In concluding their report, these Missionaries state as follows: "With respect to vital godliness, we cannot say that we have met with many who gave satisfactory evidence of their possessing it. On the contrary, there is ground to fear, that the number of those who have experienced the power of religion, is small indeed; some such, however, we trust we have found: and it gives us great satisfaction to be able to declare, that in almost all the places we have visited, the inhabitants treated us with the utmost civility and kindness. There is ground, therefore, to hope that the efforts of the Dutch Church, to dis

ty, as Providence directed, at Boons- Lord's Supper was several times adville and Leyden, two small settle-ministered, and thirty persons admitments in the Black River Country, ted to full communion, upon satisfacabout 150 miles from Albany; and tory examination. Thirty children continued thence to the river St. were baptized, and eighty-one serLawrence, crossed at Ogdensburgh, mons preached, during this mission, whence we travelled and laboured, in which continued three months. Upper Canada, from the town of Aussenburgh, on the St. Lawrence about 70 miles from Montreal, to the Falls of Niagara. In this route we passed through a great number of towns and settlements; the principal of which are Aussenburgh, Williamsburgh, Matilda, Johnstown, Elizabethtown, Kingston-along the bay of Quinte, through the city of York, the adjacent towns and villages, northward, towards Lake Synco, to the the town of Ancaster, at the head of Lake Ontario; thence to Queenstown, and the Falls of Niagara. Whence returning we passed through the Holland Purchase, many towns and settlements in the Genesse seminate the pure light of the gospel, Country, to Utica; and thence along the Mohawk River, to our respective families, and the people of our charge, after an absence of eleven weeks." In this space of time, besides travelling between thirteen and fourteen hundred miles, the Missionaries preached seventy-two sermons, organized five Churches in Canada, and re-established one at Elizabethtown. The Churches organized were at Aussenburgh, Williamsburgh, Matilda, one twenty-five miles north from the city of York, and one in the town of Markham, lying northeast from the same city. They baptized seventeen children, and one adult; administered the Lord's Supper twice, conversed with the people both in public and private, when, and wherever an opportunity presented. The people in general, heard the gospel with eager attention, and warm expressions of gratitude.

Thus encouraged, the committee afterwards employed the Rev. Messrs. Jacob Sickles, and Henry Ostrander, to traverse the same ground, in June, 1809; by whom the

in that country, will not be in vain. It is our decided opinion however, that this can only be effected by Ministers who are willing to settle in the Province, and that soon. In two or three places the people think themselves able to afford a preacher a competent support, and they are anxiously looking for an opportunity to make the trial. It is probable that they would find themselves mistaken; but with some assistance they would be able to raise a sufficient support."

Application was afterwards made by these congregations, to have a Minister sent, who would settle among them; whereupon, a committee was appointed to procure such a one, if possible; and also to select two other Missionaries. This committee could not prevail on any Minister to settle there; but obtained two Missionaries, one of these afterwards declined. The other, the Rev. John Beattie, entered upon his duty, in May, 1810. He was absent from his congregation eighteen weeks; he visited the whole country before mentioned, preached fifty-three sermons, and organized

an additional church, to the number | gregation at Elizabethtown, had ob

already formed. This was in the
city of York, where Elders and Dea-
cons were ordained, making the sixth
church in Upper Canada. The Sa-
crament was administered several
times, in the course of his Missiona-
ry tour.
Sixteen members were re-
ceived into the different churches, on
confession; and two on certificate.
Baptism was also administered to
nineteen. They were furnished with
the constitution of our church, and
with tracts. The honest account
which this Missionary gives of him-
self, we subjoin, in his own words, as
furnishing worthy instruction to

others.

tained a stated supply; and that another Missionary had been procured, who was labouring profitably, in three other adjacent societies; and that he himself visited various settlements, once or twice, in each year, to administer baptism. It was farther represented by him, that a number of respectable inhabitants of Prince Edward county, were soliciting subscriptions to support a minister; and looked to the committee to provide one for them. Measures were accordingly taken without delay: but in their next report to the Synod, they state, that all their efforts had been unavailing; that Missionaries were so few, and their funds so low, that they could present no pleasing prospect whate

