Imatges de pàgina
PDF
EPUB

of the next day restored order, and dispelled the agitations which more or less every one suffered.

It was equally felt at Cintra, and at Mafra, where the Royal Family were. The Princess, who possesses great fortitude and presence of mind, snatched up her infant, and ran with it in her arms into the garden; the Prince Regent sunk under the alarm, and remained insensible for a considerable time.

Of the many shocks that have been felt here since 1755, two only have been distinguished as materially alarming; but neither of them is considered as equal, by any means, either in point of violence or duration, to that of which I write.

A subsequent shock, but of so slight a nature, as not to be felt by the generality of the people, is aseertained to have occurred about eight o'clock on Wednesday morn ing the 10th instant. It was felt more sensibly at Mafra and other places than here.

TURKEY.

Revolution at Constantinople. The Emperor Selim is no more; the discontents, occasioned among the people by the scarcity of provisions, and among the Janissaries by the European exercise and discipline, furnished the enemies of Government with an occasion to excite an insurrection, which cost the unhappy Sultan his throne and life.-On the 24th of May, the Mufti, at the head of the malcontents, repaired with 800 Janissaries to the Seraglio, and read to him a list of his pretended offences, recited passages from the Koran, which declared him, on account of those offences, unworthy of the Throne, and ordered him to sign a renunciation of it.-Selim seeing no means of resistance signed the Deed of Renunciation, and begged his life. The Mufti promised to intercede for him. His person was then secured, and fourteen of his principal Ministers were put to death. Couriers were sent to the Camp and the Dardanelles, to arrest and strangle the Grand Vizier and the Captain Pacha.-On the 25th of May, a Proclamation was published in Constantinople, to announce to the people that the Sultan had been dethroned, and to make known his

offences, and the passages of the Ko ran which condemned those offences. The people were invited to remain tranquil, and mind their affairs. On the 26th, Mustapha, the son of Achmet, was proclaimed grand Seignior. It is remarkable, that during the whole of this revolution but few disorders were committed. The mass of the people took no part at all; so that we attribute this catastrophe to some Chiefs of Parties yet unknown, and to the Janissaries. All foreign. ers have been ordered to be respect. ed.-We are assured that the grand Vizier made no resistance to the or. der sent to him, and was strangled, Of the Captain Pacha we know noth ing. The Grand Vizier had gained some successes before he died; he passed the Danube at Ismail, and forced Gen. Michelson to retire from Wallachia to Foksany and Rimnick.

Statistics of the Empire.-The Tel egraphe French paper, states the extent of Turkey at 49,173 square miles; population 25,380,000; of which Turkey in Europe is 11,968 square miles, containing 11,040,000 inhabitants. Asiatic Turkey is 24,262 square miles, containing 11,090,000 inhabitants. Egypt, 12,943 square miles; containing 3,200,000 inhabitants. The number of inhabitants in Constantinople is stated at 500,000. The land forces of the Porte in 1804 were 266,454 men; irregulars 60,000; of which the Janissaries are 113,406; the Spahis 132,054, Methardchies 6,000, Artillery 15,000. The maritime strength of this Empire was 12 ships of the line, 6 frigates, 5 smaller vessels,

The revenues of the Imperial Treasury amounted to 2,000,000, and that of the Empire to 44,942,500 piastres. The debts of the State amount to 53,350,000 piastres.

FRANCE.

[Panorama.

An Imperial Decree was obtained in January, 1807, forbidding all per sons from speaking in any church, without permission from the bishop of the diocese. It appears that certain churches have lately become the talking places of the inconsiderate, to the scandal of the sedate.

Premiums and rewards are held out by the Minister of the Interior,

for the culture of cotton in the southern provinces of France; and every agriculturist, who inclines to attempt this branch of his profession, may receive from the Prefect of the Department where he resides, as much seed of this plant, as he deems necessary.

The following is a list of all the cities in France which contain a popu lation of thirty thousand people and upwards.

