own country. The choice of a successor to a defunct primate always produces excitement in Britain. We hope-but fear it is a forlorn hope-that the appointment will fall to one who will favour, and not frown on, the national Bible Society.

Before the last arrival, accounts had been received of the progress of the war between the Russians and the Turks—The former had passed the Danube on a bridge constructed for the purpose, but not without opposition and some loss. The fortresses of Brailow and Matschin had been reduced. The taking of the former cost the Russians dear. It was attempted by storm, after having been mined in various directions. The mines were to have been exploded, and the attack by storm immediately to follow. One of the principal mines, however, did not explode, and another blew up too soon, and after a fearful carnage, the Russians were repulsed and retired to their camp. The garrison however asked for a truce of ten days-One only was allowedThe garrison capitulated on the 20th of June on honourable terms, and were permitted to retire to the Turkish army. The loss of the Russians in killed and wounded is stated in their own returns to be "two generals and 640 men killed, and 1434 wounded, but in the French papers, it is said to be at least 15,000 men. We think this exceeds the truth; but all accounts agree that the Turks fought desperately, and also skilfully, and that the Russian loss was very great. The Emperor and the Grand Duke Michael are with the army, which is advancing cautiously and gradually, and yet with great activity, toward Constantinople. The main body of the advanced Turkish army, under the Grand Vizier, is said to be at Chumla, about 30 leagues distant from the advance of the Russian army; but there are intervening fortresses which must be taken before the latter army can reach the former. The Russians appear to have secured the adjoining coast of the Black Sea, by which they will easily convey provisions and military stores to their troops. The grand Turkish army, consisting of 100,000 men, and expected to be commanded by the Sultan in person, is at Adrianople. -The Irish lawyer O'Connel has been elected to a seat in the British Parliament by an overwhelming majority. Whether he will or will not be allowed to take his seat, occasions much speculation-It is believed that the British naval force in the Mediterranean is to be considerably augmented-A most unusual and destructive inundation, occasioned by great and rapid falls of rain and the overflowing of the river Mersey, had extended throughout a large region contiguous to that river-The inhabitants of southern Africa have been recognised by the king as a free people; and the Commons had voted an address of thanks to his Majesty on the occasion.

FRANCE. It is stated that in the Chamber of Peers, as well as in that of the Deputies, all the obnoxious laws relative to restrictions on the press, have been disapproved of and are to be repealed-After an earnest struggle, it appears that the influence of the Jesuits is greatly on the wane in France; and that the Protestants are likely to receive an efficient as well as a nominal protection, in the free avowal of their doctrines and opinions.

SPAIN-Affords us nothing to report during the last month.

PORTUGAL. On the 28th of June, the three estates of the nation, viz. the nobility, the clergy, and the deputies, having been convoked and assembled in Lisbon, doubtless at the instigation of Don Miguel himself, declared him absolute King. He immediately issued his decree, sanctioning their declaration, and assuming the title of "King of Portugal and the Algarves." In consequence of this usurpation, all the foreign ministers had left Lisbon, doubtless in pursuance of orders previously given by their respective governments. On the 30th of June, the city of Lisbon was brilliantly illuminated, "in demonstration," as the Lisbon paper says, " of the joy of the people at seeing so worthy a monarch seated on the throne of his ancestors."

On the 3d and 4th of July, the army of Don Miguel entered Oporto, 10,000 strong, with 30 pieces of cannon, without any opposition. The Marquis de Palmella, Saldanha, and several others, escaped in a steam-boat, and took passage for England, while the constitutional or legitimate army dispersed and fled towards the Spanish frontier. After entering Oporto, the troops of Don Miguel conducted themselves with perfect good order-they did no injury to private individuals or property.

Such is the statement given in the publick papers. There seems to be no doubt that Don Miguel is completely triumphant in Portugal. The truth is, that the Portuguese and the Spaniards are so generally and completely under the influence of the popish priesthood, that all appearances of their being favourable to free government, when put to the test prove to be delusive-They cannot be other than slaves till they are more enlightened.

GREECE.-Ibrahim Pacha is not only still in Greece, but in the region contiguous to his head quarters in the neighbourhood of Navarino, he marches where he pleases, and acts as he chooses. Having waited till the Greeks were gathering in their harvest, he marched into the country and swept it all away-taking the most of it as a supply for his own army, and destroying the rest. How long do the powers allied for the pacification of Greece, intend to permit this Egyptian savage to inflict famine

and death at his pleasure on the defenceless Greeks!—In other parts of the Peloponnesus, the affairs of the Greeks wear an improving aspect; but we have noted nothing of great importance within the past month.

TURKEY.-An answer has been published by the Sultan to the Russian Manifesto, in which every charge contained in the latter receives a distinct reply-This Turkish state paper is ably and plausibly written. We profess ourselves incapable of appreciating the real value of the conflicting statements, allegations, and reasonings of the belligerent parties; but one thing we well know, and that is, that a Turk holds it perfectly lawful, in regard to individuals, to obtain any advantage over an infidel (a term which he applies to every Christian) and even to take away his life, by every species of falsehood or deception—employing, to give it effect, even the most solemn oaths. Better faith must be preserved in publick treaties, or they could not exist. Yet when war is declared, we believe nothing said by a Turk, without better evidence than that he has said it-The existing Turkish force now in the field is said to consist of 145,000 men; 80,000 disciplined in the modern European manner, and 65,000 according to the old Ottoman usage. But a recent levy is said to be made of all the men between the ages of 14 and 60.

