JAN. his late predecessor. To those measures he manifested no hostility before he ascended the throne; hence, it was concluded he would not change them. He probably will not make material changes, but he is a man of more activity than his brother, and we think, of more mental energy, and more disposed to trust his own judgment, without a paramount influence from his ministers. We suppose that he would willingly make some changes, were it only to show that he has the power to make them, and that he possesses a judgment and a will of his own. Whether it be from such motives, or from those of a better character, he in fact, seems to be less absolute or despotick in his notions of government, than Louis XVIII. It is said that the following are the conditions required by France for the continuance of her army of occupation in Spain. "1st. The Cabinet of Madrid will recognise the capitulations made by Generals Morillo, Ballasteros, and others, with the Generals of the French army:-2. A complete and full act of amnesty to be issued, which shall except only a very small number of persons, to be therein specified by name :-3. A government upon representative forms to be established. Upon these terms his most Christian Majesty offers to his Catholic Majesty all the aid he may require.

"In case that these propositions be rejected, the French army will retire, leaving in Spain only garrisons of 10,000 men at Cadiz, 1500 at St. Sebastians, 2000 at Pampeluna, 2000 at Figueras, and 2000 at Seo d'Urfiel: which garrisons will occupy the aforesaid places until Spain has reimbursed France the sum she is indebted to her for the maintenance of these troops, and the 34 millions of francs which she previously advanced for the anterior expenses of the occupation of Spain."

The subject of withdrawing the French armies from Spain is earnestly discussed in the French papers; and so far as we have observed, it is the only article of much interest that they contain. It seems, on the whole, to be very uncertain, whether any part of the army will be withdrawn, at the time proposed. Negotiations are affirmed to be going on, at the request of Spain, relative to this subject. The French legislature was convoked for December 22d.

SPAIN. We are tired of adverting to the unutterably wretched state of Spain. It is no better, but, if possible, is growing worse and worse. The government has no money, not even for its own support. Every species of the most abominable tyranny and cruelty is practised toward the late Constitutionalists, and toward all who are even suspected of favouring them. It is stated that 30,000 of them have entered Barcelona, from Catalonia alone; but they will find only a temporary refuge there. Assassinations awfully prevail, in every part of the kingdom. Commerce is at a stand. The king is said to be as much in the power of the Serviles, as he ever was in that of the Liberals. He is dreadfully frightened, as well he may be, at the prospect that the French armies are about to leave his kingdom. Things cannot long remain in this state; but what is to come next we pretend not to conjecture. Wo to the nation! with which the God of nations is carrying on a controversy, and making “inquisition for blood."

PORTUGAL. It was confidently stated, a short time since, that a great alarm had been excited at Lisbon, by a new attempt of a part of the army to produce an insurrection-Not in favour of liberty, but of more rigorous dealings with the late revolutionists, than the present government has chosen to adopt. This, however, is rendered questionable by the most recent accounts.

In GERMANY, measures are still taking to suppress all discussions on the subject of politicks and the rights of men-Many parts of Germany, as well as some parts of Switzerland, have suffered greatly by heavy rains, producing extensive and destruc

tive inundations.

THE GREEKS. The most cheering accounts to all the friends of the Greek cause, have been brought by the last arrivals from Europe. No doubt remains of the most brilliant and wonderful achievements of these noble minded people, in their conflicts with their oppressors, both by land and sea. Their successes and victories indeed, are so astonishing, that we can account for them fully, only by believing that the God of armies is on their side. We are very far from thinking that military success is always an indication of the Divine favour. But in a defensive war and a manifestly righteous cause, and where success has much depended on providential occurrences and interpositions, we think the finger of God may often be clearly seen, and ought most devoutly to be acknowledged. All this, to our apprehension, is clearly applicable to the cause of the Greeks. Never were a people more oppressed and injured. Never was a cause more righteous than theirs. Never apparently was there a more unequal contest than that into which they entered with the whole Ottoman power. They have fought bravely: but who inspired them with courage? Their vessels and fleets have been managed with consummate skill and address; but who taught them wisdom? And who ordered those circumstances, beyond all human control, without which all their courage, and all their skill, would only have urged them on certain destruction. In this last campaign, two mighty fleets and armies, collected from the two quarters of the globe, Asia and Africa, in which the delusions

