flowers, Beating the ground with incense-scented palms: And cried," bow ye the knee?" and then aloud Of priests, of officers, and horsed chiefs, Deep edged with silver, heavy with golden thread, Whose broad braid, and shield-like clasps, I horsed, did bear an eagle on a shaft; come very much narrowed: the latter appearing to consent, una voce, in taking their stand upon the covenant of circumcision. This would seem to hold out a reasonable prospect, that nothing was now wanting but a little free and friendly discussion on the nature of that covenant, to do away the difference, and bring the parties together. In Scotland, Mr. Wardlaw of Glasgow, took up the subject about twenty years ago, and published "Three Lectures on the Abrahamic Covenant," in which he laboured to make out its connection with Infant Baptism. Mr. M'Lean replied to Mr. Wardlaw, in a pamphlet entitled, "A Review of Mr. Wardlaw's Lectures," in which he shook his argument to atoms, and made more Baptists by it than, perhaps, were ever produced by any one human production! Mr. Wardlaw never attempted a reply. Henry Burder, in a pamphlet entitled, "The Right of Infants to Baptism," took up the argument of Mr. Wardlaw, and he has been answered by Mr. Birt, of Birmingham, (see our last volume, p. 337.) Mr. Kinghorn, follows on the same side, in a concise and well written Tract, which we have no doubt will be Mr. From whence great Pharaoh's royal banner the means of aiding the progress of streamed: An emblem of much might and dignity. Drawn by eight horses, white as evening clouds. His fortunes nothing teased him from himself, The Argument in Support of Infant Baptism, from the Covenant of Circumcision, examined, and shewn to be invalid. By JOSEPH KINGHORN. pp. 24, 12mo, pr. 2d. or 12s. per hundred. THE 'question regarding the adminis tration of the ordinance of baptism, being the only point in dispute among the great body of Calvinistic dissenters, which forms a barrier to their uniting in visible church fellowship, it is certainly very desirable that, if possible, they should attain a unity of judgment in this particular. And it is a pleasing reflection that the ground of the dispute between the two parties, the Baptists and Pædobaptists, has of late years be truth. He has intentionally studied brevity in the composition and cheapness of the price of his pamphlet, to give it the chance of a more extended circulation. Many of the Pædobaptists, we suspect, are shy of looking into the subject, and need to be invited to it. Our Baptist brethren, therefore, would do well to purchase this little piece for gratuitous distribution among them. It furnishes an able analysis of the reasoning of the Pædobaptists founded on the covenant of circumcision, and shews them where their principles, if consistently pursued, would lead them. "To conclude, whatever view is taken of the covenant of circumcision as the warrant for infant baptism, consequences result from it which are inconsistent with the avowed principles of the gospel dispensation. This consideration alone should lead the defenders of the practice to doubt the correctness of their reasonings. Jesus Christ is the head of his church, and king in Sion, our enquiry should therefore be, what are his direc tions respecting an ordinance distinguished by his sanction, and supported by his sole authority, and to him in all things may we be obedient." Religious and Literary Intelligence. Ar a General Meeting of the Deputies for dation of the Committee) That considering the long interval which has elapsed since the agitation of the question of general religious liberty in Parliament, and the consequent want of interest in, and acquaintance with, the subject which prevails both in and out of Parliament, it is expedient that it be immediately brought under public consideration, by an application to Parliament on the subject of the Corporation and Test Acts, and that such application be renewed temperately, but perseveringly from time to time, with a view to enlightening and directing the public mind, making the friends of the cause acquainted with and interested in the merits of the question, and preparing the way for that gradual, but ultimate success, which has in so many instances attended persevering exertions in causes founded in truth and justice. That the Petitions now recommended by the Committee, be adopted, signed, and presented to both Houses of Parliament without delay. That the Committee be fully authorized at once to take from time to time all such steps as may be expedient for effectually following up these objects, and that they report from time to time to the general meetings, calling special general meetings if necessary. That these resolutions be signed by the Chairman, and printed and communicated to all congregations of Dissenters throughout the kingdom known to the Committee, and that it be recommended to them to form some plan of communication and cooperation through local or district societies with the body in London, and to send up Petitions as early as possible, but at all events in the ensuing session, taking measures at the same time for interesting in their cause such Members of Parliament as may be more immediately connected with them. That these resolutions be also officially communicated to the body of Ministers