We stated last month that the Sultan had issued orders to his troops not to give or to receive quarter: and it is now said that he has ordered all the officers and men who have capitulated to be beheaded; and that those who surrendered at Brailow have requested their enemies not to send them to the Turkish army, but that the request was not complied with. Thus it would seem that the present war is to be one literally of extermination-There is a report which we do not credit, that the Sultan has requested the French and English ambassadors to mediate between him and Russia, with a view to peace.

RUSSIA. It appears that beside a vigorous prosecution of the war by Russia against the possessions of the Grand Seignor in European Turkey, his Asiatick possessions have been attacked at the same time, and that a considerable impression has been made on the south coast of the Black Sea. It would seem that Russia is determined, if possible, at least so to weaken the Ottoman power in the present contest, as that it shall no longer be formidable, nor give her future uneasiness. We pretend not to foresee the issue, but from present appearances, it seems as if the conflict must issue, in materially changing the state of Europe, and even of the civilized world. "The Lord reigneth, let the people tremble-let the earth rejoice!"

AUSTRIA AND PRUSSIA remain neutral, and are carrying on commerce with the Turks -the Bosphorus is opened to their vessels.

ASIA.

Calcutta papers have been received at Boston, to the 1st of April last. We extract from their contents the following interesting information.

"Lord Amherst, the Governor-General of India, embarked on the 8th of March, for England, on board his Majesty's ship Herald. Lord A. was accompanied by his lady and daughter. A monument and statue are about to be erected in Calcutta to the memory of Lord Hastings. The education of native youth, of both sexes, appears to engross much attention. Extracts are published in the newspapers from English essays, written by the Hindoo students of the Anglo-Indian College, in which the juvenile authors bring their acquirements in European learning to bear upon questions of moral, literary, political and social importance, in a very ingenious and remarkable manner. Great benefits are expected to result from this diffusion of the literature of the West. It is no less satisfactory to find that the blessings of knowledge are becoming more appreciated, and likely to spread among the native female population in different parts of the country. It appears by a Report recently published by the Missionaries of Serampore, that upwards of two hundred female children are in attendance at the schools established in and near that station and Ishera. The Mofussel Schools, too, appear to be going on very satisfactorily. The number attending the Beerhboom Schools is upwards of forty. At Dacca there are about one hundred and forty female scholars. The Chittagong Schools are attended by seventy-seven. There is also a school at Jessore, Akyab, Allahabad, and Benares; and the total number in attendance at the Serampore and other schools amounts to no less than five hundred and fifty-and there is every probability of their increasing, as the fame of these schools becomes spread. Indeed, the cause of education appears to be getting every day more and more popular among the people. In one part of the Report it is observed In most of the schools the parents attended, and testified their joy at the proficiency made by their children.' All suspicion and prejudice seemed to have vanished away. One of the Missionaries states that several respectable Moosoolmans' have lately called upon him, and offered to take charge of schools. Every girl,' he adds, that leaves the school, spreads the fame of them, and the knowledge of our exertions inspires the people with a desire that their villages might profit by them."" CHINA.-The Canton Register recommends the establishment of an European Aca

demy in China, in which Europeans may become acquainted with the language and literature of the country. It attributes, in a great measure, to the ignorance of the languages of China and Japan, on the part of Europeans who visit those countries, the maintenance of so strong a disposition in the government and people, to a strict nonintercourse with foreign countries. It is obvious that many advantages would result from such a knowledge of the language of the country, as would enable the parties fully to understand one another in the intercourse between them. For the purpose of establishing the proposed Academy, it is necessary that there should be a concert among the foreigners who trade to China, and that the object should be accomplished by their united efforts.

AFRICA.

The friends to the Society for colonizing the people of colour in the United States on the Western coast of Africa, will learn with deep regret the death of Mr. Ashmun, the late, intelligent, able, active, faithful, and pious agent of the Society. It appears, by the last number of The African Repository (a periodical which we earnestly recommend to the patronage of our readers), that Mr. Ashmun left Monrovia on the 26th of last March. He first went to St. Bartholomews, and after a tedious passage from that island, he arrived at New Haven, in Connecticut, on the 10th ult. There he languished under the disease and debility which his excessive labours, exposures, and anxieties, in Africa, had induced, till on the 25th he died, in the triumphant hope of the gospel. He has fallen a martyr in the cause of humanity and Christian benevolence, and great is his reward in heaven-His memory will be precious to the end of time, in the colony which he has done so much to establish, and with all who love the sacred cause to which he made himself a voluntary victim-The superintendence of the colony remains for the present with the Rev. Lott Cary.

AMERICA.

BRAZIL AND BUENOS AYRES.-Rumours of peace between these belligerent powers are still in circulation; but nothing of importance, in reference either to peace or war, has met our observation in the past month. It appears that our new charge des affaires has arrived at Rio, and been honourably received by Don Pedro.

