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pily constructed-"If you should be chosen Moderator of the General Assembly, or of any of the higher judicatories of the church," &c. Would not a reader, unacquainted with the Presbyterian form of church government, suppose, on reading this sentence, that there were judicatories of the church higher than the General Assembly? We think it should have been said -"If you should be chosen Moderator of any of the higher judicatories of the church, especially of the General Assembly," &c. We have now done with errors of language, and if they had been much more numerous than they are, we would not have thought it worth while to attempt to specify them. It is only when a writer commits but a few errors of this sort, that any reasonable critick takes the trouble to point them out. In some criticism on this volume which we have heard or read, Dr. M. was charged with being too minute or particular in his specifications, especially in his third letter, where he treats of "offensive personal habits." We confess that for a while we thought this a just charge; and we still think that a considerable part of page 81 is scarcely compatible with that dignity, which the professor so frequently and justly recommends, as an attribute of character that a clerman should at all times be careful to sustain. Minute specification, moreover, in relation to any class of actions, has this inconvenience, that it is scarcely possible to render it complete; and if left incomplete, what is omitted is apt to be regarded as unimportant, if not innocent. We do not find in the chapter to which we have referred, or any where else, a word said

against the practice, too frequent, both among theological students and ministers of the gospel, of wearing too long a beard. Now, we do think that too great a visibility of beard, is quite as indecorous as a number of the practices which are severely and justly censured, in the chapter to which we have adverted. But after all, we cannot on mature consideration, think that Dr. M. has been too minute in his details; or that he is justly chargeable, as some have thought, with being too repetitious. General statements usually make but a slight and evanescent impression on any, and they make the least of all on the young. Young persons must be told of individual things, and have line upon line and precept upon precept, if we would hope to do them good. We do not say that these letters might not be improved by a little pruning, here and there, and by the supply of some omissions-Where is the composition of which this might not be said with truth? But a prime part of these letters consists in their adaptedness to make every transgressor feel the share of reproof which belongs to himself; and we would protest against any diminution of this effect. We have ourselves felt deeply the conviction, as we were reading this volume, that the author while writing it was swallowed up, if we may so express it, by a desire to do good--Aiming at this, he disregarded every consideration that seemed to interfere with his main object. At a book thus written, and ably written, the critick may carp and the witling may sneer, but the wise and the good will commend, and many who receive benefit will bless the writer. (To be continued.) ·

SHORT NOTICES OF RECENT PUBLICATIONS.

A REVIEW OF A DEBATE ON CHRISTIAN BAPTISM, between Mr. John Walker, a Minister of the Secession, and Mr. Alexander Campbell, a Baptist Minister, published by Mr. Campbell; in a Series of Letters, addressed and dedicated to the United Presbyterian Congrega tions of Mingo Creek and Williamsport, by their affectionate pastor, Samuel RalsSecond edition, corrected and amended. To which is now added, a Reply to Objections made by both Mr. Campbell and Mr. Walker. "He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him." -Solomon. "Search the Scriptures."Christ. Washington, Pa. Printed by John Grayson. 1825.

ton.

SEVERAL of these letters made their first

appearance in the Presbyterian Magazine, about seven years since. They are however considerably altered and enlarged, as they are here republished; and the latter part of the volume is entirely new. We suspect that the controversy about the subjects and the mode of Christian baptism, is likely to continue, if not to the end of the world, at least till the commencement of the Millennial age. The subject of the controversy, however, is one on which the mind of every Christian, and especially of every minister of the gospel, ought to be made up and settled: And to aid both laity and clergy in forming a correct opinion on this subject, the little volume before us may, in our judg ment, be read with considerable advantage. The letters are written without acrimony, and with no inconsiderable share of learning and talent-They are perspicuous, full of scriptural argument, and close reasoning. We do not mean to say, that our views of baptism are in all respects exactly those of this writer; but we do not differ from him in any thing so material as to require a specification. Those who hold that other infants than those of parents one or both of whom receive the sacrament of the Lord's Supper, may be admitted to baptism, will find, in Dr. Ralston's third letter, the best defence of their system that we have ever read: And those who oppose that system may here find the strength of the argument which they are called to answer. We cheerfully recommend this small and cheap volume (the price is 75 cents) to the readers of our work, as one from which they may receive instruction and

edification.