in London, and to the different Dissenting bodies associated there for the promotion of religious liberty, and be also inserted in the different Magazines connected with, or in circulation among Dissenters. (Signed) WM. SMITH, Chairman. That some Member of the House of STATE OF RELIGION IN CANADA. That the Committee apply to such Memhers of both Houses as are considered favourable, requesting their assistance, informing them of the decided intention of the body of Dissenters seriously to make, and renew applications to the Legislature on the subject, and communicating to such members proper explanatory statements of the case. That the Committee immediately solicit the co-operation of deputations from the body of ministers in London. and the other societies in London formed for, or interested in the promotion of civil and religious liberty, in order to establish union, and obtain an accession of talent and energy in the common cause. That printed statements of the case of Dissenters, and of the reasons on which they ground their claims upon the Legislature, be with such co-operation prepared and circulated. That the Committee take such other measures for interesting and informing the public mind by temperate discussion, (either through the daily and periodical press, or by the publication of useful and judicious tracts and addresses) as shall be desirable for the promotion of the cause. [Continued from page 95.] "At La Chine, nine miles above Montreal, a congregation was selected in 1817, by the labours of Mr. Kirkland, a young man who arrived in that year from Ireland. A regular call being presented to the presbytery, they, in July, 1818, ordained him to the pastoral charge. Mr. Kirkland, however, in the following year, not finding his prospects so encouraging as he expected they would be, left La Chine and went over to the United States. In 1821, the Rev. Mr. Brunton, formerly of Aberdeen, preached some time at La Chine; but I hear he has left it, so that the congregation is again vacant. No church had been built; the congregation met in the school-house.-In 1817, a small congregation was collected at River du Chine, about thirty miles above Montreal. Mr. Andrew Glen was ordained their pastor, and laboured among them about two years; but, meeting with discouragements, he left them, and went to Terre-bonne, twenty miles from Montreal, where he taught the government school two or three years. By his preaching on Sabbath days he collected a small congregation; but as he left the place in 1822, they have had no pastor since that date.-At Chambly, sixteen miles east from Montreal, since 1817, a preacher has sometimes officiated for a short time, but the congregation has never been regularly organized, or joined in church-fellowship. At present it has no supply of preaching. In Lower Canada, (except in Quebec and Montreal) Protestant congregations are very small; a vast majority of the people being Roman Catholics. Hence ministers cannot be supported by the people, and are soon forced to relinquish their charge. O that some of your missionary societies that have done so much for the heathen, would do something for this country! Here are thousands of nominal Christians, who will do little or nothing to provide religious instruction for themselves or their children, who might yet be reclaimed by the friendly assistance of others. A few faithful ministers are making every exertion in their power, but they are unsupported by any missionary or other society, and have to devote great part of their time to the teaching of schools, to obtain the means of support. IN THE UPPER PROVINCE there are eighteen ministers, and thirty congregations. Some of the latter, it is true, are in an infant state, but so were the greatest in the world at their first commencement. This province is capable of supporting a numerous population; and I trust the day is not far distant, when the handful of corn, which is now scattering over its barren surface, shall shake with prosperous fruit like the cedars of Lebanon. In giving an outline of their history, I shall observe no other method, than merely to begin at the lower part of the province, and go over them in succession. The four first are all in Glengary, and are at the distance of from sixty to seventy miles above Montreal. The most northerly of these is Lochiel. 1. Lochiel is about thirty miles north from the St. Lawrence, on the road from Cornwall to the Grand River. It is mostly inhabited by Scotch Highlanders, who have shown a laudable zeal in providing themselves and their children with religious instruction. In the year 1818, a neat and commodious church was erected; and in the following one, the Rev. Mr. M'Laren was sent out from Scotland as their pastor. His success in his labours has been considerable, and he preaches both in Gaelic and English. whereMr.M'Kenzie occasionally preaches, but they are not yet in a condition to support a minister themselves. 