and the contingent expenses of the Assembly are defrayed out of this interest, it is apparent that your missionary operations must depend chiefly on congrega tional collections. Is it not then to be deplored that so little is obtained from this source? Why is this stream of charity diminishing? Why do opulent congregations contribute such small sums? Why do congregations which could give one hundred or one hundred and fifty dollars, pay but ten or fifteen dollars into your treasury? This certainly could not happen, if due regard were paid to the Assembly's recommendations. It ought to be remembered that the Assembly have, again and again, recommended collections to be taken up in all their churches for the missionary fund; and lately recommended that a collection should annually be made, exclusively for that object. Yet these recommendations are disregarded by many ministers. It will be recollected that on the fields now covered with flourishing churches, under the care of the Synods of Genessee and Geneva, more missionary money and more missionary labour have been expended, than in any other region; and yet not a cent was paid into the missionary treasury of the Assembly, the last year, by the eleven Presbyteries under the jurisdiction of those Synods. True, it appears, from the appendix to your printed Minutes, that they raised money for missionary purposes; but they gave nothing to your funds. In the opinion of this Board, congregations that have been watered by streams flowing from your bounty, ought, now that they have acquired strength and wealth, to send, in grateful return, streams to that fountain at which they have drunk, that it may pour forth its healing and refreshing waters upon the parched regions of the southern and western wildernesses. Can the Assembly devise no means for securing due regard to their recommendations? An important rule (See Digest, p. 168) seems to have been overlooked. It is this: "That the Presbyteries be, and they are hereby informed, that they are not to consider the formation of auxiliary societies, as exempting them from the duty of taking up collections for the Assembly's Missionary Fund." The operations of this Board, it is believed, have a claim upon the attention and benevolence of the Presbyterian church. "By the labours of their missionaries," to use the language of an address lately published, "sent out from year to year, the most beneficial effects have been produced: churches have been organized, and ministers perma VOL. V.-Ch. Adv. nently settled; sinners have been converted, and the pious edified and confirmed in the faith; religion preserved from entire extinction among a sparse population on our frontiers, till by an increase of inhabitants, the gospel and its ordinances were established and supported among a people, who, had it not been for the occasional preaching of missionaries, might have sunk into utter forgetfulness of religious privileges." As the result of the last year's missionary operations, the Board state, that four ministers have been settled, as stated pastors of churches, on missionary ground; three churches organized, and the way prepared for the organization of five or six more; twenty-five Sunday Schools and Bible Classes formed; nearly two thousand discourses delivered, besides numerous addresses, and very many family visits. All this is exclusive of what has been done by Synods and Presbyteries. As the plan on which this Board conduct their missions does not seem to be understood by some, it is deemed proper to state it distinctly; from which statement it will appear how well it has been adapted to the circumstances in which they are placed, and the relation they sustain to the general wants of the Presbyterian church. And here they will take the liberty of repeating what was recently published by the Board, but not extensively circulated. "At no time has either the Board or the Committee acted on a plan recently adopted by the Home Missionary Society with flattering success: that of assisting in making up the support of ministers statedly labouring in a particular congregation or congregations. On this plan, it would, in the commencement of the Assembly's missionary operations, have been impossible to act, except to a very limited extent. Congregations were to be formed; and to form them the labour of missionaries was necessary; and indeed no society acting exclusively on this plan, can do any service but by reaping what other men have sown, or building on foundations laid by others. This remark is not made to express any disapprobation of the benevolent efforts of those who have chosen to act on such a plan. On the contrary, we feel disposed to commend the endeavours made in this way to secure the permanent settlement of ministers in feeble and infant churches; and so far as our funds, and the relation the Board sustains to the Presbyterian church at large will allow, we design to act more directly on it than heretofore. The remark is made to show the pro 30 priety and necessity of the course hitherto pursued by the Board of Missions. "Sanding connected with the whole Presbyterian church, applications for aid have come from all our destitute regions; and consequently the Board, to satisfy these applications, as far as their limited funds would permit, were compelled to scatter their labours over widely extended missionary fields. Still, however, they have, from the beginning of their operations, effected, to a considerable extent, what has become an exclusive object with a particular