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which has hitherto attended their efforts. Their exertions will be continued-will be increased. But the situation of the State, and the increase of students, require that their plans should be extended, and their means enlarged. And should the wealthy and benevolent think proper

to contribute their assistance in enlarging the sphere of instruction in this infant Seminary, and thus aid the cause of learning and piety, they shall receive the warmest gratitude of all the present patrons of the Institution.

By order of the Board.

SETH STORRS, Secretary.

March 31, 1807.

FOREIGN.

CAPE TOWN,

Feb. 27, 1802.

THE dispatch that arrived last week from the gentlemen of the commission sent by government into the interior of this country contains the most pleasing and satisfactory accounts of the good understanding that invariably prevailed between them and the natives of every part of the country through which they passed in the progress of their journey to the Briequas, improperly it seems, so called, the real name of this nation being Boetzuanas. The commissioners speak in the highest terms of applause of the conduct of the missionaries settled among the natives inhabiting the country near the Orange River; and also of the poor Hottentots, Bastards, and Bosjesmen, whom they are endeavouring to instruct in the precepts of Christianity, and at the same time to accustom to the habits of useful labour. From these, and indeed from the natives in general, the expedition received the most friendly and ready assistance. In crossing the Gariefs, or Orange river, the rapidity of the stream swept away one of the waggons, which, with the whole team of oxen, must inevitably have been lost, had not the savages, as they are called, on the opposite bank, perceiving the distressed situation of those belonging to it, plunged into the stream, and by their active exertions saved

both waggon, team, and people from destruction.

After travelling about 300 hours from the Cape, or as we suppose about 800 English miles in the direction of N. E. or thereabouts, which would bring them within two degrees of the Tropic, they came to the capital of the Boetzuanas, containing about 1,500 houses, and 7,000 inhabitants. The name of the city is Likitow. So vast an assemblage of dwellings, exceeding the number of those in Cape Town, with a population equal, if not superior, excluding the slaves, makes it more than probable, that the inhabitants have not only attained a very considerable pitch of civilization, but it implies also a more than ordinary degree of industry in the cultivation of the arts, and the pursuits of agriculture. Surrounded by a barren country, and bordering to the northward on other tribes of people, remaining in a fixed and sedentary life, and deriving little or no support from commerce, we are entirely at a loss to conceive in what manner they contrive to subsist so great a multitude. The details of their political and domestic economy must furnish new and highly interesting matter to add to the history of savage nations. It would be equally unaccountable, that in the course of 160 years, no correct information of the Boetzuanas should have been obtained, if it did not occur to us, that no single discovery has been effected, nor any account of the southern angle of Africa been made public, except by occasional and foreign visitors. It may be further added, that the country within the limits of the col. ony has been better known and more travelled by Europeans or settlers within the last five years, than in the whole period of its colonization prior to the time we mention. At the capture of the colony, no part of the very extensive district of Graaff Reynet appeared in any of their charts, except Zwart Kop's Bay; nor were there then three men in the whole Cape, who could point out, with any degree of accuracy, where it was situated. This dreadful journey of a long month is now become familiar, and accomplished by a British officer, with two or three horses, in six days.

With regard to the Boetzuanas, their name, their numbers, their situation, and resourses, were all falsified in the accounts given by those who pretended to a knowledge of this nation.

The literary world will derive no small degree of gratification from the labours of the present expedition. Besides a variety, or perhaps a new species of Rhinoceros, no less than four animals of the Antelope and Bovine genus, hitherto undescribed, have been discovered, among which, one is stated to be allied to that singular animal the Gnoo, and another in some degree to the Hartebeest. And the fine arts will be enriched by the pencil of the very able artist who accompanied the expedition.

Notwithstanding the great distance that the Boetzuanas are removed from the Cape, they complained grievously of certain persons on the frontiers of the colony committing depredations on their cattle, and ill treating their people. They particularly mentioned a man of the name of Jan Blom, who with his gang had of late years very much infested them; and they concluded, naturally enough, that all the colonists were like Jan Blom; and of course they were at first guarded and distrustful of the present commission; which, however, by a residence nearly of a month, sufficiently convinced them that all Christians were not of the same description as Jan Blom and his gang.

Humanity shudders in contemplating the deplorable situation to which the bulk of the native inhabitants, and rightful owners, of this country, have been reduced by the arts and machin

ations of such lawless miscreants as these. To such are owing the numerous hordes of Bosjesmen, who, driven by imperious want to assail the habitations or the flocks of the colonists, are hunted down by the latter with more eagerness, and destroyed with less remorse, (for their destruction is the cause of triumph) than the vilest or most obnoxious beast of prey.