4. M'Martin's Mills is also in Glengary, about six miles from Williamstown, and eight from Cornwall. The congregation at this place is one of the most numerous in Canada. They have a church capable of containing from 400 to 500 people, and it is generally well filled. They formed one branch of Mr. Bethune's congregation. That gentleman had four places of wor ship, which he supplied in rotation, of which this was one, Cornwall another, Williamstown a third, and Lancaster a fourth. The Rev. Mr. Fletcher is the pastor of the congregation at M'Martin's Mills. He came to Glengary as a teacher at the termination of the war with the United States, and on receiving a unanimous call to M'Martin's Mills, was ordained in 1819. He preaches both in Gaelic and English. 5. Lancaster is a village on the banks of the St. Lawrence, sixty-four miles above Montreal, and contains a church in which Mr. Bethune formerly preached. The congregation here have never been able to support a minister, but they are sometimes supplied with preachers from other places. 6. Cornwall is a neat well-built town, standing on the banks of the St. Lawrence, eighty-four miles above Montreal, and twenty miles above Lancaster. The Presbyterians have a church in which Mr. Bethune formerly preached. The Rev. Mr. Johnstone is their present pastor, and came to them from Ireland in 1817. He is active and indefatigable in the discharge of his duty, but a dispute with some neighbouring magistrates has involved him in considerable difficulties. The old church being small, and in a decayed state, he formed the design of erecting one more elegant and of larger dimensions. With this view he raised considerable subscriptions in Quebec and Montreal, as well as in his own congregation. The fabric was not only begun, but far advanced, when it was found that some of his opponents had taken out the deed from government in their own name, as trustees. The farther progress of the work was stopped, and there being no prospect of the dispute being settled, the church remains in an unfinished state. 7. Many of the congregation of Osnabruck are Dutch people, who were settled 2. The congregation of Williamstown lies here when discharged from the army at in the middle of Glengary, and is both the end of the American revolutionary numerous and respectable. As you may war. The church stands on the banks of expect, they are mostly Highlanders, and the St. Lawrence, thirteen miles above give a decided preference to the Gaelic Cornwall, and ninety-seven from Montreal. language. This probably is the oldest The edifice is not large, but is neatly fitted Presbyterian congregation in the province. up, though it has been a good many years For many years it enjoyed the services of built. I am not acquainted with the early Rev. Mr. Bertram, who died one year be-history of the congregation, nor do I fore I came to the country. Their present pastor, the Rev. Mr. M'Kenzie, is from Scotland, and was settled among them in 1819. 3. Connected with the above, there is another congregation on the River Raisin, know that they ever had a settled minister before the Rev. Mr. Taylor, who came among them in 1817, and engaged to preach to them and to the people in Williamsburgh alternately. There being few persons among them possessed of vital LETTER FROM MRS. MARSHMAN. religion, the connexion was attended with little comfort to either party. After labouring for two years with little success, Mr. Taylor crossed the St. Lawrence, and settled in a congregation of his own countrymen, in the State of New York. Mr. Johnstone of Cornwall is now their pastor, whose enterprizing disposition is better suited to the genius of the people. 125 You will be happy to hear, that after all these years labour in vain, we have at length succeeded in our Female Native Schools; we have now Ten, in and about Serampore. We have had Three on our own premises for a year past; one, a Portaguese. The Bengalee is taught by Golauck, Krishnoo's eldest daughter, and 8. Williamsburg is the next township the English, by some Orphans of deceased above Osnabruck. The congregation is Missionaries, and other children of the nearly of the same description with that family, taking their turn weekly. Hannah of the last-mentioned place. They had a Ward has superintended a Native female church built many years ago, but never School, for the whole of last year. My had a pastor, except for a short time. Mr. daughter Rachel has done the same to Taylor supplied them while he remained on this side of the river. Since he left another, and several of the children can them, Mr. Johnstone has been their minis-read the Testament, and are now beginning ter and preacher at Cornwall, Williamsburg, and Osnabruck, alternately. [To be continued.] Extract of a Letter from MRS. MARSHMAN, Serampore, to MRS. — Rochester, dated April 8th 1823. "OUR beloved Brother Ward received a Letter from you a short time ago, but I am not certain whether he answered it, or not. You will have heard, before this can reach you, that the dear man is gone to recieve his reward, and we are left to mourn his irreparable loss. He died on the 7th of last month, of the Cholera Morbus-he breakfasted with us, Thursday morning after our prayer meeting as usual, and appeared as cheerful as ever; he went afterwards to the Office, but was so ill by 12 o'Clock, that he was obliged to leave it; little did we think then what we had to wade through-he died the next day at 5 o'Clock in the afternoon. It is impossible for me to describe what our distress was at the time, and what it is now. The dear man may truly be said to have gone from his work, to receive his reward, for he