Paris....... 547,756 Strasburgh 49,056 Marseilles 96,413 Cologne.... 42,706 Bourdeaux 90,992 Orleans..... 41,937 Lyons....... 88,919 Amiens..... 41,279 Rouen...... 87,000 Nismes..... 39,594 Turin..... 79,000 Bruges 33 632 Nantz....... 77,162 Angers..... 33,000 Brussels.... 66,297 Montpellier 32,723 Antwerp... 56,318 Metz

32,099 Ghent....... 55.161 Caen........ 30,923 Lisle........ 54,756 Rheims.... 30,225 Toulouse... 50,171 Alexandria 30,000 Liege.. 50,000 Clermont... 30,000

[blocks in formation]

His

Saturday, July 11th, 1807. Royal Highness the Duke of Glou. cester laid the foundation stone of a new asylum, for the indigent deaf and dumb to be erected nearly opposite the Bricklayers' arms, in the Kent road. His Royal Highness set an example of liberality by subscribing 50 guineas. The Lord Mayor gave 50, and H. Thornton, Esq. M. P. 40. Several persons of distinction attend. ed the ceremony, and the windows in the road were crowded with spectators. The first Surry regiment of volunteers were drawn up to receive his Royal Highness suitably to hi rank.

[ocr errors]

List of New Publications.

A Summary of Christian Doctrines and Duties; designed principally for those inhabitants of new settlements who have not the opportunity or means of procuring books upon religious subjects. Concord. George Hough, May, 1807. This pamphlet contains a very clear and scriptural display of doctrinal and practical religion, and deserves to be numbered among the most useful tracts for general distribution.

Two Minor Catechisms, for the use of parents and instructers in teaching their children and pupils. By Joseph Emerson, Pastor of a church in Beverly. The author has it in contemplation to publish "a Reference Catechism, containing questions principally historical, answered mostly by referring to scripture; for the use of schools and families. To which will be prefixed the Minor Doctrinal Catechism, and Historical Catechisms already published." The design of the author is to be highly approved, and it is hoped his pious attempt to assist parents and instructers in the impor

tant work of religious education will be duly appreciated.

The Inaugural Address delivered in Brunswick, Sept. 2, 1802, by the Rev. Joseph M'Kean, A. M. and A. A. S. at his entrance on the duties of President of Bowdoin College; with an Eulogy pronounced at his funeral, by the Rev. William Jenks. Portland. T. B. Wait, & Co.

1807.

A Discourse delivered in the First Church, Boston, on the anniversary of the Massachusetts Humane Society, June 9, 1807. By William Emerson, A. A. S. S. H. S. Pastor of the First Church in Boston. Boston. Munroe 1807. & Francis.

A Sermon, preached in Brattle Street Church, Boston, September 25, 1807, before the Managers of the on their Boston Female Asylum,

seventh anniversary. By Jedidiah Morse, D. D. Minister of the Congregational Church, in Charlestown. Boston. Russell & Cutler. 1807.

The Domestic Chaplain. Being fifty-two short lectures, with appro priate hymns, on the most interesting

subjects, for every Lord's day in the year, designed for the improvement of families of every Christian denomination. By John Stanford, A. M. New York. T. & J. Swords.

On the Unity of Christ's Church. A Sermon, delivered in the townhouse in Middleborough, April 16, 1807, before Christians of several denominations. By Jos. Barker, A.M. Pastor of the First Church in Middle

borough. Boston. Lincoln & Edmands. 1807.

The Life of George Washington, commander in chief of the armies of the United States of America,throughout the war which established their independence, and first president of the United States. By David Ramsay, M. D. author of The History of the American Revolution. 1 vol. 8vo. pp. 400. Ornamented with an engraved Head of Washington. Price to subscribers, in boards, $2,50. Provi dence, R. Island. E. S. Thomas. 1807,

A Spelling Dictionary, divided into short lessons, for the easier committing to memory by children and young persons; and calculated to assist youth in comprehending what they read: selected from Johnson's Dictionary for the use of her pupils. By Susanna Rowson. 12mo. pp. 132, Boston. J. West. 1807.

The New England Farrier; being a compendium of farriery. In four parts. Wherein most of the Diseases, to which Horses, Neat Cattle, Sheep, and Swine are subject, are treated of; with medical and surgical operations thereon: Being the result of many years' experience. Intended for the use of private gentlemen and farmers. By Paul Jewett, of Rowley. Salem.