"Thus have I travelled, and laboured, in public: my labours, however, have not been confined to pub-ver for the Missionary cause. lic service, but in every place, and almost in every family, where I have come, in the mansions of the rich, and in the cottage of the poor, in the house of the Peasant, and of the Innkeeper, I have vindicated, and enforced, the doctrines of free grace; and called upon sinners in the name of my Saviour, and Master, to lay aside the weapons of their rebellion, and return in penitence, and submission, through a crucified Saviour, to that God who will have mercy upon them, and who will abundantly pardon. In a word, on all occasions, and in every place, I have had a sincere regard to the great object, on which I was sent, viz: the salvation of souls. And I trust, in some degree, God has made me, though a feeble instrument, the means of spreading abroad the savour of the Redeemer's name."

Calls also, from destitute congregations, in our own immediate vicinity were now multiplying upon them. Such was the state of things in 1816. They had only one Missionary employed, the Rev. Mr. Elting, whose labours were confined to the northern parts of the state of New-Jersey, along the banks of the Delaware.

From this time till July, 1815, the

In 1817 the Committee engaged the Rev. Messrs. Jacob Van Vechten, and John F. Schermerhorn, to visit the congregations in Upper Canada. In 1818 and 1819, the only Missionaries employed by them, were the Rev. Messrs. Cornelius Bogardus, and

Allen. The location of the committee, was now transferred, by order of the General Synod, from Albany to New-York.

[To be continued.]

ARTICLES

committee had but one Missionary in IN THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNI

their employ, the Rev. John Duryea: when a letter was received from the Rev. Mr. McDowall, residing in Frederickburgh, Upper Canada, stating, that "during the war, the Redeemer's kingdom appeared to decline; but at present, fairer prospects rose to their view." Also, stating, that during the above interval, the con

TED FOREIGN MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

We earnestly solicit the attention of our readers to the following communication.

"This Society shall be composed of the Presbyterian, Reformed Dutch, and Associate Reformed Churches;

and all others who may choose to join them; and shall be known by the name of "THE UNITED FOREIGN MISSIONARY SOCIETY."

"The Board shall present their annual report to the highest judicatories of the three denominations for their information.

"This Constitution may be altered by a vote of two-thirds of the members present at an annual meeting, with the consent of the highest judicatories of the three denominations."

ject, how much more frequently and fervently, would they pray for the coming of the kingdom of God! How freely and liberally would they contribute for the support of the means of grace at home! while their pious liberality, attended and followed by their prayers, would animate our hearts, give efficiency to our operations, and return a hundred fold into their own bosoms.

Permit the Board again to observe, that in this work they are merely the representatives of the churches, and

To each Minister connected with this that from all contributions are expect

Society.

ed. They now affectionately urge DEAR BROTHER,-In view of the that the congregations be reminded of considerations abovementioned, the the relation they sustain to the Board, Board respectfully suggest the im- that an early opportunity be embraportance of employing your influence ced for taking, either publicly or prito lead individuals and congregations vately, collections for the United Foto intelligent, systematic, and conscien- reign Missionary Society, and that tious exertions in the cause, which the measures be adopted for providing highest judicatories have unanimous-permanent and increasing resources, ly and repeatedly resolved to support. to support and extend the blessings When the love of Christ prevails, a of the gospel of peace to the heathen, knowledge of his will must result in in whose behalf the Board are emobedience. When the obligations, barked. under which he has brought his people, are understood, much may be derived from a systematic disposal of means, and from a conscientious deposite into the treasury of the Lord.

The Board believe, that your heart (and they know that theirs) would be much relieved and enlarged by such a state in the churches. Could Christians know and feel, all that should be known and felt by them on this sub

You will please to read this circular to your people; accompanied with such remarks as shall, in your judgment appear suitable.

