ing that day when the hymns of heaven shall strike on the ears of the children of men, and when, waked by these sweetest sounds, every creature which is in the heaven and on the earth, and such as are in the sea, shall say, "Blessing and honour, and glory and power, be unto Him that sitteth on the throne, and unto the Lamb, for ever and ever, Amen." DEATH OF THE REV. PLINY FISK. We deeply sympathize with the friends of missions in this country, and in other countries, in the affliction they experience from the death of one of the most accomplished, pious and faithful missionaries, that this missionary age has produced. The REV. PLINY FISK, one of the missionaries to Palestine from the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, died at Beyroot, in Syria, on the Lord's day morning, the 23d of October, 1825, after an attack of fever which commenced on the 11th of that month. During his illness, although while under his paroxyms of fever he was sometimes delirious, he was, for the most of the time, perfectly rational, calm and resigned; and dictated letters to his friends, and one, which was left unfinished, to his father. We could wish to insert in our pages all that we have seen published in relation to this excellent man. But we must content ourselves with one extract from the letter of his colleagues, Messrs. Bird and Goodell, which gives an account of his death; and a part of the remarks make by the editor of the Missionary Herald, which follows this letter in that miscellany. Describing the last day of Mr. Fisk's life, his mourning brethren thus write Saturday 22. He was able to return the morning salutation to those that came in. When the physician entered the room, he immediately recognised him, and conversed a little with him in Italian -passed the day quietly-said almost nothing-tongue palsied. The sun had set, and no appearance of his usual paroxysm. His strength was such, that he could still raise himself on his elbow, and nearly leave his bed, without assistance. Our hope had not, for many days, been higher, that he might yet survive. The fever came on, however, at 8 or 9 o'clock, but so gently that the physician repeatedly assured us he apprehended no danger from it. We therefore retired to rest, leaving him, for the first half of the night, in the hands of the physician and a single attendant. Scarcely had we closed our eyes in sleep, when we were awaked to be told, that all hope concerning him was fled. We hastened to his bed side, found him panting for breath, and evidently sinking into the ately left him and retired to rest. arms of death. The physician immedisat down, conversed, prayed, wept, and We watched the progress of his dissolution; until, at precisely 3 o'clock on the Lord's day morning, October 23, the tired wheels of nature ceased to move, and the soul, verance, was quietly released. which had been so long waiting for deli It rose, like its great Deliverer, very early on the first day of the week, triumphant over death, and entered, as we Rest, that remaineth for the people of believe, on that Sabbath, that eternal God. We sung part of a hymn, and fell down to give thanks to Him that liveth and was dead, and hath the keys of hell and of death, that he had given our dear brother, as we could hope, the final victory over all disappointment, sorrow, and sin. As soon as the news of his death was heard, all the flags of the different consuls were seen at half mast. His funeral was attended at 4. At his grave, a part of the chapter in Corinthians respecting the resurrection, was read in Italian, and a prayer offered in English, in presence of a more numerous and orderly concourse of people, than we have ever witnessed on a similar occasion. His remains sweet ly slumber in a garden connected with one of our houses. As for us, we feel that we have lost our elder brother. Our house is left unto us desolate. To die, we doubt not, has been infinite gain to him, but to us the loss seems at present irreparable. He cheered us in the social circle, he reproved us when we erred, he strengthened us by his prayers, exhortations, and counsels. -The Board of missions will feel the loss, perhaps, not less than we. Another servant, with talents like his for explaining and enforcing the doctrines of the gospel, and who shall be able to preach fluently in most of the languages heard in this country, will not soon be found. But the Lord of the Harvest has resources of which we know but little. To him let us still repair, and pray in hope.