A Discourse delivered in the First Baptist Meeting House in Boston, on Wednesday, August 19, 1897, by Joseph Clay, A. M On the occasion of his installation to the pastoral care of the First Baptist Church and Society in said town. 8vo. pp. 40. Boston. Manning & Loring,

The Heavenly Footman; or a description of the man that gets to heaven. Together with the Way he runs in the Marks he goes by; and Directions how to run, so as to obtain. By John Bunyan. Boston. Lincoln Edmands. 1807.

Two Discourses on the Perpetuity and Provision of God's gracious Covenant with Abraham and his Seed, By Samuel Worcester, A. M. Pastor of the Tabernacle Church in Salem, Second Edition, revised. To which are annexed Letters to the Rev. T. Baldwin, D. D. on his book entitled The Baptism of Believers only, &c, Sale m. Haven Pool. 1807.

WORKS PROPOSED.

Samuel Mackay, A. M. Professor of the French language in Boston, proposes to publish by subscription, a Chronological Abridgment of the French Revolution, from the year 1787 to the year 1792, including the most astonishing events, which distin guish that memorable era; to serve as an introduction to a subsequent uninterrupted Historical Correspond ence, of about 1500 original letters, written by men of talents, rank, reputation and honour; which will complete a full History of France, from that period, and without chasm, to the peace with Austria, after the battle of Austerlitz.

Dr. Ramsay has prepared for the press a new edition of his History of the American Revolution. He has carefully revised what was formerly published, and added two chapters of original matter. One exhibiting a connected history of the British colonies, now the United States, as far as the same is illustrative of the revolu tion, its origin, principles, predisposing causes, and of such events as prepared the way for the grand event. The last chapter, or rather appendix to the revolutionary history, will con tain a brief view of the United States, since the revolution, down so near to the present time as will be suitable. In this chapter the order of time will not be followed, but the order of things connected together in one unbroken view relative to the same subject. The relations between this country, Britain, France and Spain, for example, will be unfolded, each separately from first to last. If the blessings of peace are continued to our country, we may expect soon to be favoured with this valuable and popular work, which has long been out ef print,

Ordinations.

On the second of September the Rev. Martin Powel of Westford, Vt. was ordained at Moores, the town adjoining Champlain on the west. Rev. Mr. Pettengill of Champlain made the introductory prayer, and gave the charge and the right hand of fellowship; the Rev. Mr. Morgan of Essex, Vt. preached a sermon on Acts xxvii. 31, and made the ordaining and concluding prayers. The scene was peculiarly solemn and affecting. Assembled in the open air, in a field surrounded by a wilderness, the friends of the gospel beheld the servant of Jesus inducted into the pasThe town is new, contoral office. taining only about 30 families. Last spring 13 persons were united into a church; since then God has made In this wil. this desert to rejoice. derness the waters have burst forth. About 30 persons, it is hoped, have recently experienced the saving influences of the Holy Spirit. A man of considerable influence and respectability in this town, who had vehemently opposed the reformation from hatred to the doctrines of grace, has of late been impressed by the truths of God, and yields to that which he formerly resisted.

In 4 towns to the west of Moores, along the Canada line, the Lord is reviving his work, and bringing sinners out of darkness into light. A letter from Mr. Weeks states that the church in Madrid has received accessions equal to its number, when

it was formed last spring, that one
infidel has lately been converted
through the instrumentality of mis-
sionaries, and that many are under
a conviction of their sin. In Stock-
holm many perceive themselves con-
demned by the law, and some have
obtained a hope of salvation through
the blood of Jesus. In Hopkinton,
where the inhabitants were very stu-
pid, there is now but little said, ex-
cept about religion. In Malone a se-
rious attention to divine things pre-
vails in every part of the town.

We have been informed that in
several towns in the state of Connec-
ticut the blessed gospel of salvation
has impressed the minds of many.
This is the case particularly with
To the
Litchfield and Goshen.
church in the latter town one hundred
persons have been added within a
few months.