The natural disposition of the dif ferent tribes of Hottentots is mild, peaceable, and cheerful; and, by genthe usage, might be moulded into any shape. The habits of life in which they have been brought up, naturally incline them to a fondness of liberty, and render them impatient of continement and restraint; but they are, perhaps, of all the people in the world who have been accustomed to a roving life, the easiest broken in to constant labour, and reconciled to a fixed abode. As a proof of this, we need only refer to the exertions of the missionaries, whose endeavours in this country have been crowned with better success, than perhaps in any other. Degraded as this people have stood in the page of history, and represented as they have generally been at the foot of the scale of rational animals, we are doubtful whether any nation or tribe of men, falling under the usual denomination of savage, are possessed with more natural endowments, or more apt to acquire those of art, than the Hottentots. We could enumerate various instances in support of this opinion, were it necessary; but they are now so well and so generally known, that such details were unnecessary.

List of New Publications.

INTEGRITY explained and recom. mended. In a sermon preached at the north meeting house in Salem, at an Association Lecture, Sept. 8, 1807. By Joseph Dana, D. D. one of the ministers of Ipswich. Salem. Pool & Pearly. 1808.

A Compendium of the History of all Nations, exhibiting a concise view of the origin, progress, decline and fall of the most considerable empires, kingdoms and states in the world, from the earliest times to the prese". period. Interspersed with a

short account of the prevailing religions. Ornamented with a frontis. piece, representing history conduct. ing patriotism, fortitude and wisdom, to the temple of fame; personified by Generals Washington, Green and Hamilton; with three other plates, by D. Fraser. New York. Alsop, Brannon & Alsop.

A Dictionary of the English Language, compiled for the use of common schools in the United States. By N. Webster, Esq. G. F. Hopkins. New York.

Secret History; or the Horrors of St. Domingo. In a Series of Letters, by a Lady at Cape Francois, to Col. Burr, late vice president of the United States. Philadelphia, Bradford & Inskeep. 1808.

A Narrative of the Rise and Progress, with a brief explanation of several subjects, viz. Observations on the practice of the laying on of hands, the scriptural mode of celebrating the Lord's supper, &c. with remarks on Mr. Wm. Parkinson's past and present conduct, and observations on a pamphlet, entitled the new theological scheme detected. By Ebenezer Baptist Church. Also a letter to Mr. William Parkinson, with a dialogue affixed thereto, by John Inglesby. New York. Smith & Forman.

A Discourse before the Society for propagating the gospel among the Indians and others in North America, delivered Nov. 5, 1807. By Eliphalet Porter, D. D. pastor of the first church in Roxbury. 8vo. Boston. Munroe, Francis, & Parker.

A Discourse on the nature and design, the benefits and proper subjects of baptism. By the Rev. Robert Finley, A. M. minister of the gospel at Basking Ridge, New Jersey. Phil. adelphia. B. B. Hopkins & Co. 1808.

A Letter from the Hon. Timothy Pickering, a senator of the United States from the State of Massachusetts, exhibiting to his constituents a view of the imminent danger of an unnecessary and ruinous war. Addressed to His Excellency James Sullivan, Governor of the said State. Boston. Greenough & Stebbins. 1808.

NEW EDITIONS.

AN Essay on the Spirit and Influence of the Reformation, by Luther: The work which obtained the prize on this question-Proposed by the National Institute of France in the public setting of the 15th Germinal, in the year X." What has been the influence of the Reformation by Luther on the political situation of the different states of Europe, and on the progress of knowledge? By C. Villars. Faithfully translated from the last Paris edition, by B. Lambert. Sold at No. 47, Cornhill, Boston.

The Works of Thomas a Kempis, in two vols. 12mo. $1,50. NewBedford. Abraham Shearman, jun. The Wanderer of Switzerland; and other Poems, by James Montgomery. Third American edition. To which is prefixed a Biographical Sketch of the Author's Life. 12mo. Boston. Belcher & Armstrong.

Dbituary.

CHARACTER OF MRS. BIDWELL.

DIED at Stockbridge, February last, Mrs. MARY BIDWELL, consort of the Hon. Barnabas Bidwell, Attorney General of this state.

While reviewing the melancholy catalogue of those, who though slumbering in the tomb have left speaking records of their worth, we rarely observe a name so peculiarly calculated to excite the tenderest sympathies of the heart, and to awaken the reflections of the living, as the subject of these few remarks. When blooming youth perishes before our eyes, and decrepid age gently slides into the grave, the poignancy of grief yields in a measure to the reflection, that the loss of the former can be estimated only by a few acts of usefulness, while that of the latter proclaims the inevitable lot of nature. But when the vigour of life is torn from the full exercise of benevolence, when the

tongue that spoke only to delight and to console, and the hand that was wont to scatter peace and blessings, and smooth the rugged paths of life, are stiffened by death, we can find no consolation, but what flows from a recollection of virtues, and a conviction that they now enjoy their reward. Mrs. Bidwell inherited great powers from nature, and her mind was enriched by judicious cultivation. In the various spheres in which she was destined to move, she exhibited strength of understanding, and suavi. ty of heart. Elevated by feeling above those cold maxims, that chill the warmth of friendship by the affectation of dignity, the softness of her manners and easy conversation, unbosomed the most reserved, and facinated the most phlegmatic. With commanding and versatile powers, she was qualified for every walk of

