England, France, Belgium, and Holland, occurred on the 31st of August, and the first of September. It occasioned the loss of many lives by shipwreck, and destroyed much property on the land.

FRANCE. It is stated that previously to her visit to England, and the brilliant reception and royal attentions which she received there, Donna Maria and her mother had travelled through a great part of France, without receiving any governmental notice whatever; and the neglect is attributed to the offence given to Louis Philippe and his family, by the young Queen refusing a matrimonial connexion with the second son of the king of the French-preferring a union with the duke of Leuchtenburg, the brother of her mother-in-law. There is little doubt that a desire to secure a favourable intercourse with Portugal, has had an influence both in Britain and France, in their manœuvres with respect to this royal damsel-The king of the French has lately made an excursion with his queen through a part of Normandy. At Cherbourg, they were received with great manifestations of affectionate loyalty-The court and opposition papers, however, give very different accounts of the popular feeling in France toward the present occupant of the throne. The French find it difficult to preserve the territory conquered from the Dey of Algiers from the incursions and depredations of the Arabs; and it is thought that many years must elapse before the territory can be possessed in peace, and with much advantage to the conquerors. An expedition has lately proceeded from Toulon to Bougia, a small sea-port about 40 leagues east of Algiers, where the Arabs had acquired the ascendency-The vintage in France this year, it is said, promises to be uncommonly fine-Not long since, considerable uneasiness was apparently felt by the authorities of France, from the apprehension of treasonable proceedings, countenanced and favoured by the Duchess de Berri-A proclamation, or whatever else it might be called, laying claim to the crown of France in behalf of her son, was printed, and the copies secretly scattered about the streets of Bourdeaux. At the last accounts, however, anxiety from this quarter was thought to be nearly done away. Partial disturbances from several causes have recently taken place in various parts of the kingdom, but nothing that endangered the peace of the nation. Russia, Austria and Prussia, are unfriendly to France, on account of the overthrow of the legitimate dynasty; but France and Britain are at present in amity, and if cordially united, they are, humanly speaking, more than a match for the whole of Europe beside. The cholera has again appeared in Paris, and threatens to be as prevalent and as fatal as it was two years since. Prince Talleyrand had arrived in Paris from London-Mr. Livingston, our ambassador to France, accompanied by the officers of the United States' ship Delaware, had been presented at court, and by invitation, had dined with the King and royal family on the 26th of September; and on the same day Mr. Harris, our late Charge d'Affaires, took leave of the King, preparatory to his leaving Paris.

SPAIN. The last arrivals from Europe announce positively the death of the King of Spain, and as the intelligence comes in different directions, we rather think the publick will not be again disappointed. The Moniteur, the official paper of the French court, announces this event in the following terms:

"The King of Spain died on the 29th ult., at three o'clock in the afternoon. A telegraphic despatch, sent off by M. de Rayneval, announced the event to the Government yesterday. In conformity to the last will of his Catholic Majesty, the Queen Dowager had been declared Regent during the minority of the young Queen Isabella. The Ministry has not been changed. Madrid was perfectly tranquil. A courier was sent out last night with orders for M. de Rayneval to declare that the French government is disposed to recognise the new Sovereign, as soon as it shall have received the necessary notification. M. Jules de Larochefoucald, one of the King's Aides-de-Camp, set out, it is said, yesterday morning for Madrid, with despatches, among which are autographic letters from his Majesty and the Queen, to the widowed Queen of Ferdinand VII. We learn from Madrid that a Council of Regency was formed just before the King's death, to assist the Queen in the government of the kingdom. It consists of five members, namely, the Infante Don Francisco de Paule, the Duke de l'Infantado, M. Zea Bermudez, the Bishop of Seville, and General Castagnos."

It is most probable that there will be a civil war in Spain, in a conflict between the claimants of the crown. Don Carlos, the brother of the deceased monarch, would be his successor, but for the repeal of the salique law, which excluded females from the throne. This repeal Don Carlos will not regard, and he has a strong party even in Madrid. It is rumoured, moreover, that his claim will be powerfully sustained, by Russia, Austria, Prussia, and Naples; and that General Bourmont will leave Portugal and command the forces to be arrayed against the reigning Queen. France and Britain will probably recognise the right of the Queen regent; and it is not improbable that all Europe may be disturbed in the sequel. The cholera prevails to a considerable extent, in several parts both of Spain and Portugal.