The Board wait with solicitude to see how the Lord of Missions will incline the hearts of his people to their appeal.

By order of the executive commitee.
EBEN. MASON, Sec. pro tem.

Literary and Philosophical Notices.

RUTGERS' COLLEGE. New-Jersey. It is modelled on a This institution, named Queen's plan different from that of the most College before the war of the Revo- of colleges of the United States. Its lution, in honour of Queen Charlotte founders disapproved of the plan, -and recently called Rutgers' Col-which-whether good or bad, every lege, in honour of our munificent pa- one may judge for himself-seems to tron, Colonel Henry Rutgers, of have been derived from the long pracNew-York; is located at New-Bruns- tised system of Catholic countries. wick, one of the healthiest spots in We mean that of excluding youth

from the domestic and social circle, | sion of the faculty, in genteel, sober, and shutting them up in cells or and christian families: that the heads chambers per se. The founders of of these families should exercise a

this institution judged that this system is altogether incorrect: that youth, when thus seperated from society, and placed beyond the reach of the moral influence of genteel and christian families; when thus separated from the potent influence of female presence and discipline; when associated only with those who are as young and thoughtless as themselves; We have the pleasure of announwill yield themselves up to a dissipa-cing that Colonel Henry Rutgers has, ted turn of mind; will enact scenes in addition to his former munificent of folly and madness; will be plotting donations, bestowed five thousand or executing mischief on those-they may be the best of men-who yet seem to them to hold them in a kind of prison and durance vile.

parental care over them; that the officers of College should, not at any stated hour, but at any time they choose, visit their pupils, to see that they are at their studies; that they are in at the regular hours; and that they submit honourably and steadily to the regulations of their respective, well governed boarding houses.

dollars on Rutgers' College-on con-
dition, that it be preserved as a fund
duly invested. And the annual in-
terest at six per cent. is to be ap-
plied to the wants of the College, at
the discretion of the Trustees.
shall be prepared to give some more

We

Hence they judged it proper that the students should not lodge within the College: that they should be distributed, under the special supervi-particulars of this in our next Number.

Sketch of Public Affairs.

GREAT BRITAIN. The Parliament was to sit down on February 2.-The numerous failures, both of mercantile houses and banks, had created the greatest alarm and distress in the commercial world. By our last accounts the public distress has been somewhat relieved. Credit and confidence have been gradually restored. This seems to have been effected by the measures adopted by a meeting of the most respectable commercial characters of London. And especially by the prompt interposition of government-who caused specie to be issued from the national mint sufficient to enable the banks to meet the run made on them. The number of sovereigns [value $4 44 each ] issued by the mint was unprecedented. It has been stated that the number issued was, on an average, one million per week. Another report says that the Bank of England will advance to the extent of four millions sterling to the mercantile classes on the security of adequate deposits of property. This would produce the happiest results.--Britain is still exerting her influence in putting down the execrable slave trade. She has lately entered into a treaty with the King of Norway and Sweden for its suppression. And the London Missionary Register for December, states a circumstance which

in the result may put a complete stop to this inhuman traffic in that part of Africa, where the greatest number of slaves was derived. The nation of the Bullams, from which the slave traders plundered from fifteen to twenty thousand slaves annually, has given up the possession, title, and entire sovereignty of the dominions belonging to them. This includes a sea coast of 120 miles, and territory of 5,000 square miles.

SPAIN.

We have received nothing new, nor interesting from this country for two months. It continues to exhibit all the misery and degradation to which a nation is subjected, where impotence and folly are on its throne: and an ignorant and unprincipled priesthood trample the rights of the people under feet. The regular resources of the government seem to have been cut off; and enormous sums are raised by force and imposition on their subjects, who are treated as a conquered people, placed at the feet of a tyrant-instead of being fostered by a paternal sovereign. And yet, the government refuses to listen to any thing but the unconditional submission of their ancient provinces in South America: and it continues to talk with confidence of subduing them: and it affects to pity the anarchy, and impiety, and miserable con

dition of the southern republics-aye! and of our own happy and flourishing country. So great is the ignorance and hypocrisy of that self destroying government!

