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Religious Intelligence.

UNITED STATES.

THE state of religion within the bounds of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, is represented by that body in their Minutes of May, 1807, as follows: "The Assembly having heard from its members a circumstantial account of the state of religion, within their bounds, and parts adjacent, are of opinion, that during the last year, the cause of vital piety has in general been progressive.

Throughout a great part of the vast region to which the Assembly extended their inquiries new churches are forming, and those already formed are receiving successively additional members. Migrations from some parts, particularly those which are central in the state of Pennsylvania, reduce the churches, but furnish, on the southwestern frontier, the seeds of new Congregations.

In various congregations belong. ing to the Synod of New York and New Jersey, we are presented with evidences of almighty power and grace accompanying the word of God, and producing happy effects.

Similar effusions of the Holy Spirit on different churches under the care of the General Association of Connecticut and of the Convention of Vermont, likewise demand our offerings of fervent gratitude to God for his great mercies. These divine favours, though not widely extended in any particular district, are of great importance; and the more so, as they have extended their influence to the young men in one or more literary institutions; where are generally formed those characters on whom, under God, depend, in a great measure, the important concerns of the Church, and of the Nation.

In those parts, silent solemnity and deep impression pervade the saying work of God. And the churches throughout, including our brethren of the General Association of Connecticut, and of the Convention of Vermont, are harmoniously engaged

in the promotion of religion, and dwell in peace.

The late extraordinary revivals of religion in the south and west, appear to be gradually declining; leav ing, in our view, many fervent followers and friends of the Saviour, who stand ready to do whatever their hands find to be done for the glory of God, and the salvation of their fellow men. Whilst these parts of the church exhibit sundry causes for serious and anxious solicitude, they still present to view, many whose convictions and pressing inquiries, give ground for comfortable expectations; and in various corners of this part of the vineyard, the operations of almighty power, and sovereign grace, arrest the attention, and demand thanksgiving.

Their Missionaries, in different parts, have manifested a zeal and industry equal to the expectations of the Assembly; and by their labours have, we trust, been instrumental in producing those great benefits to mankind, which will be the most grateful reward of the liberal contributions, which our people have made for Missionary purposes.

We also view with solicitous expectation, the gradual advances of two tribes of Indians, whose apparent disposition to subject themselves to the benign influences of civiliza tion, literature and religion, though marked with their usual caution and suspicion, have made considerable progress, and exhibited favourable appearances.

For these great blessings let God be praised.

But, alas in connexion with the review of these manifestations of divine love and mercy, many humbling evidences of human depravity and weakness constrain us to painful remarks. The sincere worshippers. of God, compared with the great mass of society, appear few: the important duties of domestic religion in many instances are neglected; and

in many are only partially attended to. The Assembly also deplore the obviously increasing dereliction of truth, which, in some parts, pervades all classes of society; the prevalence of the profanation of the sacred names of Jehovah; the violation of the Sabbath; and in many parts debasing intemperance in the use of ardent spirits. They deplore likewise the prevalent inordinate attachment to the things, and to the friendship of the world.

We have still cause to lament, that in those situations where attendance is most convenient, and the advanta. ges for religious improvement are great, many of our people forsake their religious assemblies on one part of the day. But above all, and in close and fatal union with this last and the preceding evils, they deplore the prevalence of unbelief; that state of mind which is enmity against God, reproaches his truth, and contemns the amiable glories of redeeming love.

In circumstances highly distinguished by the blessings of Heaven, both in a religious and civil view, especially when contrasted with the state of many nations; such evidences of ingratitude and impiety present alarming provocations to a holy God. They awfully increase our guilt, and rouse our fears. Surely the Lord is long suffering and of tender mercy; therefore amidst all our provocations we are permitted to view Zion rising with increasing glories and extension; and to see some late arrangements for increasing the number of pious and faithful ministers, opening flattering prospect in this important

concern.

The Assembly, on the whole, praise God for the degree of success with which he has been pleased to crown their efforts for the extension of his kingdom, and the edification of the body of Christ.

And, relying on the liberal contributions, and pious co-operation of their people, both by their holy living and fervent prayer to God, desire to prosecute, under the encouragement with which they are favoured, with redoubled diligence, the great and interesting undertakings which have hitherto employed their cares and their labours."

CONNECTICUT.

Ar a meeting of the General Association of Connecticut in June, 1806, "Inquiry was made with respect to the state of religion in the churches with which we have connexion, from which it resulted, that although much coldness and lukewarmness, in spiritual concerns, appear in many places, yet in others the spirit of vital piety eminently prevails, and various parts of the vineyard are watered and enriched with heavenly dews. The friends of real religion have much cause to render praise, to the great Lord of the vineyard, and to persevere in prayer, that showers may descend in plentiful effusions."

The business of missions is prose. cuted with great zeal, and a very desirable success by the churches of Connecticut. Nearly three thousand dollars have been contributed, during the year past, for the support of missions, besides what has been receiv. ed from the profits of the Evangelical Magazine.