society. Many valuable ministers were found connected with congregations, who, being unable to support them, were willing to allow them to act as missionaries for a few months in the year, or had stipulated for only a part of their time. Such men have been employed by the Board to labour in contiguous regions, or in a field more remote from their residence; and thus, while the gospel was preached where other wise it would not have been preached, it was continued in congregations, who, without this indirect aid, might have lost their pastors. In some instances, individuals have been employed as missionaries on purpose that they might be enabled to remain pastors of particular churches, Many licentiates and ordained ministers have been located on missionary fields to which they were sent. Some have been commissioned to itinerate in particular regions, with an express view to a permanent settlement; and in this way have become settled pastors. "The Board have three objects in view; to form new congregations; to foster infant and feeble churches; and to effect the settlement of ministers as permanent pastors of particular churches. To attain these objects, it is necessary to give to some missionaries a wider range; to direct others to labour in narrower bounds; and to send some to places with a view to a settlement. And so soon as they shall obtain funds for the purpose they will assist feeble churches in maintaining stated pastors. But had they acted on this plan exclusively, what would have become of those destitute regions in which a few years ago there were no churches, but now, through the instrumentality of the Assembly's missionaries, there are many flourishing Christian societies? Indeed from a single state, applications would have been made sufficient to absorb all their funds." When a missionary is sent from this part of the country to Indiana or Illinois, for instance, he must of necessity travel many hundred miles in going to his field of labour: and let it be remembered too, that, till of late, many missions to those and other distant states, were necessarily exploring ones, though not so denominated. It ought also to be considered that the number of missionaries, and the number of vacant, organized churches have greatly increased; and consequently a plan of operation can now be adopted, which could not, in the infancy of missionary operations, and in different circumstances, have been acted on with any propriety. The Assembly has given to the Board a very large field to cultivate. Furnish them with means sufficiently ample, and put missionaries, in sufficient number, at their command, and they will plant the gospel in every small district of this country. But while their means are so limited and the field of labour so extensive, and such numerous and urgent calls for aid are reaching them from every quarter; how can they circumscribe the operations of their missionaries, as much as they could and would do, if their means were more abundant? In conclusion, the Assembly is respectfully informed, that the condition of South America has attracted the attention of this Board. Just delivered from the chains and fetters by which the hand of civil ty. ranny had bound and oppressed them, the people of that extensive portion of this western continent, are tasting the sweets and pleasures of civil liberty. They are beginning, too, to burst the chains of a debasing and enslaving superstition; and should they not receive the light of pure religion to guide them in their new career, it is to be feared they will become the prey of infidelity, deism, and even atheism. Without the light of science, and the light of Christianity, how will they be able to sustain the new republican institutions, which, in imitation of those which shed their blessings on our own happy country, they have established? What can be expected, in such a case, but a demolition of their fair and promising fabricks, and the rebuilding of the castles, and fortresses, and prisons of a cruel tyranny? This is the moment for interposing in their behalf. At this moment is demanded the compassionate sympathy of all Protestants, and especially of Protestants in this country, for the critical condition of the millions who inhabit that fair portion of the globe; nominally Christians, but, in fact, greatly needing the light of heavenly truth. They demand our aid on various accounts. They are human beings, rational and accountable creatures, and bound to the judgment seat, as well as the savages on our borders, or pagans, who live in far dis tant parts of the earth. They have something of the form, but they want the light, the truth, the life, the substance of religion. They are our near neighbours, with whom we shall probably have much commercial intercourse; and consequently, we are likely to be nationally affected by their destiny. Should they come under the controlling power of pure religion, they and we may, in some future day, when the population of the two Americas shall have greatly increased, put forth a mighty influence in bringing on that glorious day of light, peace, and religion, which is to bless this wretched world. In these circumstances, the Board wish, under the patronage and with the assistance of the General Assembly, to undertake a mission or missions, in favour of our brethren of South America. The Board feel encouraged to embark in this enterprise, by other considerations than those already mentioned. The Bible Society of this city is forming a fund for the purpose of furnishing South America