life, whether to sooth or enliven, to instruct or to reform. She could make the old contented with their years, and enable the young to borrow the wisdom of maturity. She could seize the affections of the former by indulging the gravity of age, and engage the love and respect of the latter by the amenity of her manners, and by inviting them to court pleasure in the form of improvement. But to know best, and, from veneration for worth, to yield her that respect and admiration her virtues deserved, we must view her in the scene of domestic retirement, in the circle of a family, of which she was the centre, displaying the love, duties, and attentions of a wife, mother, daughter, and friend. She sustained the tenderest of ties with the purest affection, watched over the infantile morals of her children with the warmest solicitude, and discharged the debt of gratitude to an aged parent with more than filial love and duty. With a soul glowing with benevolence, she largely distrib. uted the favours fortune had showered upon her, and her disinterested munificence is gratefully remembered by many who experienced the kindness of her nature, and shared the sympathy of her heart. Her ardent, yet unobtrusive generosity was the emanation of a soul actuated by the

purest views, free from the love of applause, and desirous only to relieve. Sedulous in her attentions to the deserving, she nourished every germ of merit by protection, animated industry by encouragement, and inspired indolence with ambition. Her virtues, however, were not limited by the circle that embraces only the relations of society, and acknowledge no higher obligation than friendship for our fellow creatures, and a theoretical reverence for that Being who gave us life: But to unspotted practical morality she united the purity of vital religion. With a deep sense of the truths of Christianity, she explained its precepts by practice, and inculcated the duties of life by an uninterrupted display of religious sincerity, and a constant flow of charitable affections. She was a Christian not merely in the correctness of understanding and truth of speculation, but in activity to obey the mandates of our Saviour, and to exemplify in a pure and moral life, the high and solemn duties he enjoins. By such an example all around her were instructed. With such an assemblage of virtues, it is needless to add, she died leaving few able to appreciate her virtues, but all deeply and sincerely lamenting her departure.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

THE Editors feel the highest respect for the ability, seriousness, and piety displayed in the communication of Simeon. They tender him their sincerest thanks for his diligent and patient labour in this performance, which must have been very advantageous to himself, and would be immediately introduced into the Panoplist, were not the length of it incompatible with the general design of such a publication. We are not, however, prepared, at present, to lay it aside.

ALPHA is approved; and, with some abridgment, shall appear next month. THELESUS is under consideration. We thank our Correspondent for his Extract concerning Rev. J. Brown of Haddington. PASTOR in our next. Also the biographical Sketch of Rev. Dr. Mc. Whorter.

The Report of the Congregational Missionary Society is in type for next month: As are some obituary and other articles necessarily postponed.

The Editors are engaged in closing their accounts for the current year, and making their arrangements for the next. Agents and subscribers are requested to settle their accounts with the agent in Boston.

Erratum. P. 401, right hand column, line 17 from bottom, for "watch, then," read "watch them."

OR,

THE CHRISTIAN'S ARMORY.

No. 35.]

APRIL, 1808. [No. 11. VOL. III.

Biography.

SKETCH OF REV. DR. MACWHORTER.

DOCTOR MAC WHORTER Was of Scotch extraction. His maternal ancestors were among the first emigrants from Scotland to the North of Ireland; and the family of his father removed to the same country about the time of his father's birth. By his mother he had the honour of descending from martyrs. Both of her maternal grandparents fell a sacrifice to papal fury, in the great Irish massacre of 1641, while England was convulsed by the civil wars of Charles I. None of the family survived this horrid scene except her mother, who, at that time an infant, was concealed by her nurse, and preserved from impending death. On so minute a providence did the future existence of this luminary of the church depend. His immediate parents, Hugh and Jane, lived in the county of Armagh, in the North of Ireland; where his father was for many years a linen merchant. The eldest of their children, whose name was Alexander, was a son of distinguished talents and piety; and, being intended for the gospel ministry, spent two Vol. III. No. 11.

years at the university of Edinburgh. At his solicitation, the family removed to America, about the year 1730, and settled in the county of Newcastle, Delaware; where his father became a distinguished farmer, and an elder of the church, under the pastoral care at first of Mr. Hutchinson, and afterwards of Mr. Rodgers, now Doct. Rodgers of New-York. Alexander died before he had completed his studies, leaving a most excellent character: and our future pastor, being born about a month after, bore his brother's name.

The second Alexander, the youngest of eleven children, was born July 15, 1734, o. s. It was his happiness to be blessed with parents eminent for piety, and abundant in their labours to train up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. It was their custom to devote the evening of every Lord's day, among other seasons, to this tender and interesting service; a practice which was common among pious parents of that age; would God it were as common now! He remembered, till the Ny n

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