Two acts of the General Associa tion follow:

(1.) "Whereas a few individuals in the ministry have openly denied the divinity and personality of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, Vot ed:-That this Association, feeling it a duty to bear testimony against principles so subversive of the pillars of gospel truth, of vital piety and morality, do recommend to their brethren in the State, earnestly to contend for the faith once delivered to the saints;-to hold no communion, and to form no exchanges in ministerial duties with preachers of this character."

(2.) "Whereas the relation between a minister and his people is one of the most solemn that can be formed in the world, Voted :-That this body do disapprove of the growing usage in the churches, by which this relation is dissolved without making public the true reasons of discontent in the parties; as tending, on the one hand, to shield the immoralitics and erroneous opinions of a minister, and, on the other, to gloss over the unreasonable discontents and vices of a people."

Extract of a letter from the Rev. Mr. Jackson, Dorset, (Ver.) to one of the Editors of the Panoplist.

Rev. and dear Sir,

THE interest, which the Editors of the Panoplist are pleased to take in the growth of our infant institution, is viewed with much gratitude by the friends of religion in this country, and particularly by the Trustees and members of the Evangelical Society. We read, with much pleasure and encouragement, your approbation of such of our proceedings as have come to your knowledge, and the frank assurances you give us of your future aid and influence. Your brotherly freedom in suggesting ways and means for the promotion of our design is very pleasing to the Trustees.

At the last meeting of the Board, we added to our charity list one more hopefully pious and promising youth'; and the Trustees have the claims of some others now under their consideration. It is also to be noted with gratitude, that the Rutland Association, at their last meeting, were called to the pleasing, important work of examining and approbating for the ministry, four young men apparently 'endowed with more than an ordinary measure of that information and enlightened zeal, which promise useful. ness in the vineyard of our Lord. One of these had been assisted in his education by the society. These

events are very encouraging. At the present day, which seems like the fearful hour of the power of darkness, to behold talents and piety rallying round the standard of that Prince, who is the sign that shall be spoken against, must cheer the hopes of those, who wait for the salvation of our Israel. We may with confidence believe that, when the Lord shall give the word, great will be the company of those who publish it.

And

should the Evangelical Society be succeeded, as instruments, in paising up and bringing forward a few of this great company, how pleasing would be their reward! We feel ourselves more and more bound to continue our

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efforts in this noble work, that we may be approved to our recent and numerous benefactors, and above all to Him, who hath required of stewards, that they be found faithful.

For the liberal proposal of the Ed. itors to put all the Panoplists sold in give the profits to our fund, I am reVermont on a footing which shall quested by the Trustees and the So ciety to return you their hearty thanks. It affords them much pleasure and encouragement, both as they are well pleased with the publication, and as they indulge a strong hope that, in the way you propose, it may not only bring present instruction and comfort to the destitute, but be instrumentally raising up a succession of enlightened, spiritual instructors for them and their children.

The Panoplist continues to be well spoken of in this country. The clergy are well pleased with it. They esteem it one of the best publications

of the age. What influence they bave will be devoted to give it a currency, if its merit should not decline, Your affectionate brother, W. J.

FOREIGN,

CHINA.

By an edict of the Emperor of China, which bears the date, 1805, it appears that a persecution was at that time carrying on against the converts to Christianity. The edict admits the right of Europeans settled in China to practise their own relig ious usages, but states it as a settled law of the Empire, that they should not propagate their doctrines among the natives. In contempt of this law, Te-tien-tse (who it seems is a Catholic Missionary resident at Pekin of the name of Odeadato) had taught his doctrines to many persons, and had induced them to conform to his relig ion, and had also printed in the Chinese character no less than thirty one books, with a view to seduce the minds of the simple peasantry. This is declared to be a very odious of fence, and Te-tien-tse is sentenced,

in consequence of it, to be conducted to Ge-ho in Tartary, there to remain a prisoner, and to be debarred from any communication with the Tartars in that neighbourhood. Several of the Chinese, who had been seduced by this European, were found guilty, One of them, a private of infantry, who had been discovered teaching the Christian doctrine in a church; four others who superintended congrega. tions of Christians, or were otherwise active in extending their sect; a female peasant who superintended a congregation of her own sex; and a soldier who had contumaciously resisted the exhortations made to him to renounce his errors, are banished to Eluth, and condemned to become slaves among the Eluths. Three soldiers who had been converted to Christianity are declared unworthy to be considered as men, and their names ordered to be erased from the list of the army. Several who had renounced their errors are discharged from confinement, but a strict watch is to be kept over them, lest they should relapse. The various civil and military officers, through whose remissness these foreign doctrines have been propagated, are to be cashiered; and the books containing these doctrines are without exception to be committed to the flames, together with the printing blocks from which the impressions were taken. It is further declared, that all who shall hereafter frequent the Europeans, in order to learn their doctrines, will be punished with the utmost rigour of the law.

