would undo, what they have thus unadvisedly done. The petitioners do not ask for one jot, or tittle, more than this. They are the very people who most earnestly remonstrate against an impropriety in the National legislature, which they are falsely charged with urging that legislature to commit. The legislature, without being petitioned, have legisJated on the subject of religion; and all the petitioners ask is, that an act of this kind of legislation may be repealed. We have had opportunity to know the petitioners, and we do know them well; and we know that they want nothing more than that Congress should not touch the Sabbath at all, in any of their legislative acts or doings; but leave this whole subject to be disposed of by the legislatures of the several states, as each of them shall see fit. Congress has broken through the state enactments, and the local usages and regulations in regard to the Sabbath, by ordering the mail to be carried and the post-offices to be opened on that holy day. The petitioners say that Congress ought not to have done this; ought not to have made a hu

man law contravening the law of God, and the good laws and usages of the several states that had a previous existence; and all their wish is that Congress would retrace their steps, place the subject exactly where they found it, and never meddle with it, in one way or another, any more. This is the true and fair statement of the matter at issue; and it will appear to be so to every one who examines the petitions presented, or who even candidly considers the nature of the case, as it has been presented to the publick, in the papers not decidedly hostile to the prayer of the petitioners. We do not believe our opponents can show, from any one of the 446 petitions presented to Congress, that in a single instance, more has been asked for than we have here stated-The very truth is, that the infidel and irreligious part of the community in the United States, are rejoicing and openly exulting in the melancholyfact, that by a law of Congress, the Sabbath is, and may be, violated without restraint: and to hinder a repeal of this law, they affect a wonderful zeal to prevent legislating on a religious subject-the thing precisely, which the petitioners show, and all the world knows, has already been done. Congress, it seems, may legislate on religion to the injury of religion; but not otherwise-not even to repair the injury which they have inflicted. A few misguided and hoodwinked religionists, have become auxiliaries of the infidel corps; but the parties, as such, are clearly marked, distinct, and opposite; and it remains to be seen which of these parties will ultimately prevail. If infidelity and irreligion shall triumph over the law of God, and the enlightened friends of Christian piety and morals, we shall tremble as well as weep for our country.

Keview.

We have been induced to fill the very limited space which we are able to spare for a review in our present number, with the following article, taken from the London Evangelical Magazine for March last. The author, to whose latest publication this review refers, is well known in this country, and is, we believe, a favourite with many of our readers. By this republication we hope to gratify them, by inducing some American printer to republish a work so highly commended by competent judges, and the production, as they affirm, of "the first preacher of his age." We think that of such a book there can be no risk in the publication-The impost on imported books is so enormously high, that few copies of this work will ever be brought from Britain.

MORNING EXERCISES FOR THE CLO

SET, for every Day in the Year.
By William Jay. 2 vols. 8vo.
Hamilton, Adams & Co.

Those who remember and value Mr. Jay's "Short Discourses," will be prepared to understand and estimate the character of these "Morning Exercises." The only two differences that we perceive are, 1st, greater brevity, and 2d, a spirit of more profound devotion. We quite agree with Mr. Jay's enlightened correspondent (pray is not this correspondent Mr. Wilberforce?) whose opinions are quoted in the preface. "I have a sincere veneration for the intentions of Bogatzky, and other similar authors; but there is such a paucity of thought, such a poverty of expression, such a narrowed range of ideas, such a ringing of changes incessantly, on a few topics, without gracefulness or variety; as to render the books exceedingly unattractive to the present rising generation. In these

cases, I conceive we are bound to provide, as far as we can, that the food presented to their minds may not disgust, by the manner in which it is served up; and that, when we put important truth in their way, it should be encumbered with as few external obstacles as the case will admit." These remarks are certainly most just and weighty. It is really a sorrowful thing to look into the closets of our friends, and see how sadly they are furnished in the department referred to. What with self-righteous potions on the one hand, and antinomian cordials on the other, the meditations of the closet have been sadly deteriorated. And even where these errors have been avoided, a meagreness almost insupportable runs through the class of works in question.

Mr. Jay has performed an acceptable service to thousands of devout minds, by the publication of his "Closet Exercises." They are full, without being tedious; illustrative of the sacred text, without any thing of dry criticism; deeply devotional, without one sentence fitted to minister to a depraved sensibility; impressive alike in sentiment and diction, without the slightest departure from the simplicity that is in Christ Jesus.

In one feature this work stands pre-eminent. Each meditation is an express illustration of a particular text, and not merely a motto, ast is too commonly the case. It may also be observed, that the variety preserved by this method is very great,-greater by far than in any similar work in the English language. With many, the mere circumstance that Mr. Jay, the first preacher of his age, has furnished three hundred and sixty-five more short discourses, chiefly upon devotional subjects, will operate as a sufficient inducement to prompt an

immediate purchase. If all are as much gratified as we have been, they will not regret their bargain. Mr. Jay must have gone down to posterity if he had not written these invaluable "Exercises;" but now that he has embalmed himself in the hallowed recollections of the "Clo

set," he will be associated, as an author, with the prayers and devout meditations of the faithful while the world stands.