PRIVATE JOURNAL OF A VOYAGE TO THE PACIFIC OCEAN, AND BESIDENCE AT THE

SANDWICH ISLANDS IN THE YEARS 1822,
1823, 1824, AND 1825. Br C. S. STEW-
ART, LATE MISSIONARY AT THE SAND-
WICH ISLANDS, New York, John P.
Haven, 142 Nassau St. 1828. pp. 406.

THE greater part of this Journal has already appeared in our Miscellany. Before the author left his country, he engaged with the editor, to furnish him with such information relative to the Sandwich Islands, and the missionary operations there, as might appear to be useful or interesting. He did so-in letters addressed to one of his nearest relatives, Mrs. John M. Bowers, but of which it was understood that the editor should have the perusal. The readers of the first four volumes of our work, will probably recollect Stewart's Journal, and some extracts from that of his humble friend Betsy Stockton, as among the most interesting articles of

those volumes. Since his return to this country, occasioned by the dangerous illness of Mrs. Stewart, he has at the instance of his friends, reviewed and corrected, and made some additions to his journal, and published the whole in the volume before us: And a most entertaining and instructive volume it is. We can truly say, that although we have become familiar with its contents, we cannot yet begin to read it, without finding it difficult to stop. We know that it contains verities; and Mr. Stewart, while we are sure that his high sense of duty would not permit him to mix any fiction, or connect any disguise or exaggeration with these verities, has possessed the talent of exhibiting them in such a vivid and interesting manner, as to produce in many instances almost an ideal presence of them.

We can assure our readers, that although they may have seen in the Christian Advocate the substance of Mr. Stewart's narrative, they will not regret a purchase of this volume. The narrative is here not only given in an unbroken form, but as already intimated, some additions are made to what was before published; and a chart is given of the Sandwich Islands, and engraved views of some of the most interesting objects which fell under the writer's observation-among the rest, of the tremendous Volcano in the island of Hawaii. The volume is dedicated to the

Honourable Mr. Southard, the present Secretary of the Navy of the United States.

Literary and Philosophical Intelligence, etc.

Ti Plant of the Sandwich Islands.—At the close of Mr. Stewart's volume, there is an account of two beautiful species of Achatina, brought from Oahu by the missionaries on their return to this country, and presented by them to Prof. Green. The following account of the plant which these little animals inhabit, and which is not published by Mr. S., will perhaps be interesting to some of our readers.

"This shrub, called by the natives Ti, (often improperly spelled Tee) is no doubt the DRACENA terminalis, (Jaquin) and seems to have been first noticed by Captain Cook. Sir. J. E. Smith, in the New Encyclopedia, remarks that the Islanders consider this a sort of sacred shrub, planting it about places of worship and burial. I am informed, however, by Mr. Stewart, who has resided for some years at the Sandwich Islands, that it is held in no superstitious reverence whatever. The shrub, from its peculiar growth, is pretty well adapted for hedges, and is thus used not only as a kind of fence about their sacred places, but for every kind of enclosure. Like our olive branch, it is, as has been stated, their emblem of peace. The root of the Ti may be considered as one of the luxuries of Oahu and most of the South Sea Islands; besides being useful in making a kind of beer, when baked it is exceedingly sweet and luscious-much more so even than the sugar cane, so that very small quantities only can be eaten at once. When taken in this way, its effects on the system have been said to be narcotic; this, however, is probably incorrect. As before hinted, an intoxicating liquor was formerly made from the juice of this root by distillation; but at present, by the influence of the missionaries and the good sense of the chiefs, this process has been tabooed, or prohibited."

Beet-root.-At a dinner recently given by the town of Amiens to the King of France, was placed on the table, opposite to his majesty, an immense column composed of sugar manufactured from beetroot, at Franvillers, near Amiens. The column consisted of four different qualities of refined sugar, and crystals of raw sugar formed the pedestal. The manu facture of sugar from beet-root seems to be making great advances in France.

Mr. Champollion, jun. is at present employed in having the Roman obelisks accurately drawn and engraved on copper. In this, he is supported by the Papal government. The hieroglyphics he purposes to explain in the text of the

work.

VOL. VI. Ch. Ad.

Steel.-A Mr. Mackintosh, in Scotland, has lately taken out a patent for a new process of making steel, by impregnating the iron, at a higher temperature than heretofore, with carbon in a gaseous form.