of the false prophet have had their wide and wonderful prevalence, were collected and arrayed against a handful of insurgents, in a little corner of the extended Mussulman empire. And where now is this overwhelming force! Instead of crushing the Greeks at a blow, as was calculated and expected, it has, by them, under the smiles of Heaven, been completely annihilated. Both fleets are destroyed, and both armies are defeated and scattered. A few vessels only remain to the Turk. The Captain Pacha returned to the Dardanelles, some affirm with only three vessels, and some say a few more. There, it is admitted on all sides, he is blockaded by the Greek fleet; or rather, although he was confessedly the best admiral in the service of his master, he has lost his head, because he failed to effect what was impossible. Constantinople, deprived of its supplies by water, is in danger of famine, and the Sultan trembles on his throne. He is destitute of pecuniary resources, his armies are vanquished and dispersed, his allies are disheartened, and his empire is shaken to its centre."This hatn God wrought-The race has not been to the swift nor the battle to the strong."

RUSSIA. An account recently published, makes the population of the Russian empire, including Finland and Poland, to be 53,768,000 souls; and it is said to increase half a million annually.—It is stated that the students in the Russian universities are in future to wear a uniform, and to have their conduct subjected to the strictest superintendance. It is also reported that the emperor has issued a peremptory order, for all foreign missionaries to leave his dominions, with as little delay as possible. We hope that this is not true; but we have our fears as well as hopes. Whatever may have been the zeal of Alexander in favour of the principles and views of the Holy Alliance, he has hitherto favoured Bible societies, Bible translations, and missionary enterprises throughout his vast empire. We shall hope, as long as we can, that his politicks are not to determine entirely what measure of regard he will show to the Christian religion.

SWEDEN. We rejoice to observe that Sweden has signed a convention with Great Britain, by which all proprietors of Swedish vessels are strictly forbidden to freight their vessels for the slave trade.—The viceroyalty of the prince royal has been abolished in Norway; and has caused some excitement in the publick mind. PRUSSIA.―The King of Prussia has just taken a wife, the Countess Augusta, of

Harrach.

ASIA.

Advices to so late a date as the 1st of August last, had been received in England from Madras. No rain had fallen, in the region of country round Madras, for several months; and the most serious apprehensions were entertained that famine would be the consequence. Several regiments of troops were cantoned in the neighbourhood of Madras, which were shortly to embark as a reinforcement to the army which has for some time past been carrying on military operations against the Burmese. It appears that the British troops in the Burman empire, under Sir A. Campbell, have lately taken two fortified places beside Rangoon; but not without some hard fighting. As soon as the rainy season would permit, the whole British force was to move toward the Burman capital, Ummerapoora. The army at Rangoon, consisting of 10,000 men, is to ascend the Irrawaddy river. A very serious conflict will probably ensue. The Burmese are a far braver and more hardy people than those of the hither Peninsula of India.

We learn by conversation with Mr. Carey, now in Philadelphia, that the various Christian missions in India are in a flourishing state; and this is confirmed by recent accounts from the missionaries themselves. A number of hopeful conversions among the natives have lately taken place, principally among those who are under the charge of Dr. Scudder.

AFRICA.

It appears that the war with the Ashantees, on the western coast of Africa, is ter. minated. No particulars are given, but the inhabitants of the Cape coast, as it is called, are represented to be in a state of want and misery.-A new and most powerful volcanick eruption took place on the 31st of August last, in one of the Canary islands. It burst forth on a sudden in the midst of a level plain; and it has produced a mountain of considerable height, like the other mountains of the island, which are all apparently the productions of volcanoes. Happily, the burning lava did not extend more than 600 yards before it cooled, so far as to be no longer liquid. We do not hear that any lives were lost. The anxiety and agitation of the inhabitants were extreme, and the volcano was not quiet, when those who brought the accounts left the island.--The corps of Englishmen who are exploring the interior of Africa, have lately sent home, by the way of Tripoli, a large parcel of their manuscripts.-Several of the company have died.

AMERICA.

PERU.-We stated last month, that the contest between the troops of Old Spain, and the patriotick army of Bolivar, might be considered as finally decided in favour

48

View of Publick Affairs.