PORTUGAL.-Donna Maria arrived in Lisbon on the 22d of September, and was most enthusiastically received by the inhabitants of that city, and by the civil and military authorities. As both Britain and France will probably and speedily acknowledge her as the rightful sovereign of Portugal, there seems little doubt that her claim to hold the sceptre will ultimately be established. Yet there is every indication that the mass of the population of this priest-ridden kingdom are in favour of Miguel. The Swedish vessel lately arrived at New York, brings information direct from Lisbon, eighteen days later than had previously been received: and the statement is, that although the Miguelite forces had been repelled in all their attacks on Lisbon, yet the siege was maintained; the adjacent country had been desolated to prevent the furnishing of supplies; and Lisbon was straitened for provisions. The royal aqueduct which supplied the city with water, had also been stopped. A previous rumour that Bourmont and the French officers under him had resigned, seems to be falsified. The captain of the Swedish vessel reports, that the day he left Lisbon, Don Pedro's forces marched out to attack the Miguelites, and that he heard the report of the cannon of the conflicting armies, but did not know the result.

ITALY. An article from Bologna states that "a gloomy discontent, foreboding some extraordinary event, pervades the whole of Italy. Throughout every state, every city, indolent Naples excepted, there is a deep-rooted feeling of dissatisfaction against the different governments, and a hatred to Austrian power and Austrian influence. Unless some attempt at conciliation, and a complete change of policy take place, a storm will ere long burst forth from many quarters, and be tremendous in its violence. The enormous military force, which is so ostentatiously displayed in every small town, is the sole obstacle to the exhibition of the bitter feeling which rankles in the heart of every Italian."

Rome, Sept. 17.-M. Van Rothschild, has been here for some days, and the new loan for 5,000,000 is finally concluded with him-not, however, at 82, as I before announced, but at 80, from which the commission is to be deducted. The government is indebted for these good terms to the competition of two other bankers, Messrs. Valentine and Apoll.

BELGIUM & HOLLAND.-These states that lately filled the world with the noise of their doings, seem now to attract little notice. We have observed nothing in the last month relative to either of them, that is worth reporting. They seem to remain in statu quo -neither of them satisfied, but both thinking it best to be quiet.

AUSTRIA, RUSSIA & PRUSSIA.-There has been a meeting or Congress, of the sovereigns of these great powers, in the latter part of the summer and the beginning of autumn, at Munchengratz, a town of Bohemia, on the river Iser-which has attracted much observation throughout Europe, and given rise to many opinions. The Congress is dissolved, but its doings are not known, except by conjecture. A French paper, the Messager des Chambres, concludes a long article, filled with conjectures and suppositions relative to this Congress, with the following paragraph. "In resuming this question, it may be admitted, without fear of being far from the truth, that the Congress, at which the last act was performed at Munchengratz, has done nothing more (so far as immediate measures are concerned) than determine upon measures of discipline and internal police for all the countries under its influence; and that as to plans relating to external matters, they have only adopted principles for some, and marked out a line of policy for others, altogether dependent upon events." It is stated that there is to be another meeting, during the coming winter or spring, probably at Vienna, of these same sovereigns, or of their plenipotentiaries, to form a new Holy Alliance-so called by an impious misnomer. We think it requires neither the spirit of prophecy nor the eyes of Argus, to discern that the great object of these consultations among the absolute monarchs of Europe is, to stop the progress of what is called liberalism, and to guard their own dominions in particular against its influence. It may however lead to war, but we hope not. Some conjecture that the partitioning of European Turkey is among their plans.

TURKEY.-Another most desolating fire has occurred at Constantinople. It is said to have laid one-third of the city in ashes. The capital of the Mohammedan Sultan seems to us to have suffered more by fires, especially of late, than all the other cities of Europe taken collectively-Every thing indicates the rapid downfa! of the Moslem power. European customs, usages, arts and fashions, which half a century since would not have been tolerated in the dominions of the Grand Seignor, are now not only tolerated, but to a certain extent, encouraged and patronized-These are subverting the very foundation of the Mohammedan superstition, while its military prowess has entirely ceased to be formidable. It is said that the Sultan has very lately applied for Russian troops, to defend him against his own dissatisfied subjects.