Macao. The island of Macao is about 6 miles in circumference. The appearance of it is naked and sterile. It is inhabited

by 45,000 individuals; of whom 40,000 are Chinese, and live chiefly in the town of Macao; the remaining 5000 are Portuguese and English. The climate is very healthy, and the heat very endurable. It contains a great number of Chinese temples; fourteen Catholic churches, to which nearly a hundred priests are attached; and one Protestant chapel, belonging to the East India Company.

A twenty-fourth share in the London Courier was lately sold for five thousand guineas-an instance of prosperity in a public journal without any parallel. The whole of the Morning Chronicle was sold for forty thousand pounds, about one-third of the value of the Courier. The purchaser of the share alluded to has upwards of ten per cent. for his money.Dublin Correspondent.

Antiquities.-There is a fine collection of Egyptian antiquities at Leghorn, sent thither by M. D'Anastasy, the Swedish and Norwegian consul at Alexandria. The manuscripts on papyrus are a hundred and twenty-six in number. One of them, in particular, is exceedingly interesting. It is in Greek, and is a treatise on metallic chemistry; containing nearly a hundred recipes for purifying or combining various metals. This collection also comprises about three hundred articles in gold and silver: comprehending necklaces, bracelets, ear-rings, rings, small figures, amulets, and other ornaments. Among them are three large and beautiful bracelets; one of which, in perfect preservation, belonged to King Touthmosis the Third, the fifth sovereign of the eighteenth dynasty, called by the Greeks Maris. Among the scarabæi, which are about a thousand in number, is one of a large size, rendered very remarkable by the inscription upon it, which refers to the marriage of Amenophis the Third, the eighth of the eighteenth dynasty, with Queen Taïa. There are also some bas-relievos in stone, admirably finished.

Canton. This city contains about 800,000 inhabitants, including those who live in boats. It occupies about five miles on one side of the river, and three miles on the other. The business carried on in

R

it is prodigious. Every thing is in perpetual motion; and yet perfect order reigns throughout. The factories belonging to the East India Company are very extensive; although they are comprehended in the space of about a quarter of a square mile. In the island of Hainan is one of the most ancient of the Chinese

temples. It occupies a large plot of ground; and the duties of it are discharged by a hundred priests. In one part of it are kept twelve hogs, of extraordinary size, which are fed and attended to with the greatest care. Some of these animals are, they say, sixty years old.

Heligious Intelligence.

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

(Continued from p. 86.)

May 28. A letter was received from the Secretary of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, presenting 150 copies of their last report, and several previous reports and Missionary papers. These reports, &c. were ordered to be distributed among the members.

The consideration of the complaint of Mr. M'Clure was resumed. The Presbytery of Philadelphia were heard in support of their decision, complained of. The parties then withdrew, after which the roll was called, to give each member an opportunity to express his opinion. The Assembly having made some progress in this business, resolved to suspend it for the present, to take up the order of the day, viz. the election of Directors for the Western Theological Seminary.

The ballots were received, and committed to Mr. Harned, Mr. Steel, and Mr. Morrow, to count them, and report the result.

The subject of the complaint of Mr. McClure was resumed. The further call ing of the roll for an expression of opinion was arrested, and a resolution was introduced, which, after some discussion, was committed to Dr. Fisk, Mr. Armstrong, Mr. Weed, Mr. Speer, Mr. Wilbur, Mr. Kelly, and Mr. Bayard.

Resolved, That the Assembly will proceed to-morrow afternoon to elect a professor of Theology for the Western Theological Seminary. The Assembly then had a season of special prayer for divine direction in this important choice.

The committee on Overture No. 9, viz.

A communication from the American Society for the promotion of temperance, made a report, which was accepted, and laid on the table.

Resolved, That agreeably to a recommendation of the committee in their re

port, the agent of that Society be heard before the Assembly this afternoon at 5 o'clock.

Mr. Hay had leave of absence from the remaining Sessions of the Assembly; and the Rev. Alan D. Campbell was appointed temporary clerk in his room.

Reports were called for from the agents, appointed by the last Assembly, to solicit donations for the Theological Seminary at Princeton, when the following report was received from the Rev. Joshua T. Russell, viz.

That he had attended to his agency in the city of New York, and had collected for the Synodical Professorship, something on subscriptions of the preceding year, and that he had recently obtained, besides some smaller donations, twenty subscriptions of $200 each, payable in one and two years. These twenty subscribers the agent reported as belonging to the following congregations, viz.