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native who lives with him, whom he intends to instruct in the art of weav ing.

A Sultan, named Ali, who used often to visit the missionaries, died lately. Before his death he asked his friends to carry him to Karass. But this request they rejected with indignation. They suspected that he died a Christian, and on that account hesitated about burying him. He left a widow and three children whom he wished to be committed to Mr. Brunton's care. But they all died soon after him of the plague, which was then raging in the district where they resided.

The Karmans are a numerous family among the Kabardians who live near Karass. The missionaries have had many conversations with them about religion, and not long ago a Tartar Effendi wrote to the Kabardian Mahkemma, or Parliament, accusing the Karmas of being Christians at heart, and of practising Christian usages secretly.

The Russians are gone to war with a mountain tribe not far from Karass, called the Tshitshins. These tribes are exceedingly restless and faithless. It is said that the Circassians are to join the Russians, and it was reported among the Tartars that the Tshitshins had killed a number of Circassians who were on their way to the Russian head quarters.

JEWS.

Dr. Herschel, the Jewish Rabbi, has addressed a second exhortation to his brethren, in which, after stating that the plan formed by the Missionaary Society, of an institution for educating Jewish youth, "is but an inviting snare, a decoying experiment to undermine the props of their relig ion," and "to entice innocent Jewish children from the observance of the law of Moses," requires the congregation to send no child to any such seminary, on pain of being considered as having forsaken their religion, as having lost all title to the name of Jews, and forfeited all claims on the congregation both in life and death.

SCOTLAND.

The general assembly of the church of Scotland, to their honour, came te

an unanimous resolution at their last meeting to thank his Majesty for the abolition of the Slave Trade. The following extract from their address to the King expresses their sentiments on this subject.

"In recollecting your Majesty's uniform zeal for the interests of religion, justice, and humanity; the many public measures for the promotion of these great interests by which your Majesty's reign has been distinguished; and the exalted character which, under your Majesty's government, the British nation has acquired; it is with heartfelt satisfaction that we congratulate your Majesty on the final abolition of the African Slave Trade, which had so long polluted the commerce, and tarnished the honour of the British name. We feel, in common with the great body of our fellow subjects, that the acts of the last session of parliament, which prohibited the farther importation of slaves into the West India Colonies, will ever be regarded as one of the most splendid events of your Majesty's reign. And while it proclaims to the world the justice of the British character, will send the tidings of peace and benevolence to the injured natives of Africa." [Ch. Obs.

TRANSACTIONS OF THE PARISIAN SANHEDRIM.

The following account of the late singular movement among the Jews, in France, which has excited such general curiosity in the public mind, is taken from a late publication, entitled, "Transactions of the Parisian Sanhedrim, or Acts of the Assembly of Israelitish Deputies of France and Italy, convoked at Paris by an Imperial and Royal Decree, dated May 30, 1806. Translated from the Original published by M. Diogene Tama, with a Preface and illustrative Notes by F. D. Kirwan, Esq." 8vo. pp. 350. pr. 8s. Taylor. 1807.

FEW objects can so justly claim our attention as the subject of the present work. "The novelty of a Jewish assembly," says the translator of this volume, "deliberating on the national interests of a people which has so

long ceased to be numbered among nations, induces us to offer an account of its proceedings to the English public. The French Jewish editor, M. Diogene Tama, in an advertisement prefixed to his collection, expatiates with wonderful complacency on the immense utility of his publication. Without being quite so sanguine in our expectations, we cannot help expressing our conviction, that it will prove highly gratifying to that curiosi→ ty which has been excited by the first mention of the meeting of such am assembly."

In the preface the translator gives a clear and concise account of the advantages enjoyed by the Jews under the old monarchy, and states various circumstances, by which it appears that their condition was preferable to that of the Protestants, and afterwards offers a few shrewd surmises as to the real views of Bona

parte in calling the present assembly.

The work commences with a Collection of Writings and Acts relating to the former Condition of Individuals professing the Hebrew Religion in

France.

The reader's attention will be particularly arrested by a letter of M. Berr-Isaac-Berr, a Jew, resident at Nancy, to his brethren, on the rights of active citizens being granted to the Jews. It contains a fund of good sense and sound reasoning, which do the writer very great credit: its great length hinders us from extracting it.

MM. Poujol and Bonald, having, in 1806, written against the interests of the Jews, the writer of this work enters into an elaborate defence of that nation, which is inserted under this head.

To this succeeds the Imperial De= cree by which the assembly was convoked. The number of Deputies sent by each district, with their names and occupations follow, and then the minutes of the various sittings, which took place, from the first sitting, July 26, 1806, to the last, February 7, 1807.

We cannot follow the author through the mass of interesting, instructive, and novel materials inIcluded in the work. It will particularly engage the attention of those persons who entertain an idea of the

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