with Bibles. The Presbytery of Philadelphia, and the Presbytery of Hudson, have each a member now labouring in that destitute portion of this vast continent; and two individuals are willing to support a mission among its benighted inhabitants, to the amount of 500 dollars annually. Is not the Board called to act? does not the finger of Providence direct their eye, the eye of this Assembly, and the eye of the Presbyterian Church, to South America? and does not the Great Head of the church, bid us pray, and labour, and give of our substance, that the many millions of human beings, who are there living in darkness and sin, deluded by a wretched superstition, and cherishing false hopes of heavenly happiness, may be enlightened, sanctified, and saved, by the pure gospel of Jesus Christ? The Board of Missions at present consists of the following ministers and elders: Ministers.-Rev. Ashbel Green, D. D., James P. Wilson, D. D., Jacob J. Janeway, D. D., Ezra Stiles Ely, D. D., George C. Potts, Thomas H. Skinner, D. D., James Patterson, William M. Engles, Archibald Alexander, D. D., Samuel Miller, D. D., Ebenezer Dickey, D.D., Stephen N. Rowan, D. D., Joseph M'Elroy, Ebenezer Fitch, D. D., M. L. R. Perrine, D. D., John Chester, D. D., John Johnson, Asa Hillyer, D. D., Robert Cathcart, D. D., Elisha M'Curdy, John H. Rice, D. D., James Blythe, D. D., Robert G. Wilson, D. D., John M. Wilson, Richard B. Ca ter, Duncan Brown. Elders.-Robert Ralston, Robert Smith, John McMullin, Samuel Bayard, Robert Lenox, Zachariah Lewis, Reunsalaer Havens, Peter Hawes. OBITUARY, Communicated for the Christian Advocate. Departed this life, on the 27th of August last, very suddenly, after a few days confinement, with bilious fever, in Granville County, N. Carolina, Mrs. JANE DOWNEY, consort of Samuel Smith Downey, in the 36th year of her age; leaving a bereaved husband, three lovely children, and numerous relations and friends, to lament her death. Mrs. Downey was a woman in the middle rank of life, who discharged the duties of a wife, mother, and mistress of a family; and discharged them well. She had little opportunity, and as little-desire, for publick distinction. She was necessarily confined to a domestick circle, consisting of her neighbours and relations; and beyond this circle her worth was little known. She was one of those interesting females who make their hame too agreeable ever to wish to leave it, for the purpose of ostentation or amusement. In the discharge of her domestick duties, her conduct towards her servants was so kind and condescending, that they never felt their bondage. She always endeavoured to supply their wants, and to deal out equal justice to them all, without partiality or caprice-She was indulgent almost to a fault. But the best part of her character was, that she remembered her Creator in the days of her youth. She was reared in the bosom of the Methodist church, and she uniformly evinced a respectful and affectionate regard for its members. But after her marriage, she attached herself to the Presbyterian church, became established in its doctrines, and continued a member of it, in high standing, as long as she lived, The leading features of her mind were affection, kindness, and mercifulness-always ready to sympathize with the bereaved or distress ed-and remarkable for her humility. But on these traits of character she placed no reliance, in the matter of justification and acceptance with God. She frankly and explicitly acknowledged the corruption of her nature, the necessity of regeneration by the power of the Holy Spirit, and avowed her undivided dependance on the grace of God, through the redemption that is in Christ. Her expressions in regard to a personal interest in the Redeemer, were always humble and cautious. Yet she entertained a hope through grace, which in the main grew stronger and more cheering, as the time of her departure approached. A short time before her dissolution, she was heard distinctly to say to herself in a whisper-"Not a sparrow falls to the ground without his notice." On being asked what were the exercises of her mind, she observed That she could think of nothing that she could satisfactorily rest her hope upon, but the Saviour of sinners-who was precious to her a poor sinner. At intervals, she said, her mind was confused and dark, and almost afraid she had never been experimentally acquainted with true religion. But again she said she received peace and comfort; although she had no claim to any blessing, but, through the mercy of God in Christ, abounding to her as a poor sinner. Shortly after making these declarations, she was renewedly seized with a spasm; and was not heard to say any thing more of her exercises, but appeared to be engaged in prayer; and when her pains were least severe, she raised her hands, in a manner which indicated she was in a thankful frame of mind. The bereaved husband, and other relatives and friends, have in the death of this estimable woman sustained a heavy loss, but they do not mourn as do those who have no hope-Let the example and dying testimony of the dear deceased, engage and determine them all, to choose that good part which shall never be taken away from them. Thus will they, in their turn, be prepared to meet death without dismay, trusting in Him who is the resurrection and the life. 