It is but simple truth to affirm, that these volumes are worthy of Mr. Jay in his happiest and most characteristic moments.

Literary and Philosophical Intelligence, etc.

The following articles are extracted from the Christian Observer for February last.

Two remarkable tusks of a Mammoth have been brought home by Captain Beechey. The largest must have measured twelve feet; and the mammoth to which it belonged must have been fifteen or sixteen feet high. They were found on the west coast of America, near Behring's Straits, in a mountain of ice a hundred feet in height above the sea. This mass of ice is covered with earth and grass, and has embedded in it a vast number of the tusks, teeth, and bones of the

mammoth.

Specimens of organic remains, it is stated, have lately been found in Clashbennie quarry, on the left bank of the Tay, in the old red sand-stone, in which few organic remains have hitherto been found, and from which is dated the existence of the vertebral animals.

The interior of York Minster, one of the most valuable and magnificent of our national architectural treasures, has been desolated by fire. The damage includes the destruction of the splendid roof of the choir, the stalls, canopies, and other wood work on the sides, the matchless organ, the communion plate, and the dilapidation of many of the monuments. The elaborately carved screen, the splendid east window, the records, the wills and some valuable articles of antiquity or cu riosity, have been preserved. The destruction is traced to the hand of a lunatic. The Minster has several times suffered by fire; the last occurrence of which kind was nearly seven hundred years ago. Professor Leslie states that the largest drops of rain, which are about one-fifth of an inch in diameter, will fall 2040 feet in a minute; but the ordinary drops in this climate will seldom fall half as fast. Hail. stones in the south of Europe, having sometimes the diameter of two inches, will fall with a velocity of 113 feet in a

second, or more than 13 mile in a minute, a rapidity of stroke which destroys cornfields and ravages vineyards.

The Water Companies which supply the metropolis, are the New River, East London, West Middlesex, Chelsea, Grand Junction, Lambeth, Vauxhall, and Southwark. The daily supply amounts to nearly thirty million gallons; which, estimating the population of the metropolis at 1,500,000, is nearly twenty gallons a day for every individual.

A plan is under discussion for forming a General Clerical Provident Society; to

give an opportunity to the clergy, by

means of mutual assurance, to secure a provision for themselves and their families in sickness, old age, at death, and whilst bringing up a family. The plan is not fully matured; but the object is highly important. As an illustration of the nature of the plan, it is calculated that if a clergyman, upon entering into orders at 23, will engage to pay the sum of 4l. 16s. 10d. per annum until he dies, or attains the age of seventy years, he will, in such case, be entitled to 21. weekly in sickness, until he is seventy years of age; 17. weekly in sickness, after he is seventy years of age; and 52% per annum, in health or sickness, after he is seventy years of age. At thirty, the same benefits may be obtained for 61. 1s. 2d. per annum ; at thirty-five, for 71. 10s.; and at forty, for 9l. 158, 4d.— We shall recur to the subject.

The whole of the highways of France are made and repaired at the expense of the government, and the whole amount set down for this purpose is only about 800,000l. The highways extend the length of 8,584 leagues, the league being about two English miles and a half; and, separately from annual repairs, it is calculated that nearly 8,000,000l. sterling would be necessary to complete them. A commission has been appointed to consider the subject.

Our fellow Protestants in France are adopting the plan of sales of ladies' work

for assisting benevolent and religious objects. At a recent sale at Paris, on behalf of the "Evangelical Missionary Society," almost as many English ladies as French were found among the contributors and purchasers.

In a house lately excavated at Pompeii were found the skeletons of two persons, apparently overtaken by destruction in the moment of flight. The one, it is conjectured, is that of the proprietor of the mansion, holding in one hand a key, and in the other some gold coins and decorations; the other, that of a slave, carry

ing behind his master two vases. What an affecting illustration of the condition of all ages and ranks, at the approach of that great leveller of all human distinctionsDeath!

The first edition of the translation of

Henry Martyn's Life into French, we are happy to learn, is nearly exhausted, and that successive editions are likely to be in demand.

A medal has been struck at Strasburg to the memory of the Pastor Oberlin.The likeness is said to be very faithfully executed.

Keligious Intelligence.

MISSIONS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

(Continued from p. 185.)

We promised in our last number to publish the following circular of Judge Fine, to the ministers and elders of every Presbyterian congregation in St. Lawrence county, State of New York. Although written more than four years ago; it has such a direct and powerful bearing on the means now in use, by the Boards of Missions and of Education under the direction of the General Assembly for collecting funds for those important institutions, that we deem it quite seasonable.

CIRCULAR.