-Your unworthy afflicted servants. I. BIRD. Thus died this excellent Missionary: and perhaps it is not too much to say, that, among all who have sustained that office, since the apostolic age, but few have possessed a happier combination of qualities for the missionary work, than did Mr. Fisk. For that work he was peculiarly, pre-eminently fitted. To use the language of Mr. Goodell, in a letter written a few days after the above,-" He possessed a vigorous constitution, a discriminating judgment, an ardent spirit of enterprise, an entire devotedness to the service of his Lord, a facility in acquiring the languages and learning the customs of the people, and a happy talent in accommodating himself to times, and places, and companies. If to this rare assemblage we add his long experience, it only awakens us to a more affecting sense of our loss." In Italian, French, Modern Greek, and Arabic, he had made such attainments as to be able to preach in all these languages; and with great propriety did his companion, above quoted, say of him, "His doctrine dropped as the rain, and his speech distilled as the dew." Aptness to teach was, indeed, a quality, for which he was distinguished long before his voice was heard among the hills of Judea, and in the Holy City. In this country, he was much admired, and could his labours have been restricted to the confines of his native land, he would doubtless have filled a station of no mean importance, as a preacher of the gospel. NOTICE. The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, will convene in the First Presbyterian Church in Phi ladelphia, on the third Thursday, the 18th day of the present month, at eleven o'clock, A. M.-to be opened with a sermon by the Moderator of the last year, the Rev. Dr. Rowan of New-York. The Treasurer of the Trustees of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church acknowledges the receipt of the following sums for their Theological Seminary at Princeton, N. J. during the month of April last, viz. Of Rev. Robert Steel, Abington, for the Contingent fund for do. Amount received for the Contingent fund Of Rev. Henry Perkins, Allentown, New Jersey, for the Professorship to be endowed by the Synods of New York and New Jersey, viz. Dr. John Reeve's 4th and 5th instalments $5.00 4.00 87 50 96 50 $4.00 3 00 View of Publick Affairs. EUROPE. BRITAIN. By the recent arrivals from Europe, London papers to the 22d of March, Liverpool to the 23d, and Paris to the 24th, have reached this country. It appears that the British monarch had been dangerously ill, but was so far recovered that bul letins of his health were no longer published-Gout and dropsy united, are said to have formed his malady-If so, his life and reign will probably be soon terminated. The Parliament was still in session and busily occupied in attending to the various concerns of the nation. The entire abolition of slavery in the British West India islands was petitioned for earnestly, from every part of the kingdom. The ministry seem to have been beforehand with the opposition, in bringing forward a number of popular measures; indeed the present ministry have less opposition than almost any of their predecessors. Considerable dissatisfaction however has been manifested in Scotland, on account of the measure by which country banks are to be abridged of a long standing privilege of issuing small bank notes. The commercial distress of the kingdom was diminished, but not removed. It was believed, however, that the worst was past, and that publick confidence, and commercial enterprise and prosperity, were likely soon to return. We observe that in the House of Lords a statement had been made, that the supply of grain in the kingdom was not sufficient for the nation till the coming har vest, and that measures ought to be speedily taken to make up the deficiency by importations. The Duke of Wellington's mission to Russia is stated to have had a most desirable influence. It is affirmed "that he was charged with what might be termed credentials, from France, and Austria, and Prussia, as well as from Great Britain, all calculated to impress the cabinet of St. Petersburgh with the conviction, that the above great powers are unanimous in their purpose-(1) Of protecting the Greeks against the Ottomans. (2) Of protecting the latter against an attack from Russia." With the first of these points it is said that the Emperor Nicholas expressed his satisfaction: and that he entirely acquiesced in the second. In a word, we are given to understand that the great powers have determined that the general tranquillity of Europe shall not be disturbed; and that they will require of the Grand Senior that his armies be withdrawn from Greece, and that he renounce all claims to the sovereignty of that country-It will be matter of great joy, if time shall confirm the truth of these statements-In regard to Ireland, we observe nothing that is new and important. FRANCE. In the French Chamber of Peers, M. de Chauteaubriand has made an eloquent speech in favour of an amendment of the law "against trading in black slaves." It seems that the law in