ASIA.

CANTON.-Canton papers to the 31st of May have been received at New York. Availing himself of their contents, the editor of the Journal of Commerce says, "The interesting information as to the east coast [of China] will be found to prove plainly, the real state of things in this suinglar country. The violent proclamations, disregarded by even those who issued them; the want of will or power to repel the visits of foreigners; the general wish for trade; the all but incredible weakness of the government; the tyranny and rapacity of the mandarins, present a picture which could not be rivalled by any other country in the world. It is only required that it should be so willed by foreigners, and in a few years, either with or without the direct consent of the government at Peking, the valuable trade along the whole eastern coast of China will be open to them."

Death of the Empress of China.-On the 15th of July, died at Pekin, the consort of the Emperor of China. A general mourning has been ordered in consequence. The Mantsher employes are for 27 days to wear garments of coarse white linen, and caps without tassels or buttons; during 100 days they must not shave their heads. The Chinese people must leave their heads unshaved for the same period, and are to wear no tassels on their caps for seven days. The right of nominating the Empress belongs to the Emperor's mother, who solicits, within three years, one of the five spouses of her son for that office.-Russian paper.

Bankok.-An accredited agent of the President of the United States, Mr. Roberts, has formed a treaty of commerce and friendship with the King of Siam.

AFRICA.

Beside what may be seen in our Religious Intelligence, we have nothing to report from Africa, except the following article.

EGYPT." By accounts from Alexandria, it appears that the Egyptian government has issued an Ordonance, prescribing as follows-1. The prohibition of receiving Turkish coin in the Government offices is renewed, and is to be strictly acted upon. 2. The officers of the Custom-houses and lazarettos are enjoined to seize all Turkish coin found among objects landed, or in the possession of travellers. 3. The authorities are to cease all intercourse with merchants who may import such coin into Egypt."

AMERICA.

MEXICO. A recent arrival brings intelligence, that in a general engagement, Santa Anna had gained a decided victory over the opposers of the established government. A few of the leaders only had escaped. We hope that this may be the termination of the sanguinary conflict for power, in this great but distracted republick.

In the other States of Southern America, we know of no important recent changes. UNITED STATES. An unhappy controversy is going on between our general government and the constituted authorities of the State of Alabama. Numerous settlements, it appears, contrary to treaty, have been made on the lands of the Indians, within the State of Alabama. The President of the United States has required these squatters, as they have been denominated, to remove without delay, and has taken measures to carry his requisitions into full and immediate effect. The Governor of Alabama protests against this proceeding, and by proclamation makes known his intention to maintain the right of the State to extend its jurisdiction over the Indian lands, within its limits, and to protect those who have set themselves down on the disputed territory. He pleads in justification of this course, the example of Georgia, where it is affirmed, a similar proceeding was sanctioned by President Jackson. What will be the issue remains to be seen. For ourselves, when we consider the amount of Indian wrongs and African oppression, with which our beloved country stands chargeable before the righteous Sovereign of the Universe, we cannot but fear that out of these wrongs and this oppression, as their sources, calamities will come on our land, which will show us our sin written in its punishment.

A few days hence the next meeting of our Congress will take place. It will be one in which concerns of the utmost importance must receive attention; and the opinions of our leading men differ, and will come in conflict. Let every Christian feel his obligation, earnestly to implore from that God who has the hearts of all men in his hands, and who is the great fountain of wisdom, the guidance of our legislators into measures favourable to equity and peace, and that he would continue to bless us, by turning us as a nation from our sins, and causing that righteousness to prevail, by which alone a people can be exalted, and rendered truly and permanently prosperous.

An attendance on Synod, in the first part of the present month, and subsequent indisposition, have caused a very unusual delay in delivering this Number of our Miscellany to our subscribers-They will appreciate our apology.

THE

CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE.

DECEMBER, 1833.

Religious Communications.

favour which, on account of their

CHISM OF THE WESTMINSTER AS- neglect, has been justly withheld: