standing firmly for the truth of God and his sacred institutions. The only question is, whether such an occasion exists at present in the Presbyterian church. If we did not most solemnly believe that it does, no consideration on earth (God helping us by his grace) should induce us to take the course we have been pursuing for three years past. Often have we been tempted and strongly inclined to shrink away from it. Often have we sought counsel of God. Often have we asked ourselves-what if we should be called to our last account-not an improbable event at our age-in the midst of what we are doing and writing? The result has been, that while we have been sensible of great imperfection in all we have done, we have believed that our course itself has been, and is, the right course; and we have not dared to abandon it. But for this, we should long since have been silent. We were, in fact, almost silent, for a year after the General Assembly of 1832. But we have been constrained to break our silence. If we are naturally prone to controversy, it was long before the propensity showed itself. We were about forty years in the ministry, before we ever wrote a sentence of polemicks, or were engaged in serious religious controversy of any kind. We have always hated it, and we still hate it. But in opposition to our reluctance, it is our purpose, in reliance on divine aid, to maintain, as far as our feeble powers will permit, our part of the struggle in which the best friends of the Presbyterian church are now engaged, for the preservation of her purity and her eventual restoration to solid peace-till we either see a favourable issue of the conflict, or death, or some other dispensation of the providence of God, shall manifestly decide that we have fulfilled our part of a sacredly incumbent duty. (To be continued.) Literary and Philosophical Intelligence, etc. The Arctic Expedition.-The following letter addressed by the gallant navigator to the admiralty, will put our readers in veries of this memorable expedition. Admiralty, Oct. 22. We think we cannot so well occupy, for the present month, the pages devoted to Literary and Phi- possession of all the adventures and discolosophical Intelligence, as by the insertion at large of the following interesting paper. It is a document which ought to be preserved, not only as a memorial of wonderful and successful enterprise, but as one to which it may be desirable and useful to be able hereafter to refer, for the facts and discoveries which it records-Seldom is it seen that "all the glory" is so distinctly acknowledged to be due to God as it is in this paper, when success and preservation have been the result of a hazardous and important undertaking, in which men of the world alone were engagedThe conclusion of the article is admirable. Ch. Adv.-VOL. XI. Sir-I am commanded by the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to transmit you the copy of a letter addressed to their Secretary by Captain Ross, containing an outline of the proceedings of that gallant officer and his brave companions, and their providential deliverance from a situation of peril unequalled in the annals of navigation, and I am to express their lordships' wishes that a document so honourable to the parties, and to the naval service of the country, may, through the committee for managing the affair at Lloyd's, be made public. I am, sir, Your very humble servant, Mr. Bennet, Lloyd's. 4 B On board the Isabella, of Hull, Baffin's Bay, Sept. 1833. Sir,-Knowing how deeply my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty are interested in the advancement of nautical knowledge, and particularly in the improvement of Geography, I have to acquaint you, for the informatiou of their Lordships, that the expedition, the main object of which is to solve, if possible, the question of a north-west passage from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean, particularly by Prince Regent's Inlet, and which sailed from England in May, 1829, notwithstanding the loss of the foremast and other untoward circumstances, which obliged the vessel to refit in Greenland, reached the beach on which his Majesty's late ship Fury's stores were landed, on the 13th of August. We found the boats, provisions, &c. in excellent condition, but no vestige of the wreck. After completing in fuel and other necessaries, we sailed on the 14th, and on the following morning rounded Cape Garry, where our new discoveries commenced, and, keeping the western shore close on board, ran down the coast in a S. W. and W. course, in from 10 to 20 fathoms, until we had passed the latitude of 72 north, in longitude 94 west; here we found a considerable inlet leading to the westward, the examination of which occupied two days; at this place we were first seriously obstructed by ice, which was now seen to extend from the south cape of the inlet, in a solid mass, round by S. and E. to E. N. E.; owing to this circumstance, the shallowness of the water, the rapidity of the tides, the tempestuous weather, the irregularity of the coast, and the numerous inlets and rocks for which it is remarkable, our progress was no less dangerous than tedious, yet we