Ogdensburgh, St. Lawrence County, Nov. 1, 1824. Dear Sir,-You are sensible that the Religious Societies of our county, are not in a flourishing condition. That previous to the last meeting of the Bible Society, many of its friends despaired of being able to continue it in existence. That within the last year, little, or rather nothing, has been done to revive the slumbering condition of the Missionary and Education Societies: and that our Sabbath Schools, those nurseries of piety, destined under Providence to make the next generation wiser and holier than the present, are suffering for the want of Testaments, and other necessary books. Is there no remedy for this state of things? If you agree with me, that the religious institutions of the county are pining away-and that it is the duty of professing Christians, VOL. VII. Ch. Adv.

and more especially of the officers of our churches, to come forward to the help of the Lord, you will bear with me a few moments, while I suggest to you a simple and practicable measure, which, if adopted and carried into effect, will give to these infant associations, an immediate and increasing growth.

There are twenty Presbyterian and Congregational Churches within the county, with seventeen Clergymen, and conof these, rich and poor, male and female, taining 1086 communicants. Every one is bound by his spiritual calling, to do something to extend the Redeemer's kingdom; and to be unwilling, would betray a degree of ignorance or of selfishness, rarely, very rarely, to be met with among our brethren. If the individual exertions of this large body of church members, could be periodically collected, is it not plain that their contributions, however small in themselves, would, united, make a large and efficient sum?

Allow me, therefore, to suggest a simple plan, attended with no trouble or inconvenience; requiring no sacrifice of time or personal ease, and which I fully believe, from a short trial of it in the church here, will be attended, wherever adopted, with the most flattering success.

Let the officers of each church, divide the communicants into classes-giving to each officer the charge of a class: Let the officer call upon the individuals of his class, every month-explain the object of his call, and urge the importance, the duty and necessity of giving to the Lord. Let no one refrain from giving. The poor can give a trifle: those in less straitened circumstances, can give more liberally. All must give. If our religion is distinguished by its being preached to the poor, and by the many promises which are made to them, and withheld from the rich, an obligation rests upon the poor to build 2 F

up, each one according to his means, the institutions of the gospel.

I would advise that the sum asked for, be small. There are few, if any, so poor who cannot give six cents a month.-The rich, (if any such are to be found,) may give of their abundance. Let your class average one shilling each per month. With attention and punctuality in calling every month, and a little zeal on the part of the church officers, all this may be done, without noise or opposition, and will produce a result, that will astonish even ourselves. The number of communicants being 1086, there will be 1086 shillings, or $135.75 contributed monthly; making at the end of the year, the sum of sixteen hundred and twenty-nine dollars. A large sum, compared with our past efforts-but small, when compared with our means and our duty. Our Bible and Missionary, and Education and Sunday School Societies, partaking of this charity, will flourish; our churches will revive-our Ministers will be better supported, and a blessing will be returned to each contributor, fourfold the amount of his gift. If you believe the gospel, you must believe what I have written. My plan of charity is intended for the churches-for the believers in the gospel. I would not interfere with, nor interrupt any society, or publick collection already established. The world may through these means, contribute to the gospel; and thankful we are, that in many cases by their liberality, they shame the Christian. But the measure proposed, is for the members of our churches; and if they are not willing to assist in building the spiritual temple, it is time that we institute the inquiry-Are we Christians?

So far, however, from believing that the members of our churches will refuse to contribute, if the plan I have proposed fail of success, I doubt not it may in every case be attributed to the inactivity of our church officers. Pardon me for saying so,

And believe me, yours,

With much Christian affection.

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"Under this view of the subject I have been prevailed on to request my commission to be changed, for the bounds of the Louisville Presbytery. I am the more ready to make this request when I remember that you informed me if there should be an opening for usefulness, and a call of God to labour in any other field, I would not be considered bound for Missouri.'

"I believe the present field has not been one of my own seeking. Secular business unavoidably detained me until a few days since in these parts. I have been preaching almost incessantly. I have seen all the ministers in these bounds, and find their opinions to be similar on this point. An unusually loud call is now made here for Presbyterian preaching. The former prejudices against this denomination are falling. Much good has lately been effected. This has in general been through the instrumentality of Presbyterianism. The state is in some measure awaking to benevolent operations; and all that appears necessary is the exertion of active persons who will go forward. In this portion of the state there have been a number of new congregations formed of late; and many more (one in almost every neighbourhood,) might soon be organized and built up. The opinion is also general, that now is a crisis; and a short time will decide the moral and religious character of this people.

"I am reminded by all, that this is my native state, and that I possess advantages which none from a distance could easily acquire; that I have been in part supported by this people, and that I am under obligations to them.

"As to Missouri in general, I can say but little. One thing, however, is evident; the travelling through those new states is difficult and dangerous in the winter season; and the prospects of success at this time of the year rather discouraging. And so far as a supply from other denominations is to be considered, I am informed by those who have been there, that that state is as well supplied as this.

"Upon the whole, having left home for Missouri, and proceeded as far as this place, and here accidentally meeting with a number of ministers whose communication you will receive with this, I conclude it is my duty to labour in this field."

We add some extracts from the letters of the ministerial brethren above referred to; which are calculated to encourage us; while they show how difficult it is to supply the demands of our vacant churches. These letters must be our apology to our brethren in Missouri for disappointing their expectations.

"Rev. Dr. Ely,

Ky. Jan. 14, 1829.

"Dear Sir,-Desirous to retain Mr. J.

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