On the 16th Sept. Mr. Levi Parsons was ordained pastor of the east church and society in Marcellus, (N. Y.) Rev. Mr. Pomeroy of Brutus made the introductory prayer; Rev. Mr. Hyde of Lee, (Mass.) Rev. Mr. preached the sermon ;

Leonard of Cazenovia made the. consecrating prayer; Rev. Mr. Higgins of Aurelius gave the charge; Rev. Mr. Wallis of Pompey gave the right hand of fellowship; Rev. Mr. Woodruft of Scipio addressed the church and people; and Rev. Mr. Clark of Milton made the concluding prayer,

INSTALLATION.

On the eighth of July the Rev. Amos Pettengill of Salem, N. H. was installed at Champlain (Clinton County, New York.) Rev. Mr. Wooster of Fairfield, Vt. made the introductory prayer and preached a sermon on Rev. Mr. 1 Thes. 2 ch. 4th verse. Bogue of Georgia, Vt. made the consecrating prayer and delivered the charge. The right hand of fellowship was given by Rev. Mr. Weeks, a missionary, and the concluding prayer made by the Rev. Mr. Page, also a missionary.

The solemnities were attended on a small island in the Chazi river,

which empties into lake Champlain, where five hundred persons assenbled, apparently devout and rejoicing in this interesting occasion. Before this time no minister of the Congregational order had been settled in any part of the widely extended region, which lies west of the lake. The society contains a hundred and forty men, many of whom are unusually en gaged in the cause of the Redeemer, The church at the time of the installation of Rev. Mr. P. consisted of but five individuals; of late about twenty have made a public profession of religion.

Obituary.

Biographical Sketch of RICHARD DEVENS, Esq.

Who died Sept. 20, 1807, aged 86 years.

Good men, though dead, speak to the living by their example, when it is exhibited for their instruction and imitation. With this view we write the following sketch :

RICHARD DEVENS, Esq. was born in Charlestown, Sept. 1721. Of his ancestors, and the early part of his life, we have little information, except what we derive from his last will and testament. In this instrument he informs us, that he had to struggle with "great and unspeakable troubles," and that he was left in a peculiar sense a child of Providence, and dependent on his care. By the blessing of God, however, on his industry, he soon rose from his depressed circumstances, first to a state of comfort, and afterward to a state of affluence; and his prosperity continued till his death.

From a native strength of mind, quick discernment, careful observation, uprightness of character, and commendable industry, Mr. Devens, without the advantages of educa tion, became qualified to fill, with usefulness and reputation, many offices of honour and trust in the town and commonwealth. Previous to the American revolution, and at different periods afterward, he sustained the offices of Selectman, Overseer of the Poor, Justice of the Peace, Treasurer and Representative of the Town, and President and Director of Bridge and other Corporations and Societies. He was a member of the general court at that critical and anxious period of piblic affairs in 1774, in those "times which tried men's souls," when they resolved themselves into a provincial congress: was an active member of that confidential body of men, the Committee of Safety; and afterward was appointed Commissary General of the state of Massachu

setts, in the year 1775, and was annually rechosen to that responsible office so long as it was continued.

As a husband, parent and friend, he was affectionate and kind; as a counsellor in difficulties, wise and faithful; as a patriot, ardent, intrepid and active, especially in the early part of our revolution; as a public officer, upright and useful; as a Christian and a father to the poor, eminent and distinguished. As a Christian, Mr. Devens was a pillar in the church of which he was a member; a cheerful and liberal supporter of the gospel ministry; a constant and devout attendant on public worship, and the ordinances of religion. In faith he was a disciple of the old school. He embraced, as the truth of God, the doctrines of grace, as they are summed up in the Assembly's Catechism; for these doctrines he was ever a firm advocate. He walked in the "old paths," which he deemed "the good way." The doctrines, which he so firmly believed, and the efficacy of which we trust he felt in the renewal and sanctification of his own heart, formed the basis of all his hopes of future happiness, and prompted him in the discharge of his Christian duties of piety and benevolence. His good works were the fruit and evidence of his faith not the ground of his justification before. God. No man ever appeared to have a deeper sense of the depravity of his own heart, of the defects in his Christian life, and of the worthlessness of his own righteousness, than he entertained. His own striking words, which are copied from that solemn instrument, his last will and testament, follow: "I recommend my soul to Him who gave it; having no one recommending qualification of my own, all my righteousness being but "filthy

rags

« AnteriorContinua »