succeeded in penetrating below the latitude of 70 north, in longitude 92 west, where the land, af ter having carried us as far east as 90, took a decided westerly direction, while land at the distance of from 40 miles to the southward was seen extending east and west. At this extreme point our progress was arrested on the 1st of October, by an impenetrable barrier of ice. We, however, found an excellent wintering port, which we named Felix Harbour. Early in January, 1830, we had the good fortune to establish a friendly intercourse with a most interesting consociation of natives, who, being insulated by nature, had never before communicated with strangers; from them we gradually obtained the important information that we had already seen the continent of America; that about 40 miles to the S. W. there were two great seas, one to the west, which was divided from that to the east by a narrow strip or neck of land. The verification of this intelligence either way, on which our future operations so materially depended, devolved on Commander Ross, who volunteered this service early in April, and accompanied by one of the mates, and guided by two of the natives, proceeded to the spot, and found that the north land was connected to the south by two ridges of high land, 15 miles in breadth; but, taking into account a chain of fresh water lakes, which occupied the valleys between the dry land which actually separates the two oceans is only five miles. This extraordinary isthmus was subsequently visited by myself, when Commander Ross proceeded minutely to survey the sea coast to the southward of the isthmus, leading to the westward, which he succeeded in tracing to the 99th degree, or to 150 miles of Cape Turnagain of Franklin, to which point the land, after leading him into the 70th degree of north latitude, trended directly; during the same journey he also surveyed 30 miles of the adjacent coast, or that to the north of the isthmus, which, by also taking a westerly direction, forming the termination of the western sea into a gulf. The rest of this season was employed in tracing the seacoast south of the isthmus leading to the eastward, which was done so as to leave no doubt that it joined, as the natives had previously informed us, to Ockullee, and the land forming Repulse Bay. It was also determined that there was no passage to the westward for 30 miles to the northward of our position. This summer, like that of 1818, was beautifully fine, but extremely unfavourable for navigation; and our object being now to try a more northern latitude, we waited with anxiety for the disruption of the ice, but in vain; and our utmost endeavours did not succeed in retracing our steps more than four miles, and it was not until the middle of November that we succeeded in cutting the vessel into a place of security, which we named "Sheriff's Harbour." I may here mention that we named the newly discovered continent to the southward, "Boothia," as also the isthmus, the peninsula to the north, and the eastern sea, after my worthy friend, Felix Booth, Esq. the truly patriotic citizen, of London, who, in the most disinterested manner, enabled me to equip the expedition in a superior style. The last winter was in temperature nearly equal to the means of what had been experienced on the four preceding voyages, but the winter of 1830 and 1831 set in with a degree of violence hitherto beyond record-the thermometer sunk to 92 degrees below the freezing point, and the average of the year was 10 degrees below the preceding; but notwithstanding the severity of the summer, we travelled across the country to the west sea by a chain of lakes, 30 miles north of the isthmus, when Commander Ross succeeded in surveying 50 miles more of the coast leading to the north-west, and by tracing the shore to the northward of our position, it was also fully proved that there could be no passage below the 71st degree. This autumn we succeeded in getting the vessel only 14 miles to the northward, as we had not doubled the Eastern Cape, all hope of saving the ship was at an end, and put quite beyond possibility by another very severe winter; and having only provisions to last us to the 1st of June, 1833, dispositions were accordingly made to leave the ship in the present port, which (after her) was named Victory Harbour. Provisions and fuel being carried forward in the spring, we left the ship on the 28th of May, 1832, for Fury Beach, being the only chance left of saving our lives; owing to the very rugged nature of the ice, we were obliged to keep either upon or close to the land, making the circuit of every bay, thus increasing our distance of 200 miles by nearly one half; and it was not until the 1st of July that we reached the beach, completely exhausted by hunger and fatigue. A hut was speedily constructed, and the boats, three of which had been washed off the beach, but providentially driven on shore again, were repaired during this month, and the unusual heavy appearance of the ice afforded us no cheering prospect until the 1st of August, when in three boats we reached the ill-fated spot where the Fury was first driven on shore, and it was not until the 1st of September we