Cedar Street, 11; Wall Street, 3; Bleeker Street, 2; Rutger's Street, 1; Murray Street, 1; Pearl Street, 1; Brooklyn, 1;— Total 20.

The committee to which was referred the report of the Directors of the Theological Seminary at Princeton, and the report of the Trustees of said Seminary, reported the following resolutions, which were adopted, viz.

1. That the sum of $5050 be placed at the disposal of the Board of Trustees of said Seminary, for the payment of Professors' salaries.

2. That the Rev, John M'Dowell, D. D., the Rev. Henry R. Weed, the Rev. Samuel S. Davies, and the Rev. Joshua T. Russell, be, and they hereby are appointed general agents to solicit funds for said Semi

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rangements proposed by the General Assembly of the last year, respecting the Theological Seminary under the care of said Presbytery, have been ratified on their part.

It likewise appears, that for the purpose of enlarging the foundation, and extending the usefulness of the Seminary, the Presbytery of Hanover have made proposals to the Synods of Virginia and North Carolina to take the institution under their immediate care and joint direction; which proposals have been adopted by the said Synods respectively; and a plan of government for the Seminary arranged on principles agreed on by the contracting parties.

In view of the whole subject, your committee would respectfully recommend to the Assembly the adoption of the following resolutions, viz. Resolved,

1. That the General Assembly approve and ratify the arrangements which have been made for placing the Theological Seminary heretofore confided to the care of the Presbytery of Hanover, under the immediate care and joint direction of the Synods of Virginia and North Carolina.

2. That the Assembly will sustain the same relation to the Seminary, and exercise the same species of control over it, under the recent arrangements, as they proposed to do by their act of the last year, in its state as then existing.

3. That, hereafter, the Seminary shall be denominated, The Union Seminary of the General Assembly, under the care of the Synods of Virginia and North Carolina.

4. That the General Assembly cordially recommend the high interests of this rising Seminary to the active patronage and support of the churches at large, and especially of the churches within the bounds of the Synods which have it under their management and care.

5. That the General Assembly request their Board of Trustees to consider and determine on the expediency, under existing circumstances, of continuing the permanent funds of the Seminary, either in whole or in part, within the state in which they have been raised, in such manner as may be deemed safe and proper.

The committee appointed to draught a memorial to the General Associations of Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, and the General Convention of Vermont, in regard to some changes which the Assembly have deemed necessary to be made in the plan of correspondence and intercourse between the said ecclesiastical bodies and the Assembly, reported the following memorial in the form of an address to the aforesaid ecclesiastical bodies, which was adopted and ordered to be signed by the moderator: viz.

The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, to the General Associations of Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, and the General Convention of Vermont. Christian Brethren, beloved in the Lord,

It appears that in the plan of intercourse between the Congregational Churches of New England, and the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, an article was adopted, which is now believed to be inconsistent with a sound construction of the Constitution of the latter church. This article, it is due to truth and candour to remark, was proposed by the Presbyterian Church, without any overture from the Congregational Churches, and in regard to which, they did nothing more than accede to the proposition submitted to them. The article to which we allude, relates to the powers granted to the delegates of the Corresponding Churches, to vote as well as to deliberate on the various subjects that may come before the representatives of these churches respectively. The right of voting in the General Assembly, cannot, it is believed, be constitutionally granted to any, but to the Commissioners appointed by the Presbyteries, whose representatives compose that Assembly.

We have therefore respectfully to request, that the plan of intercourse between you and us may be so modified, as that the delegates to each body may hereafter be empowered to sit and deliberate only, but not to vote. It is believed, that the modification here contemplated, if it shall be consented to on your part, will not only place the Assembly on constitutional ground; but by placing your Association on the same footing with other religious communities, with which we hold a friendly correspondence, will destroy the appearance of an invidious distinction which now exists; and thus be calculated to promote extensively that mutual friendship and harmony, which it is desirable to maintain and perpetuate, among all who love the truth as it is in Jesus.

With christian salutations, Signed in behalf of the General Assembly,

FRANCIS HERRON, Moderator. Resolved, That the Stated Clerk furnish the delegates to the several bodies addressed in the preceding memorial, with a copy of the same, signed by the Moderator.

The committee appointed to examine the Records of the Synod of New York, reported, and the Records were approved.

The committee to whom was referred the Synodical and Presbyterial reports,

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