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 September last, viz. Of Henry Chester, Esq., agent for the Wheelock estate, on account of the rents of that estate, for the Contingent Fund - $407 59 Of James S. Green, Esq., eighteen months' interest of the legacy of Robert 36 00 Of ditto, the principal in full of the above legacy of Robert Ogden, Esq., deceased, for the New York and New Jersey Professorship 400 00 Of Rev. J. G. Hamner, in full of the proportion from Fayetteville Church, on account of the Fayetteville Presbytery, for do. Of Mrs. Jane Keith, of Charleston, South Carolina, on account of the Scholarship to be endowed by her in said Seminary Of Solomon Allen, Esq., on account of Rev. Wm. M'Pheters, for the Southern Professorship 400 00 100 00 - 1500 00 Diew of Publick Affairs. EUROPE. Advices have been received in this country, at the time we write-from Liverpool to the 3d of September; from London to the 31st of August, and from Paris to the 28th or 29th of the same month. BRITAIN. We had scarcely issued the last number of our miscellany, when an arrival from Britain announced the death of the English premier, the celebrated George Canning. His health had long been delicate, and several times seriously interrupted. From the effects of a cold, which he took at the funeral of the Duke of York, he had never entirely recovered; and his engagements, exertions, and agitations, in consequence of his being placed at the head of the new ministry, appear to have overpowered his remaining strength. After the prorogation of the parliament, he retired, as soon as some pressing publick concerns would permit, to Chiswick, the seat of the Duke of Devonshire, on the Thames, about five miles from London, with the hope of recruiting his health and spirits. Shortly after his arrival here, however, he was seized with his last illness, which was short and severe. His disease was considered and treated by his physicians as an inflammation of the intestines; but we have seen au elaborate article from the pen of an eminent physician, the object of which was to prove that Mr. Canning's disease was one of mere debility, and not of inflammation; and that his life was sacrificed to an erroneous medical treatment. Be this as it might, after great sufferings, mortification ensued, and he died without pain, and in full possession of his intellectual powers, on the 8th of August last. He was born on the 11th of April, 1770, and of course died in the 58th year of his age. He was buried on the 15th of August, in Westminster Abbey, as near as was practicable, to the remains of his master and model, William Pitt. He has left a widow and three children-two sons and a daughter. His eldest son is a captain in the navy, his youngest a promising youth; his daughter is the Marchioness of Clanricarde. The private life of Mr. Canning, it is agreed on all sides, was amiable. Party rancour, since his death, has endeavoured, among other exhibitions of malignity, to brand him as an infidel and an atheist. On the contrary, the evidence is abundant and unquestionable, that he was a firm believer in Christianity. Politicians, alas! are seldom practical Christians; and we are not prepared to say that such was Mr. Canning. It is however confidently stated, that when detained from publick worship, he was wont to assemble his whole household, even to the lowest menial, and himself to read to them the devotional service of the Church of England. It is also reported that in an extremity of pain, a day or two before his death, he called on God, through Christ, to grant him relief; and that one of his medical attendants, bearing this, said to him, "I hope, indeed, sir, that you do call on God, through Jesus Christ," to which he earnestly replied, "I do.” Mr. Canning was an Eaton and Oxford scholar. His talents and attainments were brilliant and of a high order—not however in our estimation quite equal, and yet but little inferior, to those of Pitt, and Fox, and Burke. His policy was not partial to our country. Yet it appears that he gave a dinner to our minister, with a view, it is said, to a more friendly intercourse, a short time before his death; and among those who visited him as friends in his last illness, we find the name of Mr. Gallatin. The news of his death has already resounded, and produced excitement and expectation, throughout a great part of the civilized world-It was known in Paris by a telegra phick communication, in ten hours after its occurrence; and in all the other European courts and capitals, as soon as the most rapid transmission could convey the intelligence. It nevertheless does not appear as yet, that his demise is likely to produce any material change in the policy of the British court, nor of course in the political aspect of other courts, so far as British measures affect them. A new ministry has been formed of entirely the same cast in politicks, and indeed of almost the same men, as that of which Mr. Canning was the head. Lord Gooderich is premier, and the other changes are not important. Mr. Huskisson has returned from the continent; and Lord Wellington has consented to be commander in chief of the army, a station which he refused to hold under Mr. Canning.-The harvest has been bountiful in Britain, as well as on the European continent. The potato crop in Ireland is also represented as better than usual, but the crop of wheat is said to be less than that of last year. It is to be hoped the poor will not suffer, as they did a year ago, for the want of the means of subsistence; and this we think is probable, as the British ports are, under some restrictions, opened for the importation of foreign grain, and the revival of commerce has created a demand for the labour of the poor-Nine Russian |