COLOMBIA.-Bolivar has been proclaimed the civil and military chief of this republick, with unlimited powers, by a number of the principal towns. Whether the rest will follow remains to be seen. He is in fact dictator-as much so as ever Cincinnatus was; and happy will it be for him and for his country, if it shall hereafter appear that he possesses the spirit of Cincinnatus. We are not satisfied whether he has done wrong or right in accepting the dictatorship. It appears now, and we have always feared it would so turn out, that the present generation of Southern Americans are too ignorant, and have been too long under the influence of bad habits, to become at once good republicans: and if they must have a master, probably Bolivar will make as good a one as any other man-There never can be real freedom in any state in which religious intolerance exists-the thing is impossible. Now this intolerance has existed, and still exists, in all the new South American States. We had hoped that it would vanish gradually, and that the forms of republican government might continue till it was perfect and might indeed serve to hasten so desirable an event. In Colombia our hopes have been disappointed; and we fear for all her sister republicks—We fear that they must and will have masters. A military spirit and military ideas are prevalent-absolute command, and absolute submission, seem to be all that the mass of the people can understand-that is, practically understand. War is proclaimed by Colombia against Peru, and we fear that a bloody contest will ensue. It is affirmed that Peru has trespassed on the territory of Colombia, and reviled her favourite chief. Be it so-Why was there not some negotiation? Why is the appeal immediately made to the sword? Alas! there must be a better spirit in our southern neighbours, before there can be political freedom or social happiness.

UNITED STATES. If ever a people were under special obligations to be thankful to the Sovereign of the universe, the inhabitants of our favoured land are that people. We are blessed with peace, and the full enjoyment of civil and religious freedom. Pestilence and wasting sickness have not, during the passing season, been permitted to visit us. The earth has for us been caused to yield her increase in exuberant abundance. Drought had indeed begun seriously to threaten a portion of our country. But since we began to write, copious showers have fallen, and are still falling. We have nothing that we can reasonably wish for, except a greater and more practical sense of the Divine goodness. O that we had this!-0 that party violence, in relation to the approaching presidential election, might cease! O that intemperance and Sabbath-breaking might come to an end! O that all our great men were good men, and did not, by their example, encourage the transgression of the laws both of God and man! O that pure and undefiled religion before God our Father, did universally prevail, and rule in every heart!-For these additional blessings, let all who love their God and their country both pray and labour.

TO READERS AND CORRESPONDENTS.

In reply to some remarks in the Review of "A Declaration of the Yearly Meeting of Friends," &c. contained in our last number, we have received a manuscript, consisting of eight and a half folio pages. It is well written, respectful and even complimentary to the Reviewer, and but for considerations which we shall immediately mention, we should very willingly insert it in our pages. But on the other side, we have had put into our hands the last two numbers of the Berean, and a pamphlet of eighty octavo pages, containing extracts from Penn's "Sandy Foundation shaken," and from many other writers of eminence among Friends, accompanied by an Advertisement, Preface, and occasional Notes-all going to show, that the representations of "The Declaration" are not founded in truth, and that the sentiments of Elias Hicks are the genuine Quaker sentiments. In these circumstances our mind is made up, not to publish the arguments or allegations on either side

Non nostrum est tantas componere lites.

It is not for us to endeavour to settle this dispute; and we are confident that no reasonable person will think that a large portion of our space ought to be devoted to a controversy in the society of Friends.

Each of the militating parties has a periodical publication of its own, in which it will have scope to plead its cause without restriction.-We really wish that the manuscript to which we have referred, and which bears the signature of "Explanator," may be printed. We also think it but fair to inform our readers, that the author of that manuscript thinks, and endeavours to show at considerable length, that we were in error, in supposing that Friends have no authoritative standards of doctrine, by which their members may be tried-He sums up his argument in these words "Robert Barclay's Apology may then be considered as containing an authoritative' declaration, and an official standard of the doctrines of all true Quakers, and those who hold sentiments at variance with this book, are not to be regarded as one in faith with our religious society.

"I trust that in the foregoing remarks I have distinctly proved the positions which in the commencement of my observations I undertook to maintain-First, that the Society of Friends has a Discipline, regulating both the faith and practice of its members, by which they are judged, acquitted, or condemned. Second, that its doctrines are reduced to writing, in clear, explicit, and official treatises, by which the consistency of members may be tried, and the principles of the Society fully illustrated and explained for the information of strangers."—On this representation we make no remarks.-Valeat quantum potest valere.

We acknowledge the reception of a note from R. C. containing ten dollars-five for the Board of Missions of the Presbyterian Church, and five for the American Colonization Society. We are pleased that our Miscellany has pointed the benevolence of R. C. to such worthy objects -And we will cheerfully be his almoner, and the almoner of all others, who wish, through us, to contribute to any publick charity having (or its branches) an establishment in Philadelphia.

Several communications for the Christian Advocate are received and under consideration.

We wish for an interview with the writer of the essays, entitled "The Religious Farmer."

THE

CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE.

NOVEMBER, 1828.

Religious Communications.