France, passed in 1818, for the suppression of slavery, prohibits the transportation in French ships, of black slaves; and that as the transportation of white slaves is not explicitly forbidden, French vessels in the Mediterranean have been employed in transporting the Greeks, who have been captured by the Turks, and selling them as slaves in the different bazars of Europe, Asia and Africa. Thus it appears that it is not easy to frame a law which those who traffick in the souls and bodies of their fellow men will not evade. Will it not soon be necessary to provide by a special law, that they shall not sell their own wives and children? Who would have thought, till taught by the fact, that a prohibition to transport black slaves, could be construed into a license to ship cargoes of white ones; that to inhibit the sale of savage heathen, was to permit the sale of civilized Christians; that the captives of petty African princes should not be enslaved by the agency of Europeans, but that the captives of the Grand Turk might be carried for a market wheresoever European captains and ship owners might choose to take them? Yet it appears that M. de Chauteaubriand was opposed by "the keeper of the seals." We rejoice to find, however, that the motion to amend the law was carried by a vote of 85 to 64. The prime minister of France, nevertheless, it is confidently affirmed, does all in his power to favour the Turks in their sanguinary war with the Greeks. The Constitutionel says "Fifty French officers are now at Marseilles, ready to embark for Alexandria, and new recruits of officers are daily swelling their ranks. Six vessels of war are also recruiting in the port of Marseilles, for account of the Pacha of Egypt; and the French minister takes pleasure in rendering them all the assistance in his power." We believe the truth is, that the great body of the French nation are sincerely opposed to slavery in all its shapes and operations, while some ship owners and commercial men, whose idol is gold, are in favour of it; and that the ministry favour the wishes of the latter party, and are, especially, willing that the Greek struggle for liberty should be crushed. SPAIN-Affords nothing new, except rumours apparently entitled to little régard; unless it be that she has succeeded in sending six frigates, with considerable reinforcements of troops, to the Havanna-probably not only for the protection of Cuba and Porto Rico against a descent of the South American patriots, but with a design, if opportunity shall favour, to make a descent on some vulnerable part of their territories, which Spain still obstinately claims as her own. PORTUGAL.—John VI, king of Portugal, and nominal emperor of Brazil, died at Lisbon on the 10th of March last. On the 4th of that month he was seized with apoplexy, which was followed by epilepsy, under which he languished till the morning of the 10th, when he expired. He was born May 13th, 1767; and from 1792 till 1817 he governed as regent, in the name of his mother, who was insane. He was crowned at Rio de Janeiro, whither he had fled to escape from Buonaparte. In 1790, he married Charlotte Joachima, daughter of Charles the IV., king of Spain. His eldest son, Don Pedro, is the present emperor of Brazil. His second son is Don Miguel; who, aided by his mother, attempted, not long since, to dethrone his father. This hopeful youth is now at Vienna, and will doubtless do all he can to obtain the crown of Portugal for himself. It belongs, both by ordinary descent and by a late treaty, to Don Pedro. The old king, during his last illness, or his ministers for him, appointed his eldest daughter, the Infanta Isabella Maria, regent; with a council of six distinguished and titled ministers, as her advisers--her vote to be decisive in all cases where the council is equally divided. This order is to last till the pleasure of Don Pedro shall be made known, and no longer. Time must decide whether civil dissentions of a serious character are to follow from the demise of the late king. There is a seed of liberal sen timent sown in Portugal, as well as Spain, which, smothered as it is for the present. by an overwhelming despotism, will eventually germinate, and perhaps produce the tree of liberty. GREECE. In a rather gloomy view which we gave last month of the affairs of the Greeks, we concluded with observing, that we were aware "that great changes in favour of this interesting people might suddenly take place; and if they should, that we should hail them with no common pleasure." That pleasure we now enjoy. Making allowances, as we know we must, for exaggerations and misrepresentations in every thing that relates to this subject in the publick papers, we still think, that from the accounts received within the last month, there is reason to believe that the Greeks