FRANCE,

The prospects of this great nation continue to be as flattering as in months past. The arts and sciences, commerce and agriculture, appear to be in a prosperous state, under a government which has received and profited under most impressive lessons, and whose monarch seems to feel that princes must, in these enlightened days, rule according to the constitution and laws; if he have a disposition to rule or live long on the earth.

RUSSIA.

"it has pleased Him who sits as governor among the nations to pour out upon almost every part of our beloved country a spirit of internal improvement, as extensive and powerful, as it is gratifying to every patriotic mind."

The

In Congress much time has been spent on the numerous motions got up from time to time to amend the Constitution of the United States. There has indeed been a kind of rage, a kind of mania after innovations, of late, on this precious national instrument. But after all, as usual, 'the good sense and sound politics of Congress will put this evil spirit to rest. There never was, perhaps, such another assembly of sound heads and good hearts, as that which formed the Constitution of the United States. These items lately proposed to be altered and amended, were, after long and mature examination, adopted by that assembly as the wisest and best. And surely, our times have not yet exhibited wiser heads than they of that assembly were: nor has a more proper season yet arrived, we think, for effecting any real improvements on that document. other subject which has occupied much of the time and attention of Congress is the Panama question—whether or not the Executive should send ministers to the Congress to meet in Panama, to discuss matters most weighty, and such as affect the best interests of the republics in the south, and also our own nation. The people, in general, it is believed, had supposed that there would have been only one opinion in Congress on this matter. For we supposed that our ministers who should be sent, would, by the richness of their experience and knowledge, be of essential use to these young republics: and that they would be instrumental in aiding in the fixing of principles of vital importance to our and their future existence, peace, and prosperity. The President's Message to the House on this matter is a truly able state paper; it does credit to him in the opinion of every good citizen. The speech of Mr. Randolph was meant to be aimed at something like an expression of his fears touch

The Emperor Alexander died on the first of December, 1825, at Taganrok, a city on the margin of the sea of Azoph, 1500 miles south east of St. Petersburgh. It is now certain that Constantine the elder surviving brother has refused, with decision, to take up the crown and sceptre. Nicholas I. now reigns as emperor and autocrat of all the Russians. Some regiments stood out for Constantine and refused to submit to Nicholas I. They were fired on, and some blood was shed before they were subdued. Nicholas I. declares that he will follow in his brother's steps. That country is in a very alarining condition. The nobles, now that they are allowed to travel, are becoming civilized and enlightened. They begin to see the state of other countries who enjoy liberty. They will not long submit to absolute power in one man. Alexander evidently saw and felt alarmed at the growth of this spirit of inquiry and love of liberty. And he judged correctly, as a tyrant judges, that Missionary Societies and Bible Societies, by spreading the Christian Religion in its pure and holy influence, breathe death to despotism. Hence, to secure his despotism he had begun to throw down what he once built up. The once flourishing Bible Societies in his empire are languishing and dying under imperial hostility. And the Scottish Missionaries, once nourished by him, haveing the emancipation of slaves in the South been obliged to disperse. That government, therefore, sets itself in opposition to civil liberty, to the rights of mankind, and to the progress of christianity. And that government which does so, is on the edge of a volcano that is about to produce a terrible eruption!

American Republics, and the probable consequence on our Southern states. And it exhibited a desperately feeble attempt to throw the President from the fast hold which he has of the hearts of the people. Take it all in all, it has no match in ancient or in modern times. It comes nearest of any thing under the sun to the contents of that book published a few years ago by a German philosopher, and entitled, "Observations on all things, and some things besides. It is now determined that ministers shall be sent to the Congress of Panama, if that Congress should meet.-In the late discussions on the proposed amendments of the Constitution excessive warmth has been displayed on both sides.

In more than one instance there