reached Leopold South Island, now established to be the N. E. point of America, in latitude 73, 56, and longitude 90 west. From the summit of the lofty mountain on the promontory we could see Prince Regent's Inlet, Barrow's Strait, and Lancaster Sound, which presented one impenetrable mass of ice, just as I had seen it in 1818. Here we remained in a state of anxiety and suspense which may be easier imagined than described. All our attempts to push through were vain; at length being forced by want of provisions and the approach of a very severe winter, to return to Fury Beach, where alone there remained wherewith to sustain life; there we arrived on the 7th of October, after a most fatiguing and laborious march, having been obliged to leave our boats at Batty Bay. Our habitation, which consisted of a frame of spars, 32 feet by 16 feet, covered with canvas, was, during the month of November, enclosed, and the roof covered with snow, from 4 to 7 feet thick, which being saturated with water when the temperature was 15 degrees below zero, immediately took the consistency of ice, and thus we actually We left Fury Beach on the 8th of July, I now have the pleasing duty of calling the attention of their lordships to the merit of Commander Ross, who was second in the direction of this expedition. The labours of this officer, who had the departments of astronomy, natural history and surveying, will speak for themselves in language beyond the ability of my pen; but they will be duly appreciated by their lordships, and the learned bodies of which he is a member, and who are already well acquainted with his acquirements. My steady and faithful friend, Mr. William Thom, of the royal navy, who was formerly with me in the Isabella, besides his duty as third in command, took charge of the meteorological journal, the distribution and economy of provisions, and to his judicious plans and suggestions, must be attributed the uncommon degree of health which our crew enjoyed; and as two out of the three who died in the four years and a half were cut off early in the voyage, by diseases not peculiar to the climate, only one man can be said to have perished. Mr. M'Diarmid, the surgeon, who had been several voyages to these regions, did justice to the high recommendation I had received of him he was useful in every amputation and operation which he performed, and wonderfully so in his treatment of the sick; and I have no hesitation in adding, that he would be an ornament to his Majesty's service. Commander Ross, Mr. Thom, and myself, have, indeed, been serving without pay; but, in common with the crew, have lost our all, which I regret the more, because it puts it totally out of my power adequately to remunerate my fellow sufferers, whose case I cannot but recommend for their lordships' consideration. We have, however, the consolation, that the results of this expedition have been conclusive, and to science highly important, and may be briefly comprehended in the following words:-The discovery of the Gulf of Boothia, the continent and isthmus of Boothia Felix, and a vast num ber of islands, rivers, and lakes; the undeniable establishment that the north-east point of America extends to the 74th degree of north latitude; valuable observations of every kind, but particularly on the magnet; and to crown all, have had the honour of placing the illustrious name of our Most Gracious Sovereign William IV., on the true position of the magnetic pole. I cannot conclude this letter, sir, without acknowledging the important advantages we obtained from the valuable publications of Sir Edward Parry and Sir John Franklin, and the communications kindly made to us by those distinguished officers before our departure from England. But the glory of this enterprise is entirely due to Him whose divine favour has been most especially manifested towards us, who guided and directed all our steps, who mercifully provided, in what we had deemed a calamity, his effectual means of our preservation; and who, even after the devices and inventions of man had entirely failed, crowned our humble endeavours with complete success. I have, &c. JOHN Ross, Captain R. N. To Captain the Hon. George Elliot, &c. Secretary of the Admiralty. Religious Intelligence. LETTER FROM MR. GUTZLAFF. We know not when we have read an article of Religious Intelligence with deeper interest, than the following letter to a merchant of Philadelphia, from the learned, devoted, and enterprising missionary, Gutzlaff. No man is better acquainted than he with the state of China, and the manners and usages of its inhabitants; and if his anticipations are well founded, what thrilling information to the friends of missions, and how auspicious to the sacred cause in the promotion of which they are employed, is the fact, that the door is opening, and the prospect bright, for the introduction of the pure gospel of Christ into the most populous nation of the world; embracing at least a fourth part of the human race. After having made three voyages, and being on the eve of a fourth, I rejoice in the prospect of seeing very soon a free communication with this mighty empire opened. There are at present no obsta cles