have gained great, and we hope decisive advantages over the Turks, both by land and sea. The sum of the news is this. On the 12th of January last, the Turkish army near Missolonghi, lost some of their best men in a skirmish. On the 13th there was a regular battle; the force of the Turks 10,000 men, that of the Greeks 7,000. The Turks were completely routed-lost on the field of battle, 3,000 dead, 400 wounded, 900 prisoners. Generals killed 2; officers wounded 14, and 25 prisoners. Taken 9 cannon, the tent of Ibrahim Pacha, and his seraglio of women, with 14 baggage and ammunition wagons. The loss of the Greeks 800 killed, and 700 wounded. On the 23d January, the Turks, having been reinforced till their army amounted to 15,000 men, made a second attack. The Greeks, reinforced to the amount of 9,000 men, engaged them for seven hours; when, by the blowing up of a convent, by which 70 Turks were killed, their line was broken, and a complete rout ensued. Ibrahim Pacha was wounded by a carabine ball in the breast, and was carried off the field, having narrowly escaped being made a prisoner by the Grecian cavalry. The Turks lost at this time 4,000 killed, 800 wounded, and 2000 prisoners, 8 standards, 10 cannon, and 6 ammunition wagons. The Greeks lost 2000 killed, and 400 wounded. The Turkish fleet before Missolonghi, was put to flight by 27 Greek vessels of war, and the garrison relieved. A still later account states that Colcotroni had stormed and taken Tripolizza, and put the garrison to the sword, and that Ibrahim Pacha had retreated to Navarino. It is not common for false accounts to be so circumstantial as these; and if they are in substance true, the triumph of the Greeks must be nearly completed. And if what we have reported of the errand of the Duke of Wellington be not apocryphal, we shall soon hope to see Greece free and independent. We think the account is not true, that three European noblemen or princes have been offered the sovereignty of Greece, and have refused it. RUSSIA. Every thing was quiet at St. Petersburgh at the date of the last accounts. The whole conspiracy, which it appears had been brooding in Russia for a number of years, has been developed; and we are at a loss whether to wonder most at its audacity or its folly. A detailed account of it has been published by authority, but we have no room for its insertion. Some of the nobility have been implicated and sent in chains to Siberia. The emperor Nicholas appears to act with firmness, prudence and decision. He has conferred a high and honourable military command on his brother Constantine; and seems determined to pursue the same general policy adopted by his immediate predecessor. We hope he will not continue the imperial frowns on Bible societies and evangelical missions. The appointment of prince Gallitzin, as one of the commission to investigate the sources of the conspiracy and try the conspirators, shows that this prince has the entire confidence of the new emperor; and Gallitzin we know is an ardent and determined friend of the Bible cause. AUSTRIA.-It appears that the Emperor of Austria is still declining in health, and not likely to recover. Death and disease are among the means which the God of providence often uses, to effect great and sudden changes in empires and kingdoms, as well as in families and circles of private friendship. We live in an age of great and sudden changes; and within the two last months the death of two monarchs has been announced, and the mortal disease, probably, of two others-And three of the four have ruled over the most powerful nations of the earth. But "the Lord reigneth, let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of the isles be glad thereof." ASIA. Hostilities have again commenced in the Burman empire between the British forces under general Campbell and the native troops. It is said that at the late armistice, the British commissioners demanded as the conditions of peace, a large sum of money and the cession of a considerable territory; and that the Burman emperor rejected these conditions with disdain, and ordered the war to be recommenced. It is also said that after the proposal of these conditions, he refused an exchange of prisoners, to which he had previously agreed, and ordered them, with the American missionaries, into close confinement. There is no doubt that the war has been renewed; and that the British troops have suffered loss-Some accounts say that the whole army has been defeated. We believe, however, that the defeat was only of a detachment, of which the number of the killed and wounded, which is not great, is parti cularly specified. It seems, nevertheless, that the Burmese are in great force. Their army is differently estimated, from 70,000 to 110,000 men. Melancholy accounts have been received of the deaths of