JAN.

of the latter. Such we still hope is the fact. But accounts have been received, by the way of Boston, that Bolivar had received a defeat, and was obliged to retreat with all speed. Other accounts, apparently as recent, or nearly so, represent him as still successful. What will eventually prove to be the truth, must be left to time. Several brilliant sea actions are mentioned as having lately taken place, in which the patriotick vessels were successful.

MEXICO, COLOMBIA, and the United Provinces of Central America.-In these states, much popular interest appears to be excited, by the project for opening, by means of a canal, a communication between the waters of the Atlantick and Pacifick oceans. That this is practicable has long been believed; and it appears that the president of the sovereign congress of Mexico, has recently, by order of the congress, invited proposals for actually cutting this canal through the isthmus of Tehuantepec. A part of Colombia,-the departments of Venezuela and Apure-has been declared, by General Paez, under martial law, in consequence of a rumour that an invasion was threatened-it is conjectured from the French.

UNITED STATES.-Since our last view of publick affairs, Congress has commenced its winter session. The President's message has probably been seen by the most of our readers. It is an excellent and most gratifying communication-not chargeable with the exceptionable omission, which we were reluctantly compelled to notice in that which was made a year ago. Our dependance on God, and our indebtedness to him for the distinguished blessings and the singular prosperity vouchsafed to our nation, are acknowledged in the most suitable manner.-May we all feel and act agreeably to our obligations, as well as acknowledge their existence.

Congress has passed a law, making a donation to General FAYETTE of two hundred thousand dollars and a township of land; as an acknowledgment for the important services which he rendered to our country in the war of the revolution. The law was passed by very large majorities in both houses-It would add to our gratification, if we could state that it had passed without a dissenting voice. If this were a mere monied transaction, it could be shown arithmetically, that this law did not pay the debt that we owe to General Fayette. But it is not a mere monied transaction; and had the sum and the land awarded been so offered, La Fayette would never have received them. The law was intended to make a grateful acknowledgment for aid of the most important kind, received from a most generous benefactor, who is now in the decline of life, and destitute of the means of sustaining the station which he occupies, in a man. ner which our honour, as well as his own, demands. A committee, constituted of members of both houses of Congress, has waited on the General, to request his acceptance of our national offering; and with that dignity and delicacy which characterizes his actions, he has accepted it.

Congress has not yet, so far as we know, been agitated by the pending choice of a chief magistrate; which has devolved on the House of Representatives, and must be decided in February next. May Heaven direct and bless the choice!

Since writing the most of the above, we have seen an account of a splendid dinner, given by the two houses of Congress to General La Fayette; at which the President of the United States, the heads of departments, several distinguished officers of the army and navy, and the members of Congress generally were present. None participate more cordially than ourselves in the sentiment, that every proper demonstration of respect, esteem and gratitude, should be shown to the guest of the nation; and this our pages abundantly evince. We object not to this dinner; and are ready to admit that the most of the toasts which were given, contain sentiments not unworthy of the occasion. But as Christian Advocates, we do most seriously object against the 12th toast, which is thus expressed: bim and flaming sword,' which keep the way of the tree' of Liberty." Whensoever, "Publick Opinion and a Free Press-The cheruand by whomsoever, it may be done, we will, while we live, protest-and the more publick the occasion and the more respectable the parties concerned, the more solemnly and earnestly will we protest-against using the language of Holy Scripture, and the sacred transactions which it records, to give importance to concerns or occurrences of a merely secular kind; and especially to give point and brilliancy to a toast at the festive board. We hold all such application of scriptural language and facts, to be dreadfully profane; and as such we will not fail to denounce it. On this occasion, too, it has happened, as it has often happened before, that the absurdity of the application, is the fit counterpart of its impiety. The Cherubic guard that "kept the way of the tree of life" in Eden, was placed there to prevent all attempts to regain a blessing, finally and forever forfeited. And are the blessings of the tree of liberty forever forfeited? And are "public opinion and a free press" forever to prevent mankind from approaching to that tree, and partaking of its fruit or its shade ?-Is this stupidity worthy of a national festival? When men treat divine revelation irreverently, how commonly do they at the same time dishonour their understandings! We cannot forbear these remarks. We are grieved, and it is our duty and our privilege to speak plainly-So far as this toast is concerned, we blush for our Congress and our country.

THE

CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE.

FEBRUARY, 1825.

Keligious Communications.