to the promulgation of the blessed gospel in the maritime provinces. The jealousy of government has by repeated attempts been blunted, and the friendship of the natives has considerably increased. We have had many a severe contest with the crooked and detestable policy of the mandarins, but our relations are now such as to preclude the possibility of any serious collision. Still, however, furious edicts are fulminated against the "daring and deceitful barbarians, who like rats ap proach the coast," yet they harm us as little as the Papal bulls. I anticipate with the most intense joy the final overthrow of the kingdom of Satan in China. Many a year will still elapse, many a hard struggle will still take place, but I am confident that the Al mighty will carry on his great work. Do not consider me a visionary. I have witnessed facts which even exceeded my most sanguine expectations. The desire for becoming acquainted with our religion and science is truly great in the Shekeang and Keagnan provinces. Many thousand books have found, during this last voyage, their way to all the ports of the empire, and have been scattered thence into the interior. Having come in contact with many Chinese and Manchoo grandees, I am more convinced that we have nothing to expect from government, which is utterly devoid of all principle; but, on the other side, we have to expect every thing from the people, who form a glaring contrast with their rulers. Their kindness cannot be exceeded. It is now my intention to establish a hospital at Flangchoo, the capital of Chekeong. I have neither funds nor friends except well-wishers. At the same time, it will be necessary to counteract the anti-national feelings of government by the press, and to impart science by the same means. It will not be very easy to gain a permanent footing, but as the emperor does not disapprove of my conduct, which has been repeatedly reported to him, I hope to succeed by the gracious interposition of Providence. Indeed I leave all to my God and Saviour, who has preserved me until this moment amidst all dangers and granted so free an entrance to this secluded nation. Receive my sincerest thanks for the interest you have taken in my behalf, and tell those unknown friends who are ready to aid me, that till my last breath I shall live exclusively for China. Whenever the ice is broken, and free intercourse granted, we will witness the regeneration of the largest nation on the globe. For all my undertakings I feel my utter helplessness, and remain prostrate before Him, who alone can carry on the work. May the Almighty bless you with his grace from on high. Believe me to be, dear Sir, your thankful servant. Signed, CHARLES GUTZLAFF. WESTERN FOREIGN MISSIONARY SO CIETY. The Missionary Chronicle of this Society, containing the Nos. for October and November, has just reached us. We are glad to learn that its regular monthly appearance may hereafter be expected; and we earnestly recommend its patronage to all our readers. They really ought to take it, both MISSION TO WEST AFRICA. A statement of the organization of this mission was given in our last No. In anticipation of the departure of the Jupiter for Africa in the following week, a union meeting, comprising the Methodist and Presbyterian congregations of Norfolk, was held in the Presbyterian church of that borough, on Sabbath evening, the 27th. The Rev. Mr. Boydton, of the Protestant Episcopal church, introduced the exercises of the evening with an appropriate hymn. The Rev. Mr., Presiding Elder of the Methodist Episcopal church, addressed the throne of grace; after which Messrs. Laird and Cloud, of the Western Foreign Missionary Society, and Messrs. Spaulding and Wright of the Methodist Episcopal church, all missionaries to Africa, then addressed a large and attentive assembly. * A few days before leaving this country, the Rev. Mr. Pinney very unexpectedly received the appointment of temporary agent and governor of the colony of Liberia, which, on consultation with his friends, he concluded to accept. The following letter, since received from him, will not only explain the reasons of his conduct, but develope the truly heroic spirit with which he repairs to Africa. It is addressed to the executive committee. Norfolk, November 1st, 1833. Respected Brethren, Very unexpectedly to me, I have been obliged by circumstances to decide once more on an important step, without the privilege of a previous consultation with the Board at Pittsburg; though, thanks to God, I was not left to act wholly alone, and without any to advise. On the 29th, I received by mail a commission as Colonial Agent, from the Board of Managers of the American Colonization Society. It evidently contemplates but a short period, and is to continue only till the re-election of a proper man to take the permanent agency. It is only temporary, and it was this fact alone that procured the consent of my mind to act, without first obtaining your opinion. Under the momentary expectation of sailing, some decision was immediately necessary, and, assisted by and of your Corresponding Secretary, the advice of my associates in the mission, Mr. Swift, and the request of some of the |