preached the Lecture on Wednesday evening, to our young people, and went to glory on Friday. Our wounds are not yet healed for the loss of our beloved daughter,and now theyare bleeding afresh; but we will be dumb, because God hath done it. Our dear Brother Ward had done all the work his heavenly Father had intended him to do, when he took him home, but we all loved him too well, and know not what to do without him. His dear family are most deeply afflicted, particularly Hannah. We must now look to the Lord alone, who gave him to us, and who is able to raise up others in his place. He certainly will take care of his own cause, but we are poor blind creatures, and cannot at present see how this great work will be carried on; our eyes are however up unto him, and he hath said, "They that wait upon me shall never be ashamed." to sew, of which they appear very proud. What a different race of women this generation will be to the last. The expenses of our Portaguese School and my daughter Rachel's, have always been defrayed by the young ladies in our own School, which I am happy to say, they have given with the greatest cheerfulness. One of the new Schools is supported by the children of the Mission family, and called the "Juvenile Another is supported by my Union." little grand-daughter; but here is provision for only four, and what is to become of the other six? Besides we have applications for three more; now you know, my dear friend, that all this work cannot be carried on without considerable Funds, and you are the person to whom we now apply to assist us in this noble undertaking. We shall be extremely obliged by your aiding us in any way whatever, by letting your friends know, in different parts of the kingdom, our Objects and our Wants. My time is fully occupied in my own large School, and therefore I have not leisure to write to many friends upon the subject; but you can circulate the contents of this Letter, as far and wide as you think proper. We cannot support a school of eighteen children, under eight rupees per month, and the erecting of a small School Room will cost at least fifty rupees, and ten rupees a year to keep it in repair. Miss Cook allows one hundred rupees for each of her School Rooms. I have said enough upon the subject, and confide in your generosity for all the help in your power, which I am certain you will grant. Miss Cook has succeeded most wonderfully in her plans. She has now fifteen We must Schools under her direction. give all the glory to the Lord, for to him it belongs, and it is He who has removed the prejudices of the people, and has given the poor degraded females here, this uncommon thirst after knowledge, &c. &c." I remain, my dear MRS. Your sincere and affectionate To the Editor of the New Evan. Magazine. THE CASE OF WIDOW COOK, WELLS, SOMERSET. SIR, I beg leave to thank you, on the part of Mrs. Cook, for the notice which you have taken of the distressed circumstances of herself and family, and for the mauner in which you have introduced it to the attention of the Christian public. There are, however, two things which I could have wished you to have added, viz. the assistance received from the Bishops of Gloucester, and Rochester, as well as the Bishop of Bath and Wells, both of whom reside, either wholly or in part, in that city. The Bp. of Gloucester especially, with that benevolence and condescension which real religion inspires, overlooking the distinctions of party, had the goodness to write me two letters on the subject, in the last of which, at my special request, he gave a sort of recommendation of the case, and has thereby been the means of introducing it to the notice of several pious clergymen in this neighbourhood, who have handsomely contributed towards the accomplishment of the object which we have in view. The other circumstance is, the appointment of persons to receive subscriptions; as there may be many benevolent individuals, who would willingly lend it their assistance, upon whom it may be inconvenient, and even impossible for our brother Woodhill to call. I therefore take the liberty of stating, that Dr. Ryland, of Bristol, myself, and Mr. Woodhill, having hitherto acted in that capacity, shall thankfully receive, and faithfully apply any subscriptions, which the benevolence of pious persons may induce them to send, directed as marked in the inclosed circular. And if not inconsistent with the plan of your work, you will confer an additional obligation on Mrs. Cook, by inserting these particulars. I am, Sir, your obliged fellow servant, Chelwood House, near Bristol, Subscriptions will be thankfully received and faithfully applied, by Dr. Ryland, Stokes Croft, Bristol; Rev. Joseph Dear, Chelwood House, near Bristol; or by Mr. John Woodhill, Little Hampton-street, Snow-hill, Birmingham; to either of whom any communications may be addressed. Rev. Rann Kennedy, St. Paul's Chapel....... 1 00 100 ... 1 1 0 110 220 Rev. J. M. Ray, Sudbury, per J. G. C. W.. 1 0 0 John Berry and Rice Harris...... Joseph Rock, Great Charles-street Mrs. Glover and Miss Mansfield. 1 0 0 200 500 200 2.00 200 100 1 1 0 110 100 1 00 100 1 0 0 100 200 100 100 100 100 100 Remitted to the Editor of this Magazine. 1 1 0 6 The Right Rev. the Lord Bishop of Rochester 0 10 Rev. Samuel Serrell, Vicar of St. Cuthbert's, Wells |