missionaries in India. No less than six, of different denominations, were carried off in a very short spaceamong the rest, Mr Frost, the American missionary at Bombay. AFRICA. It appears that the mortality, both of Europeans and natives, in the colony of Sierra Leone, has recently been so great and alarming, that it has been made a serious question in the British parliament, whether that colony ought to be maintained. We hope the idea of abandoning it will not be hastily adopted-The mortality may be only temporary and occasional, and capable of great diminution by proper care, as it is known to have been in many other places. AMERICA. PERU. The fortress of Callao, so long and obstinately defended by the Spanish General Rodil, has at length been compelled by famine to surrender to the republican arms. An honourable capitulation was obtained, which we hope will be sacredly regarded. Of all her former American possessions on our continent, Spain now holds not a foot of territory. It also appears that the fortress on the island of Chiloe, in the gulf of that name, in the southern part of Chili, has lately been captured by the Patriots. PANAMA. The Congress of American nations had begun to assemble at this place, in the beginning of the last month. A few only of the delegates had then arrived. The Congress will probably be regularly constituted in the course of the present month-May wisdom from on high guide its counsels; and may peace, fraternal dispositions, prosperity and happiness, throughout our widely extended continent, be preserved and promoted by the deliberations and decisions of this interesting assembly. BUENOS AYRES AND BRAZIL.-We have seen the manifesto, or declaration of war against Buenos Ayres, of Don Pedro I., emperor of Brazil. It is certainly not a despicable state paper, and makes out a very plausible case. But there is another side to the story, and we presume the Patriots will make it quite as plausible as that of their enemy. The truth is, that the region of country contended for, was not in a condition to make a deliberate choice when it came under the dominion of the emperor of Brazil; and it is equally certain that it was originally no part of the Portu guese possessions.—An embassy from the general congress of the Provinces of Rio de La Plata, of which Buenos Ayres is regarded as the capital, has been sent to the liberator Bolivar; and in reply to the address delivered by the embassy he has returned a very favourable answer. There seems little doubt that the war against Brazil will be conducted under his auspices. The result of all wars is uncertain; but to human appearance the emperor's land forces are very unequal to those of the republicks which adjoin his territories, commanded by such generals as Bolivar and Sucre. Possibly a peace may be hushed up by the interference of Britain; but we retain the opinion heretofore expressed, that the period is not distant when there will be neither emperor nor empire in the western hemisphere. UNITED STATES.--Congress is still in session, and now earnestly engaged in legisla tive business. The appropriation laws for the ensuing year have, we believe, all been passed. The important bill relative to bankruptcy is still under discussion; as is another, scarcely less important, making provision for the remaining officers and soldiers of the revolutionary army. We have our fears that neither of these bills will become a law, and shall be most agreeably disappointed, if either or both shall be enacted. Never since our editorial labours commenced, have we felt ourselves so much at a loss to know what, as Christian advocates, we ought to say in relation to what has taken place at Washington, during the present session of our Congress. We feel humbled, we mourn, we sometimes feel indignant. We see great national guilt contracted by the acts and ill example of some who represent the nation, and by the tolerance of these acts and this example by others, who might, if they would, put the offenders at once from their high places. But we are Christians, and are bound, and hope we feel disposed, not to indulge intemperate feelings, nor use opprobrious language-least of all, while we censure the same things in others. Yet we are citizens of a free republick, a part of the community represented by those who have not represented us as we could wish and we have the editing of a religious miscellany of pretty extensive circulation, to which we know our readers will look, and may reasonably look, for our candid opinion of what is doing by our publick men-men whose errors must commonly be corrected, if they ever are corrected, by the influence of the press and of publick opinion. On the whole, we will try to state briefly, plainly and temperately, what we think has been wrong in our representatives at Washing |